How to correctly log YouTube videos and online resources as job search activities for ESD?

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!

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

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.

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.

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!!!

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!

Just wanted to add my experience from getting audited last month - ESD specifically asked for proof that I actually completed the online activities I logged. They wanted to see browser history, completion certificates, or screenshots showing I finished the videos/courses. For YouTube videos, I now save them to a playlist called "Job Search Activities" and take a screenshot when the video ends. For online courses or workshops, I make sure to complete any quizzes or get completion certificates when available. Also, @Miguel Diaz - regarding your question about mixing activities, I'd recommend no more than 1-2 online resources per week out of your 3 required activities. ESD prefers to see active job searching (applications, networking events, informational interviews) rather than just passive learning. The online stuff is great as a supplement, but don't rely on it entirely for your weekly requirements. One last tip: if you're using resources your WorkSource advisor recommended, mention that in your log entry. Something like "Completed resume workshop video recommended by WorkSource advisor [Name] during 3/28 appointment." This shows you're actively engaged with the reemployment services.

Great question Miguel! I just went through this same situation a few months ago. Here's what worked for me when logging WorkSource-recommended online resources: **For your job search log:** - Activity Type: "Skills Development" or "Career Services" - Resource Name: Full title of the video/website (not just the URL) - Date & Time: When you completed it + how long you spent - Description: What specific skills you learned and how it applies to your job search - Source: "Recommended by WorkSource Advisor [Name] on [Date]" **Important tips:** - Keep the actual URLs in a separate document for your records - Take a screenshot when you finish each video as proof - Spend at least 30 minutes per activity to meet ESD standards - Mix these with actual job applications - don't do all 3 activities as online learning When filing your weekly claim, yes you can answer that you completed your job search activities. If there's a field asking for details, mention "Completed WorkSource-recommended career development activities" along with any job applications you submitted. I've never been audited, but I keep detailed records just in case. The key is being specific about what you learned and how it helps your job search rather than just listing "watched video.