Appeal deadline questions after an unemployment denial - first time posting

My claim was denied after 3 weeks of waiting, and the letter says I have a short window to appeal. There are 15 people counting on me, so I am trying to be careful. I have not done a hearing before and I am nervous.

Stay calm and stick to facts. Mine lasted about thirty minutes and felt more like a conversation than a trial.

File the appeal before the deadline, even if you are unsure. You can gather documents afterwards. That is the one part I would not wait on.