How many jobs do you need to apply for unemployment benefits with Washington ESD?

I'll dig up that letter, thanks! I think I might have thrown it away thinking it was just confirmation paperwork.

definitely keep all your Washington ESD paperwork, you never know when you'll need to reference something for an appeal or audit

What kind of log do you keep? Is there a specific format Washington ESD wants?

I just use a simple spreadsheet with columns for date, company, position, how I applied, and contact details. Some people use the WorkSourceWA website to track applications too.

WorkSourceWA is actually pretty good for tracking your job search, plus some of the job postings there count as valid work search contacts

how much does that cost though? seems like we shouldn't have to pay extra just to talk to someone at Washington ESD

I get the frustration but honestly it was worth it to finally get answers about my claim. The agent clarified my job search requirements and helped me understand some other issues I had.

I've heard good things about Claimyr from other people in similar situations. The Washington ESD phone system is just overwhelmed.

Good to know about job fairs! I was planning to attend one next week anyway.

wait really? job fairs count as more than one contact? how does that work exactly

Usually if you talk to multiple employers at a job fair, each conversation can count as a separate contact. Just make sure to document who you spoke with and keep any business cards or materials.

What happened during your audit? That sounds scary.

They questioned about 6 weeks of my job search activities and I had to provide proof for everything. Luckily I kept good records but they denied some of my activities that I thought would count.

this is exactly why I'm paranoid about documenting everything. the system is set up to trip you up

You should focus on jobs that are reasonably related to your field and skill level. Washington ESD doesn't expect you to take just any job, but you do need to show genuine effort to find suitable employment.

that makes sense i guess. i've been expanding my search to include remote positions which helps find more options

Remote work definitely opens up more possibilities. I've been applying to positions in other cities too since many are work-from-home now.

I never thought about LinkedIn networking counting! That actually makes it easier to hit the 3 contacts per week.

really? how do you document a linkedin message as a job search contact though

Screenshot the message, note the person's name and company, and describe how it relates to your job search. Same documentation principles as any other contact.

I feel you on this. The job market is rough right now and sometimes it feels like you're just throwing applications into the void.

exactly! and then washington esd acts like it's so easy to just find work. if it was that easy we wouldn't need unemployment

The job search requirement is frustrating but it's also meant to keep you actively engaged in finding work rather than becoming complacent. I know it doesn't always feel productive though.

Yes, if you're working part-time you typically still need to meet the job search requirement unless you're on standby status with your current employer. The requirement is about seeking full-time work to replace your lost income.

that makes sense, thanks. i wasn't sure if working part-time would change things

Good advice! I'm starting my log today. Better to be over-prepared than caught off guard.

i wish someone had told me this when i first started claiming. would have saved me a lot of stress later

Exactly! And keep any emails, applications confirmations, business cards, everything. You never know what might be useful if Washington ESD questions your activities.

I get the frustration but the job search requirement does serve a purpose. It's meant to ensure people are genuinely looking for work and not just collecting benefits indefinitely.

i mean i get that but when there literally aren't enough jobs for everyone who needs one, making us all compete for the same positions seems counterproductive

Whether we like it or not, it's the rule we have to follow to keep getting benefits. Complaining about it won't change anything unfortunately.

I might try that if I can't figure out my requirements from my paperwork. Thanks for the suggestion!

seconding claimyr, they helped me get through when i was stuck in adjudication hell for weeks

Perfect summary, thank you! This thread has been super helpful. I feel much more confident about meeting the requirements now.

this whole discussion should be stickied somewhere, so much good info here

Glad we could help! The job search requirement trips up a lot of people but it's really not that complicated once you understand what counts and what doesn't.

Good point about contract work! I hadn't considered that those applications would count too.

yeah and temporary agencies count too if you register with them and they actively try to place you

Totally agree! This community has been so helpful. Makes the whole process feel less overwhelming.

we're all in the same boat here, gotta help each other out