ESD job search requirements - do I need 3 applications during first claim week?

You need to be looking for work from the moment you file, but you don't actually report those job search activities until you file your first weekly claim (which covers the previous week). So if you file your initial claim on Monday, you'll need to report 3 job search activities for that week when you file your weekly claim the following Sunday-Saturday period.

I just went through this in January!! You definitely need to START doing your job searches immediately, but you don't actually REPORT them until your first weekly claim. Make sure your keeping notes on where you apply though! They might audit you later!!

Just to clarify the technical aspects: When you submit your initial application, you're establishing your claim. Job search requirements begin the week you file your claim, but you don't report those activities until you file your first weekly claim. Each weekly claim requires reporting your job search activities from the previous week. For example: - You file initial claim on March 10, 2025 - You must conduct 3 job search activities between March 10-16 - You report those activities when filing your weekly claim on March 17-23 I recommend using the ESD job search log: https://esd.wa.gov/unemployment/job-search-requirements

When i filed i didnt do any job searches the first week and got denied for that week but then i started doing them and it was fine after that. they r super strict about the 3 per week thing

I had the same question when I filed last month! The ESD website is so confusing sometimes. Just make sure you're doing those 3 activities each week and keeping detailed records - company name, position, date, contact method, etc. Better to have too much info than not enough!

I'll share my experience - I spent HOURS trying to get through to ESD on the phone to ask this exact question because their website is so unclear. Kept getting disconnected or told the wait time was 4+ hours. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got through to an ESD agent in about 20 minutes who confirmed what others are saying - you start job searching right away but report it on your first weekly claim. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3

THE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO MAKE YOU FAIL!!! They purposely make the requirements confusing so they can deny your benefits. I lost 2 weeks of payments because nobody told me I had to do the stupid work search activities starting from day 1! Then they acted like it was MY fault for not understanding their cryptic website. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING!!!

One more important thing: make sure you understand what counts as a valid job search activity. It's not just applying for jobs. You can also count certain WorkSource workshops, creating profiles on job sites, attending job fairs, etc. ESD has a full list of qualifying activities on their website. This gives you more flexibility, especially in weeks when job openings might be scarce in your field.

My sister got audited and lost benefits because she couldn't prove she did her job searches!!! Just putting that out there!!

To summarize for clarity: 1. You must begin job searching immediately after filing your initial claim 2. You report these activities when you file your first weekly claim 3. You need 3 qualifying activities per week 4. Keep detailed records of all activities 5. Various activities count beyond just applications This pattern continues for the duration of your claim period. Each week you'll report the previous week's activities when filing your weekly claim.