What happens during EDD CalJOBS virtual appointment? Ongoing requirements?

I had my CalJOBS appointment last month. It's pretty straightforward - they basically want to verify you're actively using the system to search for work and know how to navigate it. The rep will screen share and walk you through features like resume builder, job search filters, and how to track your applications. Mine lasted about 30 minutes. They didn't grill me about specific applications, just wanted to make sure I understood how to use the system. And yes, it's ongoing. After your initial appointment, you'll need to continue using CalJOBS to document your work search activities, which you'll report during your biweekly certifications. My rep said they randomly select people for follow-up appointments, but it's not something everyone has to do regularly.

i had mine like 2 weeks ago and it was NOTHING like what the other person said lol. my guy was super strict and went thru all my work search activities one by one and was asking for details on each application!! lasted almost an hour and was super stressful. guess it depends who u get

Having worked through the CalJOBS system multiple times, I can tell you these appointments vary greatly depending on your work history and the specific EDD representative you get. Here's what you should prepare: 1. Upload your resume before the appointment (this is strongly recommended) 2. Have documentation of at least 3-5 job applications you've submitted since starting your claim 3. Be ready to discuss your job search strategy and any barriers to employment 4. Have your work history details readily available Regarding ongoing requirements - yes, you must continue using CalJOBS as part of your work search requirements. You need to log your work search activities for each certification period. While follow-up appointments aren't mandatory for everyone, they do conduct random checks, and if they see inactivity on your CalJOBS account, they may schedule another appointment or potentially flag your claim.

The EDD system is completely BROKEN!! I had THREE appointments cancelled last minute with no explanation and then they had the nerve to flag my account for "missing" the appointment THEY cancelled!!! Took me 2 WEEKS of calling EVERY DAY to get someone to fix it. And when I finally got my appointment, the rep barely knew how to use the system herself and just rushed through it in 10 minutes. Complete waste of time.

Quick tip - have your ID ready too. They'll verify your identity at the start of the appointment.

I see a lot of varied experiences here, which is pretty normal with EDD. Let me clarify a few things about CalJOBS appointments: 1. These appointments are primarily EDUCATIONAL - they want to ensure you know how to use the system effectively. 2. Yes, you should upload your resume BEFORE the appointment. This gives the representative something to review with you. 3. The strictness varies by representative, but having good documentation of your work search activities always helps. If you haven't been logging in CalJOBS directly, start doing so now. 4. After this initial appointment, most people don't have regular follow-ups unless there's an issue with your claim or work search activities. 5. The key ongoing requirement is that you continue using CalJOBS regularly to search for work and document those searches. This is part of your certification requirements. If you're getting frustrated with reaching EDD for questions about appointments or follow-ups, I found Claimyr helped me get through to an actual representative quickly instead of dealing with the busy signals. Their service at claimyr.com connects you with EDD much faster than calling directly. There's a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. Really helped me when I needed clarification about my CalJOBS requirements.

My CalJOBS appointment got rescheduled twice lol. When I finally had it, the lady was super nice and just showed me how to use filters to find better job matches for my skills. She didn't even ask about my previous applications but did tell me I need to apply to at least 3 jobs a week. The whole thing lasted maybe 20 minutes? Don't stress too much about it.

To answer your follow-up question about the spreadsheet - it's good you're tracking applications, but you should transfer those records into CalJOBS before your appointment. The system is specifically designed to track your work search activities, and EDD representatives will want to see that you're using it properly. For each job application, CalJOBS wants: - Company name - Position title - Date applied - Contact information (if available) - Method of application (online, in-person, etc.) - Status/outcome Moving forward, try to log activities directly in CalJOBS within a day or two of applying. This creates a clear record that satisfies your work search requirements and makes future certifications much easier.

Regarding your resume question - yes, definitely upload it before the appointment. That was actually one of the first things my rep checked. They want to see that you're using all the tools available to you in the system. Afterward, you'll need to regularly check your CalJOBS messages too. Sometimes they send job referrals through the system that you need to respond to, and ignoring those can potentially affect your benefits. Just make it a habit to log in at least once a week.

