How does immigration affect unemployment rates in Washington ESD data?

That makes sense. I've been focusing my job search on healthcare and tech since those seem to be the sectors with the most openings according to WorkSourceWA.

Healthcare is definitely booming right now. Even with my UI claim, I'm seeing tons of positions posted every week.

Yeah, I figured it was more nuanced than people make it out to be. Just trying to understand the job market better while I'm doing my weekly claims.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to ask about labor market data, there's actually a service called Claimyr that helps people connect with ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

The job search requirement is 3 activities per week, but quality matters more than quantity. Focus on positions you're actually qualified for rather than just applying everywhere.

easier said than done when you need to prove you're actively looking for work to keep your UI benefits

Have you tried using the WorkSourceWA workshops? They count toward your job search activities and actually help you stand out from other applicants.

I've noticed the same thing. Job postings ask for 5+ years experience for 'entry level' positions. It's ridiculous.

That's definitely a post-pandemic hiring trend. Employers got used to having their pick of candidates during the recession and haven't adjusted their expectations as the job market improved.

Thanks! I'll check those out. Anything to help me understand why finding work is taking so long.

Those reports are really useful for tailoring your job search strategy. I used them to identify growing industries in my area.

same here! my company 'restructured' and now one person does what used to take three people

Remote work definitely opened up competition. Now you're not just competing with local candidates but with people from anywhere.

How does that work exactly? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks about my adjudication status.

They basically handle the calling for you and get you connected to an actual person. Way less frustrating than the regular phone system.

True. I've been focusing on my old field but maybe I need to consider retraining for something with better prospects.

WorkSourceWA has funding for retraining programs if you qualify. Definitely worth looking into if you're thinking about switching careers.

That matches what I've read in economic research. The net effect is usually positive for employment, but the timing and distribution of benefits isn't always even.

I guess what matters most for me right now is just finding something that pays the bills while I keep up with my weekly claims.

Wow, that's dedication. Are you tailoring each application or doing more of a spray and pray approach?

Mix of both. I customize for the good opportunities but also apply broadly to meet the job search requirements.

Good suggestion. I'm curious about the research side of this, not just the political talking points.

You're probably right. I should focus more on industries that are actually growing instead of trying to understand all the economic factors.

Exactly. The monthly labor market reports from Washington ESD show which industries are adding jobs. That's actionable information you can use.

I haven't dug that deep into the data yet. Where do you find the demographic breakdowns?

They're in the monthly labor market reports under the demographic section. Shows unemployment rates by age, education level, etc.

That's not a bad idea. The pay is usually decent and the benefits are good. Plus I'm getting really familiar with state systems through my UI claim.

Government jobs also count for all your job search activities if you apply through the official channels. Could be a good strategy.

A few people have mentioned Claimyr now. I might give it a try when I need to call about my claim status.

Yeah, it's legitimately helpful. The video demo on their site shows exactly how it works.

That makes sense. Sounds like I should focus on understanding the economic transition rather than any single factor.

Exactly. The key is identifying which direction the economy is moving and positioning yourself accordingly.

Same here. At least we're not alone in this struggle. Keep doing those weekly claims and something will come through eventually.

hang in there. the job market has to improve at some point

You're absolutely right. I should spend less time analyzing the job market and more time actually applying for jobs.

The job search activities really do help if you take them seriously. I got my current job through a contact I made at a WorkSourceWA networking event.

That's probably the most practical advice in this whole thread. Thanks for keeping me focused on what actually matters.

Agreed. Focus on the job search activities and let the economists worry about the big picture trends.