How do you prove you are looking for work for unemployment in Washington ESD?

You need to log at least 3 job search activities per week in your eServices account. This includes job applications, networking events, job fairs, or even informational interviews. Keep detailed records with company names, contact info, dates, and what type of activity it was.

honestly i just screenshot everything now. every application confirmation, every email response, even rejection emails. learned this the hard way when they questioned my job search last year

The acceptable work search activities for Washington ESD include: applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, creating/updating professional profiles (LinkedIn), attending workshops, informational interviews, and contacting employers directly. Each activity needs employer name, contact method, date, and type of contact. If you're having trouble reaching ESD to clarify requirements, I found Claimyr really helpful - they can get you through to an actual agent without the endless hold times. Check out claimyr.com and their demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ

Make sure you're not just applying to jobs you're not qualified for to meet the requirement. They can disqualify you if they think you're not making a genuine effort to find work.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS SO CONFUSING! Why can't they just make it simple - apply for jobs, report it, done. Instead we have to jump through all these hoops and worry about getting our benefits cut off for technicalities.

Pro tip: Create a simple spreadsheet with columns for Date, Company Name, Contact Person, Job Title, How You Applied, and Response. This makes it easy to reference when filing weekly claims and you'll have everything organized if they ever audit you.

also make sure you understand what counts as 'suitable work' for your situation. they can't force you to take just anything but they also expect you to expand your search over time

Can someone explain more about that Claimyr thing mentioned earlier? I've been trying to get through to ESD for weeks about my job search requirements and can never reach anyone.

Just wanted to add that networking events and professional meetups count as job search activities too. I've been attending virtual industry meetups and they accept those.

Remember that WorkSource WA registration is also required. They have resources that can help with your job search and some of their services count toward your work search requirements.

one more thing - if you're in a union or professional organization, sometimes their job placement services count too. worth asking about

Why do they make this so complicated?! Just let people collect benefits while they look for work without all this micromanagement and documentation requirements.

Key point: Keep everything! Even if a job application doesn't result in an interview, keep the confirmation email or screenshot of the submitted application. The burden of proof is on you to show you're actively seeking work.

If you're still having trouble getting clear answers about work search requirements, I really recommend trying Claimyr to talk to an ESD representative directly. Sometimes the website information isn't as clear as talking to someone who can explain your specific situation.

Also remember that if you're on standby with your employer, your work search requirements might be different. Make sure you understand which category you fall into.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful info. I'm going to start that spreadsheet system and make sure I'm documenting everything properly. Better safe than sorry with these benefits.

this thread has been super helpful. i wish i had found this info when i first started filing claims

final tip - if you get called for an interview or get a job offer, that's also something to document as part of your job search activities. shows you're being successful in your efforts

Just remember that being thorough with documentation now can save you major headaches later. ESD audits are random but when they happen, you want to be prepared.

Good luck with your job search! The documentation requirements might seem overwhelming at first but once you get into a routine it becomes second nature. And remember, Claimyr is there if you need to clarify anything with ESD directly.

One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is that career counseling sessions with WorkSource or other approved providers count as work search activities too. I've been doing monthly sessions with a career counselor and it's helped me refine my job search strategy while meeting the requirement. Also, don't forget that updating your LinkedIn profile or other professional networking profiles can count - just make sure to document the date and what changes you made. The key is really diversifying your activities so you're not just applying to jobs but also building your professional network and skills.