Learn About Work Search Requirements
WORK SEARCH REQUIREMENTS
You are required to make a good faith effort to find another job as soon as possible. You can only be paid for weeks during which you actively seek work. Unless the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) specifically exempts you under our law from this requirement, you are required to make a minimum of three new reportable job contacts each week. These contacts must be with employers not previously contacted. Employer contacts can include those made in person, by telephone, online or by résumés faxed, mailed, or emailed.
You are required to keep a detailed record of your work search activities and submit evidence by Internet or fax of three verifiable contacts as a part of your weekly certification. This involves development of a realistic work search plan to achieve this objective. A primary component of your re-employment plan will be to make as many employer contacts as it takes to get a job.
Keep good work search records. GDOL verifies work search contacts. You may be selected at any time for an audit or eligibility review. Work search record details depend on the type of work search activities. Your record of employer contacts should include the following:
- date of contact
- name of the company or other identifying information such as a job reference number
- person contacted
- company address, phone number, email, or web link
- position title
- method of contact
- results of contact
The Work Search Record in your
UI
Claimant Handbook
can be used to document your employer contacts. Failure to provide at least three work search contacts weekly and meet all other eligibility requirements may result in a denial of benefits, delayed payment, or possible overpayment and penalties.
WORK SEARCH PLAN
Use the following tips to develop your work search plan:
- Assess and evaluate your job search-related needs and create a written job search plan which identifies your strengths, weaknesses, and barriers to employment. GDOL staff will be happy to assist you in developing your plan.
- Learn as much as you can about finding a job: Your local GDOL Career Center offers an array of employment and training services to assist you. Services and resources offered through the career center may include: job listings and referrals; job search assistance; a career research library and labor market information; access to telephones, fax machines, copiers, and computers including Internet access, online job banks and résumé writing assistance; as well as information on education and training services. Access a variety of information and resources for Job Seekers.
- Organize your time: Make a daily "to do" list of job search activities.
- Prepare: Make a list of your skills and experiences. This list can help you fill out job applications, prepare résumés, or provide information during job interviews.
- Network: Ask friends and relatives if they know of job openings. Most job leads come from word-of-mouth referrals. Check newspaper ads, employment and temporary agencies, libraries, colleges or schools, and community organizations. Follow up quickly on leads.
- Sell yourself: First impressions are important. Arrive early for interviews. Dress appropriately for all interviews and employer contacts, even if you are only picking up a job application. Go alone.
- When applicable, contact the employer or check the employer's website for instructions on how to apply. Follow up on any instructions the employer gives you.
- As your period of unemployment lengthens, consider accepting lower wages or alternative suitable work. To remain eligible for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits, you will be required to lower your wage demands and look for work in other occupations or areas in which you qualify.
SUBMITTING YOUR WORK SEARCH
The faster, preferred method is to submit weekly work search records by Internet. Computers are available at your local GDOL Career Center. It is recommended you submit your work search immediately upon completing your weekly certification by Internet or Interactive Voice Response (IVR).
If you do not have access to the Internet, you can fax your records. You must use the GDOL
Weekly
Work Search Record (DOL 2798)
. This is the only form that will be accepted. Please fax your weekly records to one of the following numbers: 404.525.3605, 404.525.3606 or 1.877.302.1573. Be sure to include your name and social security number on each form.
All information requested must be provided to meet all eligibility requirements. Failure to submit records of at least three work search contacts weekly and meet all other eligibility requirements may result in a denial of benefits, delayed payment, or possible overpayment and penalties.
Submit Weekly Work Search
Submit your weekly work search online.
Weekly
Work Search Record DOL-2798
Access and print the work search form.
Weekly
Work Search Record (Búsqueda de registros semanales de trabajo) DOL-SP- 2798
Usa y imprima el formulario de Búsqueda de trabajo.