Laid off after 15 years - Need help with ESD job search requirements

First, take a deep breath! Many people are in your situation. Yes, you need to document 3 job search activities each week on your ESD weekly claim. These can include: - Applying for jobs (online or in person) - Attending WorkSource workshops (these count as activities!) - Creating profiles on job sites - Attending job fairs - Contacting employers directly I strongly recommend registering with WorkSource Washington ASAP. They offer free resume help, interview workshops, and job search assistance specifically for people on unemployment. Their staff can help update your resume and teach you how to search for jobs online. They can even count some of their services as job search activities. For online job searching, try Indeed.com, LinkedIn, and WorkSourceWA.com as starting points. Many companies post exclusively online now.

DONT WASTE TIME WITH WORKSOURSE!!! they just make u sit thru pointless workshops and the jobs they have are all minimum wage garbage. better to use indeed and ziprecruiter. also linked in but u need a good profile. the ESD just wants to see u looking they dont care where or how. just make sure u keep DETAILED records of everything!!! date, company, position, how u applied, contact info. ESD randomly audits people and if u cant prove ur job searchs they make u pay everything back!!! happened to my brother in law last year and he had to repay $7200!!!!

To answer your questions: 1. You can schedule a WorkSource appointment online or by phone, but many locations also accept walk-ins. I'd recommend calling your nearest center first. 2. You should apply for jobs you're qualified for, but ESD doesn't restrict what you apply to. That said, if you apply for jobs you're clearly unqualified for just to meet the requirement, they might question your search in an audit. 3. About record-keeping: You should keep a detailed log with the date, employer name, position, how you applied, and any response. Some people take screenshots of online applications or save email confirmations. The ESD job search log form is available on their website and shows exactly what information they expect. WorkSource isn't perfect, but it's specifically designed to help people in your situation transition back to work. Don't discount it entirely.

The ESD online claim system is where you'll report your job search activities each week. It's usually easier to use their official job search log form (available on their website) to track everything as you go. I'd recommend printing several copies and keeping them in a folder. One thing that tripped me up: when you're entering job search activities in your weekly claim, you'll need the exact dates you performed each activity and specific details for each one. It's really frustrating when you can't remember specific details while trying to file your weekly claim, so write everything down immediately. After struggling to reach ESD for weeks with questions about my job search requirements, I finally found Claimyr (claimyr.com). They got me connected to an actual ESD representative in about 25 minutes when I had questions about my job search documentation. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 that shows how it works. Definitely worth it when you have specific questions that only ESD can answer.

u have to start job searching the week u claim benefits. like literally the first week. my cousin got denied cuz she waited 2 weeks to start looking thinking she had time to figure it out first. dont wait!!

I went through exactly this after 22 years at Boeing. The system is intimidating at first but gets easier. To directly answer your questions: 1. Yes, you must begin your job search activities during the first week you claim benefits, and you must complete 3 activities per week unless you've been granted standby status. 2. When filing your weekly claim, you'll report how many job search activities you completed. ESD typically doesn't ask for details during the weekly claim, but you must keep records of each activity. They can audit you randomly up to 60 days after each weekly claim. 3. For record-keeping, document the date, job title, company, method of application, and results. Keep confirmation emails or screenshots when possible. 4. Your job search activities should be for positions you're reasonably qualified for. Applying for CEO positions when you've never been in management would be questionable. I found Indeed, LinkedIn and industry-specific job boards most helpful. The WorkSource workshop on "Job Searching After Long-Term Employment" was surprisingly useful too. They have workshops specifically for people who haven't job hunted in many years.

ESD has an official job search log form here: https://media.esd.wa.gov/esdwa/Default/ESDWAGOV/job-search-requirements/job-search-log.pdf I recommend using this exact form since it contains all the fields ESD wants to see in case of an audit. You can print multiple copies or save digital copies if you prefer. And yes, since your first weekly claim is coming up Sunday, you should try to complete 3 job search activities before then. Even creating an account on WorkSource and uploading your resume can count as an activity! Take it one step at a time - thousands of people navigate this system successfully every year, even those who haven't job searched in decades.

One other thing no one mentioned - if you have specialized skills from your manufacturing job, check with your local community colleges. Many have job placement services and connections with employers looking for experienced manufacturing workers. My husband got his current job through a community college program after 12 years at his previous company. Just something else to add to your search options!

Great discussion here. Just wanted to add one more important point: if at any time you're offered a job but turn it down, be very careful. ESD has specific rules about refusing suitable work, and it can affect your benefits. Generally, you need to accept offers that are similar to your previous work unless there's a significant issue with wages, working conditions, or distance. Also, once you start working again, even part-time, you need to report all hours and earnings on your weekly claims. ESD will adjust your benefit amount based on what you earn (you can still receive partial benefits if you're working part-time below a certain threshold). Good luck with your search! The first few weeks are the hardest, but it does get easier as you develop a routine.