Georgia Work Search Requirements

You are required to make a good faith effort to find another job as soon as possible. You can only be paid for weeks during which you actively seek work. Unless the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) specifically exempts you under our law from this requirement, you are required to make a minimum of three new reportable job contacts each week. These contacts must be with employers not previously contacted. Employer contacts can include those made in person, by telephone, online or by résumés faxed, mailed, or emailed.

You are required to keep a detailed record of your work search activities and submit evidence by Internet or fax of three verifiable contacts as a part of your weekly certification. This involves development of a realistic work search plan to achieve this objective. A primary component of your re-employment plan will be to make as many employer contacts as it takes to get a job.

Keep good work search records. GDOL verifies work search contacts. You may be selected at any time for an audit or eligibility review. Work search record details depend on the type of work search activities. Your record of employer contacts should include the following:

  • date of contact
  • name of the company or other identifying information such as a job reference number
  • person contacted
  • company address, phone number, email, or web link
  • position title
  • method of contact
  • results of contact


The Work Search Record in your Claimant Handbook can be used to document your employer contacts. Failure to provide at least three work search contacts weekly and meet all other eligibility requirements may result in a denial of benefits, delayed payment, or possible overpayment and penalties.

Work Search Plan

Use the following tips to develop your work search plan:

Assess and evaluate your job search-related needs and create a written job search plan which identifies your strengths, weaknesses, and barriers to employment. GDOL staff will be happy to assist you in developing your plan.

Learn as much as you can about finding a job: Your local GDOL Career Center offers an array of employment and training services to assist you. Services and resources offered through the career center may include: job listings and referrals; job search assistance; a career research library and labor market information; access to telephones, fax machines, copiers, and computers including Internet access, online job banks and résumé writing assistance; as well as information on education and training services. Access a variety of information and resources for Job Seekers.

Organize your time: Make a daily "to do" list of job search activities.

Prepare: Make a list of your skills and experiences. This list can help you fill out job applications, prepare résumés, or provide information during job interviews.

Network: Ask friends and relatives if they know of job openings. Most job leads come from word-of-mouth referrals. Check newspaper ads, employment and temporary agencies, libraries, colleges or schools, and community organizations. Follow up quickly on leads.

Sell yourself: First impressions are important. Arrive early for interviews. Dress appropriately for all interviews and employer contacts, even if you are only picking up a job application. Go alone.

When applicable, contact the employer or check the employer's website for instructions on how to apply. Follow up on any instructions the employer gives you.

As your period of unemployment lengthens, consider accepting lower wages or alternative suitable work. To remain eligible for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits, you will be required to lower your wage demands and look for work in other occupations or areas in which you qualify.

Submitting your work search

The faster, preferred method is to submit weekly work search records by Internet. Computers are available at your local GDOL Career Center. It is recommended you submit your work search immediately upon completing your weekly certification by Internet or Interactive Voice Response (IVR).

If you do not have access to the Internet, you can fax your records. You must use the GDOL Download this pdf file.Weekly Work Search Record (DOL 2798). This is the only form that will be accepted. Please fax your weekly records to one of the following numbers: 404.525.3605, 404.525.3606 or 1.877.302.1573. Be sure to include your name and social security number on each form.

All information requested must be provided to meet all eligibility requirements. Failure to submit records of at least three work search contacts weekly and meet all other eligibility requirements may result in a denial of benefits, delayed payment, or possible overpayment and penalties.

Georgia Work Search Requirement FAQs

Q: How will I submit my work search if I don't have access to a computer?

A: The preferred method for submitting your work search is online. Resource computers are available for your use at each GDOL career center. If you are unable to enter your work search online, you may download the Weekly Work Search Record, DOL-2798, on our website (www.dol.state.ga.us) and make copies to fax in each week. Please fax your weekly records to one of the following numbers: 404.525.3605, 404.525.3606 or 1.877.302.1573. Be sure to include your name and social security number on each form.

Q: How many days of the week must I look for work?

A: You are required to make a good faith effort to find another job which means seeking work several days each week. You are required to make and report at least three, new, verifiable job contacts each week. Searching for work daily will incrase your opportunities and result in a quicker return to work.

Q: Where do I report my weekly work search on your website?

A: You can report your weekly work search by selecting the Learn About Work Search Requirements under the “Let Us Help You” section on the GDOL home page.

Q: What is acceptable when contacting the same employer multiple times?

A: It is acceptable to report the same employer more than once when the methods of contact are different and the contacts made after the initial contact bring you a step closer to obtaining a job.

Q: I am receiving EUC and was reporting two contacts per week on different days. Why must I now report three contacts?

A: Effective February 24, 2013, eligibility requirements for all claimants changed. Claimants must report a minimum of three new, verifiable job contacts each week to GDOL by Internet or fax. These contacts are subject to audit and verification by GDOL. The contacts do not have to be made on different days.

Q: Do I have to report a work search since I am Claimant Trainee and turn in my blue-slip every week?

A: Claimant Trainees are not responsible for reporting work search. If you complete your classes and are no longer in the claimant trainee program, you will be required to report three new, verifiable work search contacts each week.

Q: When I complete my training program, am I required to meet the weekly work search requirements?

A: Yes, you must contact your local career center immediately to advise them you have completed your training. You will then be required to meet the weekly work search requirements.

Q: Do I have to search for work now since I was told that I did not have to meet weekly work search requirements?

A: If you are exempt under Georgia Employment Security Law, these do not apply to you. However, if your status changes at a later date and you are no longer exempt, you will be responsible for meeting the work search requirements.

Q: What are the consequences if | fail to provide sufficient weekly work search contacts?

A: Failure to provide at least three work search contacts weekly and meet all other eligibility requirements may result in a denial of benefits, delayed payment, or possible overpayment and penalties.