The weekly work search rule in Montana
At least 1 work search contact each week. You must actually apply for a job (an application, a resume, or a job interview) with an employer who is hiring, during the week you claim. You cannot use the same employer two weeks in a row unless the employer asks or it is a different position.
Answer the question "Did you submit a job application/resume or have an interview?" on your weekly payment request and enter each employer, the position, the date, how you applied, and the result. If the information is missing or incomplete, you are denied benefits for that week.
File and certify on the Montana Department of Labor & Industry site. The rules can change, so check DLI's work search page if a letter from them says something different.
| Montana rule | |
|---|---|
| Each week | At least 1 work search contact each week. You must actually apply for a job (an application, a resume, or a job interview) with an employer who is hiring, during the week you claim. You cannot use the same employer two weeks in a row unless the employer asks or it is a different position. |
| How you report it | Answer the question "Did you submit a job application/resume or have an interview?" on your weekly payment request and enter each employer, the position, the date, how you applied, and the result. If the information is missing or incomplete, you are denied benefits for that week. |
| Enter each activity online | Yes, each activity goes into the state system |
| Keep records | Keep a detailed record of each work search contact (business name, person contacted, date, position, phone number, web address if online, and result) for 3 years in case your claim is audited. Keep copies of online application confirmations. |
| Agency | Montana Department of Labor & Industry |
Source: Montana Department of Labor & Industry (uid.dli.mt.gov), checked 2026-10-20.
What counts as a work search activity in Montana
Montana Department of Labor & Industry lists these:
- Completing a job application
- Submitting a resume
- Going to a job interview
- Signing up with a temporary hiring agency (counts only once)
Who does not have to search for work in Montana
You may not have to look for work while in Department of Labor & Industry approved training, or if you are job attached (a return or hire date at 30 or more hours a week) or union attached (a union with a hiring hall, dues current, and on the out-of-work list). The Division verifies attachment.
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 Montana
If you want to train for a new job, WIOA can pay for approved training if you qualify. See how WIOA works in Montana.
Approved training is on DLI's list of exemptions above, so ask DLI before you start.