How to answer unemployment questions during NYS Department of Labor phone interview?
I have a phone interview scheduled with NYS Department of Labor next week about my unemployment claim and I'm really nervous about what they're going to ask. My claim has been in adjudication for almost a month now and they finally called to schedule this interview. I'm worried I'll say something wrong and mess up my benefits. Does anyone know what kind of questions they typically ask during these calls? Should I have any documents ready? I've never been through this process before and don't want to blow it.
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Jacinda Yu
The phone interview is usually about the reason you left your last job or became unemployed. They'll ask for specific dates, what happened, and whether you had any warnings or disciplinary actions. Have your employment records, any termination paperwork, and a calendar handy. Be honest and stick to the facts - don't volunteer extra information they don't ask for. Take notes during the call too.
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Brian Downey
AuthorThanks! Should I mention that my supervisor was really difficult to work with or just stick to the basic facts about why I left?
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Landon Flounder
I went through this last year. They asked me about my last day of work, whether I was offered any other positions, if I looked for work before filing my claim, and details about my job search efforts. The interviewer was actually pretty nice and walked me through each question. Just answer what they ask and don't ramble. Mine took about 20 minutes.
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Callum Savage
Did they approve your claim right away after the interview or did you have to wait longer?
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Landon Flounder
It took another week after the interview before my claim was approved and I got my first payment.
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Ally Tailer
ugh these interviews are so stressful!! i had mine 2 weeks ago and kept second guessing everything i said. they asked about my availability for work and whether i had any restrictions. make sure you emphasize that youre actively looking for work and available to start immediately
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Aliyah Debovski
I've been trying to reach someone at NYS Department of Labor for weeks about my own adjudication issue. The phone lines are always busy and when I do get through, I get disconnected. I actually found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get through to unemployment agents - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Might be worth checking out if you need to talk to someone before your interview.
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Brian Downey
AuthorInteresting, never heard of that before. Do they actually help you get through to real NYS Department of Labor people?
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Aliyah Debovski
Yeah, they basically handle the calling and waiting for you. When an agent picks up, they conference you in. Saved me hours of trying to get through myself.
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Miranda Singer
bring any documentation about your separation from work - termination letter, final paycheck stub, anything that shows your last day. they might ask about severance pay or unused vacation time too since that can affect your claim start date
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Cass Green
Most important thing is DON'T LIE about anything even if you think it might hurt your case. They can verify everything and lying will definitely disqualify you. I know someone who got caught lying about their reason for leaving and they had to pay back everything plus penalties.
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Brian Downey
AuthorThat's scary! I wasn't planning to lie but good to know they take it that seriously.
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Ryan Vasquez
I just went through this process a few months ago and it was way less scary than I expected! They basically want to confirm the details you already provided in your application. Common questions include: exact reason for separation, your last day of work, any final payments received, whether you're able and available to work, and your job search activities. Write down key dates and details beforehand so you don't get flustered. The interviewer was professional and just doing their job - not trying to trip me up. You've got this!
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