The Maine Department of Labor has said that the following activities meet the work search requirement:
- Applying for a job for which you are reasonably qualified
- Interviewing for a job for which you are reasonably qualified
- Contacting an employer to inquire as to whether the employer is hiring
- Participating in networking events related to a job or occupation for which you are reasonably qualified
- Participating in professional job-related education or skills development
- Attending a job fair/virtual job fair hosted by a CareerCenter
- Participating in CareerCenter virtual reemployment services
- Participating in a CareerCenter virtual workshop
- If you participate in any of these activities each week, you should be eligible to continue to receive benefits.
The certification form you will be asked to fill out will look like this:
![](https://maineworkers.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Screen-Shot-2020-09-14-at-8.11.01-PM-1024x773.png)
If you applied for or interviewed for a job, or otherwise searched for work (i.e. by contacting a prospective employer to ask about a job, etc.), you should answer “yes” to the first question and answer “yes” to the second question and indicate which activity you did. If you did not apply for or interview for a job, but you participated in any of the other professional or skill development activities listed, you should answer “no” to the first question, but answer “yes” to the second question and indicate in which activity you participated.
More frequently asked questions:
- How many weeks will I receive benefits?
- I lost my job during the pandemic, but I have not yet applied for benefits. Am I still eligible? How do I apply?
- Am I required to look for work in order to receive unemployment benefits?
- What counts as engaging in work search activities?
- What if I am required to look for work to keep my benefits, but cannot because myself or a family member/ household member is part of an at risk group and can’t risk being exposed to COVID-19?
- What if my employer asks me to return to work, but I am unable to do so due to concerns related to COVID-19?
- What if I am offered a job, but I cannot start the job due to concerns about exposure to COVID-19 or because I need to care for a child or other family member?
- I need to stay home from work because I have coronavirus/I have been advised or ordered to self-quarantine. What can I do to receive income while I am not working?
- A close family member of mine has COVID-19, and I will stay home from work to take care of them. What can I do to receive income while I’m not working?
- I am self-employed or a gig worker and have been receiving the minimum weekly benefit. How do I know if I am eligible for a higher benefit? How do I submit proof of income?
- If I am receiving unemployment benefits, and I am working part time or earning money from gig work, How do I fill out my weekly claim?
- Information on Overpayments due to error or appeal reversal
For all frequently asked questions, you can download a copy of our Know Your Rights document here.