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.

One thing that really helped me when I was on unemployment was keeping a simple spreadsheet with columns for date, activity type, employer/contact info, and outcome. I'd update it right after each activity so I wouldn't forget details later. Also, if you're applying through company websites, take screenshots of the confirmation page - don't just rely on email confirmations because sometimes those don't come through. For networking activities, I found that reaching out to former coworkers or industry contacts on LinkedIn counted as legitimate job search activities too, as long as you were genuinely asking about job opportunities. The key is being able to show you're making a good faith effort to find work, not just going through the motions.

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.

Just wanted to add another tip that saved me when I was on unemployment last year - if you're having trouble finding 3 activities each week, consider setting up informational phone calls with hiring managers at restaurants you're interested in. Even a 10-minute conversation about their hiring process and what they look for in candidates counts as a legitimate job search activity. I also discovered that updating your resume for different types of restaurant positions (fine dining vs casual, front of house vs back of house) counts as separate activities. So if you tailor your resume for server positions one day and then modify it for host/hostess positions another day, those are two distinct activities. One more thing - if you have any food service certifications (food handler's permit, alcohol service training, etc.), checking on renewal dates and researching renewal requirements counts as skills development. Even if they're not expired yet, showing you're proactive about maintaining certifications looks great to potential employers and satisfies the work search requirements. The key is being genuine about your job search efforts while also being strategic about maximizing activities that actually help your job prospects. Good luck with your search - the restaurant industry really is hiring right now!

I went through unemployment benefits after getting laid off from my bartending job last year, and one thing that really helped me was creating multiple versions of my resume tailored to different restaurant positions. Each time I customized my resume for a specific role (bartender, server, barback, etc.), that counted as a separate job search activity. Also, don't overlook reaching out to your former coworkers and managers who might have moved to other establishments. A quick LinkedIn message or text asking about openings at their new workplace counts as networking, and the restaurant industry is small enough that these connections often lead to actual opportunities. One specific tip for restaurant job searching: many places hire on the spot if you walk in during slower hours (usually mid-afternoon) with your resume. Even if they're not hiring immediately, introducing yourself to the manager and leaving your resume counts as a job search activity - just make sure you get the manager's name and contact info to log it properly. Keep all your activity documentation in one place (I used a simple notebook) because restaurant jobs move fast, and you want to be ready to provide details if ESD ever asks. The good news is that restaurants are desperate for good workers right now, so you shouldn't be on benefits too long if you stay persistent!

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!

As someone who just went through this process after being laid off from a catering company, I want to add a few more restaurant-specific tips that really helped me: **Industry Facebook Groups**: Many cities have private Facebook groups for restaurant workers (like "Seattle Restaurant Industry Jobs" or "Portland Food Service Workers"). Joining these groups and actively participating in discussions about job openings counts as networking activity. Plus, managers often post openings in these groups before they go public. **Food Bank/Soup Kitchen Volunteering**: If you volunteer at food service organizations, that counts as skills development while you're job searching. It keeps your food handling skills sharp and shows continuous engagement with the industry. **Following Up on Applications**: Don't forget that following up on previous applications counts as separate activities! A polite phone call or email a week after applying shows initiative and gives you another logged activity. **Temp Staffing Agencies**: Registering with agencies that specialize in hospitality staffing (like Instawork or Qwick) counts as a job search activity. Even if you don't get shifts right away, the registration process itself is legitimate documentation. One last thing - if you're comfortable with it, asking regular customers from your old job if they know of openings at places they frequent can be surprisingly effective networking. People love to help, and customer recommendations carry weight with restaurant managers. The restaurant industry really is bouncing back strong, so stay persistent! Good luck!

