EDD phone interview tomorrow - nervous they're trying to disqualify me, need advice ASAP!

I had my phone interview last month. Don't stress too much! These are standard procedure for many claims, not because they're specifically targeting you. Here's what to prepare: 1. Have your separation letter/documentation ready 2. Know your exact last day worked and reason for separation 3. Have your work search records handy (they might ask) 4. Be honest but concise - don't volunteer extra information 5. Write down key points you want to make about your separation My interview was scheduled for 15 minutes but only took about 8. The interviewer was actually quite nice and just verified the information I had already provided on my application. Make sure you're available at the scheduled time and keep your phone charged!

thy absolutely ARE trying to disqualify u!! my interview was a DISASTER bcause the lady kept cutting me off & twisting my words. ended up getting disqualified because they said I wasn't "available for work" which was BS. had to go through the whole appeal process which took like 2 months!! make sure u record the call (tell them ur recording) and dont let them rush you!!

EDD phone interviews are designed to resolve eligibility issues, not to disqualify you. The employer's job posting after laying you off is concerning though, as it could imply they had work available. Here's how to handle this specific situation: - If asked why you left, stick to "laid off due to lack of work" as that's what your employer told you - If they mention the job posting, explain you were unaware of it and would have stayed if the position remained available - For the interview itself, answer questions directly and truthfully without elaboration - If you disagree with something, state your perspective calmly and factually - Have your employment start/end dates, final pay information, and separation notice ready The interviewer will likely focus on your separation circumstances. They're required to verify eligibility, but in my experience helping clients, most legitimate claims are approved following the interview process. Stay calm and stick to facts.

Just went through this last week! My interview was scheduled for 2:30pm but the EDD rep called at 4pm 🙄 So definitely keep your phone nearby for a few hours after the scheduled time just in case. They asked me: - Exact last day worked - Reason for separation in my own words - If I received any severance or vacation payout - Why I think I'm eligible for benefits - If I'm able and available for work I was super nervous too but it was actually pretty quick! My determination was approved 2 days later. Just be honest and don't overthink your answers. Good luck!!

I've been on unemployment like 4 times in the past and I swear the phone interviews are NEVER on time. I had one where they called 2 hours late! And i've had some where they asked a ton of questions and others where it was super basic. Totally depends on who you get.

To answer your follow-up question: Mentioning the lower salary posting is actually relevant information. You should explain factually: "I was laid off due to lack of work, but later noticed my position posted at a lower salary. I was never offered the option to continue at the reduced rate." This helps establish that you didn't voluntarily quit, which is important for eligibility. Regarding work search questions: They may ask about your job search efforts, but that's typically not the focus of eligibility interviews. Still, be prepared to discuss 2-3 recent job applications if asked. Focus on positions that match your skills/experience to demonstrate you're making reasonable efforts.

Since ur having trouble reaching EDD on the phone, u should try Claimyr. I wasted DAYS trying to get through to EDD myself but Claimyr got me connected to an agent in less than 30 minutes. They have a service that navigates the phone system for you and calls you back when they've got an agent on the line. Totally worth checking out their site at claimyr.com - they even have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Might be helpful if you have questions after your interview or if you need to follow up about anything!

They only charge if they actually connect you. It was worth it for me cuz I was going crazy trying to get through myself!

Watch out cuz sometimes they ask trick questions!!!! Like my interviewer asked me "Would you be willing to accept a position similar to your last job?" and I said "depends on the salary" and they used that as an excuse to deny me for being too picky about work!!! Just say YES to everything about being available for work!

It's totally normal to feel nervous! One thing that helped me was making a little script with bullet points about my separation so I wouldn't forget important details when nervous. Also, their determination isn't made during the call - the interviewer just collects information and then a separate decision is made later. So even if you feel like the call didn't go great, you could still be approved! Keep us posted on how it goes tomorrow. Sending good vibes!

Hey William! I just went through this same situation about 3 weeks ago - also got laid off for "lack of work" and then saw my old position posted online. It's so frustrating but don't let it psych you out! A few things that really helped me during my interview: - I wrote down the exact wording from my termination letter beforehand so I could reference it if needed - When they asked about being available for work, I mentioned specific steps I'm taking (updating LinkedIn, checking job boards daily, etc.) - The interviewer actually seemed impressed that I was being proactive about my job search The whole thing took maybe 12 minutes and was way less intimidating than I expected. Most of the questions were just confirming info I'd already provided in my initial claim. One tip: if they do ask about that job posting, just explain that you weren't aware of any available work when you were separated and would have gladly continued working if given the option. Stay factual and don't get emotional about it. You've got this! The fact that you're preparing and asking for advice shows you're taking it seriously. Good luck tomorrow! 🤞

Just wanted to chime in as someone who's helped friends through this process - you're doing all the right things by preparing and asking questions! One thing I noticed from reading through everyone's experiences is that timing seems really inconsistent. Definitely keep your phone nearby for several hours around your scheduled time. I'd suggest putting it on "Do Not Disturb" except for unknown numbers so you don't miss the call. Also, remember that this interview is really just about verifying the information you already provided. They're not trying to "gotcha" - they just need to make sure everything checks out. The fact that your employer is being weird about posting your job doesn't reflect poorly on you at all. Write down a few key points tonight: - Your exact last day of work - The reason your employer gave for the layoff - That you're actively job searching and available for work - Any documentation you have about your separation You'll do great! These interviews sound way scarier than they actually are. Most people get approved after going through this process.

Hey William! I just had my EDD interview last Tuesday and wanted to share what helped me get through it successfully. The biggest thing is to stay calm and remember that most of these interviews are just routine verification - they're not out to get you. Here's what actually happened during mine: - They called about 20 minutes late (so definitely keep your phone close!) - Asked for my full name and last 4 of SSN to verify identity - Confirmed my last day worked and final paycheck date - Asked me to explain in my own words why I'm no longer working - Wanted to know if I received any severance or vacation payout - Asked if I'm actively looking for work and available to start immediately The whole thing took maybe 10 minutes. I had all my paperwork spread out in front of me but honestly only needed to reference my termination letter once. For your situation with the job posting - if they ask about it, just say you were told there was no work available when you were laid off, and you only discovered the posting later while job searching. Don't overthink it! One last tip: speak slowly and clearly. I was so nervous I was talking super fast at first, but the interviewer was really patient and even said "take your time" when I stumbled over a date. You've got this! Let us know how it goes tomorrow 💪

I went through this exact same process about 6 months ago and I totally get why you're nervous! The anticipation is honestly the worst part. Here's what I wish someone had told me beforehand: bring a glass of water and have it nearby during the call. I got so anxious that my mouth went completely dry halfway through and I started stumbling over my words. The interviewer actually paused and asked if I needed a moment, which was really kind. Also, if you don't understand a question or need clarification, it's totally okay to ask them to repeat it or explain what they're looking for. I did this once when they asked about "work separation circumstances" and I wasn't sure if they meant the reason I left or something else. The interviewer was super helpful and rephrased it. Your situation with the job posting actually works in your favor because it shows your employer genuinely didn't have work available for YOU at the time of separation, even if they later decided to fill the role differently (maybe at lower pay, different hours, etc.). Just stick to what you were told when you were let go. The interview is really just about confirming you didn't quit voluntarily and that you're genuinely looking for work. Sounds like you clearly meet both criteria! You're going to do fine tomorrow. 👍