How many job searches are required for unemployment benefits in Washington ESD?

Thanks! Do I need to apply to 3 jobs or can some of the activities be other things like attending job fairs?

Good question - the 3 activities can include job applications, networking events, job fairs, interviews, or career workshops. Not all have to be applications, but at least one should be an actual job application if possible.

The standard requirement is still 3 job search activities per week for most claimants. Your friend might have been given additional requirements if she was in a special program or had been collecting benefits for an extended period.

oh that makes sense, she was on benefits for like 8 months already

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr.com - they have a service that gets you connected to Washington ESD agents. I watched their demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ and decided to try it. Got through to an actual person within 20 minutes instead of calling for hours.

I'm not on standby, just regular UI. Good to know about the audits though - I'll make sure to keep detailed records.

What happens if they audit and you don't have enough job search activities documented?

They can disqualify you for benefits and potentially create an overpayment that you'd have to pay back. It's not worth the risk - always do the required searches.

Yes, your job search activities should be for suitable work. That generally means work that matches your skills, experience, and the wage you were earning before. You don't have to take jobs that pay significantly less than your previous wage, especially early in your claim.

That's a relief. I was worried I'd have to apply for minimum wage jobs when I was making $30/hour before.

That's smart to mix it up. I've been doing all online applications and wondering if I should diversify.

Definitely diversify! Networking events and professional association meetings count too, and they're often more valuable than just submitting applications into the void.

I registered but haven't really used it much. Should I be actively using their job search tools?

Yes, using their tools and logging your activities there creates a good paper trail. Plus they have some decent job matching features.

I get the frustration but the requirement isn't going away. Better to just comply and focus energy on finding actual work.

Easy for you to say. Some of us are in specialized fields where there literally aren't 3 relevant job postings per week.

For specialized fields, you can count activities like updating your LinkedIn profile, reaching out to recruiters, or attending industry webinars. The activities don't all have to be direct applications.

Great advice! I hadn't thought about saving the actual job postings. How long should I keep these records?

I'd keep them for at least a year after your claim ends, just to be safe. Washington ESD can audit claims pretty far back.

Volunteer work itself doesn't count as a job search activity, but networking you do while volunteering could count if it's specifically related to finding employment. The activity needs to be directly aimed at job searching.

Makes sense. I have made some professional connections through volunteering that might lead to job opportunities.

How much does something like that cost? Seems like it might be expensive.

It's worth checking out their website at claimyr.com to see what works for your situation. For me, the time saved was definitely worth it when I had urgent questions about my claim.

That's a great attitude! Mind sharing what columns you include in your spreadsheet?

Sure! I track date, company name, position, how I applied, contact person if applicable, follow-up date, and outcome. Helps me stay on top of everything.

Correct, if you're filing for partial unemployment benefits, you still need to meet the job search requirements unless you're on approved standby status with your employer.

Thanks for confirming. The partial unemployment rules are confusing but I want to make sure I'm complying with everything.

What did they tell you about temp assignments? I'm in a similar situation.

They said registering with temp agencies counts as one job search activity, but each individual assignment doesn't count separately. You still need to do additional search activities beyond just temp work.

Same here. I figure the more effort I put in, the faster I'll find something. Plus it gives me a buffer in case one week I can't find 3 good opportunities.

Exactly! And it shows you're serious about finding work if Washington ESD ever questions your claim.