The weekly work search rule in Louisiana
At least 5 work search activities each week if you filed your claim on or after January 4, 2026. If you first applied before January 4, 2026, the rule is 3 work search activities each week.
Report your work search activities each week when you file your weekly claim, online in HiRE or by the automated phone line.
File and certify on the Louisiana Workforce Commission (Louisiana Works) site. The rules can change, so check LWC's work search page if a letter from them says something different.
| Louisiana rule | |
|---|---|
| Each week | At least 5 work search activities each week if you filed your claim on or after January 4, 2026. If you first applied before January 4, 2026, the rule is 3 work search activities each week. |
| How you report it | Report your work search activities each week when you file your weekly claim, online in HiRE or by the automated phone line. |
| Enter each activity online | Yes, each activity goes into the state system |
| Keep records | Keep a detailed record of your work search activities. You may have to show proof later. |
| Agency | Louisiana Workforce Commission (Louisiana Works) |
Source: Louisiana Workforce Commission (Louisiana Works) (www.laworks.net), checked 2026-10-20.
What counts as a work search activity in Louisiana
Louisiana Workforce Commission (Louisiana Works) lists these:
- Applying for jobs online, in person, or through job boards and staffing agencies
- Attending interviews (in person, by phone, or virtually)
- Registering with job placement services or staffing agencies
- Using reemployment services like workshops, training, or career counseling
- Job fairs, networking events, or job clubs
- Updating your resume, cover letter, or job profiles (with real changes)
- Taking a civil service or industry certification test
- Looking for freelance, gig, or contract work
- Any other activity Louisiana Works approves that supports your job search
Who does not have to search for work in Louisiana
Some claimants do not have to do work search activities, including people on a temporary layoff with a definite return-to-work date, union members, and people in approved training. The agency will tell you if this applies to you.
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 Louisiana
If you want to train for a new job, WIOA can pay for approved training if you qualify. See how WIOA works in Louisiana.
Approved training is on LWC's list of exemptions above, so ask LWC before you start.