What counts as job search activities for ESD weekly claims besides job apps?

ESD accepts quite a few different activities besides just submitting job applications. Here's what also counts: 1. Attending job interviews (phone, video, or in-person) 2. Creating or updating your resume/cover letter 3. Registering with WorkSource and keeping your profile current 4. Attending WorkSource workshops (in-person or virtual) 5. Taking skills assessments through WorkSource 6. Networking events related to your field 7. Meeting with a career counselor 8. Creating profiles on job sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, etc. 9. Researching potential employers 10. Attending job fairs For logging them, you don't need screenshots (though keeping those for your records is smart). When you file your weekly claim, there will be sections to enter details about each activity - including the date, employer name/contact info (if applicable), type of activity, and result. Keep a spreadsheet or notebook with all this info so it's easy to enter during your weekly claim.

To add to what the previous person said, ESD is pretty serious about job search documentation. You need to keep records for at least 5 weeks because they do random audits. If you get selected for an audit and can't provide documentation, you might have to pay back benefits. Also, while creating online profiles counts, each platform (LinkedIn, Indeed, etc.) only counts ONCE total during your claim period - not every week. The most reliable activities are actual job applications, WorkSource workshops, and interviews. For logging, I recommend using the official ESD job search log form: https://media.esd.wa.gov/esdwa/Default/ESDWAGOV/Unemployment/ESD-job-search-log.pdf Print it out and fill it in by hand, or keep a digital version. This has exactly the info they want to see.

i got audited last month it was a NIGHTMARE. they wanted proof of EVERYTHING. make sure ur keeping good records!!! screenshots of confirmation emails when u apply 4 jobs is what saved me. also they didnt count 2 of my activities cuz i didnt have the right phone# for the employer so make sure u got all that stuff

Idk why everyone makes this so complicated. I just apply to 3 jobs each week and log them. Never had a problem. ESD doesn't have time to check everyone's activities. As long as you're applying to real jobs you should be fine.

I had so much trouble reaching ESD to ask questions about job search activities when I was on unemployment last year. After spending HOURS trying to call their main line, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual ESD agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 The agent was able to clarify exactly what activities counted for my specific situation (I was in construction) and how to document them properly. Totally worth it since one wrong move with job search requirements can mess up your whole claim.

When I was on unemployment in 2023 after being laid off from Boeing I used to just make up job search activities and nobody ever checked. Just saying...

OK so Im on standby status bc my factory shutdwn for retooling and my supervisor said we dont have to do job search activities for 8 weeks is that right??? the ESD site is confusing me!!

One more thing that might help - WorkSource offers free workshops that count as job search activities. They have resume writing, interview skills, LinkedIn optimization, etc. You can attend these virtually, and each one counts as a separate activity. Their calendar is here: https://www.worksourcewa.com/microsite/Content.aspx?appid=WAWORKSHOPS I found these really helpful when I was on unemployment. The LinkedIn workshop actually helped me land my current job!

Just wanted to add that if you're in the restaurant industry like me, networking events at local hospitality associations also count as job search activities. I attended a Washington Restaurant Association meetup last month and it counted - plus I actually made some good connections that led to interviews. Also, don't forget that informational interviews count too! If you reach out to managers at restaurants you're interested in working for and ask for a brief chat about opportunities, that's a legitimate work search activity. Keep records of who you contacted, when, and their response. The restaurant industry is all about relationships, so these informal conversations can be just as valuable as formal applications.

Hey there! As someone who was recently on unemployment after being laid off from a tech company, I wanted to share a few additional tips that helped me stay organized with job search activities: 1. **Set up Google Alerts** for job postings in your field - this counts as "researching potential employers" and helps you stay on top of new openings 2. **Attend virtual career meetups** - there are tons on Meetup.com and Eventbrite that are industry-specific and count as networking activities 3. **Take free online courses** related to your field on platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning - these count as skills development activities For the restaurant industry specifically, I'd suggest checking out ServSafe certification courses if you don't already have it, or brushing up on food safety training. Many employers love to see that initiative. One last thing - when you're documenting activities, be as specific as possible. Instead of writing "applied to restaurant job," write "Applied for Server position at Olive Garden on 15th Ave, submitted application through company website, confirmation #XYZ123." The more detail you have, the better if you ever get audited. Good luck with your job search! The restaurant industry is bouncing back strong right now, so hopefully you'll find something soon.

I just wanted to chime in as someone who recently went through the unemployment process after being laid off from my retail job. One thing that really helped me stay organized was setting up a weekly schedule for my job search activities. I'd dedicate Monday mornings to applying for jobs, Tuesday afternoons to updating my resume or LinkedIn profile, and Wednesday evenings to attending virtual networking events or WorkSource workshops. This approach helped me stay consistent with meeting the 3-activity requirement each week, and it also made my job search feel more structured and less overwhelming. Plus, having a routine meant I was less likely to scramble at the last minute when filing my weekly claim. For restaurant work specifically, I'd suggest checking out industry-specific job boards like CulinaryAgents.com or RestaurantJobs.com in addition to the usual sites. Creating profiles on these specialized platforms counts as job search activities too, and they often have positions that aren't posted elsewhere. Also, don't forget that attending food service training refreshers (even online ones) can count as skills development activities. Many community colleges offer short courses on topics like wine service, POS systems, or customer service that could make you a stronger candidate while fulfilling your weekly requirements. Hang in there - the fact that you're being proactive about understanding the requirements shows you're taking this seriously, which will serve you well!