New York Unemployment Checklist: Weekly Work Search Rules, Excel Log and Documents to Gather

Who it is for

People claiming unemployment in New York who need to keep a weekly work search record for New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL), and family members helping them stay organized.

Not the right fit if

You claim unemployment in a state other than New York, or you need help with a denied claim or an appeal: this organizes the weekly work search record and doesn't advise on eligibility.

Why it is different

• Built only from our New York work search data file, checked November 2026 against 1 official page: NYSDOL: Work search frequently asked questions.
• 4 items the official pages didn't state are printed as "Not confirmed — check" with the agency's page, never guessed.
• The Excel summary flags any week with fewer than 3 logged activities, recalculating with zero formula errors.

What is inside

• New York weekly work search log (Excel). A log with general columns (Date, Activity, Employer or organization, Address, website or email, How you made contact, Result), since the official pages we checked didn't list required fields, a weekly summary that counts your activities against New York's 3 per week and a documents checklist.
• Start here: New York filing and work search steps. The 7 facts New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL)'s pages confirm, each with its source and check date, and 4 marked "Not confirmed — check": official list of activities, what to record for each activity, job bank registration, how the week is counted. The weekly requirement, in the agency's words: At least 3 work search activities each week; more are encouraged. How to report: Keep an online Work Search Record in JobZone (linked when you claim weekly) or a written one on Form WS5, with supporting documents. Activities New York counts: career Center or virtual career center services (advisor meetings, skills assessments, workshops); submitting job applications or résumés to employers who may have openings; job fairs, networking meetings or employment-related workshops; interviewing with potential employers; taking job-related or civil service tests; registering with private employment agencies, unions or school placement offices; using online tools, social media or business directories to find jobs; any other reasonable activity that may help you find work. Records: If you keep a paper Work Search Record, keep copies for one year. JobZone stores online records automatically. Who may not have to search, per the agency: temporary or seasonal layoff with a written return-to-work date up to eight consecutive weeks away; union members who must get work through the union; department-approved training, including Labor Law section 599 programs; jury service; an approved Shared Work or Self Employment Assistance Program; accepting a bona fide job offer starting within a reasonable time.
• Documents to gather. A checklist of the papers a claim usually asks for (IDs, employer names and dates, pay records, separation papers), with space for anything New York's application adds.
• Printable weekly work search log. A paper version of the log, one week per page, for claimants who prefer to write it down.