Need to pin FAQ about job search logs? Still required even with online reporting?

This is a great suggestion! Even though claimants now submit their job search activities through the online system, ESD does still require that you maintain your OWN detailed job search logs. They can audit you at any time within a year and request to see these records. The online submission is more of a summary, but your personal logs should include all details like: - Exact job titles - Complete company information - Contact names & methods - Application confirmation numbers - Follow-up activities - Interview details I learned this the hard way when I got audited 8 months after I'd been on unemployment in 2023. Thankfully I kept good records!

Just to add to this - I think a pinned FAQ would be REALLY helpful. I keep seeing at least 3-4 new posts every week with this exact question. ESD's instructions aren't super clear on this point. And yes, you absolutely DO need to keep your own job search log despite entering activities online. ESD even has an official job search log form on their website you can download and print: https://esd.wa.gov/unemployment/job-search-requirements There are also apps that let you track job searches digitally if you prefer that to paper records. Just make sure whatever method you use captures ALL the required information.

I work as an employment counselor and this is one of the TOP issues I see with clients. They think the online entry is sufficient and then panic when they get audited. A few tips: 1. You can backfill your records if needed - just be honest and reconstruct them as best you can 2. ESD typically audits about 10-15% of claimants (based on what I've seen) 3. Keep ALL documentation - emails, confirmation numbers, screenshots 4. The minimum required info: employer name, position, date of contact, method of contact, result/outcome And yes, a pinned FAQ would be immensely helpful for this forum!

I HATE this stupid duplicate record keeping requirement!!! Why can't ESD just include ALL the fields they need in the online system?? It's like they're deliberately trying to trip people up so they can deny benefits. The whole system is rigged against us. And no, they DON'T warn you before audits. They just send a letter demanding your records within like 5 days. If your address isn't current or the mail is slow, you're screwed. Another reason this should be pinned - people need to know what they're up against with this system.

I had the same question when I started my claim in January. Been keeping a spreadsheet with all my job search info since i wasn't sure if the online stuff was enough. Good to know I was doing the right thing all along! If they pin a FAQ would be nice if they also add info about what counts as a valid job search activity. I keep hearing different things from different people.

Has anyone ever actually been audited? I feel like maybe this is one of those things they say they do but don't really do that often in practice?

If you're having trouble reaching ESD to ask questions about job search requirements, I highly recommend using Claimyr. It helped me get through to an actual ESD agent in about 20 minutes after I'd been trying for days on my own. The agent was able to clarify exactly what I needed to include in my job search log and answer all my questions. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 that shows how it works. The website is claimyr.com if you want to check it out. Saved me tons of frustration!

Thanks everyone for the great responses! I really hope the mods see this and consider pinning something. It's clearly a common question that affects a lot of people. In the meantime, maybe we should all make sure to reply to new posts about job search logs and point people to this thread? At least until there's an official FAQ. Just trying to help our community avoid problems with ESD!