Written Evidence

• Bring written and anecdotal evidence that your claim for unemployment benefits is legitimate. Such written evidence includes performance evaluations, your pay stubs, phone bills, warning letters and your employee handbook, according to the Find Law website. Other supporting documentation may include email messages or other written documentation that supports an extenuating circumstance claim. Ideally, you'll have anticipated this hearing and will have collected this documentation in advance; a "he said, she said" hearing may not work in your favor.
  
  

Witnesses

• Another option, especially if you don't have written evidence, is having a witness testify before the judge on your behalf. If necessary, the judge may order the witness to appear through subpoena. This witness should be able to testify to the conditions that support your claim for unemployment benefits. To successfully question or subpoena a witness, consider hiring an attorney, suggests Find Law; your former employer will most likely be represented by an attorney.
  
  

How to Prepare

• Take a few basic, common sense steps for your hearing. Show up on time and preferably early. Wear business attire. Remember that you're going to be under oath and there are penalties for lying to the court. State the facts of your case clearly and without drama. Treat the attorneys and the judge with respect; avoid arguing and name-calling at all costs.
  
  

Appealing the Hearing Decision

• If the judge doesn't decide in your favor, then you have the opportunity to appeal her decision. If you didn't hire an attorney before, now is probably the time. Keep in mind that you must file a written request for appeal within a specified period of time and it may be short. Include your Social Security and case numbers on the statement. Before you appeal, however, consider how much time and energy you're willing to devote to your case. You don't want to wind up jobless, without benefits and with big legal bills to boot.