How to log job search for unemployment Washington ESD weekly claims

Thanks! Do I need to upload anything or just keep my own records?

Just keep your own detailed records. Washington ESD will ask for them if they audit your claim. I use a simple spreadsheet with all the required info.

Yes, 3 per week is the minimum requirement. You can apply for jobs outside your usual field if necessary. The key is showing you're actively looking for work.

ok thanks, guess i better start applying to more stuff then

Never heard of that service before. Did they charge you anything?

Yeah there's a fee but it was worth it to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD who could give me official answers about the job search requirements.

Interesting, might have to try that if I can't get through the regular way.

Does updating my LinkedIn profile count as one of the 3 activities?

Yes, updating your LinkedIn or other professional profiles can count as job search activities, but don't use that as your only activity type. Mix it up with actual applications and direct employer contact.

As long as you're applying for jobs you're qualified for and would reasonably accept, you should be fine. You can expand your search radius or consider related fields if you're running out of direct matches.

That makes sense. I guess I need to start looking at jobs that are a bit further away or slightly different from my usual work.

Good advice! I'll make sure to be more detailed in my logging.

Yeah I learned this the hard way when they asked for my job search records and I had barely any details. Luckily I didn't get in trouble but now I keep everything super detailed.

There aren't really exceptions based on your field. You might need to expand your search criteria or consider related positions. If you're truly in a very specialized field, document your efforts thoroughly and consider reaching out to industry contacts.

I'm in a super specialized engineering field and I just apply to anything remotely related plus do networking activities. It's annoying but you gotta do what you gotta do.

Yes, professional networking activities can count as job search activities. Just make sure you document who you contacted, when, what you discussed, and any follow-up actions.

That's helpful to know! I do a lot of networking so that should help me meet the requirements.

I get the frustration but it's just part of the system. Think of it as protecting your benefits - if Washington ESD ever questions your eligibility, you'll have documentation to back up your job search efforts.

Yeah it's annoying but better than losing your benefits over missing documentation.

How does that service work exactly?

They basically help you get through to Washington ESD agents without having to sit on hold for hours. You can see how it works in their demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ

That's exactly what I'm going to do. Better safe than sorry with these requirements.

Smart approach. I use a similar system and it's saved me stress when they did audit my records last year.

Good point! I hadn't thought to include interviews in my logging but that makes total sense.

Yeah definitely include interviews. Shows you're getting responses to your applications which is a good sign you're applying for appropriate positions.

Yes, virtual job fairs definitely count. Just document which event you attended, the date, any employers you spoke with, and any follow-up actions you took.

Perfect! I've been to several so I should have plenty of activities to log.

Was it hard to use their service?

Not at all, pretty straightforward. Way easier than trying to get through to Washington ESD on my own.

True, and if you turn down a suitable job offer, that can affect your benefits even if you're meeting the search requirements.

Yeah the whole system has multiple requirements you need to meet each week. Job search logging is important but not the only thing.

That's really good advice. I was definitely trying to cram everything in at the last minute.

Same here. Much better to pace yourself throughout the week.

That's excellent advice about saving screenshots! I wish I had known that from the beginning. Do you know if there's a specific format they prefer for documentation or is just having the screenshots enough?

From my experience, screenshots are usually enough as long as they clearly show the date, company name, position, and that you submitted an application. I keep mine in a folder organized by week. Washington ESD doesn't seem to require any specific format - they just want to see proof that you actually did the job search activities you logged. The key is making sure the screenshot matches what you wrote in your job search log.

This template idea is fantastic! I've been keeping pretty basic records but having a consistent format like this would definitely help me stay more organized. The point about calling companies directly is really helpful too - I hadn't considered that phone inquiries could count as job search activities. Does anyone know if there's a minimum amount of time you need to spend on each activity for it to count, or is it more about the effort you put in regardless of how long it takes?