EI Job Search Record: What to Log While You Claim

What the rule says

Canada.ca says you must look for a job every day that you receive regular or fishing benefits, and that you must "document all of these job search efforts for the entire duration of your claim." The rule applies whether or not Service Canada asks to see your record.

The official page also says employers do not need to sign your job search form or give you a letter confirming an application. You should never pay anyone for proof of your job search.

What to write down

The official page lists four things to record for each job search effort:

• the dates
• the names of the employers you contacted and their contact information
• the type of work you were looking for
• the results

A simple table with one row per contact covers all four. Keep it in a safe place, such as a spreadsheet or a dated folder, and back it up.

What counts as a job search activity

Canada.ca lists these as reasonable job search activities: assessing job opportunities, preparing a résumé or cover letter, registering with job banks or employment agencies, attending job fairs or workshops, networking, contacting prospective employers, submitting applications, attending interviews, and evaluating your skills.

Looking at newspapers and online job postings is also reasonable. In communities with few jobs, the page lists talking with former colleagues, friends and community centres as minimum activities, along with applying for any suitable openings.

Where the official rules stop

The official pages do not say how long you must keep the record after your claim ends, and they do not give a required number of employers or applications. Do not treat any number from a blog or calculator as an official requirement.

For your own case, ask Service Canada at 1-800-206-7218 what they expect, and keep your record in the meantime.