Short answer. At least 4 work search actions each week; more are encouraged. Use the Weekly Work Search Entry Form at my.unemployment.wisconsin.gov (My UI Home, Enter Work Search); entries are added to your weekly claim when you file it.
4 a week
Wisconsin minimum, per Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) (checked November 2026)
Wisconsin work search rules at a glance
- Agency
- Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD)
- Each week
- At least 4 work search actions each week; more are encouraged.
- How to report
- Use the Weekly Work Search Entry Form at my.unemployment.wisconsin.gov (My UI Home, Enter Work Search); entries are added to your weekly claim when you file it.
- Official log
- Sample work search log (UCB-12-E)
- Keeping records
- Keep proof of your work search actions for one year; UI conducts work search audits.
What counts in Wisconsin
- Mandatory Job Center of Wisconsin registration or re-employment services
- Submitting a résumé or application to an employer with openings
- Applying for a civil service position
- Non-mandatory Job Center of Wisconsin re-employment services
- First-time registration with a placement facility, staffing agency or recruiter
- First-time posting of a résumé on an employment website
- Meeting with a career counselor
- A job interview
- A professional networking group or event
- Creating a professional networking profile
- Using mySkills myFuture
Doesn't count in Wisconsin:
- Viewing job leads without applying
- Contacting an employer only to learn there are no openings
- Reapplying to the same employer within 4 weeks without a new job
- Reposting the same résumé unless applying for a specific job
When Wisconsin may not require a search
- Laid off with a reasonable expectation of returning to your employer within 8 weeks (12 with employer verification)
- A new job starting within 4 weeks, verified by DWD
- Union referral members on a DWD-approved union's out-of-work list
- Jury duty
- Department-approved training
- Working 32 or more hours that week
- Working for an employer you work for on more than a temporary basis
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 Wisconsin contact
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) lists these details. The log below uses them as its columns:
- Date
- Employer or organization
- Phone
- Person contacted
- Their title
- Proof kept
Print this week's Wisconsin log
Pick a day to build this week's Wisconsin log.
Not stated on the Wisconsin pages we checked: job bank registration. Check the official links below or your notice from the agency.
Official Wisconsin links
Last checked November 2026.
General information checked against the official Wisconsin 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.
Wisconsin work search questions
How many work search activities does Wisconsin require each week?
At least 4 work search actions each week; more are encouraged.
What counts as a work search activity in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) lists: mandatory Job Center of Wisconsin registration or re-employment services; submitting a résumé or application to an employer with openings; applying for a civil service position; non-mandatory Job Center of Wisconsin re-employment services; first-time registration with a placement facility, staffing agency or recruiter; first-time posting of a résumé on an employment website; meeting with a career counselor; a job interview; a professional networking group or event; creating a professional networking profile; using mySkills myFuture. It doesn't count: viewing job leads without applying; contacting an employer only to learn there are no openings; reapplying to the same employer within 4 weeks without a new job; reposting the same résumé unless applying for a specific job.
How do I report my work search in Wisconsin?
Use the Weekly Work Search Entry Form at my.unemployment.wisconsin.gov (My UI Home, Enter Work Search); entries are added to your weekly claim when you file it.
How long should I keep my Wisconsin work search records?
Keep proof of your work search actions for one year; UI conducts work search audits.
Who doesn't have to search for work in Wisconsin?
The official page lists: laid off with a reasonable expectation of returning to your employer within 8 weeks (12 with employer verification); a new job starting within 4 weeks, verified by DWD; union referral members on a DWD-approved union's out-of-work list; jury duty; department-approved training; working 32 or more hours that week; working for an employer you work for on more than a temporary basis. The agency decides whether one applies to you.
Compare every state: work search requirements by state · Weekly log for any state · Vermont work search