The weekly work search rule in Iowa
Complete at least 4 reemployment activities each week (Sunday through Saturday). At least 3 of the 4 must be job applications. Applying for the same job with the same employer within six weeks does not count.
Enter each job application and activity in the Job Contact and Reemployment Activity Log on iowaworks.gov, with details such as employer name, address, contact method, job title and date. Then certify them when you file your weekly claim. You cannot change them after you certify.
File and certify on the Iowa Workforce Development site. The rules can change, so check IWD's work search page if a letter from them says something different.
| Iowa rule | |
|---|---|
| Each week | Complete at least 4 reemployment activities each week (Sunday through Saturday). At least 3 of the 4 must be job applications. Applying for the same job with the same employer within six weeks does not count. |
| How you report it | Enter each job application and activity in the Job Contact and Reemployment Activity Log on iowaworks.gov, with details such as employer name, address, contact method, job title and date. Then certify them when you file your weekly claim. You cannot change them after you certify. |
| Enter each activity online | Yes, each activity goes into the state system |
| Agency | Iowa Workforce Development |
Source: Iowa Workforce Development (workforce.iowa.gov), checked 2026-10-20.
What counts as a work search activity in Iowa
Iowa Workforce Development lists these:
- Applying for a job by resume or application (online, in person, email, fax or mail)
- Taking a civil service exam
- Registering with a school or college placement office (once per benefit year)
- Interviewing for a job
- Attending any IowaWORKS workshop
- Attending a job fair sponsored by IowaWORKS or partners
- Attending a scheduled career networking meeting with an IowaWORKS office
- Creating a reemployment plan with staff
- Meeting with a Career Planner at an IowaWORKS office
- Meeting with a core WIOA partner
- A mock interview at IowaWORKS
Who does not have to search for work in Iowa
The department may waive the requirement if you are temporarily unemployed and expect to be recalled within about four weeks, or if you are in school and approved for Department Approved Training (DAT).
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 Iowa
If you want to train for a new job, WIOA can pay for approved training if you qualify. See how WIOA works in Iowa.
Approved training is on IWD's list of exemptions above, so ask IWD before you start.