< Back to California Unemployment

Kingston Bellamy

EDD second interview notice - does this mean my employer appealed my claim?

I just got the most stressful email from EDD saying I need to schedule a second phone interview. My first interview was about 3 weeks ago and seemed to go fine (they asked about my job separation and I explained I was laid off due to budget cuts). Now this new notice says they need additional information about my 'eligibility' but doesn't explain what's missing. Does this mean my former employer challenged my claim? I've been receiving payments since that first interview, so I'm totally confused about why they need to talk to me again. Has anyone dealt with a second interview situation? I'm freaking out thinking they might make me pay back what I've already received if something goes wrong.

This happened to me last month! Don't panic yet - a second interview doesn't automatically mean your employer appealed. There are several reasons EDD might need another interview: 1. They might need clarification on something from your first interview 2. They could have new information they need to verify 3. Sometimes they do random eligibility checks 4. They might be checking your work search activities The fact that you've been receiving payments is actually a good sign. I had a similar situation where they needed to verify some education information that wasn't clear in my first interview. Everything worked out fine after I just answered their questions honestly. One tip - have all your paperwork ready before the call (separation notice, any emails about your layoff, etc.). Good luck!

0 coins

Thank you so much for this! I feel a little better knowing it's not necessarily bad news. I'll gather all my layoff documentation again just to be safe. Did they tell you in advance what specific info they needed for your second interview?

0 coins

second interviews r super common dnt worry bout it!! my gf had THREE interviews for her claim lol... just answer everything truthfully n ull b fine

0 coins

THREE interviews? Wow! Do you know what each one was for? I'm just worried because the notice is so vague.

0 coins

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but in MY experience a second interview almost ALWAYS means your employer filed an appeal. The EDD doesn't waste their time on multiple interviews unless someone is challenging your eligibility. When this happened to me last year, my boss claimed I was fired for misconduct when I was actually laid off. They stopped my payments immediately after the second interview and I had to fight for MONTHS to get them back. Start preparing your case NOW! Gather EVERY email, performance review, and document that proves you were laid off due to budget cuts. The fact that they've been paying you doesn't mean anything - they can AND WILL demand all the money back if they determine you weren't eligible.

0 coins

Oh no, this is exactly what I was afraid of! My company did a whole round of layoffs (about 15% of staff), so I should be able to prove it wasn't just me. But now I'm worried - did you ever get your benefits back after they stopped them?

0 coins

I work as an employment counselor, and I can clarify a few things about EDD second interviews: 1. A second interview does NOT automatically mean your employer appealed. Only about 30% of second interviews are due to employer protests. 2. The most common reasons for second interviews are: - Inconsistencies in your application information - Additional questions about your availability for work - Questions about your work search activities - Random eligibility verification (yes, they do this) 3. If your employer had formally appealed, the notice would typically state that specifically and would mention a "determination interview" rather than just a second interview. 4. The fact you're receiving benefits indicates your initial claim was approved, which is positive. My advice is to approach this calmly, have documentation ready, and answer questions honestly. Don't volunteer extra information, just address what they ask about.

0 coins

Sorry, but this is COMPLETELY wrong. I've been through 2 appeals and in NEITHER case did EDD tell me upfront that my employer appealed. They just said they "needed more information" - then dropped the bomb during the actual interview. Stop giving false hope when this person needs to be PREPARED for what's likely coming.

0 coins

Getting through to EDD to ask what the interview is about might save you a lot of stress. I was in the same boat last month - got a notice for a second interview with zero explanation. I tried calling EDD for 3 days straight and could never get through (always "too many callers" message). Finally tried Claimyr.com and got connected to an EDD rep in about 20 minutes. Turns out my interview was just to verify my work search activities since I had marked something incorrectly on my certification. Such a relief! They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Not saying this is definitely your situation, but finding out ahead of time really helped with my anxiety.

0 coins

I've never heard of that service before - did you actually talk to a real EDD person or just a third-party advisor? I've been trying to call too but always get the same "we're too busy" message.

0 coins

It connects you with an actual EDD representative - they just help you skip the busy phone lines. The rep was able to look at my specific claim and tell me exactly why they scheduled the second interview. Totally worth it for my peace of mind.

0 coins

second interivews are anoying but i had one and it was just them checking my work search records they didnt even ask about my employer at all. but my freind got one and it was bcuz his employer said he quit insted of being fired so it really depends

0 coins

Thanks for sharing! What kind of work search questions did they ask? I've been documenting all my job applications but I'm wondering if there's something specific they look for.