12 applications over 6 weeks averages to 2 per week, which is slightly below the recommended minimum of 3 weekly work search activities. However, quality can sometimes outweigh quantity, especially in specialized fields. For healthcare admin specifically, make sure you're utilizing the industry filters in CalJOBS to target relevant positions. The system has specific healthcare categories that can help narrow your search. You might also want to set up job alerts so you get notifications when new positions matching your skills are posted. One thing to note - "work search activities" doesn't just mean job applications. It can also include: - Attending job fairs (virtual ones count) - Networking events related to your field - Skills development workshops - Informational interviews Documenting these additional activities can help you meet the work search requirements while still being selective about where you actually apply.

dont waste ur money on that claimyr thing btw, just keep calling EDD and pressing different options. i got thru after like 20 tries one morning.

Quick update - I just had my follow-up CalJOBS appointment today (about 8 weeks after my first one). Apparently they're doing them more regularly now due to some new initiative. Just wanted to give you a heads up that you might have more than one, especially if you remain on unemployment for more than a couple months. This one was much shorter though - only about 15 minutes.

Glad to hear your appointment went smoothly! For anyone else reading this thread who might be preparing for their CalJOBS appointment, I wanted to add a few more tips based on my experience: 1. Test your internet connection and camera beforehand - technical issues can delay or complicate the appointment 2. Have a quiet, well-lit space ready for the video call 3. Keep a notepad handy to jot down any tips or features the rep shows you 4. Don't be afraid to ask questions if something isn't clear - they're there to help you succeed The CalJOBS system actually has some pretty useful features once you learn how to navigate it properly. The job matching algorithms can be surprisingly accurate if you take time to fill out your profile completely. I found jobs I wouldn't have discovered otherwise just by browsing through the system regularly. One last thing - make sure you understand how to access your work search activity log after the appointment. You'll need to reference this when you do your biweekly certifications, and it's much easier if you know exactly where to find everything in the system.

I've been through several CalJOBS appointments over the past year, and I want to emphasize something that hasn't been mentioned much here - they're also looking at your overall engagement with the system, not just whether you've logged applications. Make sure you're actually using the job search features regularly, not just logging in to document activities. They can see your login history and how much time you spend navigating different sections. I learned this the hard way when my rep asked why I had only spent 5 minutes total in the system the previous week despite logging three job applications. Also, if you're in healthcare admin like the original poster, definitely explore the "Career Exploration" tools in CalJOBS. They have industry-specific resources and can help you identify transferable skills that might open up opportunities in adjacent fields. The system has really improved over the past year, and the reps appreciate when you're genuinely using it as a job search tool rather than just checking boxes for compliance. One more thing - if you have any employment gaps or unique circumstances (like being laid off due to company closure), be prepared to discuss those. They may ask about your job search strategy and whether you need any additional resources or training programs.

Just wanted to add my experience since I had my CalJOBS appointment about 3 weeks ago. I was super nervous too after reading mixed reviews online, but it ended up being pretty manageable. My rep was actually really helpful and patient. A few things that helped me prepare: - I made sure to upload my resume 2 days before the appointment - Had all my job applications already logged in the system (about 15 over 7 weeks) - Prepared a brief explanation of my job search strategy and what types of positions I was targeting The appointment lasted about 35 minutes. She walked me through the advanced search filters, showed me how to set up job alerts, and reviewed my resume to suggest some keyword improvements. She also explained how the work search requirements work going forward - basically I need to keep logging activities and they may randomly select me for follow-up appointments. One thing she emphasized that I hadn't seen mentioned here is that they really want to see consistent activity in the system. It's better to log in regularly and do smaller searches than to bunch everything up once a week. The system tracks your engagement patterns, so steady usage looks better than sporadic bursts. Overall, treat it as a learning opportunity rather than an interrogation. The reps genuinely want to help you find work - that's literally their job. Good luck with your appointment Tuesday!

I've been seeing some confusion in the comments about work search requirements, so I wanted to clarify something important. The standard requirement is 3 work search activities per week, but what counts as an "activity" is broader than just submitting applications. Here's what I've learned from my EDD case worker: - Job applications (obviously) - Attending virtual job fairs - Networking events or informational interviews - Creating or updating profiles on job sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, etc. - Taking relevant online courses or certifications - Contacting employers directly about potential openings For healthcare admin specifically, I'd recommend checking out the medical facility job boards - many hospitals and clinics post directly rather than going through general job sites. Also, temporary staffing agencies in healthcare are always looking for admin support, and those contacts count as work search activities too. The key is documenting everything in CalJOBS as you do it, not trying to catch up later. Makes the whole process much less stressful!

