The weekly work search rule in New York
At least 3 work search activities each week, unless you have an approved Work Search Plan; then do what the plan says. You are encouraged to do more.
When you certify each week, the system asks whether you completed at least three work search activities or followed a work search plan. Keep a Work Search Record online in JobZone or on paper (form WS5), and give it to the Department of Labor only if asked.
File and certify on the New York State Department of Labor site. The rules can change, so check NYSDOL's work search page if a letter from them says something different.
| New York rule | |
|---|---|
| Each week | At least 3 work search activities each week, unless you have an approved Work Search Plan; then do what the plan says. You are encouraged to do more. |
| How you report it | When you certify each week, the system asks whether you completed at least three work search activities or followed a work search plan. Keep a Work Search Record online in JobZone or on paper (form WS5), and give it to the Department of Labor only if asked. |
| Enter each activity online | No, you keep your own record |
| Keep records | Keep a Work Search Record for each week you claim, with dates, employers, contact details, people contacted, methods and positions, plus proof such as application printouts. If you use paper records, keep copies for one year. JobZone stores online records for you. |
| Agency | New York State Department of Labor |
Source: New York State Department of Labor (dol.ny.gov), checked 2026-10-20.
What counts as a work search activity in New York
New York State Department of Labor lists these:
- Using Career Center services (advisors, job market information, skills assessments, workshops, job referrals)
- Submitting job applications or resumes to employers
- Job search seminars, career networking meetings, job fairs or workshops
- Interviewing with employers
- Registering for or taking job-related or pre-hire tests, including civil service exams
- Registering and following up with employment agencies, placement services, unions, or school and professional placement offices
- Using the phone, internet, social media or job matching systems to find jobs, leads, referrals or interviews
- Working during the week you claim (report all work when certifying)
- Any other reasonable activity that may help you get a job
Who does not have to search for work in New York
You are exempt if you are on a temporary or seasonal layoff with a written return date of up to eight weeks, a union member who must get work through the union, in Department of Labor approved training, serving on a jury, in an approved Shared Work or Self Employment Assistance Program, covered by another legal exemption, or have accepted a job that starts within a reasonable time.
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 York
If you want to train for a new job, WIOA can pay for approved training if you qualify. See how WIOA works in New York.
Approved training is on NYSDOL's list of exemptions above, so ask NYSDOL before you start.