How to submit work search for unemployment - Washington ESD requirements confusing me

You need to complete 3 job search activities per week and keep detailed records. When you file your weekly claim, there's a section where you report these activities. Make sure you're documenting employer name, position applied for, date, and method of contact.

Thanks! Do I need to upload proof of these activities somewhere or just keep my own records?

Keep your own detailed records. Washington ESD can audit your job search activities at any time, so you want documentation ready if they ask for it.

The WorkSource registration is mandatory too. You have to register on WorkSourceWA.com within a certain timeframe or your benefits get suspended. Make sure your profile is complete and you're actively using it for job searches.

How long do you have to register with WorkSource? I think I might have missed the deadline.

I believe it's within 4 weeks of your first payable week, but don't quote me on that. You should call Washington ESD immediately if you think you missed it.

honestly the job search thing is such a pain. I've been trying to call washington esd for weeks to clarify some of this stuff but can never get through. their phone system is horrible

I had the same problem until I found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com - they actually get you connected to a real Washington ESD agent. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

that sounds too good to be true but at this point im desperate. does it actually work?

It worked for me. Got through to someone within 20 minutes when I'd been trying for days on my own. They helped clarify my job search requirements and got my claim moving again.

What exactly counts as a valid job search activity? I've been applying online but also networking and going to job fairs. Do all of these count toward the 3 weekly requirements?

Online applications definitely count. Networking events and job fairs usually count too, but you need to document specific contacts made. Check the Washington ESD website for the complete list of approved activities.

I think there's also something about informational interviews and skills assessments counting. The key is keeping good records of everything.

Wait, so I report my job search activities when I file my weekly claim online? I don't see a separate form for that.

It's built into the weekly claim filing process. There should be questions about your job search activities as part of the regular weekly claim form on the Washington ESD website.

Sometimes those questions don't show up if you're in certain claim statuses. Are you currently receiving benefits or is your claim still pending?

The whole system is so confusing! I got a letter saying my job search was insufficient but I've been applying to jobs every day. How do they even verify what you're doing?

They can do random audits where they ask for your job search log and contact employers to verify. That's why detailed documentation is so important.

Oh no, I haven't been keeping detailed records. What kind of information do they want exactly?

Company name, contact person if you have one, position title, date of application, method used (online, in person, email), and any follow-up actions. Start documenting everything now.

Does anyone know if there are exceptions to the job search requirements? I'm in a union and waiting for a callback to my previous job.

Union members might have different requirements, especially if you're on standby status. You should definitely clarify this with Washington ESD because the rules can be different.

Standby status usually means reduced job search requirements, but you still need to meet whatever requirements they specify for your situation.

update on that claimyr thing - i actually tried it and got through to someone at washington esd. they explained that my job search activities were being reported correctly but there was an issue with my WorkSource registration that was holding things up. would never have figured that out on my own

That's exactly the kind of information I need! I'm going to check my WorkSource registration right now.

How much does that Claimyr service cost? Might be worth it if it actually gets results.

they focus on the value of getting through rather than cost. honestly after weeks of frustration it was worth whatever they charge just to get answers

For anyone keeping track, here's what I learned from my Washington ESD caseworker: you need to maintain a job search log with specific details, register with WorkSource within the required timeframe, complete 3 qualifying activities per week, and report everything accurately on your weekly claims. The key is documentation.

This is super helpful! Do you have a template for the job search log or should I just create my own?

I think there's a suggested format on the Washington ESD website, but as long as you include all the required information, any format should work.

Quick question - if I miss reporting job search activities for one week, does that automatically disqualify me or do I get a warning first?

It depends on your specific situation and claim history. Sometimes they'll send a warning, other times they might stop benefits immediately. Better to be proactive and contact them if you realize you made an error.

If you need to reach Washington ESD quickly about something like this, that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier really does work. Much better than trying to get through on your own.

The WorkSource requirement really tripped me up. I registered but didn't realize I needed to keep my profile updated and actively use it. Almost lost my benefits over that.

What do you mean by actively use it? Just having a profile isn't enough?

You need to actually search for jobs through the system and document those searches as part of your weekly job search activities. Having an inactive profile can cause issues.

This thread has been incredibly helpful. I was doing everything wrong - not keeping detailed records, not using WorkSource properly, and not understanding what activities actually count. Time to get organized!

Glad this helped! The Washington ESD system has a lot of moving parts but once you understand the requirements it becomes much more manageable.

Same here! I feel much more confident about submitting my work search activities now. Thanks everyone for all the detailed explanations.

One more tip - take screenshots of your online job applications. I've had employers claim they never received applications when Washington ESD contacted them for verification.

That's really smart advice. Documentation is everything when it comes to unemployment benefits.

Screenshots, confirmation emails, any written correspondence - keep it all organized by date. You never know when you'll need to provide proof.

Does the job search requirement change if you're doing temporary or part-time work while collecting benefits?

Good question. If you're working part-time, you usually still need to meet job search requirements unless you're working substantial hours. The exact rules depend on your specific situation.

I think there are reduced requirements in some cases, but you'd need to check with Washington ESD directly to be sure.

final update from me - got everything sorted out with my job search reporting. turns out I was overthinking it. just needed to be more systematic about documenting everything and making sure my WorkSource profile was complete. benefits are flowing normally now

Awesome! This whole thread convinced me to get my documentation in order. Feeling much better about the whole process now.

same here. between the advice in this thread and getting through to washington esd via that claimyr service, everything is working smoothly now

This is such a comprehensive thread! I'm new to unemployment benefits and was completely overwhelmed by all the requirements. Reading through everyone's experiences really helps clarify what I need to do. I had no idea about the WorkSource registration deadline or how detailed the job search documentation needs to be. Going to start keeping better records right away and make sure my WorkSource profile is properly set up. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this saved me from making a lot of mistakes!