Finally out of ESD adjudication at 45+ - Job hunting advice while on unemployment?

First off, congratulations on getting through adjudication! That's a huge relief. As for job searching while 45+, I've been there (I'm 52). For ESD job search requirements, yes taking approved training can count toward your activities, but you need to get it approved through the Training Benefits program or Commissioner Approved Training. Don't just take random classes without getting approval first! For the age thing - I reframed my resume to highlight recent accomplishments instead of chronological work history. Also removed graduation dates and only included last 15 years of experience. Made a world of difference in callback rates. Look into WorkSource workshops too - they have specific programs for "experienced workers" (their nice way of saying older) and those count as job search activities.

Congrats on the approval! Regarding your job search question, make sure you carefully document all your job search activities in your weekly claims. The ESD job search log is available here: https://esd.wa.gov/unemployment/job-search-requirements Approved training programs definitely count toward your requirements, but you MUST get pre-approval through the Commissioner Approved Training (CAT) program. Taking unapproved classes won't satisfy your job search requirements and could lead to disqualification. Also, networking activities count! LinkedIn outreach, informational interviews, and attending job fairs all qualify as valid activities. Just make sure to document names, dates, contact information and outcomes.

im also over 45 and just got laid off from amazon after 8 yrs. age discrimination is REAL!!! so far applied to 27 jobs and only 2 interviews. both interviewers were like 25 and clearly didnt want someone old enough to be their parent lol. but i found that contract work is easier to get, lots of 3-6 month gigs that can at least get u working while u look for permanent. keeps the resume current too

If you're struggling to reach someone at ESD about the training programs, I'd recommend using Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). I was getting nowhere trying to contact ESD about my CAT application for weeks, then tried their service and got through to an agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Worth it when you need to actually speak to someone instead of dealing with the automated system or waiting for callbacks that never come.

CONGRATS on getting through adjudication! That's a huge victory!!! 🎉🎉🎉 I'm in my 50s and went through this last year. Here's what I learned about the job search requirements while dealing with the age thing: 1. If you're thinking about changing careers, look into WorkSource's retraining programs RIGHT AWAY. They can help you get approved through the Commissioner Approved Training program so your unemployment benefits continue while you train. BUT THIS TAKES TIME to get approved so start now!!! 2. For your weekly job search, you need 3 activities per week, and yes training can count but only if it's approved through ESD first. 3. Age discrimination sucks but it's beatable!!! I updated my LinkedIn with a current professional photo (yes it shows my age but looking polished helps), removed dates from education, and focused on recent accomplishments. Hang in there! I eventually found a job that actually VALUED my experience. It took 4 months but it happened!

why dont u just lie about ur age??? Im not saying thats what I did but thats what I did lol. nobody checks graduation dates! i took 10 years off my experience and suddenly got way more interviews. also check ur resume for outdated tech - if ur listing Windows XP experience or whatever that dates u instantly

Have you looked into the Employment Recovery Dislocated Worker program? Since you mentioned your entire department was downsized, you might qualify for additional training and support services beyond regular unemployment. The program targets workers in declining industries or affected by mass layoffs. I went through it when my manufacturing plant closed in 2023 and got approved for a coding bootcamp with extended benefits! Definitely worth checking out at your local WorkSource office. For the weekly job search activities, if you get approved for training, your training hours count toward the requirement during that period. Also, even informational interviews and networking events count as valid activities - document everything carefully though!

One more thing! When doing your weekly claims while job searching, be extra careful answering the "able and available" question. If you're taking classes or training without ESD approval, and those classes make you unavailable for work during normal business hours, you could be disqualified. You must remain able and available for suitable work unless specifically approved for a training program. This tripped up several people I know.