Working part-time with ESD benefits - what counts for job search activities?

Yes, you still need to complete 3 job search activities each week when collecting partial unemployment. The activities that count include: applying for jobs, attending job interviews, attending workshops or training through WorkSource, creating a profile on employment websites, contacting employers about opportunities (documented), attending job fairs, and participating in reemployment services. Resume updates by themselves don't count unless they're part of a WorkSource activity. Make sure you document everything in your job search log!

congrats on the part time job!! i was in same boat last year. the WorkSource workshops are the easiest way to knock out the activities. they have online ones too if you cant go in person. just make sure you get the persons name who ran it for your log

DONT OVERTHINK IT!! I spent way too much time worried about this too. I do: 1) Check WorkSource website for jobs 2) Look at Indeed.com 3) Update my profile on LinkedIn. Sometimes I'll attend a workshop instead. Just keep a good record with dates/times/contact info. ESD rarely actually checks unless you get randomly selected for review.

If you're struggling to reach ESD to clarify what counts for your specific situation, I'd recommend trying Claimyr (claimyr.com). It helped me get through to an actual ESD agent in about 20 minutes when I had questions about my partial unemployment benefits. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 that shows how it works. I was stuck in the same situation with part-time work and needed clarification on job search requirements - talking directly to an agent cleared everything up.

To directly answer your question based on my experience: 1) WorkSource workshops ABSOLUTELY count (get documentation), 2) Informational interviews with professionals in your field count (document name/date/contact info), 3) Creating and posting an updated resume on employment websites counts as one activity (once per job search cycle), 4) Attending job fairs counts, 5) Meeting with a career counselor counts. Just make sure you're not counting the same exact activity more than once per week (like attending the same workshop type). And keep detailed records!

i had part time work last year and i missed one week of doing job searches cause i thought i didnt have to since i was working 30 hours that week... got disqualified and had to appeal!!! dont make my mistake!! even if ur working u still need 3 activities EVERY WEEK u claim benefits no exceptions!!!

One important detail: If your part-time job becomes full-time (32+ hours per week) OR if your gross earnings exceed 1.33 times your weekly benefit amount for four consecutive weeks, you'll no longer be eligible for benefits regardless of job search activities. Make sure you accurately report all hours and earnings each week to avoid overpayment issues later.