0 coins

One important thing no one has mentioned yet - RECORD THE CALL if you can!!! California is a two-party consent state, so you have to tell them you're recording, but it's so worth it. My second interview turned into a complete disaster because the interviewer misunderstood what I said about my separation reason, and I had no way to prove what was actually discussed. I ended up having to appeal their decision and waited 11 weeks with NO BENEFITS while it was sorted out. Also, make sure you answer the call from a quiet place with good reception. My first attempt at the interview failed because they couldn't hear me clearly and counted it as a "no-show" which delayed everything by another 3 weeks!

0 coins

That's a great tip about recording! I didn't think of that. I'll definitely make sure I'm somewhere quiet with good reception. Did you end up winning your appeal after those 11 weeks?

0 coins

Yes, I eventually won the appeal and got all my back benefits, but it was an incredibly stressful time financially. The judge at the appeal hearing actually scolded the EDD for not properly documenting our conversation. That's why I always tell people to record these important calls now.

0 coins

Update us after your interview! I'm curious to know what they end up asking about. When is your interview scheduled for?

0 coins

It's scheduled for next Tuesday at 2pm. I'll definitely post an update afterward. Trying not to stress too much about it until then, but it's hard not to worry when benefits are on the line!

0 coins

anyone else notice how EDD always sends these notices right b4 the weekend so u cant even call to ask questions??? happened to me 2x now... conspiracy lol

0 coins

omg YES! always friday afternoon when offices closing... makes u stress all weekend

0 coins

UPDATE: Had my second interview today and wanted to let everyone know how it went in case someone searches for this topic later. Turns out it WASN'T about my employer appealing at all! The interviewer said they needed to verify my work search activities because I had reported applying to the same company twice within a 3-week period (which was actually true - they had two different positions open that matched my skills). The interview only took about 15 minutes, and the representative was really nice. She just wanted to confirm I was actually applying for jobs and not just putting random things on my certification. After I explained the situation, she said everything looked good and my benefits would continue normally. Thanks everyone for the advice and support! Special thanks to those who suggested preparing documentation in advance - having my job search records ready made the call go super smoothly.

0 coins

So glad to hear it worked out well! This is a great example of why it's better not to panic right away - often these things are much simpler than we fear. Thanks for coming back to update us!

0 coins

You got lucky this time. Just be careful going forward because they can still investigate at any time if your employer decides to challenge things later.

0 coins

Congratulations on getting through it! Your experience is really helpful for others who might be stressing about similar notices. It's a good reminder that EDD second interviews can be about various administrative checks, not just employer disputes. The work search verification makes total sense - they probably flag duplicate company applications automatically in their system. Thanks for taking the time to update us with the outcome!

0 coins

This is such a relief to read! I'm new to this whole unemployment process and seeing all the different experiences people have had is really eye-opening. It's great that you came back to share what actually happened - so many people post their worries but never follow up with the resolution. Your situation with the duplicate company applications makes perfect sense from an administrative standpoint. I'm bookmarking this thread in case I ever need to reference it. Thanks for being so thorough with your update!

0 coins

Thanks for sharing your experience! As someone who's been through the EDD process myself, I can definitely relate to that initial panic when you get an unexpected notice. Your situation is a perfect example of why it's important to keep detailed records of job search activities - it sounds like having those records ready really helped you explain the duplicate applications quickly and clearly. It's also reassuring to hear that the interviewer was professional and understanding. Sometimes these administrative checks can feel intimidating, but your experience shows that being honest and prepared usually leads to a smooth resolution. This thread will definitely be helpful for future members who find themselves in similar situations!

0 coins

I'm so glad I found this thread! I just got a second interview notice yesterday and was absolutely panicking. Reading through everyone's experiences, especially your positive outcome, has really helped calm my nerves. It's encouraging to see that these interviews aren't always as scary as they seem initially. I'm also planning to have all my documentation organized beforehand - it sounds like being prepared with job search records and separation paperwork makes a huge difference. Thanks to everyone who shared their stories here, it's exactly what someone like me needed to see!

0 coins

I'm so relieved to read your positive update! I've been following this thread because I'm in a similar situation - got my second interview notice last week and have been stressed about it ever since. Your experience really shows how important it is to stay organized with job search documentation. I've been keeping a spreadsheet of all my applications, but after reading this I'm going to make sure I have detailed notes about why I might have applied to the same company multiple times (which I definitely have done when they post new positions). It's also reassuring to know that the EDD representatives can actually be helpful and understanding rather than adversarial. Sometimes the system feels so intimidating that you forget there are real people on the other end who are just trying to do their jobs. Thanks for taking the time to come back and share what actually happened - this kind of follow-up is so valuable for the community!

