WorkSource reemployment services appointment required by ESD - what happens?
I just got an email saying I'm required to attend a reemployment services appointment at my local WorkSource center next week. Has anyone been through this before? I'm nervous because they made it sound mandatory for continuing my unemployment benefits. What exactly goes on at these appointments? Do they actually help with job searching or is it just a way for ESD to check if you're really looking for work? I don't want to mess anything up and lose my benefits.
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Liam Sullivan
I had one of these last month. It's part of Washington's RESEA program (Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment). They'll check your job search activities and then help you improve your resume and job search strategies. Mine lasted about 90 minutes. Bring your job search log with all your activities documented - they WILL check it! They also signed me up for some free workshops on interviewing skills and using LinkedIn effectively.
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Mei Chen
•Thanks! Did they help you with actual job leads or was it more general advice? Also, my job search log is all digital in my eServices account - do I need to print it out?
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Amara Okafor
These appointments are 100% mandatory - skipping it will disqualify you from benefits! But it's actually helpful. They'll review your resume, discuss job search strategies specific to your field, and connect you with resources like training programs. They also have job fairs and employer connections. My career counselor knew about openings that weren't even posted online yet. Bring your job search log, resume, and any questions about job hunting in your industry.
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CosmicCommander
•ugh I HATE these mandatory hoops to jump through!!! my appointment was a complete waste of time. the "career counselor" knew NOTHING about my industry (software development) and kept suggesting retail jobs!!! just smile and nod and get through it so you keep getting paid.
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Giovanni Colombo
i went to one and it was fine just remeber to bring ur job search log they will look at it
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Mei Chen
•Thanks! Did they give you any trouble about your job search activities? I'm worried mine aren't "good enough" even though I've been doing the required 3 per week.
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Fatima Al-Qasimi
I had one back in January. Honestly it was pretty helpful. They reviewed my resume and gave me some good feedback on how to highlight my transferable skills. My WorkSource specialist also enrolled me in this free certificate program that was actually pretty valuable for my field. The whole thing felt more like actual help than a "gotcha" appointment, which I was worried about at first.
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Dylan Cooper
•This matches my experience too. They're genuinely trying to help get people reemployed faster. I actually got my current job through a connection my WorkSource counselor had with a local employer. Don't go in with a negative attitude - they can tell if you're just checking boxes versus actually engaged in finding work.
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Sofia Ramirez
Try calling ESD ahead of time to get more details. Good luck with that though - every time I call I just get put on hold forever and eventually disconnected. Been trying to sort out an issue with my claim for weeks and can't get through to a human being. It's so frustrating!!
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Dylan Cooper
•If you're having trouble reaching ESD by phone, you might want to try Claimyr. They'll get you connected to an ESD agent quickly instead of waiting on hold all day. I was skeptical but it worked great. You can see how it works at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 and their website is claimyr.com. Saved me hours of frustration when I had an adjudication issue.
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Amara Okafor
One more thing about the WorkSource appointment - it's usually a group orientation first (about 30-45 minutes) and then one-on-one time with a counselor. Don't be late or you might have to reschedule the whole thing, which could affect your benefits. The group part covers general services and the individual part is where they review your specific situation and job search logs.
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Mei Chen
•That's really helpful to know about the format! I'll make sure to arrive early. I'm actually starting to feel like this might be useful rather than just bureaucratic.
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Fatima Al-Qasimi
Also, a tip - if there are specific industries or companies you're interested in, bring that info with you. My counselor actually knew someone at a company I was interested in and made an introduction. They can't help with those connections if they don't know what you're looking for!
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Giovanni Colombo
•yea they asked me what kind of job i wanted and i didnt really have a good answer so that part didnt go so well lol
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