RAV Brugg

Your monthly job-search obligation

While you receive unemployment benefit, your RAV expects a fixed number of documented job applications every month — usually between 8 and 12, agreed with your personal counsellor depending on your situation and the local job market. These efforts (Arbeitsbemühungen) must be handed in by the last day of each month, even during your notice period before unemployment officially begins.

• Agree the target number of applications with your counsellor at your first meeting.
• Count spontaneous applications, replies to adverts, phone enquiries and applications via agencies — each one needs a date, the company and the outcome.
• Submit your proof by the last day of the month; late or missing proof can lead to a reduction in benefit (Einstelltage).
• Keep going during your notice period — efforts made before your first day of unemployment also count.

How proof of job-search efforts works

The official proof form is the Stellennachweis (FR: preuves de recherches d'emploi, IT: prova delle ricerche). You can submit it on paper or electronically through job-room.ch. For each application you record the date, the company and address, the role, how you applied (electronic, post, in person or phone) and the result. Most counsellors prefer the electronic form because it is faster to review.

1. Save each job the moment you find it, with the company name, address and the posting link.
2. Record how and when you applied, and update the result when you hear back.
3. At the end of the month, transfer every application onto the Stellennachweis and submit it on job-room.ch.
4. Keep copies of your applications — your counsellor may ask to see them.

Wondering how much benefit you'll receive? Use our free unemployment-benefit calculator →