How to Prepare for an Upcoming Unemployment Interview

My question involves unemployment benefits for the state of: CA


I have an UI interview coming up next week and wanted to get some advise on how I should prepare for it. In a nutshell:

I have a history of back problems, had surgery last year, and was laid off from my employer (made $54k/year) in Jan of this year after working for them for 13 years (I have 15 years of sales and marketing experience). I filed for UI at that time. A day after I was laid off I found another job, and shortly after starting there I was offered another job that paid significantly more, so I left the job I had just taken to pursue the newest job. The new job I was offered didn't materialize, so I found myself unemployed again. Had my phone interview with CA in May and was awarded back benefits (I got VERY lucky).

I started working for a restaurant in May (salary of $32k/year), and while it was destroying my back I stuck it out. When I got hired I was told I would be working 45 hours on average per week, but I ended up working around 60- 65 hours a week, and had a total of 4 days off in May. Regardless, I worked hard but continued to look for a different opportunity that had better income potential and wanted to find something that better suited my skill set. I also wanted something that was easier on my back.

At the beginning of June I interviewed at a sales and marketing agency and was offered a position as an Independent Contractor making an average of $500-$800/week depending on my sales, and was told that after working there for about 6 months I would be given the opportunity to become a sales manager with a base salary of $35-45K/year + a higher commission percentage. I liked the prospects of this contract so I put in my notice at the restaurant. I started my first day of training an as IC and loved it, but when I got home I went to pick up a towel in my bathroom and my back completely gave out on me. I made an appointment to see my doctor (soonest I could get was a few days out) and called my manager at the marketing agency and told him my situation. He explained that he needed reps who could be mobile, but to take a few days and let him know what my doctor said.

I saw my doctor and he took some X-rays and had me do some mobility tests. I asked what he recommended and he told me to take 3 months off with the hopes that my back would heal. He authorized a disability form, so I filed for it. I called my manager and told him I would be out for 3 months, and he told me to contact him if I was feeling better once my DI ended and I could come back. I thanked him and sent a follow up email to the HR Dept outlining our conversation.

I've been sending in my claim forms and listed "Quit working effective 6/8" when I had to turn in my form for the last week I worked at the restaurant, and also listed that I worked 10 hours as an IC at the marketing agency but didn't earn any wages. I received a duplicate claim form that stated that I made an error when I reported my wages that I earned. After receiving advice on a different forum I realize that I threw off CA's computers by listing that I worked but didn't earn any income. I also received a letter from CA for an interview coming up next week. The back of the letter asked why I left the restaurant job, and also asked if I was fired for misconduct and if I was warned. I was confused by this and was told I should call CA to find out the reason why they wanted me to re-send my form.

I spoke to an EDD rep today who confirmed the advice given to me on another forum and told me I should have listed the $0 pay/$0 hours worked so CA would recognize that my position was that of an IC, and also asked me why I was fired from my restaurant job. I explained that I wadn't fired but that I quit to pursue an opportunity that better fit my skill set and had higher income potential. She stated I should have listed that I "quit working" at the restaurant job so I could be better prepared for the questions that I will be asked during my interview. I also told her I was on DI right now. She stated I should be prepared for an initial denial on my interview because I'm on DI, and that I will need to submit a dr's note once my DI ends around mid-Sept to show that I am able and willing to work again (if my Dr releases me to work). My main concern is having my benefits reinstated after my DI ends so I have something to hold me over until I can find another job, especially since my contract ended with the marketing agency after I blew out my back. When I saw my dr this week he stated that I most likely won't be able to return to that type of work because it involved too much walking, but it all depends on how I heal and he would reevaluate my ability to work closer to the beginning of September.

Does anyone have any advice as to how I should prepare for my interview? I don't have my previous interview letter when I went through this once before (for a voluntary quit) so any advice would be appreciated. My main worry is making sure I keep things to the point, because I've read that often times people say too much and end up shooting themselves in the foot. What type of questions should I be prepared to answer, and what information that I've posted will help my case? I've received some excellent help about my situation on other forums and truly appreciate the feedback I've gotten. Thank you in advance for any help you can offer.*

I'm not sure what to tell you, other than to be honest. I would like to be able to walk you through every issue or question that could conceivably come up, but I would be writing for a month.

I will be honest, and hope that things work out. Thanks.