The weekly work search rule in Maine
At least 1 work search activity each week, such as applying for a job, contacting an employer about an opening, interviewing, or taking part in a CareerCenter job fair, workshop or reemployment service. Browsing job sites or newspapers does not count. You must also have an active Maine JobLink account.
On your weekly claim, identify the type of work search activity you did and document your contacts. Activities are subject to random audits.
File and certify on the Maine Department of Labor site. The rules can change, so check MDOL's work search page if a letter from them says something different.
| Maine rule | |
|---|---|
| Each week | At least 1 work search activity each week, such as applying for a job, contacting an employer about an opening, interviewing, or taking part in a CareerCenter job fair, workshop or reemployment service. Browsing job sites or newspapers does not count. You must also have an active Maine JobLink account. |
| How you report it | On your weekly claim, identify the type of work search activity you did and document your contacts. Activities are subject to random audits. |
| Enter each activity online | Yes, each activity goes into the state system |
| Keep records | Keep a record of your work search activities, documents and contacts for the weeks you file (business address and phone, contact person, and the position). You may be asked for proof later. |
| Agency | Maine Department of Labor |
Source: Maine Department of Labor (www.maine.gov), checked 2026-10-20.
What counts as a work search activity in Maine
Maine Department of Labor lists these:
- Interviewing for a job you are reasonably qualified for
- Applying for a job you are reasonably qualified for and willing to accept
- A job fair hosted by a CareerCenter
- CareerCenter virtual or in-person reemployment services
- A CareerCenter workshop related to seeking employment
- Contacting an employer about an opening you are interested in
- A Union Hiring Hall, if you are an active member of a qualifying union
Who does not have to search for work in Maine
If you have a definite date to go back to your old employer, you may get a work search waiver for up to six weeks. The waiver covers the final six weeks before you go back to work. Without a set return date, you do not get a waiver.
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 Maine
If you want to train for a new job, WIOA can pay for approved training if you qualify. See how WIOA works in Maine.