If you are receiving unemployment benefits in New Mexico, you are required to look for a job. This means you are required to keep a record of the things you do to find a new job each week you’re receiving benefits.
Work search requirements for the New Mexico Unemployment Insurance program
The federal government requires unemployed workers to make a good-faith effort to find new employment.
You are required to make a minimum of two (2) work search contacts each week to remain eligible for benefits.
You will need to keep a record of the following information for each contact:
- The day you made contact
- The type of job you applied for
- The name of the employer or website you contacted
- The way you contacted them (phone, email, website)
- The result of your contact (like if you got an interview)
The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions has provided a work search log template to make tracking this information as easy as possible.
The department routinely asks for these logs as part of their audits for unemployment fraud, so it is highly recommended that you file it away in your personal records. You will need to keep this log for eight years following your unemployment claim. You will also be asked to provide the information of the employers you contacted as part of your weekly certification claim.
What is considered a work search activity?
Unemployment compensation is meant to help workers until they can find a new job. The goal of this aid is to help you cover your expenses while you search for new employment.
In order to keep receiving UI benefits, you must actively search for new job opportunities. As long as you keep looking for work, you can receive benefits for as long as you are eligible.
If you are offered a suitable job, you are generally required to accept it, unless you have a valid reason not to.
The following actions are considered acceptable work search activities by the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions:
- Searching for jobs on state.nm.us
- Applying for a job you’re qualified for
- Going to an interview for a job you’re qualified for
- Taking a skills test to get a job you’re qualified for
- Asking an employer if they’re hiring
- Getting referred to a job by a state workforce center
- Putting your resume on a job board online
- Making a career plan with a state workforce center
- Using online career tools
- Going to workshops or events to find a new job or improve your skills
- Getting help from a career consultant at a New Mexico Workforce Connection Center
- Using labor market information to help you find a job
- Participating in workshops or tests to help you find a job that matches your skills.
Work Registration
After applying for New Mexico unemployment benefits, you are required to register as a job seeker at jobs.state.nm.us or by visiting your local Workforce Connection Center. You must register within 14 days of filing for unemployment.
If you file for benefits outside of New Mexico state, you may be required to register for work with your local unemployment office.
Do I have to accept any job?
Suitable work, as it relates to New Mexico unemployment benefits, refers to a job that is considered appropriate for you based on your skills, education, experience, and previous job duties.
The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions determines what kind of work is suitable for you based on your work history and current job market conditions.
If you are receiving UI benefits, you are required to accept any offer of suitable work that comes your way, unless you have a good reason not to.
You don’t have to take a job if:
- It’s not safe, or it goes against your values
- You’re not physically fit or experienced enough for the job
- It’s too far away from where you live
- The pay, hours, or conditions aren’t as good as other jobs like it in your area
- The job is open only because of a labor strike or lockout
- The job is only available to people who join a company union. On the same note, you can’t be forced to quit a union you’re already in.
If you’ve been unemployed for a long time, you may need to look for jobs outside your usual field and be willing to take a job with lower pay.
New Mexico Unemployment Job Training Programs
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeship programs are designed to help individuals gain practical experience in skilled occupations. These programs combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction.
Employers help identify the skills needed for a particular job, and participants learn these skills through hands-on training and study. The length of the program will depend on the occupation and whether it is registered. The good news is that participants earn wages while they are being trained.
The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions can help cover the cost of tuition, training fees, and supplies. Participants who complete the program will receive a certificate, degree, or credential, and may be offered a higher wage by their employer.
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation is a program that helps people with disabilities find jobs that are a good fit for them. It is funded by both the state and federal governments.
The New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation has a great track record of helping people with disabilities find jobs that suit them. They also work with companies and agencies that want to improve their workforce by hiring people with disabilities.
Internships
Internships are a type of work experience that can be very helpful for students, employers, and professionals who want to advance their careers. They allow employers to find talented workers in a very competitive job market and improve the skills of their current employees. For students, internships provide a chance to use what they’ve learned in school in a real-life job, while experienced professionals can use them to try out new career paths or come back to work after taking a break.
New Mexico Workforce Connection Centers
The New Mexico Workforce Connection Centers are not just a place to register for work and unemployment insurance benefits. Each local office offers assistance with job searching, resume writing, interviewing skills, and career counseling. The centers also provide access to job listings, training and education programs, and information on labor market trends.
The New Mexico Workforce Connection Centers aim to connect job seekers with employers and provide the resources necessary for individuals to achieve their career goals.
New Mexico Works
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program gives families in need a monthly cash benefit that can be used for basic necessities like housing, utilities, and clothing. New Mexico Works helps people in the TANF program find career opportunities by providing access to the Career Link and Wage Subsidy programs.
The New Mexico Department of Workforce Services pays participants to work with government agencies or private-sector employers that provide mentorship and support. Employers can use Career Link and Wage Subsidy programs to offer flexible hiring options and give back to the community as work site partners.
Mock it Til You Rock it
Mock It Till You Rock It! is a program that helps students in New Mexico improve their soft skills and feel less anxious about their first interviews for college or a job. The program aims to boost students’ confidence by recognizing their strengths during mock interviews and providing feedback in a stress-free environment.
Senior Services
New Mexico Senior Services offers a variety of resources and programs to assist seniors in their job search.
The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is a program specifically designed for low-income job seekers aged 55 and over. SCSEP provides participants with training opportunities to improve their skills and increase their chances of finding employment.
The Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) also offer job search assistance to seniors by providing information on job openings and connecting them with local employers.
Additionally, the Senior Employment Program (SEP) offers job opportunities for seniors in various positions, including part-time and full-time positions.
Veteran Services
New Mexico has various services available to support veterans seeking employment. The NM Department of Veterans Services provides assistance with job training, resume development, and job placement. Veterans receive priority service when seeking assistance.
The Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) also offers a range of services to help veterans find employment, including job search assistance, career counseling, and vocational training.
Why I Work
Why I Work is a tool to help you make a budget. It shows you how much money you need to earn to pay for the things you want and need. It’s important to know how much you need to earn if you’re looking for a job or trying to decide on a career path. This way, you can make smart decisions that are right for you.
WorkKeys
WorkKeys is a system used to measure the job skills that are most important to employers. It assesses skills that are needed for many types of jobs, regardless of how much education you have. The system is designed to be an efficient and effective way to show employers that you have the skills they need.
WorkKeys uses a job profiling component to determine the specific skills required for a particular job. Then, you take assessments to measure your skills and compare them to the job requirements. This helps employers find the right candidates for their jobs and saves them time and money in the hiring process.
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