NY unemployment making me do 4 job search interviews in 3 months - is this normal?

yep they did this to me too last year. had like 5 interviews total before they finally left me alone. its just random checks, dont worry about it

This is unusual but not unheard of. The NYSDOL uses an algorithm to randomly select claimants for additional verification, but sometimes system glitches create duplicate interview requirements. When this happened to me, I learned it was because I had reported a part-time job one week but then not the next (because the hours dried up). That triggered additional oversight. A few suggestions: 1. In the next interview, specifically ask if this is your final one and get the name of the representative 2. Ask if there's anything flagged in your account causing the repeated interviews 3. Request documentation stating you've completed all required interviews Don't worry too much though - as long as you're doing your required job searches and reporting accurately, they'll eventually stop with the interviews.

I work for an employment agency that helps people navigate unemployment issues, and I can tell you the system is completely broken right now. The NYSDOL is understaffed and their computer system is ancient. These multiple interviews are happening because different departments aren't communicating with each other. Here's what's likely happening: Each time you report a change in circumstances (like varying hours worked), it creates a new "issue" in their system. Then different staff members schedule interviews to resolve these issues without realizing another interview is already scheduled or was recently completed. After about 30 attempts calling the regular unemployment number and getting nowhere with this exact problem, one of our clients finally got through using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have a service that helps you reach an actual agent at the unemployment office. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE Once they actually spoke to a senior agent, they were able to get their account flagged to prevent further unnecessary interviews. Might be worth checking out if this continues.

I had to do SIX interviews last year because I was in a union hiring hall situation where I'd work for a week, then be off for three, then work again. The NYSDOL system isn't designed for irregular employment patterns. Based on your description, it sounds like your variable part-time gig work is what's triggering these redundant interviews. The system flags patterns it considers "suspicious" - which basically means anything that doesn't fit the traditional 9-5 employment model. One thing that helped me: I created a detailed log of every interview I'd completed, with dates, names of representatives I spoke with, and confirmation numbers when provided. During my final interview, I read this entire log to the representative and asked them to note in my file that I had fulfilled all verification requirements. That finally stopped the cycle. Good luck - the system is frustrating but eventually you'll break through the bureaucratic loop!

Their doing this to everyone right now its not just you!! My neighbor had 3 interviews and my cousin had like 5!!! The unemployment office is just trying to cut people off by making it so annoying you'll give up. DONT GIVE UP!! Keep doing the interviews and eventually they'll leave you alone. Its all about persistence with these people!!!!!

I went through something similar in 2025. Had 3 interviews in 2 months, then suddenly a 4th one appeared. I finally got fed up and asked the interviewer directly why I was being targeted. Turns out there was a flag on my account because I'd worked for two different employers within a 6-month period before filing for unemployment. The system automatically flags these as "high risk" accounts. During your next interview, I recommend asking directly: "Is there a specific reason my account is being selected for multiple verification interviews?" and "What can I do to resolve whatever issue is causing these repeated interviews?" Also, make sure you're using exactly the same information each time you certify. Even small inconsistencies can trigger additional verification processes.

just ignore the letter maybe? thats what i did when they sent me too many notices and nothing bad happened lol

Update on my earlier comment: I just remembered that in my case, I was able to resolve the cycle of repeated interviews by requesting to speak with a supervisor during my final interview call. The supervisor had the authority to place a note in my file indicating that I had fulfilled all verification requirements. When you have your next interview, try saying something like: "I've now completed three job search interviews, and I was previously told my last interview would be final. I'd like to speak with a supervisor to understand why I'm continuing to receive interview requests and to resolve this situation." Speaking with higher-level staff can sometimes break through bureaucratic loops that regular agents can't address.

IDK what everyone else is talking about, I've been on NY unemployment since January and haven't had a SINGLE interview!! Why are they harassing some people and completely ignoring others?? The whole system is totally random and unfair.

When I was on unemployment last winter, I kept getting these interviews too, and my situation sounds similar to yours - I had gig work with irregular hours. What finally worked was calling the main unemployment number and specifically requesting to have a "case review" to stop the redundant interviews. Took me FOREVER to get through though - I called for like 3 days straight before finally connecting with someone who could help.