How to show proof of job search for Washington ESD unemployment requirements

You definitely need to keep detailed records! For online applications, take screenshots of the confirmation page or save any confirmation emails you get. For job fairs, keep any materials they give you like business cards or flyers with the date on them. Washington ESD can audit your job search activities so you want solid proof.

Thanks! I wish Washington ESD was clearer about this stuff. Do I need to print everything out or can I keep digital copies?

Digital is fine as long as you can produce it quickly if they ask. I keep a folder on my computer organized by week.

I use a simple spreadsheet to track everything - company name, date, position applied for, how I applied, and any proof I have. Been doing this for months and it's saved me so much stress. The key is being consistent with it every single day.

That's smart! Can you share what columns you use in your spreadsheet?

Sure! Date, Company, Position Title, Method (online, in-person, etc), Contact Info, Follow-up Date, and Notes/Proof. Simple but covers everything Washington ESD might want to see.

honestly the whole system is so frustrating. I've been trying to reach Washington ESD for weeks about this exact question and can never get through on the phone. The website isn't super clear either about what specific documentation they want.

I had the same problem getting through to Washington ESD until I found this service called Claimyr that helps you actually reach an agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling and waiting.

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

Yeah it worked for me. Got connected to a real person within a reasonable time instead of the usual busy signals and dropped calls.

For networking events, I always ask for the sign-in sheet or take a photo of it with my name visible. If there's no formal sign-in, I'll take a selfie at the event or get a business card from an organizer. You have to be creative sometimes.

That's actually really smart about the sign-in sheet! I never thought of that.

Good idea! I went to a job fair last week but just walked around. Should have gotten more proof I was there.

Wait, are we supposed to be keeping proof of ALL job search activities or just if they audit us? I've been doing my 3 per week but not really saving much documentation...

You should keep records of everything just in case. Washington ESD can request your job search log at any time and you need to be able to provide proof within a certain timeframe.

Oh no, I better start organizing my stuff better. How far back do they usually ask for records?

The job search requirement is such a joke anyway. Like applying to jobs you know you won't get just to meet the quota. But yeah you still gotta document it all because they'll nail you if you don't have proof.

I mean I get why they have the requirement but sometimes it feels like busy work when you're already spending hours looking for real opportunities.

At least it's only 3 per week now. Remember when it was more? Still annoying though.

Pro tip: if you're applying through company websites that don't give confirmation emails, take a screenshot right after you submit. Also screenshot the job posting itself in case it gets taken down later. I learned this the hard way when Washington ESD asked for details about a job I applied for that was no longer posted anywhere.

That's really good advice! I never thought about the job posting disappearing. How detailed do the screenshots need to be?

Make sure you can see the company name, position title, date you applied, and ideally some confirmation that it went through. The job posting screenshot should show the full job description and requirements.

Does anyone know if informational interviews count as job search activities? I've been doing some of those but wasn't sure if they qualify for the Washington ESD requirement.

Yes they do count! Just make sure you document who you talked to, when, and what company they work for. Keep any email exchanges as proof.

That's good to know! I have a few set up this week.

I keep a physical notebook too just in case my computer crashes or something. Old school but it's worked for me. Plus you can jot down notes during phone calls with employers.

I do the same thing! There's something about writing it down that helps me remember the details better too.

Quick question - do union job referrals count toward the job search requirement? I'm in construction and most of my work comes through the union hall.

Yes they should count. Just document when you checked in with the union, who you talked to, and any referrals they gave you.

Perfect, thanks! I'll start keeping better track of my union hall visits.

For those having trouble reaching Washington ESD by phone, I second the Claimyr recommendation from earlier. Used it myself when I needed clarification on job search requirements and actually got through to someone who could answer my questions properly.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already tight on money being unemployed.

It's worth checking out their site for current info. For me it was worth it to get actual answers instead of guessing and potentially screwing up my benefits.

Does attending online webinars or career workshops count? I've been going to some through WorkSource but want to make sure they qualify.

Yes those definitely count! Save your attendance confirmations or certificates if they give you any. WorkSource activities are specifically mentioned as valid job search activities.

I made the mistake of not keeping good records my first month and Washington ESD sent me a letter asking for documentation. Had to scramble to recreate everything from memory and email history. Learn from my mistake and start documenting everything from day one!

Yikes! Were you able to provide enough proof or did you get in trouble?

I managed to piece together enough evidence but it was super stressful. They were understanding since it was early in my claim but made it clear I needed better records going forward.

What about job applications you fill out in person? Like at stores or restaurants that just have you fill out their paper application?

Ask for a copy of the application or at least get the manager's name and date you applied. Take a photo of the storefront with the hiring sign if they have one.

I always ask them to initial or sign my copy of the application as proof. Most places are cool about it if you explain why you need it.

LinkedIn job applications - do those count? I apply to tons of stuff through LinkedIn but the confirmation is just in their messaging system.

Yes they count! Screenshot the confirmation message and the job posting. LinkedIn keeps a record in your activity section too that you can reference.

This thread is super helpful! I was wondering about all this stuff too. Going to start a spreadsheet today and get better organized.

Same here! Didn't realize how important the documentation was until reading all these responses.

One more tip - if you're doing phone calls to employers about positions, write down the date, time, who you talked to, and what was discussed immediately after the call. Memory fades fast and you might need those details later.

Great point! I've definitely forgotten details from phone calls I made just a few days ago.

Thanks everyone for all the advice! This has been way more helpful than the Washington ESD website. Going to implement a lot of these suggestions starting this week.

Totally agree! Love how people actually share practical tips here instead of just the basic info from the official sites.

Final thought - whatever system you use for tracking, make sure you back it up somewhere. Cloud storage, email it to yourself, whatever. You don't want to lose months of documentation due to a computer problem.

Good call! I email myself a copy of my spreadsheet every Friday just to be safe.

Anyone know if there's a specific format Washington ESD wants for the job search log if they ask for it? Like do they have a form they prefer?

I don't think they have a specific format requirement. As long as you can show the date, employer, position, and method of contact you should be good. The spreadsheet approach mentioned earlier covers all the bases.

Just wanted to add that I've found it helpful to take screenshots of the "thank you for applying" pages even when they don't send confirmation emails. Also, if you're networking on social media like LinkedIn or Facebook job groups, screenshot those conversations too. I learned this when Washington ESD asked me about a connection I made through a Facebook group and I almost couldn't prove it happened. Now I document everything, even informal networking conversations that might lead to opportunities later.