0 coins

Your spreadsheet idea is brilliant! I wish I had thought of that from the beginning - it would have made explaining my job search activities so much easier during the interview. You're absolutely right about keeping detailed notes on why you applied to the same company multiple times. In my case, one was for a marketing coordinator role and the other was for a social media specialist position at the same company, but they were posted weeks apart. Having that context ready to explain made all the difference. Good luck with your interview - you sound way more prepared than I was initially!

0 coins

This whole thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm going through something similar right now - got my second interview notice three days ago and have been losing sleep over it. Reading everyone's experiences, especially the positive outcomes, has really helped put things in perspective. I think the key takeaway here is that preparation is everything. I'm going to follow the advice from this thread and gather all my documentation beforehand: layoff notice, job search records, and even screenshots of job postings I've applied to. The tip about recording the call (with permission) is something I hadn't considered but makes total sense given how important these conversations can be. It's also reassuring to see that there are legitimate services like the one mentioned that can help you actually get through to EDD when the phone lines are constantly busy. For anyone else in this situation - don't panic immediately, but do take it seriously and prepare thoroughly. Thanks to everyone who shared their stories, especially those who came back with updates!

0 coins

I'm in the exact same boat - got my notice two days ago and haven't been sleeping well either! This thread has been like finding gold when you're panicking about EDD stuff. I love how thorough everyone has been with their advice. I'm definitely going to take screenshots of all the job postings I've applied to - that's such a smart idea I wouldn't have thought of. The recording tip is genius too, especially after reading about that person who had their words misunderstood and had to wait 11 weeks for an appeal. I'm already dreading having to tell the EDD rep "hey, I'm recording this call" but it's probably worth the awkwardness for protection. Thanks for summarizing all the key advice in one place - it's like a checklist for getting through this process. Good luck with your interview whenever it's scheduled!

0 coins

I just wanted to add my experience for anyone else who might be searching for this topic later. I had a second EDD interview about 6 months ago and it turned out to be about my availability for work. During my first interview, I had mentioned that I was taking care of my elderly parent a few days a week, and they wanted to clarify that I was still able and available to work full-time if a job came up. The interviewer was very understanding and just needed confirmation that my caregiving responsibilities wouldn't prevent me from accepting employment. Once I explained that I had backup care arrangements in place, everything was resolved quickly. My benefits continued without any issues. I think the main thing is just to be honest and have your facts straight. These interviews can be stressful, but in most cases they're really just administrative checks to make sure everything is properly documented. Keep good records and don't assume the worst right away!

0 coins

Thanks for sharing another perspective on what these second interviews can be about! Your caregiving situation is something I hadn't considered but makes total sense that EDD would want to verify availability for work. It's really helpful to see all these different examples - work search verification, availability questions, employer disputes, etc. It shows that while these interviews can be nerve-wracking, they're often just routine administrative procedures. Your advice about being honest and having facts straight is spot on. I'm bookmarking this entire thread - it's become like a comprehensive guide to EDD second interviews with real experiences from actual people who've been through it!

0 coins

This entire thread has been such a lifesaver! I'm dealing with my first EDD second interview notice and was completely spiraling until I found this discussion. Reading through everyone's real experiences - from work search verification to availability questions to employer disputes - has really helped me understand that these interviews aren't automatically bad news. What I'm taking away from all this advice: keep detailed records of everything (job searches, layoff documentation, etc.), be prepared to record the call with permission, find a quiet spot with good reception, and most importantly - don't panic immediately. The fact that so many people have shared positive outcomes here is really encouraging. I'm especially grateful to those who came back with updates after their interviews. It's one thing to get advice when you're worried, but knowing how things actually turned out makes such a difference for those of us still waiting for our interviews. Thanks to this community for being so supportive and thorough with sharing experiences!

