Short answer. Complete 3 job search activities each week you claim. Survivors of domestic violence or stalking who left work for that reason need only 1. Keep a detailed record of your 3 activities for each claim week in ESD's job search log or any format with the same details, and give it to ESD when asked; ESD may request it at any time. File your weekly claim in eServices (or by phone at 800-318-6022).
3 a week
Washington minimum, per Washington Employment Security Department (ESD) (checked November 2026)
Washington work search rules at a glance
- Agency
- Washington Employment Security Department (ESD)
- Each week
- Complete 3 job search activities each week you claim. Survivors of domestic violence or stalking who left work for that reason need only 1.
- How to report
- Keep a detailed record of your 3 activities for each claim week in ESD's job search log or any format with the same details, and give it to ESD when asked; ESD may request it at any time. File your weekly claim in eServices (or by phone at 800-318-6022).
- Official log
- ESD job search log
- Keeping records
- Keep your log for at least 30 days after the end of your benefit year, or 30 days after you stop receiving benefits, whichever is later. ESD may ask for it at any time, even after you stop claiming.
- Job bank
- WorkSource (required). If you live in Washington, sign up with a WorkSource employment center; outside Washington, sign up with your local employment center.
What counts in Washington
- Employer contacts online, by email, mail, phone, fax, kiosk, or in-person or virtual meetings (take every step needed to apply)
- WorkSource online activities: setting up an account, uploading a searchable résumé, virtual workshops, the career profile tool, RESEA appointments
- In-person WorkSource workshops, specialist or coach meetings, and job fairs where you contact at least one employer
- Job search websites, online assessments, educational videos, certain courses, app-based work platforms, WIOA or vocational rehabilitation programs
Doesn't count in Washington:
- Repeating the exact same activity
When Washington may not require a search
- Partial unemployment, an approved electrical apprenticeship, or a strike, lockout or labor dispute (ESD may waive)
- SharedWork, standby during a temporary layoff or furlough, SEAP, approved training, or the classroom portion of mandatory apprentice training
- Full-referral union members don't need to seek work outside the union
The agency decides whether any of these applies to you; don't assume one does until it tells you.
Report any vacation or break from your work search when you file your weekly claim.
What to write down for each Washington contact
Washington Employment Security Department (ESD) 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
- Activity
- Employer or organization
- Address, website or email
- Person contacted
- How you made contact
- Proof kept
Print this week's Washington log
Pick a day to build this week's Washington log.
Official Washington links
- Washington: where to report
- Washington: list of activities
- ESD job search log
- WorkSource
- WA ESD: Job search requirements, one-page summary (250508)
- WA ESD: Questions we ask on your weekly claim
Last checked November 2026.
General information checked against the official Washington 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.
Washington work search questions
How many work search activities does Washington require each week?
Complete 3 job search activities each week you claim. Survivors of domestic violence or stalking who left work for that reason need only 1.
What counts as a work search activity in Washington?
Washington Employment Security Department (ESD) lists: employer contacts online, by email, mail, phone, fax, kiosk, or in-person or virtual meetings (take every step needed to apply); workSource online activities: setting up an account, uploading a searchable résumé, virtual workshops, the career profile tool, RESEA appointments; in-person WorkSource workshops, specialist or coach meetings, and job fairs where you contact at least one employer; job search websites, online assessments, educational videos, certain courses, app-based work platforms, WIOA or vocational rehabilitation programs. It doesn't count: repeating the exact same activity.
How do I report my work search in Washington?
Keep a detailed record of your 3 activities for each claim week in ESD's job search log or any format with the same details, and give it to ESD when asked; ESD may request it at any time. File your weekly claim in eServices (or by phone at 800-318-6022).
How long should I keep my Washington work search records?
Keep your log for at least 30 days after the end of your benefit year, or 30 days after you stop receiving benefits, whichever is later. ESD may ask for it at any time, even after you stop claiming.
Do I have to register with WorkSource?
Yes, per Washington Employment Security Department (ESD). If you live in Washington, sign up with a WorkSource employment center; outside Washington, sign up with your local employment center.
Who doesn't have to search for work in Washington?
The official page lists: partial unemployment, an approved electrical apprenticeship, or a strike, lockout or labor dispute (ESD may waive); sharedWork, standby during a temporary layoff or furlough, SEAP, approved training, or the classroom portion of mandatory apprentice training; full-referral union members don't need to seek work outside the union. The agency decides whether one applies to you.
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