How to correctly log YouTube videos and online resources as job search activities for ESD?
Quick question about logging online resources for my ESD weekly job search requirements! I just had a video meeting with my WorkSource advisor yesterday, and they shared several links to resources - some YouTube videos about interview techniques and websites with resume building tips. I'm confused about how to properly log these for my weekly claim. Do I just copy/paste the full website URLs into the job search log? And when filing my weekly claim, do I simply answer 'yes' to completing job search activities and mention they were WorkSource-related? My advisor wasn't super clear about this part, and I don't want my claim to get flagged for improper job search documentation. Anyone know the correct way to log these online learning activities? I've heard ESD is pretty strict about the 3 job search activities per week, and I don't want to mess up my benefits. Thanks!
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Zainab Ahmed
Yes, you can definitely count those as job search activities! When I was claiming last year, I logged tons of those career videos and online workshops. For each one, I included: 1. The specific name of the video/resource (not just the URL) 2. Brief description of what I learned (interview tips, resume formatting, etc) 3. Duration spent (15 min, 30 min, etc) 4. Date completed I made sure each entry was a DIFFERENT resource though - can't just watch three videos from the same series and count them as separate activities. And yes, when filing your weekly claim, just select that you completed your job search requirements and indicate WorkSource-related activities when prompted. ESD might audit your job search log at any point, so keep detailed notes!
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Miguel Diaz
•Thanks so much! That's really helpful. I was worried about how detailed I needed to be. Did you ever have ESD request your job search log for verification? I'm nervous about being audited.
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Connor Byrne
ppl overthink this stuff way to much lol. ive been on UI 3 times and they never once asked to see my job search logs. just write down the website and what u watched and ur fine
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Yara Abboud
•This is TERRIBLE advice! I had my benefits denied for 8 weeks because my job search documentation wasn't detailed enough during an audit. ESD absolutely does check logs randomly, and they're getting stricter about it in 2025. Don't risk your benefits by being lazy with documentation!!!
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PixelPioneer
To be technically correct according to current ESD guidelines, online job search activities need to be properly documented. Here's exactly what to include: - Activity type: Select "Other approved activities" - Date completed: The actual day you watched/used the resource - Name: Title of video/resource ("Resume Building Workshop" or "Interview Techniques Video") - Description: Brief but specific summary of what you learned and how it helps your job search - Contact: Include "WorkSource Online Resource" if it came from your advisor - Website: Full URL of the resource I recommend creating a detailed Word doc or spreadsheet to track everything, then transfer the info to your ESD weekly claim. Simply answering "yes" to job search activities isn't enough - you need to be ready with proper documentation if they request it. Remember that while online educational resources count, you should diversify your activities. ESD prefers to see a mix of job applications, networking, skill building, and educational resources rather than JUST online videos.
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Miguel Diaz
•This is exactly what I needed! Thank you for the detailed breakdown. I'll definitely start using a spreadsheet to keep track of everything. Do you know if there's a limit to how many online resources I can use per week out of my 3 required activities?
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Keisha Williams
Not sure why everyone's making this so complicated! When I was on unemployment last year, I just wrote "Watched career development video from WorkSource, 45 minutes" and that was plenty. Never had an issue with ESD questioning it.
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PixelPioneer
•While that might have worked for you, ESD has updated their verification processes significantly in the past year. Their current guidelines specifically request more detailed documentation including exact titles, URLs, and what skills/knowledge you gained. What worked in previous years may not be sufficient under current requirements.
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Paolo Rizzo
Has anyone here actually tried calling ESD to ask them directly? I spent THREE HOURS trying to get through last week when I had a question about my job search activities. Finally gave up and just guessed what to do. Their phone system is completely useless!!!
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Amina Sy
•I had the same issue trying to reach ESD about job search questions! After multiple failed attempts, I tried using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an agent. They have this service that helps you bypass the wait times and actually connects you with an ESD representative. Worked really well, and they have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 The ESD agent I spoke with confirmed that for online resources, you need the title, date, URL, and a brief description of what you learned. They recommended spending at least 30 minutes on each activity for it to count as a valid job search activity.
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Miguel Diaz
Thanks everyone for all the advice! I've created a detailed spreadsheet now with columns for date, activity type, title, URL, time spent, and what I learned. I'm also planning to mix in actual job applications with the online learning stuff. Better safe than sorry when it comes to ESD requirements!
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Yara Abboud
•Smart move! One more tip - take screenshots of completed videos/resources as additional proof. I learned this the hard way when ESD questioned one of my activities and I had nothing to back it up. Screenshots saved me when they audited my job search log again later.
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