What counts as job contact for unemployment requirements in Washington ESD?

Thanks! Do I need to save screenshots of my applications or anything like that for proof?

You don't need to submit proof unless they audit you, but it's smart to keep records. Screenshots, confirmation emails, anything that shows you actually applied.

What about reaching out to contacts on LinkedIn? Does that count as networking?

Yes, as long as it's specifically about job opportunities. Just general networking doesn't count, but asking someone about job openings at their company does.

I tried calling Washington ESD to clarify this exact question but could never get through. Ended up using Claimyr to get connected to an agent who explained all the job search requirements clearly. Super helpful - you can check out their demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ

Each individual application counts as one contact, so 10 applications = 10 contacts. But you still need to spread them across your claim week to show ongoing effort.

oh dang I didn't know about spreading them out. I thought I could just do them all at once

This is super helpful! What about if I contact a temp agency? Does that count?

Yes, registering with temp agencies and staffing firms counts. Following up with them about available positions also counts as separate contacts.

Be careful with temp agencies though - some people think just registering once covers all their job search requirements but you still need to keep looking elsewhere too

Suitable work generally means jobs that match your skills, experience, and pay within reason. You can't just apply to anything random, but you also don't have to limit yourself to your exact previous job title.

From what I understand, they expect you to look for work at about 80% of your previous wage for the first few weeks, then gradually expand your search to lower-paying positions if needed.

Volunteering itself doesn't count as a job contact, but if you're specifically inquiring about paid positions or attending their job-related events, that could count.

I had a similar situation and got different answers from different Washington ESD reps. Finally used Claimyr.com to get through to someone who knew the rules inside and out - saved me a lot of confusion.

How did the audit work? Did they contact the employers to verify?

They asked for my records first, then they did spot checks with some of the employers I listed. Nothing happened to me because I kept good records, but I know people who got in trouble for fake contacts.

yikes that sounds scary. I definitely need to start keeping better track of my applications

Those activities can count toward your job search requirements in some cases. WorkSource visits for employment-related services typically qualify, but check with them to make sure they can provide documentation.

Good to know! I wasn't sure if those counted or if they were just extra.

You keep your own records, but you report your job search activities when you file your weekly claim online. The system will ask you to confirm you did your required job search activities.

I recommend keeping a spreadsheet or notebook with way more detail than you think you need. If they audit you, you'll be glad you have everything documented.

Thanks! I was worried I was missing some official form or something.

Yes, that definitely counts as direct employer contact. Cold calling shows initiative and is a legitimate job search method as long as you're targeting appropriate employers for your skills.

Make sure you document who you talked to and what they said. Even if it's just 'no openings at this time' that's still a valid job contact.

I totally agree! The rules seem to change depending on who you talk to there.

I had the same frustration until I used a service called Claimyr that helped me get through to knowledgeable Washington ESD agents quickly. They have all the current info on job search requirements and can clarify the confusing parts.

never heard of that but might be worth checking out if it helps cut through all the confusion

Those absolutely count as job contacts. As long as you're submitting actual applications (not just saving jobs to apply later), each application counts regardless of the platform you use.

I use Indeed and LinkedIn all the time for my job search activities. Just make sure you're keeping track of which specific jobs you applied for in case you need to provide details later.

Interviews definitely count as job search activities. They're actually one of the best types of contacts you can have since they show you're actively engaged in the job search process.

Great! I have two phone interviews scheduled this week so that should help with my requirements.

You can expand your search geographically, look at related positions that use similar skills, or focus more on networking and direct employer outreach. The key is showing consistent effort to find work.

I had this same issue in my field. Started reaching out to recruiters who specialize in my industry and attending professional association events. Those activities count toward job search requirements too.

That makes sense. I should probably start networking more actively instead of just waiting for perfect job postings to appear.

Yes, the outcome doesn't matter for meeting your job search requirements. What matters is that you made the effort to contact potential employers about work opportunities.

