Short answer. Reach out to at least 3 job contacts each week. One reemployment activity can count as one of the three. Enter your work searches and job contacts in your MyNCUIBenefits account before you file your weekly certification.
3 a week
the state minimum, per NC Division of Employment Security (DES) (checked November 2026)
North Carolina work search rules at a glance
- Agency
- NC Division of Employment Security (DES)
- Each week
- Reach out to at least 3 job contacts each week. One reemployment activity can count as one of the three.
- How to report
- Enter your work searches and job contacts in your MyNCUIBenefits account before you file your weekly certification.
- Official log
- Work Search Record (updated 7-1-25)
- Keeping records
- DES recommends keeping copies of your records for two years; the Work Search Record form (updated 7-1-25) says to keep records for five years, since DES may review them and verify employer contacts. Keeping them five years covers both.
- Job bank
- NCWorks (required). Register with NCWorks.gov.
What counts in North Carolina
- Submitting a job application, résumé or letter of interest
- In-person or video meetings or interviews with employers, including at job fairs
- Emailing an employer
- One reemployment activity a week (training, career counseling, skills assessments, job clubs, career fairs)
- Initial NCWorks registration (counts once)
When North Carolina may not require a search
- Partially unemployed claimants whose employer filed an attached claim, if available for work with that employer
- Attending a training program approved by the Division
- Training approved under the federal Trade Act of 1974
- Unemployed as a direct result of a federally declared disaster, unless the Division requires a work search
The agency decides whether any of these applies to you; don't assume one does until it tells you.
For online contacts, list the employer's main website, not the job posting or application link.
What to write down for each North Carolina contact
NC Division of Employment Security (DES) lists these details. The log below uses them as its columns:
Back on the job hunt? A resume rewritten for the job you want.
- Date
- Employer or organization
- Address, website or email
- Phone
- How you made contact
Print this week's North Carolina log
Pick a day to build this week's North Carolina log.
Official North Carolina links
- North Carolina: where to report
- North Carolina: list of activities
- Work Search Record (updated 7-1-25)
- NCWorks
- N.C. Gen. Stat. 96-14.9, Weekly certification (North Carolina General Assembly)
Last checked November 2026.
General information checked against the official North Carolina pages above. It's an organizer, not legal or benefits advice: the state agency decides whether your search meets its rules, and your own notices from it come first. MCC Solutions isn't affiliated with any state agency. The log builder runs in your browser; nothing you enter is sent or saved.
North Carolina work search questions
How many work search activities does North Carolina require each week?
Reach out to at least 3 job contacts each week. One reemployment activity can count as one of the three.
What counts as a work search activity in North Carolina?
NC Division of Employment Security (DES) lists: submitting a job application, résumé or letter of interest; in-person or video meetings or interviews with employers, including at job fairs; emailing an employer; one reemployment activity a week (training, career counseling, skills assessments, job clubs, career fairs); initial NCWorks registration (counts once).
How do I report my work search in North Carolina?
Enter your work searches and job contacts in your MyNCUIBenefits account before you file your weekly certification.
How long should I keep my North Carolina work search records?
DES recommends keeping copies of your records for two years; the Work Search Record form (updated 7-1-25) says to keep records for five years, since DES may review them and verify employer contacts. Keeping them five years covers both.
Do I have to register with NCWorks?
Yes, per NC Division of Employment Security (DES). Register with NCWorks.gov.
Who doesn't have to search for work in North Carolina?
The official page lists: partially unemployed claimants whose employer filed an attached claim, if available for work with that employer; attending a training program approved by the Division; training approved under the federal Trade Act of 1974; unemployed as a direct result of a federally declared disaster, unless the Division requires a work search. The agency decides whether one applies to you.
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