How to complete work search for unemployment - Washington ESD requirements confusing me

You need to complete 3 work search activities per week to maintain your unemployment benefits. This includes job applications, attending job fairs, networking events, and informational interviews. You document everything in your eServices account when you file your weekly claim.

Thanks! So I log it directly when filing my weekly claim? I was looking for a separate work search log section.

Exactly, it's part of the weekly claim process. You'll see the work search section when you go through the questions.

just wanted to add that you should keep your own records too, not just what you put in the system. washington esd can audit your work search activities so having documentation helps

What kind of documentation should I keep? Screenshots of job applications?

job posting links, application confirmations, contact info for networking, dates and details of activities. basically anything that proves you did the work search

I've been struggling with reaching Washington ESD to clarify some of these work search questions myself. The phone lines are always busy and I keep getting disconnected. Has anyone found a reliable way to actually talk to someone there?

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Never heard of that before, but I'm desperate at this point. Does it actually work?

It worked for me. Much better than sitting on hold for hours or getting hung up on.

For work search activities, here's what counts: job applications, attending WorkSource workshops, career fairs, informational interviews, and creating/updating professional profiles like LinkedIn. Each activity needs to be a genuine effort to find work.

Do I need to apply to jobs I'm not really qualified for just to meet the requirement?

No, your job search should be reasonable and related to your skills and experience. Washington ESD expects you to make realistic job search efforts.

What about online job training courses? Do those count as work search activities?

Some training can count, but it depends on the specific program. WorkSource-approved training usually qualifies.

this whole work search thing is so stressful!! i'm worried i'm going to mess something up and lose my benefits. has anyone actually been audited by washington esd?

Audits do happen but they're not super common. Just keep good records and be honest about your job search efforts. The key is showing you're actively looking for work.

ok that makes me feel a little better. how detailed do the records need to be?

Been on unemployment twice in the past few years and the work search requirements are pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it. The main thing is consistency - do your 3 activities every week and document them properly.

What's the best mix of activities in your experience?

I usually do 2 job applications and 1 networking or workshop activity each week. Keeps things balanced and gives you different ways to find opportunities.

Does anyone know if you have to do work search activities during the first week of unemployment? I just filed and I'm not sure if the requirement starts immediately.

Work search requirements typically begin with your first weekly claim, so yes, you should start right away.

Thanks, glad I asked before filing my first weekly claim.

One thing that confused me at first - when you're documenting your work search activities, you need to include the employer name, method of contact, and date for each activity. Don't just put generic descriptions.

Good point! I was wondering how specific to be with the details.

Also make sure to vary your job search methods. Don't just apply online - include networking, job fairs, cold calling employers, etc.

The Washington ESD system is so frustrating to navigate sometimes. I spent forever trying to figure out where to enter my work search info the first time.

Same here! The interface could definitely be more user-friendly.

If you need help navigating the system or have questions about your claim, that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier can help you reach an actual Washington ESD agent who can walk you through it.

Just want to emphasize keeping your own spreadsheet or log of work search activities. The eServices system is the official record, but having your own backup is smart in case there are any technical issues.

What should I include in my personal log?

Date, employer/contact name, type of activity, method used, and any follow-up. Basically mirror what you put in the official system.

Are there any work search activities that DON'T count? Want to make sure I'm not wasting time on things that won't meet the requirement.

Generally, passive activities like just browsing job boards without applying don't count. You need to take active steps like submitting applications, making contacts, or attending events.

Got it, so it needs to be more than just looking at job postings.

i messed up my work search documentation once and had to call washington esd to fix it. took forever to get through but they were helpful once i reached someone

How did you finally get through? I've been trying to call for days about a different issue.

Check out claimyr.com - they specialize in helping people connect with Washington ESD agents when the normal phone lines aren't working. Way less frustrating than calling directly.

The work search requirement is actually designed to help you find employment, not just be a bureaucratic hurdle. Approach it as a structured way to organize your job hunting efforts.

That's a good way to think about it. Makes it feel less like busy work.

Exactly! And tracking everything helps you see patterns in what types of applications get responses.

Quick question - do volunteer activities related to your field count as work search activities?

Volunteering can sometimes count if it's directly related to gaining employment skills or networking in your field, but it's not typically a primary work search activity.

Thanks for clarifying. I'll focus on the standard activities then.

Been doing this for a few months now and my advice is to batch your work search activities. Set aside specific times each week to do applications, networking, etc. Makes it more efficient.

That's smart! Do you do them all at once or spread throughout the week?

I usually do 2 activities mid-week and 1 towards the end before filing my weekly claim. Gives me time to follow up if needed.

Don't forget that WorkSource has free workshops and resources that count toward your work search requirements. Plus they're actually helpful for improving your job hunting skills.

Do I need to register with WorkSource to access these workshops?

Yes, you should register with WorkSource. It's free and gives you access to job search resources and workshops that count for your requirements.

MAKE SURE you understand the difference between work search activities and able and available requirements. They're separate things and you need to meet both to get your weekly benefits.

What's the difference? I thought work search was part of being available for work.

Able and available means you're physically/mentally capable of working and available to accept work. Work search is the active effort to find employment. Both are required.

Has anyone had success with networking events as work search activities? I'm more comfortable with that than cold applications sometimes.

Networking definitely counts! Professional meetups, industry events, even informational interviews. Just document who you met and what you discussed.

Perfect, there are several networking events in my field coming up this month.

One last tip - if you're having trouble meeting the work search requirements because of your specific situation (like limited transportation or childcare), you might be able to discuss modifications with Washington ESD.

How do you request modifications? Through the regular contact methods?

You'd need to speak with a Washington ESD representative about your specific circumstances. If you're having trouble reaching them through normal channels, Claimyr can help connect you with an agent to discuss your situation.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! I feel much more confident about handling the work search requirements now. Going to start keeping my own log and make sure I'm documenting everything properly in eServices.

You're welcome! Good luck with your job search.

Glad we could help. Remember, the work search requirement is there to support your job hunting efforts, not make your life harder.

This is such a helpful thread! I'm also new to the unemployment work search requirements and was feeling overwhelmed. One thing I wanted to add - I've found that creating a simple spreadsheet with columns for date, company name, position applied for, method (online, email, in-person), and any follow-up actions has been really helpful for staying organized. It makes it so much easier when I'm filling out my weekly claim and I don't have to try to remember what I did earlier in the week. Plus having everything in one place helps me track which applications I should follow up on.