Washington ESD job search requirement confusion - actively looking for work definition

You're right to be concerned about this. Washington ESD requires you to be 'able and available' for work AND actively seeking employment. Missing job search activities can definitely impact your eligibility. You need to log at least 3 job search activities per week and keep detailed records.

Do they actually check these logs? I've been keeping track but wasn't sure if Washington ESD reviews them regularly.

They can audit your job search records at any time. If selected for review, you'll need to provide documentation for all activities you've logged.

this is so stressful, ive been trying to call washington esd for weeks to clarify the job search requirements but can never get through to anyone

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr (claimyr.com). They help you get through to Washington ESD agents without spending hours on hold. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Really? That sounds too good to be true. How much does it cost?

It's worth checking out their site for details. I was able to speak to an Washington ESD rep within 30 minutes instead of calling for days.

The 'actively seeking work' requirement is pretty broad actually. It includes applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, contacting employers directly, even taking job training courses. You don't have to limit yourself to just online applications.

That's helpful! I wasn't sure if networking counted as a job search activity. Can I log LinkedIn networking as one of my 3 weekly activities?

Yes, professional networking definitely counts. Just make sure you can document it - save screenshots of messages sent, events attended, etc.

Wait, I thought you had to apply to actual job postings. I've been stressing about finding 3 applications every week when I could have been doing other activities too?

THE WASHINGTON ESD SYSTEM IS RIDICULOUS!! I got disqualified because I supposedly wasn't actively looking for work even though I applied to dozens of jobs. Their definition is so vague it's impossible to know what they actually want.

Did you appeal the disqualification? You have 30 days to request a hearing if you disagree with their decision.

Yeah I'm trying to but can't get anyone on the phone to explain what went wrong. This whole system is broken.

For appeals and disqualification issues, Claimyr really helped me get through to the right department. Sometimes you need to speak to a specific unit within Washington ESD.

just wanted to say thanks for asking this question - i had no idea about the 3 activities per week rule

It's in the handbook they send when you first file, but honestly who reads all that paperwork when you're stressed about being unemployed.

Here's what Washington ESD considers valid job search activities: applying for jobs, contacting employers, attending job fairs, networking, taking assessments, career counseling, job training, creating/updating resumes, and interviewing. The key is documenting everything properly.

This is exactly what I needed to know! So updating my resume counts as one activity? I've been doing that but not logging it.

Yes, but don't use it every week. Mix it up with actual applications and networking. They want to see genuine effort to find employment.

what about using indeed or other job sites to search? does that count as an activity?

Searching alone doesn't count - you need to take action like applying, contacting employers, or saving jobs to apply to later.

I'm so confused about all this. What happens if you're sick one week and can't do job search activities? Do they just cut off your benefits?

If you're sick and unable to work, you should report that on your weekly claim. You might be considered 'not able and available' that week, which could affect that week's payment.

But what if I'm just sick for a few days and could work, but didn't get around to job searching? Is that different?

That's trickier. You'd still need to show you were actively looking for work unless you were completely unable to. One week probably won't hurt but don't make it a pattern.

For anyone struggling with Washington ESD communication, I successfully used Claimyr to get clarification on job search requirements directly from an agent. Much better than trying to interpret the website or waiting on hold forever.

I'm desperate enough to try anything at this point. The phone system is absolutely useless.

Same here, been trying to call for 2 weeks about my adjudication status and job search requirements. Getting nowhere.

wait so if youre on standby status do you still have to do the job search activities? my employer said they might call me back

Standby status has different requirements. You don't need to do job search activities if you have a specific return-to-work date within 6 weeks. Check your determination letter for details.

oh good because ive been stressing about this for nothing then. my employer said probably 4 weeks.

The bottom line is Washington ESD wants to see genuine effort to return to work. Document everything, be honest on your weekly claims, and keep all your job search records. If you're truly looking for work, you should be fine.

This thread has been super helpful. I feel much more confident about my job search requirements now. Thanks everyone!

Good luck with your search! Remember to save all documentation - emails, applications, networking contacts, everything.

My biggest issue is that I work in a very specialized field and there really aren't 3 suitable positions posted every week. How do I handle this without applying to jobs I'm not qualified for?

You can expand your search to include related fields, remote positions, or use networking and direct employer contact. You don't have to limit yourself to posted positions.

Also consider professional development activities - taking online courses related to your field, attending virtual conferences, or updating certifications all count.

That makes sense. I hadn't thought about direct employer contact or professional development. Thanks for the ideas!

does washington esd actually check if the jobs you applied for are real? asking for a friend lol

Don't even think about faking job applications. Washington ESD can and does verify applications, especially during audits. The penalties for fraud are severe.

They've definitely called employers to verify applications before. I know someone who got caught lying about job searches and had to pay everything back plus penalties.

This whole thread makes me realize I need to step up my job search game. I've been kind of going through the motions but not really documenting properly.

It's never too late to start doing it right. Create a simple spreadsheet with dates, employer names, positions, and how you applied. Keep it updated weekly.

If you need clarification on what activities count, calling Washington ESD directly is worth it. I used Claimyr since I couldn't get through on my own, but having that conversation with an actual agent was really helpful.

Final update: I called Washington ESD (finally got through after using the advice here) and confirmed that as long as you're making genuine efforts to find work and documenting them properly, you'll meet the requirements. The key is consistency and honesty.

Glad you got the clarification you needed! Consistency is definitely key - it's better to do 3 solid activities every week than to do 10 one week and none the next.

thanks for following up! this whole thread has been really educational

Perfect summary. Documentation and consistency will keep you in compliance with Washington ESD requirements. Good luck with your job search!

I've been in a similar situation and learned the hard way that Washington ESD takes the "actively seeking work" requirement very seriously. The 3 weekly activities rule is non-negotiable, but the good news is that activities are broader than just job applications. I've found success mixing applications with LinkedIn outreach, attending virtual career events, and even informational interviews. The key is keeping detailed records - I use a simple Excel sheet with date, company/contact, activity type, and any follow-up actions. One tip: if you're in a specialized field, don't be afraid to reach out directly to companies that might not have current openings but could be interested in your skills later.