Why doesn't ESD count remote job applications for weekly job search requirements?

thats NOT true. i apply to remote jobs all the time for my job search and never had a problem. sounds like whoever u talked to at worksource is confused

Remote job applications absolutely DO count toward your job search requirements, but there's an important distinction. The job must be a legitimate position that you're qualified for and able to accept if offered. What WorkSource person might have been trying to say is that applications need to be for specific positions, not just general inquiries or quick-apply spam applications that some people do to meet requirements without real intent. As long as you're applying to specific remote positions that match your skills and you're documenting them properly (company name, position, date applied, method of application), you're fine. I recommend keeping screenshots of your applications in case of a job search review.

There might be some confusion here about the TYPE of remote work. ESD does count legitimate remote work applications, but they might question if the jobs are: 1. Work-from-home scams (data entry that requires upfront payment, etc) 2. Contractor/gig positions that don't qualify as "suitable employment" 3. Out-of-state positions that you couldn't reasonably accept If you're applying for legitimate remote W2 positions with established companies that you could start immediately if hired, those definitely count.

HEADS UP!!! I just had an audit last month and they REJECTED two of my remote applications because I couldn't prove I actually submitted them!! Take screenshots of EVERYTHING - the job posting, your application confirmation, email confirmations - EVERYTHING!! ESD is getting really strict about this lately. I ended up having to pay back two weeks of benefits ($1,875) because I couldn't prove I did the required activities. It was a NIGHTMARE.

I work in HR and hire for remote positions frequently. From the employer side, I can tell you that ESD does consider applications to legitimate remote positions as valid job search activities. However, I will say that we get TONS of unemployment-requirement applications that are clearly just checking boxes. We can usually tell when someone is applying just to meet requirements versus genuinely wanting the job (generic cover letters, unqualified candidates, etc.). ESD doesn't typically verify with employers that you were a serious candidate, but do make sure you're applying to positions you're qualified for and would accept if offered.

If you're having trouble reaching ESD to clarify job search requirements, try using Claimyr (claimyr.com). I was stuck in confusion about acceptable job search activities for weeks and couldn't get anyone on the phone. Claimyr got me connected to an ESD agent in about 20 minutes who confirmed remote applications ARE acceptable. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 that shows how it works. Saved me a ton of stress when I was worried about my job search activities being rejected.

One more thing to add - the WorkSource person might have been confusing remote JOB SEARCH ACTIVITIES with remote JOB APPLICATIONS. Remote job search activities like online workshops sometimes have different documentation requirements than actual job applications. But remote job applications absolutely count toward your three weekly activities as long as they're for positions you're qualified for.

sorry to jump in here but does anybody know if applying to the same company for different positions counts as separate job search activities? i found like 5 positions at microsoft i'm qualified for but dont know if i can list them all separately??

UPDATE: I got through to ESD finally and they confirmed remote job applications ARE valid job search activities! The person I spoke with said they've been getting this question a lot lately and there's some misinformation going around. As long as the jobs are: 1. Real positions with legitimate companies 2. Jobs you're qualified for 3. Positions you would accept if offered 4. Properly documented with company name, position, date, and method of application They count! So relieved. Thanks everyone for your help!

Thanks for sharing this update! This is really helpful for anyone else who might be getting mixed messages about remote applications. I'm in a similar situation where remote work is my best option right now, and I was starting to second-guess myself after hearing different things from different sources. It's good to know that going directly to ESD is the way to get the definitive answer. Did they mention anything about documentation requirements or any specific things to avoid when applying to remote positions?

I'm dealing with something similar and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I've been hesitant to apply to remote positions because I got conflicting advice from different WorkSource locations. One office told me remote applications were fine, another said they were "risky" during audits. It sounds like the key is proper documentation and applying to legitimate positions you're actually qualified for. I'm definitely going to start taking screenshots of everything after reading about @Nolan Carter's audit nightmare. Has anyone had success with remote applications specifically in tech/IT roles? That's my field and most opportunities seem to be remote now.

This whole thread has been a lifesaver! I'm in a similar boat where I've been applying to remote positions because they're the best fit for my situation right now. The conflicting information from different sources was making me really anxious about whether I was doing the right thing. It's so reassuring to hear directly from @Caleb Bell that ESD confirmed remote applications DO count when done properly. I'm definitely going to start being more meticulous about my documentation - keeping screenshots of job postings, confirmation emails, and maintaining a detailed spreadsheet with all the info everyone mentioned. It sounds like the key is just making sure you're applying to legitimate positions you're qualified for and can accept if offered. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences, especially the warnings about audits!