ESD job search requirements confused me - how to submit correctly?

You need to submit your job search activities through your eServices account each week when you file your weekly claim. Here's how it works: 1. Log into your ESD eServices account 2. When filing your weekly claim, you'll be prompted to enter your job search activities 3. Enter details for 3 job search activities each week 4. Job search activities can include: submitting applications, having interviews, attending job fairs, using WorkSource services, etc. You don't need to use a specific job site - Indeed, LinkedIn, company websites all count. Just document where you applied, when, position, and contact info. Keep a personal log of everything too in case ESD audits you later. And no, you don't need to document applications from before your claim was approved, only activities during weeks you're claiming benefits.

ya when u do ur weekly claim it asks u for the 3 jobs right in there. dont worry its pretty simple. just make sure u save proof of all ur applications like screenshots or confirmation emails. they might audit u later

The ESD system is THE WORST!!! I lost benefits for 2 weeks because their stupid job search documentation system wasn't clear. Make SURE you keep your own records. Don't trust their system. Print everything, take screenshots, save confirmation emails. They will come back months later demanding proof and if you don't have it they'll make you pay everything back!!!! The whole system is designed to trick people into making mistakes so they can deny benefits.

hey i had trouble contacting esd when i had questions about my job search requirements too. i found this service called Claimyr that got me through to an actual ESD agent in like 20 minutes instead of waiting on hold forever. saved me so much stress! i used it at claimyr.com - they also have a video that shows how it works https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3

I'm going through this right now too. From what I understand, you need to log 3 job search activities each week. But here's the confusing part - not all activities have to be actual job applications. You can count things like: - Applying for jobs online - Going to job interviews - Creating/updating resume - Networking events - Using WorkSource services - Contacting employers directly I've been using a mix of these. Last week I applied to two jobs and went to a WorkSource workshop, and that counted as my 3 activities. The ESD rep told me it's good to diversify your job search activities.

As someone who's been through this process multiple times, let me clear up a few things: 1. You must complete 3 job search activities each week 2. You report these when filing your weekly claim in eServices 3. You DO NOT need to use WorkSource website for your job search, though it's helpful 4. Keep your own detailed job search log including: - Date of activity - Company name/contact - Position applied for - Method of application - Any response received For activities like resume updates or networking, note what you did and how it helps your job search. ESD can audit you up to 1 year later, so good documentation is crucial. If you're uncertain about specific requirements, call ESD directly. Their website explains what qualifies, but reaching them by phone can clarify your specific situation.

Based on your responses, it sounds like you're still having a hard time reaching ESD to get your specific questions answered. Their phone lines are notoriously busy, especially at the start of the month. If you're still unclear about any job search requirements, I'd recommend: 1. Visit the WorkSource center in person if possible - they can guide you through everything 2. Check the ESD handbook PDF on their website - search for "job search requirements" 3. Use the contact form in your eServices account And yes, an Excel spreadsheet works perfectly for tracking your job search activities. Just include all the details mentioned in previous responses.

Each job search activity must be done during the week you're claiming benefits. You can't carry over extra activities to the next week. So if you apply to 5 jobs this week, you'd report 3 of them for this week's claim, but the other 2 wouldn't count for next week - you'd need 3 new activities for that week. This is one of those details that trips people up, so I'm glad you asked! Keep doing 3 new activities each week you claim benefits.

I'm new to unemployment too and this thread has been incredibly helpful! Just wanted to add one thing I learned - if you're having trouble finding 3 job applications each week, remember that attending virtual job fairs or webinars about job searching also count as activities. I found some free ones through the library and WorkSource that helped me meet my requirements while actually learning useful skills. Also, don't forget that following up on previous applications counts too - so if you applied somewhere last month, sending a polite follow-up email can be one of your 3 activities for the current week. Good luck Emma, you've got this!

Hey Emma! I went through the exact same confusion when I first started claiming unemployment benefits last year. Everyone here has given you great advice, but I wanted to add a few practical tips that really helped me: 1. Set up a simple routine - I do my job searches on the same days each week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) so I never forget 2. Use the "Notes" app on your phone to quickly jot down job search details right after you apply - company name, position, date, where you found it 3. If you're struggling to find jobs in your field, don't panic! I worked in retail and there were some slow weeks, but I used those times to do things like update my LinkedIn profile, research companies I wanted to work for, and take free online courses related to my field The key is consistency and documentation. Once you get into the rhythm, it becomes second nature. The first few weeks are always the hardest because everything feels overwhelming, but you'll get the hang of it quickly. And remember - ESD wants you to succeed and find work, not fail at the requirements. As long as you're making genuine efforts and keeping good records, you'll be fine!

Just wanted to jump in and share something that really helped me when I was navigating the job search requirements - create a dedicated email folder for all your job applications! I set up a folder called "Unemployment Job Search" and every time I apply somewhere, I immediately forward the confirmation email or save a screenshot there. This way when it comes time to file my weekly claim, I have everything organized by date and can quickly pull up the details I need. Also, don't stress too much about having the "perfect" job search activities. I've counted things like researching salary ranges for positions I'm interested in, updating my references list, and even cleaning up my social media profiles since employers often check those now. The key is that it's a genuine effort toward finding employment. You're going to do great - the fact that you're asking these questions shows you're taking it seriously and want to do it right!