As someone who was on unemployment benefits for about 4 months last year after my restaurant closed permanently, I wanted to share a few additional strategies that really helped me maximize my job search activities while actually improving my chances of getting hired: **Food Service Certifications**: Look into getting additional certifications like TIPS (alcohol service), AllServ (food safety), or even basic barista training through community colleges. Each certification course counts as skills development, and having multiple certifications makes you way more attractive to employers. **Mock Interviews**: Set up practice interviews with friends or family members who work in hospitality, or even through WorkSource career services. Each mock interview session counts as interview preparation activity, and honestly, practicing common restaurant interview questions really helped me feel more confident in actual interviews. **Industry Publications**: Subscribing to and reading restaurant industry publications (like Restaurant Business, Nation's Restaurant News, or local food blogs) can count as researching potential employers, especially if you're taking notes on trends or specific restaurants mentioned. This also helps you sound knowledgeable during interviews. **Social Media Engagement**: Following and engaging with local restaurants on Instagram/Facebook where you might want to work counts as researching employers. Comment thoughtfully on their posts, share their content - it shows genuine interest and sometimes managers notice regular engagement. The key thing I learned is that ESD wants to see you're making a genuine effort, not just checking boxes. All of these activities actually helped me land my current job at a great local bistro. Document everything thoroughly and you'll be fine!

Just wanted to add something that really helped me when I was navigating unemployment after getting laid off from my server position - don't overlook seasonal job fairs! Even if they're not specifically for restaurants, many hospitality businesses participate in general job fairs, especially during busy seasons. I found that attending job fairs counted as networking activities, but more importantly, I discovered catering companies and event venues that I hadn't considered before. A lot of these places need experienced restaurant workers for their events, and the pay is often better than traditional restaurant work. Also, if you're comfortable with it, consider reaching out to food delivery companies like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or local catering delivery services. While you're looking for your next restaurant position, these can provide some income and the application process counts toward your job search activities. One more tip - check with your local chamber of commerce or business association. They often have networking events where you can meet restaurant owners and managers in a more casual setting. I met the owner of my current restaurant at a small business mixer, and we just started talking about the industry. Two weeks later, she offered me a position when one of her servers gave notice. Keep your spirits up - being laid off after 3 years shows you're a stable employee, which is exactly what restaurant owners are looking for right now!

I just wanted to add something that helped me tremendously when I was on unemployment after my restaurant closed down - reaching out to culinary schools and hospitality programs in your area! Many of these schools have job placement services that aren't just for their students. I called the career services department at Seattle Central's culinary program and they let me know about job openings their industry partners were looking to fill. Also, attending their guest chef demonstrations or industry talks counts as professional development activities. These events are usually free or very low cost, and you get to network with working chefs and restaurant owners who are often scouting for talent. Another thing I discovered was food service temp agencies like CookJobs or Hospitality Staffing Solutions. Even if you don't get placed immediately, registering with multiple agencies counts as separate job search activities, and they often have last-minute opportunities that can turn into permanent positions. One last tip - if you have any specialty skills from your 3 years of experience (like wine knowledge, POS system expertise, or experience with specific cuisines), make sure to highlight these when documenting your job search activities. Employers in the restaurant industry really value workers who can hit the ground running with minimal training. The restaurant labor shortage is real right now, so don't get discouraged! Your experience is definitely an asset. Keep documenting everything thoroughly and you should land something soon.

I've been following this thread and wanted to add one more resource that really helped me during my unemployment stint last year - your local WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) office often hosts job fairs and career workshops that are open to everyone, not just WIC participants. I found out about several restaurant openings through their community bulletin board, and attending their "soft skills for hospitality workers" workshop counted as professional development. Also, don't forget that researching minimum wage laws and tip reporting requirements for different cities/counties counts as job search preparation! I spent time learning about how tip pooling works at different types of establishments, and when I got audited, ESD accepted this as legitimate research since it showed I was preparing to work in various restaurant formats. One thing I wish someone had told me earlier - if you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, researching restaurants that specialize in accommodating those needs (and would value your personal experience) counts as employer research. For example, if you're gluten-free, reaching out to restaurants that specifically cater to gluten-free diners shows targeted job searching. The unemployment process can feel overwhelming at first, but you're asking all the right questions and clearly taking it seriously. With your 3 years of restaurant experience, you're going to be a very attractive candidate once you start applying. Hang in there!