How to fill out work search for unemployment Washington ESD - confused about requirements

You need to document each work search activity with employer name, contact method, date, and type of contact. For online applications, just put 'online application' for contact method. Yes, networking events count as long as they're job-related. Keep detailed records because Washington ESD can audit your work search log at any time.

I was so confused about this too when I first started filing. The work search activities that count include job applications, contacting employers directly, attending job fairs, networking events, and even some training activities. Make sure you're logging them in your WorkSourceWA account.

Been dealing with work search requirements for months now. Here's what I've learned works: Be specific with job titles and company names, always include the date and method of contact. For online apps, I usually put the job board name (Indeed, LinkedIn, etc.). Professional associations and career workshops count too.

Honestly the whole work search thing stressed me out so much until I found Claimyr. They helped me get through to an actual Washington ESD representative who explained exactly what I needed to do. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how they help you reach agents without waiting on hold forever.

ugh this is so frustrating!! why do they make it so complicated?? I just want to file my weekly claim without jumping through hoops

For those just starting out, here's a simple format that works: Date - Company Name - Position Title - Contact Method (online app, phone call, email, in person) - Contact Person (if applicable). Keep it consistent and you'll be fine.

Wait do informational interviews count as work search activities? I've been doing a lot of those but wasn't sure if I should log them.

The work search requirement is 3 activities per week minimum but you can do more. I usually aim for 4-5 just to be safe in case one doesn't meet their criteria for some reason.

Pro tip: Set up job alerts on multiple sites. When you apply through those alerts, it shows you're being proactive about your search. Washington ESD likes to see variety in your search methods.

Does attending virtual job fairs count? Everything is online now and I'm not sure if they count the same as in-person events.

I got audited last month and they wanted to see everything - emails, application confirmations, notes from phone calls. Keep records of EVERYTHING related to your job search.

One thing that helped me was creating a simple spreadsheet to track everything. Date, company, position, how I applied, follow-up actions. Makes it easy to transfer to the WorkSourceWA system.

Update on Claimyr - I used them again this week to get clarification on work search requirements directly from Washington ESD. The agent confirmed that career counseling sessions count as work search activities too. Definitely worth using if you need quick answers.

HELP! I think I messed up my work search log for last week. Can I go back and fix it or am I screwed?

Anyone know if following up on previous applications counts as a separate work search activity?

The whole system is so confusing. I wish Washington ESD would just make the requirements clearer instead of making us guess what counts and what doesn't.

temp agencies count too right? I registered with three staffing agencies this week

I've been using Claimyr to get through to Washington ESD agents whenever I have questions about work search requirements. It's been super helpful for getting real-time clarification instead of guessing. Their system at claimyr.com really does work for connecting you to actual people.

Just want to add that LinkedIn networking messages count as work search activities if they're about job opportunities. I've been connecting with recruiters and hiring managers in my field.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! I feel much more confident about filling out my work search activities now. This thread has been super useful.

I've been dealing with this same confusion! One thing that really helped me was setting up a dedicated folder on my phone to screenshot every online application confirmation page right after I submit. I also keep a simple notes app entry for each activity with the basic details - makes it so much easier to transfer everything to WorkSourceWA later. The key is being consistent and not overthinking it. As long as you're genuinely looking for work and documenting your efforts, you should be fine. The 3 activities per week is really manageable once you get into a routine.