The Hawaii Unemployment benefits program requires each unemployed worker to actively seek full-time employment by contacting three potential employers when they file a weekly claim for benefits, even if they are already working part-time or attending school.
Work search requirements for the Hawaii unemployment insurance program
Claimants are required to contact a minimum of 3 full-time job contacts every week to show they are willing and available for full-time work.
You will need to verify that you did this when certifying your weekly claim. Keep a written log of your job search contacts in case your claim is selected for a quality control audit, or if you are selected to participate in the Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment program.
Your job search log should include the following information:
- Date of contact
- Employer name, address and phone number
- Method of contact
- Name of person contacted
- Position applied for
- Whether you filed an application
- Result of contact
We recommend using the State of Hawaii’s Record of Contacts worksheet to track your job search activities.
Does everybody need to contact 3 employers?
There are two exceptions to Hawaii’s job search requirements. The first is claimants filing a part-total claim. This is an employee who is attached to a full-time employer, but is temporarily working part-time hours until there is full-time work available. If this is the case, your employer must verify that you have a definite return-to-work date.
The second exception to the work requirement includes workers who are registered and in good standing with a union. These claimants must follow the rules outlined by their union for obtaining new work. Your union must verify with the Hawaii State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations that you are in good standing in order to receive an exemption to the work search requirement.
What is considered a job search contact?
There are several ways to establish a job search contact, including:
- Registering for job opportunities on HireNet Hawaii or private employment agencies.
- Applying for work by submitting resumes or participating in interviews with potential employers.
- Utilizing employment resources available at their local Hawaii American Job Center to identify suitable job openings.
- Attending job fairs, workshops, and seminars aimed at enhancing job-seeking skills.
- Engaging in other job search activities that are commonly practiced by individuals in the same or similar occupation.
Merely setting up a HireNet Hawaii user account is not considered a job search contact. It is necessary to upload your resume and utilize the online services provided to explore current job opportunities and training programs.
Register for work with HireNet Hawaii
After you apply for Hawaii unemployment insurance benefits, you must register for work and create an online resume on HireNet Hawaii. Your online resume must remain active throughout the entire duration of your unemployment claim, and should be posted within 7 days of filing your initial application.
Online resumes expire after 12 months, so it is important to either update and save your current resume or create a new one before it expires. Failure to register on HireNet Hawaii or create an online resume may result in denial or discontinuation of your benefits.
How to create a HireNet Hawaii account
To create a HireNet Hawaii account, visit hirenethawaii.com and complete the following steps:
- Click “Not Registered” under the username field
- Under option 3, click “Individual Registration”
- Read the privacy agreement and click “I agree”
- Create a username and password
- Complete all fields with a red asterisk, including your name, address, phone number, etc. Make sure your contact info is the same as your unemployment claim.
- Under “Unemployment Eligibility Status?” click “Claimant”
- Select “Not Applicable” under “UI Referred by Status”
- Select “No” under “Claimant has been exempted from work search?”
- Click Finish.
You will also need to create and post a resume using the site’s resume builder.
Do I have to accept any job?
If you decline suitable job offers or fail to return to work, your claims will remain unresolved until the UI investigates the reasons for your refusals.
Work that is considered suitable refers to a job that aligns with the individual’s typical occupation or one that they are adequately qualified for. The UI office takes into account different factors to determine if the individual is reasonably fit for a particular job, such as their past income, work experience, and length of time being unemployed.
Hawaii unemployment job training programs
The UI division of Hawaii State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations provides a variety of work search programs to help unemployed residents find jobs. These programs include:
American Jobs Center Hawaii
The American Job Center Hawaii, previously known as Oahu WorkLinks, serves as a comprehensive center that offers no-cost training services to job seekers, and aids employers in finding and training employees. The center also offers youth services, including education, life skills, and job training. American Jobs Center Hawaii is managed by the City and County of Honolulu, and supervised by the Oahu Workforce Development Board.
Hawaii is Hiring
Hawaii is Hiring is a web-based platform that links workers to various job openings, vocational programs, and career guidance services. This online resource offers a user-friendly job board for local job seekers and fresh graduates, as well as easy-to-use educational and training tools that cater to Hawaii’s expanding industries.
Additionally, Hawaii is Hiring helps residents discover short-term certificate courses within their locality. The program provides opportunities to earn while learning, such as internships and apprenticeships, so workers of all ages can acquire fresh skills and prepare to rejoin the workforce.
HireNet Hawaii
HireNet Hawaii is a comprehensive job search engine that combines job listings from numerous local and national job search websites, along with the Hawaii Department of Labor’s job posting database. This platform offers various features to help job seekers, students, case managers, and workforce professionals. These features include creating and sending resumes and cover letters to employers using a professional format, assessing job skills, setting goals, and researching training program providers.
Job seekers can also review available jobs and apply online, set up a virtual recruiter search agent to automatically review job postings, track their job search efforts and resumes sent in a personal profile folder online, and learn about services and benefits they may be eligible for.
Additionally, HireNet Hawaii allows users to determine a budget and plan for training, research regional labor market information such as salaries, and use the email/message center to contact employers and their case manager.
Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment
The Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) is a program designed to support claimants who are receiving regular unemployment insurance (UI) benefits in finding new employment. This program provides individualized reemployment plans and shares information about job training and placement services. The program is administered by the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations’ Unemployment Insurance Division in partnership with the Workforce Development Division (WDD).
Workforce Development job fairs and training workshops
Hawaii’s Workforce Development job fairs and training workshops are designed to help job seekers and employees improve their skills and connect with potential employers. These events provide a platform for individuals to explore various job opportunities and gain industry insights while learning about the latest job market trends. Training workshops are tailored to enhance technical and professional skills, allowing participants to stay competitive and relevant in their respective fields.
These events are also a great way for employers to meet and screen potential candidates, creating a more efficient and effective recruitment process.