Short answer. At least 3 work search activities each week; more are encouraged. Keep an online Work Search Record in JobZone (linked when you claim weekly) or a written one on Form WS5, with supporting documents.
3 a week
the state minimum, per New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) (checked November 2026)
New York work search rules at a glance
- Agency
- New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL)
- Each week
- 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.
- Official log
- Work Search Record (WS5)
- Keeping records
- If you keep a paper Work Search Record, keep copies for one year. JobZone stores online records automatically.
- Job bank
- JobZone. NYSDOL's work search FAQ lists JobZone as a resource for meeting the work search requirement; it doesn't make registration a requirement.
What counts in New York
- 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
When New York may not require a search
- 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
The agency decides whether any of these applies to you; don't assume one does until it tells you.
What to write down for each New York contact
New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) lists these details. The log below uses them as its columns:
Back on the job hunt? A resume rewritten for the job you want.
- Date
- Activity
- Employer or organization
- Address, website or email
- Phone
- Person contacted
- Their title
- Job title or type of work
- How you made contact
- Result
Print this week's New York log
Pick a day to build this week's New York log.
Official New York links
- New York: where to report
- New York: list of activities
- Work Search Record (WS5)
- NYSDOL: Work Search Record (WS 5, 01/26)
Last checked November 2026.
General information checked against the official New York pages above. It's an organizer, not legal or benefits advice: the state agency decides whether your search meets its rules, and your own notices from it come first. MCC Solutions isn't affiliated with any state agency. The log builder runs in your browser; nothing you enter is sent or saved.
New York work search questions
How many work search activities does New York require each week?
At least 3 work search activities each week; more are encouraged.
What counts as a work search activity in New York?
New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) lists: 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.
How do I report my work search in New York?
Keep an online Work Search Record in JobZone (linked when you claim weekly) or a written one on Form WS5, with supporting documents.
How long should I keep my New York work search records?
If you keep a paper Work Search Record, keep copies for one year. JobZone stores online records automatically.
Do I have to register with JobZone?
NYSDOL's work search FAQ lists JobZone as a resource for meeting the work search requirement; it doesn't make registration a requirement.
Who doesn't have to search for work in New York?
The official page lists: 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. The agency decides whether one applies to you.
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