0 coins

I'm so glad this thread helped ease your anxiety! I was in your exact position a few months ago - got that dreaded second interview notice and immediately went into full panic mode thinking the worst. Reading through all these different experiences really shows how varied the reasons can be for these interviews, and honestly, most of them turn out to be routine administrative stuff rather than the nightmare scenarios we imagine. One thing I'd add to all the great advice here - if you can, try to get a good night's sleep before your interview. I know it's easier said than done when you're stressed, but being well-rested really helps you think clearly and communicate better during the call. Also, have a glass of water nearby - these interviews can be longer than expected and your mouth gets dry when you're nervous. You've got this! The fact that you're being proactive about preparing puts you way ahead of where most people are. Keep us posted on how it goes - this thread has become such a valuable resource for the community!

0 coins

Reading through this entire thread as someone new to the EDD system has been incredibly educational! I just started my unemployment claim process last week after being laid off from my tech job, and seeing all these different second interview scenarios really helps set realistic expectations. What strikes me most is how the initial panic (totally understandable!) often turns out to be much worse than the actual reality. The variety of reasons for second interviews - work search verification, availability questions, administrative checks - shows that it's not always the employer appeal nightmare we immediately assume. I'm definitely taking notes on all the preparation tips shared here: keeping detailed job search records, having all separation documents ready, finding a quiet spot with good reception, and even the recording suggestion. The advice about not volunteering extra information and just answering what's asked seems particularly important. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences, especially those who came back with updates! This kind of real-world insight from people who've actually been through the process is so much more valuable than trying to decipher official EDD websites or forums with outdated information.

0 coins

Welcome to the unemployment journey - sorry you had to join this club, but you're definitely in good hands with this community! Your perspective as someone just starting the process is really valuable too. It's smart that you're learning from everyone's experiences before you potentially face a second interview yourself. You're absolutely right about the initial panic being worse than reality in most cases. I think when you're already stressed about losing your job and depending on benefits, any unexpected notice from EDD feels like a crisis. But this thread really shows how many routine administrative reasons there can be for these interviews. Your tech background probably means you're naturally organized with documentation anyway, which will serve you well if you ever need a second interview. The detailed record-keeping everyone mentions here is so crucial - dates, company names, position titles, even screenshots of job postings. Hope your claim process goes smoothly and you don't need any of this advice, but if you do, you'll be way more prepared than most people thanks to reading through everyone's experiences here!

0 coins

This thread has been incredibly reassuring to read! I'm currently waiting for my second interview (scheduled for next Friday) and was convinced it meant my employer had appealed my claim. Seeing all the different reasons people have had second interviews - work search verification, availability checks, administrative reviews - really helps put things in perspective. The preparation tips here are gold. I've already started organizing my job search spreadsheet with detailed notes about each application, including why I might have applied to the same company multiple times. The advice about recording the call (with permission) and finding a quiet spot with good reception is definitely something I'll follow. What really stands out to me is how many people came back to update their outcomes - and most were positive! It shows this community really cares about helping each other through these stressful situations. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences, especially those follow-up posts. It makes such a difference knowing real outcomes rather than just worrying about worst-case scenarios. I'll definitely come back and share how my interview goes to add to this valuable resource for future members!

0 coins

Good luck with your interview on Friday! I'm really impressed by how well you've prepared based on all the advice in this thread. Having that detailed job search spreadsheet with notes about duplicate applications is exactly the kind of preparation that seems to make these interviews go smoothly. It's funny how reading everyone's experiences here can completely shift your mindset from "this is definitely bad news" to "okay, this is probably just routine verification." The power of real stories from people who've actually been through it! Your plan to record the call and find a good quiet spot shows you're taking all the right precautions. I'm looking forward to your update next week - based on how prepared you sound and all the positive outcomes we've seen in this thread, I have a good feeling it'll go well. Thanks for planning to come back and share your experience too - it really does help build this resource for future members who will inevitably find themselves in the same anxious situation!

0 coins

As someone who just went through a second EDD interview last month, I can definitely relate to that sinking feeling when you get the notice! Mine ended up being about a discrepancy in my work history dates - apparently I had listed my start date at my previous job differently on my initial application versus what showed up in their system from my employer's response. The interview was actually pretty straightforward once I explained that I had been a contractor for a few months before being converted to full-time (which is why the dates looked different). The representative was professional and just needed clarification on the timeline. Took about 20 minutes total and my benefits continued without interruption. One thing that really helped me was having my old pay stubs and offer letters ready to reference during the call. Even though I didn't end up needing all of it, being able to quickly confirm dates and details made the conversation flow much better. It's really encouraging to see your positive outcome with the work search verification! These threads are so valuable for showing that second interviews, while stressful, are often much more routine than we initially fear.