Hey Emma! I see you've gotten tons of great advice here already, but I wanted to share one more thing that really saved me when I was new to this process - download the ESD mobile app if you haven't already! It makes filing your weekly claims so much easier than using the website, and you can input your job search activities right from your phone. Also, I noticed you mentioned being laid off from a warehouse job - if you're open to staying in that field, I've found that indeed.com and ziprecruiter.com tend to have the most warehouse/logistics postings in Washington. But don't limit yourself! I used my unemployment time to explore other career paths and ended up in a completely different field that I love. One last tip: if you ever have a week where you can't find 3 job applications (happens to everyone!), you can always call a company directly to inquire about openings even if they don't have posted jobs. Just document who you called, when, and what position you asked about. That counts as a valid job search activity. You're doing great by asking all these questions upfront - shows you really want to do this right!

Hi Emma! I'm also pretty new to the unemployment system and this thread has been incredibly helpful to read through. I just wanted to add one more resource that I discovered - the WorkSource website (worksourcewa.com) actually has a really detailed guide specifically for ESD job search requirements that breaks everything down step by step. I found it way easier to understand than the main ESD website. Also, something that's been working well for me is keeping a simple spreadsheet with columns for: Date, Company, Position, How I Applied, and Contact Info. I update it right after each application so I don't forget details later. When it's time to file my weekly claim, everything is right there organized by date. One thing I learned the hard way - make sure you're applying to jobs that you're actually qualified for or could reasonably do. I applied to a bunch of jobs way outside my experience level thinking it would be easier to hit my 3 activities, but an ESD rep told me they want to see "suitable work search" which means jobs you could actually perform. Just wanted to share that in case it helps! You've gotten such great advice from everyone here and it sounds like you're on the right track.

Emma, I've been following this thread and it's clear you're getting amazing advice! I just went through my first few months on unemployment and wanted to share one more tip that really helped me stay organized - I created a simple weekly checklist that I keep on my fridge. It has boxes for: ☐ Job search activity #1 (with space to write details) ☐ Job search activity #2 ☐ Job search activity #3 ☐ File weekly claim by Sunday Having it visible every day helped me stay on track and not panic at the last minute. Also, I discovered that some libraries offer free resume review sessions and career counseling that count as job search activities - might be worth checking what's available in your area! You're asking all the right questions and clearly want to do this correctly. The learning curve feels steep at first, but within a few weeks you'll have a routine down and it becomes much more manageable. Hang in there - you've got this!

Hey Emma! I'm relatively new to the unemployment system too (just started a few months ago) and I completely understand that initial panic you're feeling - I went through the exact same thing! Reading through all the responses here, it looks like you've gotten incredibly thorough and helpful advice from everyone. One thing I wanted to add that I wish someone had told me early on - don't be afraid to count legitimate networking activities as part of your job search. Things like reaching out to former colleagues to let them know you're looking for work, attending virtual networking events (even free ones on LinkedIn), or informational interviews with people in your field all count. I was so focused on just submitting applications that I almost overlooked these valuable activities. Also, if you're ever having one of those weeks where good job postings are scarce in your area, consider expanding your search radius or looking at remote opportunities. Even if you ultimately wouldn't take a remote position, applying for legitimate remote jobs still counts toward your requirements. The fact that you're being so proactive and asking all these questions shows you're going to do just fine with this process. Once you get into your routine and complete your first few weekly claims, you'll wonder why you were so worried! Everyone here has given you a solid foundation to work from.

Emma, I can totally relate to that initial panic! I went through the same thing when I first started on unemployment last year. After reading through all the excellent advice everyone has shared, I wanted to add one more practical tip that really helped me - set up email alerts on job search websites like Indeed and LinkedIn for positions in your field. When you get those daily or weekly job alert emails, even just reviewing them and clicking through to read job descriptions counts as job search activity (you can document it as "researching employment opportunities" or "reviewing job market trends"). It's a great way to stay on top of new postings and can help fill in one of your weekly activities on slower weeks. Also, don't forget that if you have any professional licenses or certifications that need renewal, working on those counts as job search activity too since it maintains your qualifications for employment. Same goes for taking any online courses related to your field - even free ones on YouTube or LinkedIn Learning. You're getting such solid advice from everyone here, and I can tell you're going to handle this process really well. The first month is always the hardest because everything feels new and overwhelming, but once you establish your routine it becomes much more manageable!

Emma, you've gotten amazing advice here! I'm also new to unemployment (started about 6 weeks ago) and had the exact same panic at the beginning. One thing that really helped me was creating a "job search toolkit" on my computer desktop with folders for: - Screenshots of applications submitted - Email confirmations - Notes from networking conversations - Links to job fairs/workshops I attended Having everything in one place makes filing the weekly claims so much easier. Also, I discovered that many community colleges offer free career workshops that count as job search activities - things like "Interview Skills" or "Resume Building" seminars. These are great for weeks when job postings are slim and they actually help improve your chances! The WorkSource centers are also fantastic resources. The staff there can review your resume, help with job search strategies, and even provide letters confirming you attended their services (which is helpful documentation if ESD ever audits you). Don't be afraid to use all the resources available - you're entitled to them and they genuinely want to help you succeed. You're asking all the right questions and clearly taking this seriously, so you're going to do great!