I wanted to share my recent CalJOBS appointment experience since I see you're preparing for yours next Tuesday! I had mine about 10 days ago and it was honestly much less intimidating than I expected. My rep started by asking about my background (I'm also in healthcare - medical coding), then walked through my CalJOBS profile to make sure everything was complete. She spent most of the time showing me features I didn't know existed, like the salary comparison tool and how to save job searches with specific filters. One thing that really helped was that I had prepared a brief summary of my job search approach - what types of positions I was targeting, which companies I was interested in, and any challenges I was facing. She seemed impressed that I had thought strategically about my search rather than just randomly applying places. The whole thing took about 40 minutes, and honestly I learned quite a bit that's helped me be more efficient in my job searching since then. She did mention that I'll likely have another appointment in 8-10 weeks, so it seems like they're doing more regular check-ins now. Don't stress too much about it - go in with the mindset that they're there to help you be more successful in your job search, not to catch you doing something wrong. You've got this!

I've been through the CalJOBS appointment process twice now, and I wanted to add something that really helped me succeed in both appointments and my overall job search - preparation is absolutely key, but so is being genuine about your situation and needs. Before my first appointment, I was so focused on having the "right" answers that I almost missed the real value of the session. The rep can actually provide personalized advice based on your specific field and circumstances. Since you mentioned healthcare admin, make sure to mention any specialized software you've used (Epic, Cerner, etc.) or certifications you have - they can help you optimize your profile to highlight those skills. Also, don't be afraid to ask about resources you might not know about. During my second appointment, I learned about a partnership CalJOBS has with local community colleges for free skills training programs. There might be healthcare administration courses or certifications available that could strengthen your profile while you're searching. One practical tip: After your appointment, take a few minutes to practice navigating the features they showed you while everything is fresh in your memory. I made the mistake of waiting a week after my first appointment to try the new search filters, and I'd forgotten half of what the rep taught me. You're going to do great on Tuesday! The fact that you're preparing and asking questions here shows you're taking it seriously, which is exactly the attitude that impresses the reps.

I had my CalJOBS appointment about a month ago and wanted to share some practical advice for your Tuesday appointment! Since you mentioned being in healthcare admin, here are some specific things that helped me: 1. Have examples ready of your healthcare experience - mention specific systems you've used, types of facilities you've worked in, and any specialized knowledge (insurance verification, medical coding, patient scheduling, etc.) 2. The rep will likely ask about your job search challenges. Be honest if you're finding limited openings in your specific area - they may suggest expanding your search to include related fields like medical billing companies, insurance companies, or telehealth organizations. 3. Make sure your CalJOBS profile includes all relevant keywords from healthcare admin job postings. The system's matching algorithm works much better when your profile is detailed and includes industry-specific terms. After the appointment, you'll want to log in regularly (I do it every 2-3 days) to check for new job matches and keep your activity consistent. The system really does have good healthcare postings once you learn how to filter effectively. One last tip - if you run into any technical issues during the virtual appointment, don't panic! My video froze twice and the rep was very patient about it. They're used to technical glitches. You've got this! Being prepared and nervous shows you care, which is exactly what they want to see. Good luck on Tuesday!

I just had my CalJOBS appointment last week and wanted to add a few more tips that haven't been mentioned yet! Since you're in healthcare admin, definitely be ready to discuss any remote work preferences - a lot of healthcare admin roles have gone hybrid or fully remote since the pandemic, and the CalJOBS system has specific filters for that. Also, if you have any professional memberships (like AAHAM for healthcare financial management or HIMSS for health information), mention those during your appointment. The rep can help you set up searches that include employers who specifically value those certifications. One thing that really impressed my rep was that I had researched salary ranges for my target positions using resources outside of CalJOBS, then cross-referenced them with the salary tool in the system. It showed I was being realistic about my expectations and taking a data-driven approach to my search. Don't forget to ask about the "hidden" job market features too - there are some employer profiles in CalJOBS that post positions exclusively through the system and don't advertise elsewhere. Your rep can show you how to identify and follow those employers. You're going to do great on Tuesday! The healthcare field really needs experienced admin professionals right now, so you're in a good position even if it doesn't always feel like it.