0 coins

Thanks for sharing your experience with the work history date discrepancy! That's another great example of how these second interviews can be about really specific administrative details rather than major eligibility issues. The contractor-to-full-time transition situation makes total sense for why dates might look confusing in their system - I bet that's more common than people realize, especially in today's gig economy. Your tip about having pay stubs and offer letters ready is really practical advice. It sounds like being able to quickly reference specific dates and details during the call made all the difference in resolving the discrepancy efficiently. I'm adding that to my mental checklist of documents to have handy if I ever face a second interview. It's also reassuring to hear that your benefits continued without interruption once the confusion was cleared up. These stories really help counter the fear that any second interview automatically means your benefits are in jeopardy. Thanks for contributing to this incredibly helpful thread - the more real experiences people share, the better resource this becomes for future members dealing with the same anxiety!

0 coins

This thread has been such a comprehensive resource! I'm bookmarking it for future reference since I just started receiving unemployment benefits and want to be prepared if I ever get a second interview notice. What really stands out to me is how the community here rallied around someone who was clearly stressed and provided both emotional support and practical advice. The variety of experiences shared - from work search verification to date discrepancies to availability questions - really illustrates that these interviews serve multiple administrative purposes beyond just employer appeals. The tips about preparation are incredibly valuable: keeping detailed job search records, having separation documents ready, recording calls with permission, and finding a quiet space with good reception. But I think the most important takeaway is not to immediately assume the worst when you get that notice. Thanks to everyone who took the time to share their experiences, and especially to those who came back with updates. This kind of peer support and real-world insight is exactly what makes online communities so valuable when navigating bureaucratic processes like EDD!

0 coins

I completely agree - this thread has become like the ultimate guide to EDD second interviews! As someone who's also relatively new to the unemployment system, it's amazing to see how much valuable information has been shared here. What really impressed me is how people didn't just share their worries but actually came back to update everyone on their outcomes. That follow-through is what makes this such a trustworthy resource. The range of reasons for second interviews discussed here - work search issues, date discrepancies, availability questions - really shows that while these notices are anxiety-inducing, they're often just routine administrative checks rather than the catastrophic scenarios we imagine. The preparation advice everyone has shared (documentation, quiet space, recording with permission) seems like it would be helpful for any kind of official call with EDD, not just second interviews. I'm definitely saving this thread too! It's reassuring to know that if I ever get one of these notices, I'll have a roadmap of real experiences to reference rather than just panicking in the dark. Thanks to everyone who contributed to making this such a valuable community resource!

0 coins

What an incredibly thorough and helpful discussion this has become! I'm new to this community and just received my first unemployment benefits after being laid off from my marketing job. Reading through everyone's experiences with second interviews has been both educational and reassuring. The range of reasons shared here - work search verification, availability checks, date discrepancies, administrative reviews - really helps dispel the immediate panic that these notices probably cause. It's clear that while second interviews can be stressful, they're often routine administrative procedures rather than automatic red flags. I'm taking notes on all the preparation advice: maintaining detailed job search records with explanations for duplicate applications, keeping all separation documents organized, finding a quiet space with good phone reception, and even the recording suggestion (with permission). The emphasis on being honest and prepared rather than volunteering extra information seems particularly wise. Thank you to everyone who shared their stories, especially those who returned with positive updates. This thread has become an invaluable resource that I'm definitely bookmarking. If I ever face a second interview situation, I'll feel much more prepared thanks to this community's willingness to share real experiences and practical advice!

0 coins

Welcome to the community, Sofia! I'm also pretty new here and was in a similar situation - just started unemployment after a layoff and feeling overwhelmed by all the EDD processes. This thread has been like finding a treasure trove of real-world advice when you're navigating this system for the first time. Your summary of all the preparation tips is really helpful - it's like having a checklist ready to go. I hadn't thought about the duplicate applications issue until reading through everyone's experiences here, but now I realize I should probably add notes to my job search spreadsheet explaining why I applied to the same company multiple times (usually for different positions). What really gives me confidence is seeing how many people came back with positive updates. It shows that while these second interview notices are scary to receive, the actual outcomes are often much better than our worst fears. The community support here is amazing - people genuinely want to help each other get through these stressful bureaucratic hurdles. Hope your unemployment journey goes smoothly and you don't need any of this second interview advice, but if you do, we'll both be way more prepared thanks to everyone's shared wisdom!

0 coins

California Unemployment AI

Expert Assistant
Secure

Powered by Claimyr AI

T
I
+
20,087 users helped today