Rejection is just part of the job search process. As long as you applied in good faith to positions you were reasonably qualified for, it counts regardless of their response.

Definitely back it up! I keep both a physical notebook and a digital spreadsheet. Take photos of your notebook pages or scan them regularly. Trust me, you don't want to lose all that documentation.

Email yourself copies or use Google Sheets so you can access it from anywhere. The last thing you want is to lose your records right before an audit.

If you're approved for standby status, you're typically exempt from the job search requirements. But make sure your standby status is properly documented with Washington ESD - don't assume it's automatic.

Good point. I should probably confirm my standby status is still active. It's been a few weeks since I heard anything.

Yes, attending approved training or educational activities related to employment can count toward your job search requirements. Make sure to get documentation showing you attended.

I've attended several of those WorkSource workshops and they always provide certificates of completion. Keep those - they're great documentation for your job search activities.

Same here! I feel much more confident about my job search requirements now. Thanks everyone for all the helpful information.

That's exactly right - Washington ESD wants to see genuine effort to find suitable employment. Keep good records and stay consistent with your search activities.

You should still make every effort to meet the requirements, but if there are legitimate barriers (like major holidays when businesses are closed), document the circumstances. Washington ESD evaluates each situation individually.

Plan ahead when you know holidays are coming. You can do extra job search activities the week before or focus on activities that don't depend on business hours, like online applications.

I had this issue during Christmas week last year and ended up needing to talk to Washington ESD about it. Used Claimyr to get through quickly instead of waiting on hold forever. They understood the holiday situation and it wasn't a problem.

That's really good to know! I hadn't thought about certification courses counting. What kind of certification did you do? I'm in IT and there are always new certifications available, but I wasn't sure if they'd count toward the job search requirements or if I'd still need to do 3 separate employer contacts on top of that.

I did a project management certification through an online platform. From what I understand, you can usually count the certification course as one of your job search activities for that week, but you'd still need to do your other required contacts. So if you need 3 total activities, the certification would count as 1 and you'd need 2 more employer contacts. But definitely confirm with Washington ESD since rules can vary depending on the type and length of training.

This is really helpful information! I'm currently between jobs and have been struggling to find enough legitimate job contacts each week in my field. Taking relevant certification courses sounds like a great way to both improve my skills and meet the requirements. Does anyone know if there's a limit to how often you can count training activities, or if Washington ESD prefers to see more direct employer contacts over educational activities?

From my experience, Washington ESD generally prefers to see a mix of activities rather than relying too heavily on just training courses. I've been using about one training/certification activity per month while focusing primarily on direct employer contacts and applications. The training activities are great for filling gaps when legitimate job opportunities are scarce in your field, but they want to see that you're actively pursuing actual employment opportunities as your main focus. I'd suggest keeping it to maybe 1 training activity per week maximum and making sure the rest are genuine job contacts.

You're absolutely right about diversifying your approach! I was in the same boat when I first started collecting unemployment - I thought it was just about submitting online applications and was constantly worried I wasn't doing enough. Once I learned that networking, temp agencies, and even informational interviews count, it became so much easier to meet the requirements authentically. The key thing I learned is that Washington ESD really does want to see genuine effort to find work, not just checking boxes. And yes, definitely keep those detailed records! I use a simple Google Sheet with columns for date, company, position, contact method, and any follow-up needed. It's saved me so much stress knowing I have everything documented properly.

Great question! From what I understand based on everyone's discussions here, receiving a denial email itself wouldn't count as a job search activity - the original application you submitted would be the activity that counts. The denial email is just the employer's response to your earlier job search effort. However, if you follow up on that denial email (like replying to ask about future opportunities or requesting feedback), that follow-up contact could potentially count as a separate job search activity. The key is that YOU have to take an action to contact an employer about work opportunities. Just receiving their response doesn't constitute you actively searching for work. Hope that helps clarify!