The weekly work search rule in California
The agency does not post a set number. If you are required to look for work, EDD mails you a notice with your specific work search requirements, and the requirement starts when you get it. You must do one or more work search activities.
Answer "Did you look for work?" each time you certify for benefits (every two weeks). Answering No leads to more questions and possibly an eligibility interview.
File and certify on the Employment Development Department site. The rules can change, so check EDD's work search page if a letter from them says something different.
| California rule | |
|---|---|
| Each week | The agency does not post a set number. If you are required to look for work, EDD mails you a notice with your specific work search requirements, and the requirement starts when you get it. You must do one or more work search activities. |
| How you report it | Answer "Did you look for work?" each time you certify for benefits (every two weeks). Answering No leads to more questions and possibly an eligibility interview. |
| Enter each activity online | No, you keep your own record |
| Keep records | EDD encourages you to document your work search efforts. |
| Agency | Employment Development Department |
Source: Employment Development Department (edd.ca.gov), checked 2026-10-20.
What counts as a work search activity in California
Employment Development Department lists these:
- Creating a CalJOBS account and uploading your resume
- Using services from America's Job Center of California
- Creating profiles on job search websites
- Registering with your union hiring office and meeting its placement rules
- Watching job search videos, such as on cover letters or interview skills
- Letting friends, former employers or community members know you are looking
- Connecting with people on job networking websites
- Going to networking events for suitable work in your field
- Applying for jobs with employers likely to have openings
- Applying or taking tests for civil service jobs
- Answering job ads or listings
- Permissible training that still lets you work full-time
Who does not have to search for work in California
You do not have to search if you are in state-approved training (such as California Training Benefits), in an employer's Work Sharing program, have a job offer starting soon, are on a temporary layoff returning within 30 days, have a specialized skill with few local openings, are in an area where a trade dispute has cut job openings, or your industry had a seasonal shutdown with little chance of other work. EDD decides based on your certification answers.
Keep your work search log free
Write down each activity the day you do it: the date, the employer, how you contacted them, the job, and what happened. If the state asks to see your search, the log is your proof.
The free work search log in Capstone Careers keeps it for you: each application you send through Capstone Careers goes on it by itself, you add the ones you do elsewhere, and you can save the week as a PDF.
Need more applications to reach your number? See openings near you and get a resume written for each one.
Training while you are on unemployment in California
If you want to train for a new job, WIOA can pay for approved training if you qualify. See how WIOA works in California.
Approved training is on EDD's list of exemptions above, so ask EDD before you start.