Why is unemployment so low but I still can't find work - Washington ESD advice?

The unemployment rate measures people actively collecting benefits vs total workforce, but it doesn't capture underemployment or people who've given up looking. Also doesn't show job quality - lots of part-time or gig work that doesn't pay enough.

What field are you in? Some industries are still struggling even with low overall unemployment. Also, Washington ESD requires 3 job contacts per week - are you meeting that requirement?

I had the same frustration last year. Turns out I needed to completely redo my resume and interview approach. The job market changed a lot. Also, if you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD about your job search strategy, I found claimyr.com really helpful for actually getting through to an agent. They have a system that gets you connected without the usual wait times.

The low unemployment rate is mostly because people dropped out of the workforce entirely. Don't count if you're not actively looking or collecting benefits. Plus wages haven't kept up with cost of living so even people with jobs are struggling.

Are you tracking your job search activities properly for Washington ESD? They can audit your search log and if it's not detailed enough they might question your eligibility.

Low unemployment doesn't mean good jobs are available. Lots of employers posting jobs they never intend to fill, or wanting unicorn candidates for entry level pay

the whole system is rigged. unemployment numbers are manipulated to make things look better than they are

Have you considered using WorkSourceWA services? They sometimes have job fairs or training programs that aren't widely advertised. Washington ESD partners with them for placement services.

What's your weekly benefit amount? Sometimes it's worth taking a temporary job even if it pays less, just to get back in the workforce and build connections.

I think networking is more important than ever. Most jobs aren't even posted anymore, they're filled through connections. Have you reached out to former coworkers or managers?

The unemployment rate only counts people actively looking for work. Doesn't include people who want full-time but can only find part-time, or people who've been looking so long they gave up.

Have you updated your skills recently? A lot of jobs now require basic computer skills or specific software knowledge that wasn't needed before.

honestly the job market is brutal right now despite what the numbers say. took me 8 months to find something decent

The low unemployment rate is mostly because baby boomers are retiring and there are fewer people in the workforce overall. Doesn't mean it's easier to find a good job.

If you need to speak with Washington ESD about extending your benefits or getting help with job placement, that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier really works. I used it last month when I had issues with my claim. Way better than trying to call directly.

Don't let the statistics discourage you. Your individual situation is what matters. Keep applying, keep networking, and maybe consider expanding your search to adjacent fields.

Have you considered gig work or freelancing while you look? It's not ideal but it can help bridge the gap and sometimes leads to permanent opportunities.

The unemployment rate is a lagging indicator anyway. By the time it shows problems, people have already been struggling for months. Your experience is probably more accurate than the statistics.

Keep documenting everything for Washington ESD and don't get discouraged. The job market is tougher than the numbers suggest but you'll find something eventually. Focus on what you can control - your applications, your skills, and your persistence.

I'm going through the exact same thing - 4 months of searching with barely any callbacks despite the "great job market" everyone talks about. What's really frustrating is that employers seem to have gotten pickier while still complaining they can't find workers. I've started wondering if companies are just posting jobs to look like they're hiring but not actually filling positions. The disconnect between the unemployment stats and reality for job seekers is huge.