Denied unemployment, how do I appeal? - what worked for you?

My claim was denied after 5 weeks of waiting, and the letter says I have a short window to appeal. I worked as a janitorial supervisor before this. I have not done a hearing before and I am nervous. Should I ask someone for free legal help?

Thanks for writing this out. I went through something close to it 6 months ago, and it settled down once I kept a simple log of every call and form.

I printed my emails in order and wrote a one-page timeline. The hearing officer kept going back to it.