The weekly work search rule in New Jersey
The agency does not post a set number. You must actively search for work each week you claim and do all that is reasonable to get rehired. The agency worksheet says to contact different employers each week.
Answer yes or no to "Were you actively seeking work?" when you certify each week. Keep a list of your employer contacts, because the agency may ask for it at any time during your claim.
File and certify on the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development site. The rules can change, so check NJDOL's work search page if a letter from them says something different.
| New Jersey rule | |
|---|---|
| Each week | The agency does not post a set number. You must actively search for work each week you claim and do all that is reasonable to get rehired. The agency worksheet says to contact different employers each week. |
| How you report it | Answer yes or no to "Were you actively seeking work?" when you certify each week. Keep a list of your employer contacts, because the agency may ask for it at any time during your claim. |
| Enter each activity online | No, you keep your own record |
| Keep records | Keep a record of your work search contacts (date, employer, method, person, position, result). The agency may ask for proof of your search at any time while you are claiming benefits. |
| Agency | New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development |
Source: New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (myunemployment.nj.gov), checked 2026-10-20.
What counts as a work search activity in New Jersey
New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development lists these:
- Telephone contacts with employers
- Internet contacts with employers
- In-person contacts with employers
- Sending resumes
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 New Jersey
If you want to train for a new job, WIOA can pay for approved training if you qualify. See how WIOA works in New Jersey.