I've been reading through all these helpful responses and wanted to add something that really made a difference in my CalJOBS appointment experience. As someone who also came from healthcare admin (worked at a large medical group for 4 years), I found that preparing specific examples of process improvements or efficiency gains I made in previous roles really helped during the conversation. My rep was impressed when I could explain how I streamlined patient intake processes or reduced billing errors - it showed I wasn't just doing basic data entry but actually contributing to operational success. This led to her suggesting I highlight these achievements more prominently in my CalJOBS profile and resume. Also, since you mentioned being unemployed for 6 weeks, don't feel like you need to apologize for your timeline. Healthcare admin roles can be very specific, and quality employers understand that finding the right fit takes time. My rep actually said that being selective about applications (rather than mass-applying) often leads to better outcomes for specialized roles like ours. One last thing - if you've been keeping up with any healthcare industry news or continuing education during your unemployment (like following CMS updates or taking online courses), mention that too. It shows you're staying current in the field even while between jobs. You're going to do fantastic on Tuesday! The fact that you're preparing so thoroughly shows exactly the kind of professional approach that healthcare employers are looking for.

I just wanted to jump in here as someone who's been through multiple CalJOBS appointments over the past year. Reading through all these responses, I can see there's a lot of great advice, but I wanted to add something that really helped me succeed in my appointments and ultimately land a job. The key thing I learned is that CalJOBS appointments are actually an opportunity to get personalized career coaching, not just a compliance check. My first appointment was pretty basic - the rep showed me the standard features and that was it. But in my second appointment, I came prepared with specific questions about my job search strategy, and the rep spent extra time helping me optimize my approach. For healthcare admin specifically, one thing that really made a difference was asking the rep to help me identify transferable skills that could apply to adjacent fields. She showed me how healthcare admin experience translates to roles in insurance, medical device companies, and even healthcare consulting. This opened up way more opportunities than I had been considering. Also, make sure to ask about any employer partnerships CalJOBS has in your area. In my region, they have direct relationships with several major healthcare systems that prefer to recruit through the CalJOBS platform. The rep can actually flag your profile for these preferred employers if you meet their criteria. One practical tip - after your appointment, schedule a follow-up email to yourself for a week later to review everything you learned. I found that I retained the information much better when I actively practiced the techniques a few days after learning them. You're going to do great! The healthcare industry really needs experienced admin professionals right now, and the fact that you're preparing so thoroughly shows you're exactly the kind of candidate employers are looking for.

I've been following this thread as someone who went through the CalJOBS appointment process about 6 months ago, and I wanted to add a few things that might help you and others preparing for these appointments. One thing I haven't seen mentioned is that they may ask about any barriers to employment you're experiencing. This isn't meant to trip you up - they genuinely want to know if there are resources that could help. In my case, I mentioned that most healthcare admin jobs seemed to require experience with specific EMR systems I hadn't used, and my rep connected me with free training modules through CalJOBS partners. Also, for healthcare admin roles specifically, make sure you're familiar with the "Skills Match" feature in CalJOBS. It can identify positions where you meet 70-80% of requirements rather than just 100% matches. My rep showed me how many qualified candidates miss out on opportunities because they only apply to jobs where they meet every single requirement. Another tip: if you've done any volunteer work or informal caregiving during unemployment, mention it. These experiences often involve organizational and communication skills that are highly relevant to healthcare admin roles, and reps can help you articulate how to present them professionally. The appointment really is designed to help you succeed, not to catch you in violations. Go in with the mindset that you're meeting with a career counselor who has access to tools and resources you might not know about. Best of luck with your appointment Tuesday!

I had my CalJOBS appointment about two months ago and wanted to share some encouragement since I see you're feeling nervous! I was in a very similar position - healthcare admin background (worked in medical billing for 3 years) and had been unemployed for about 8 weeks when my appointment came up. The thing that helped me most was realizing that the reps genuinely want you to succeed in finding work. My appointment lasted about 45 minutes, and while she did review my job search activities, most of the time was spent showing me features I didn't know existed. She helped me set up job alerts for healthcare admin positions and showed me how to use the advanced filters to find remote and hybrid opportunities. One thing specific to healthcare that was really helpful - make sure you have your certifications and any continuing education listed clearly in your profile. Even if they're not required for every position, they help you stand out in the system's matching algorithm. Also, don't worry too much about having "perfect" documentation. I had been tracking my applications in a notebook and was stressed about not having everything perfectly logged in CalJOBS, but my rep was totally understanding and just helped me get everything entered properly during our session. The follow-up requirements really aren't that burdensome once you get into a routine. I log in about every 3 days to check for new matches and record any activities. It actually ended up being more helpful than I expected for staying organized with my search. You've got this! Healthcare admin professionals are really in demand right now, especially with all the changes in telehealth and patient management systems. Your experience is valuable, and the CalJOBS appointment is just another tool to help you showcase that to the right employers.