The weekly work search rule in Connecticut
At least 3 work search activities every week. At least 1 of the 3 must be an employer contact (a job interview counts). Search for full-time work unless CTDOL approved a part-time search for a documented medical condition.
Report your work search activities online when you file your weekly claim. If CTDOL has found you exempt, you will not see the questions.
File and certify on the Connecticut Department of Labor site. The rules can change, so check CTDOL's work search page if a letter from them says something different.
| Connecticut rule | |
|---|---|
| Each week | At least 3 work search activities every week. At least 1 of the 3 must be an employer contact (a job interview counts). Search for full-time work unless CTDOL approved a part-time search for a documented medical condition. |
| How you report it | Report your work search activities online when you file your weekly claim. If CTDOL has found you exempt, you will not see the questions. |
| Enter each activity online | Yes, each activity goes into the state system |
| Keep records | Keep all documents for each work search activity for at least 3 years from the date you did it. CTDOL may ask to see them at any time. |
| Agency | Connecticut Department of Labor |
Source: Connecticut Department of Labor (portal.ct.gov), checked 2026-10-20.
What counts as a work search activity in Connecticut
Connecticut Department of Labor lists these:
- Contacting an employer for full-time work (at least one required; a job interview counts)
- A workshop at an American Job Center
- Going to a job fair
- Reemployment services through an American Job Center
- Creating and uploading a resume on CTHires
- Making a profile on a professional networking site
Who does not have to search for work in Connecticut
You do not need to search if you are in CTDOL-approved training, will return to your last employer within 13 weeks, are a union member required to search through the union hall, are in a CTDOL-approved shared work program, are on jury duty, or have a new job starting within 13 weeks. You may be asked for documents.
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 Connecticut
If you want to train for a new job, WIOA can pay for approved training if you qualify. See how WIOA works in Connecticut.
Approved training is on CTDOL's list of exemptions above, so ask CTDOL before you start.