What Reemployct Is and Why You Might Contact Them
Reemployct is Connecticut's official reemployment program, run by the state Department of Labor. If you are receiving unemployment insurance in Connecticut, Reemployct offers job search support, resume help, interview coaching, and connections to employers actively hiring. You do not pay for these services — they are included as part of the state's unemployment system.
The program exists because Connecticut's unemployment law requires claimants to actively search for work. Reemployct helps you meet that requirement while also connecting you to real job leads. Many people contact them because they are unsure how to document their job search, or because they want professional help finding their next position faster.
You can use Reemployct whether you are newly unemployed or have been out of work for months. The services are the same regardless of how long you have been receiving benefits.
Key Takeaways
- Reemployct is a free service from Connecticut's Department of Labor that helps you search for work and meet your job search requirements.
- You can reach Reemployct by phone at 1-800-537-2549, through the state's online portal, or by visiting a local American Job Center in person.
- Reemployct staff can review your resume, help you practice interviews, and show you how to use the state's job database to document your search.
- Contacting Reemployct is optional, but doing so creates a record that you are actively searching, which protects you if your claim is ever reviewed.
How to Call Reemployct by Phone
The main phone line for Reemployct is 1-800-537-2549. This number connects you to the state's reemployment services. Have your Social Security number and your unemployment claim number ready before you call, as staff will ask for both.
Call times vary by season. During periods of high unemployment, wait times can be 30 minutes or longer. Early morning calls (before 10 a.m.) and calls made on Tuesday or Wednesday typically have shorter waits than calls made on Monday or Friday afternoon.
When you reach someone, tell them what kind of work you did before and what type of job you are looking for now. They can then tell you which services would help most — whether that is resume review, a job lead in your field, or help using the online job search system. You do not need to schedule an appointment; you can receive help the same day you call.
Using the Online Portal and Job Database
Connecticut's Department of Labor runs an online job search system where you can look for openings and document your search. You can reach this system through the state's main unemployment portal at www.ct.gov/dem. Once you log in with your unemployment claim credentials, you will see a link to the job database.
The database lets you search by job title, location, and industry. When you find a job you are interested in, you can save it or explore directly through the system. Each search and process is automatically logged, which creates a record that you are actively looking for work. This record is important if the state ever asks you to prove you are meeting the job search requirement.
If you are not comfortable using the online system, Reemployct staff can walk you through it over the phone or in person. They can also help you understand which jobs in the database match your skills and experience.
Visiting an American Job Center in Person
Connecticut has American Job Centers located throughout the state. These are physical offices where you can meet with a Reemployct counselor face-to-face, use computers to search for jobs, and attend workshops on resume writing and interview skills. To find the center nearest you, visit www.ct.gov/dem and search for "American Job Center locations."
Walk-ins are usually welcome, though some centers ask you to call ahead during busy periods. Bring your Social Security number, your unemployment claim number, and any documents related to your work history — past job titles, dates of employment, and the names of former supervisors are helpful.
In-person visits are especially useful if you want someone to review your resume on the spot, practice answering interview questions, or get help tailoring your process to a specific job. Many people find that talking to a real person makes the job search feel less overwhelming.
What Reemployct Services Actually Cover
Reemployct offers several specific services, all at no cost. Resume review means a staff member will read your resume, suggest changes to make it stronger, and help you format it so employers take it seriously. Interview coaching means practicing answers to common questions like "Tell me about yourself" and "Why do you want this job?" They will give you feedback on your tone, body language (if in person), and how to handle tough questions.
Job leads are openings that Reemployct staff think match your background. They do not just send you a list; they explain why each job might be a good fit and how the process works. Job search documentation means learning how to keep records of where you applied, when you applied, and what happened — this is what you need if Connecticut asks you to prove you are searching.
Reemployct also runs workshops on topics like using LinkedIn, negotiating salary, and understanding job postings. These are usually free and open to anyone receiving unemployment benefits. Check the state website or ask when you call for the current workshop schedule.
What to Have Ready Before You Contact Them
Before you call or visit, gather a few pieces of information. You will need your Social Security number and your unemployment claim number (this appears on your weekly benefit statement). Have a list of jobs you have held in the past five years, including the job title, employer name, and dates you worked there.
If you already have a resume, have it nearby so you can ask for feedback or email it to the counselor. If you do not have a resume yet, that is fine — Reemployct can help you build one from scratch. Think about what kind of work you want to do next; if you are open to several types of jobs, have that list ready too.
If you are visiting in person, bring a photo ID and any documents that show your work history — old pay stubs, letters of recommendation, or certificates from training programs all help. The more information you bring, the more specific the help you will receive.
How Reemployct Helps You Meet Connecticut's Job Search Rules
Connecticut requires people receiving unemployment benefits to search for work each week. The state does not specify exactly how many jobs you must explore for, but you must be able to show that you are actively looking. This is where Reemployct becomes important: when you use their services, you create a paper trail.
If you call Reemployct and a counselor helps you find three job leads, that conversation is documented. If you use the online job database and explore for jobs, those applications are logged. If you attend a Reemployct workshop, your attendance is recorded. All of this adds up to proof that you are searching, which protects you if your claim is ever audited or if you are asked to provide evidence of your job search.
You are not required to use Reemployct to meet the job search rule — you can search on your own through Indeed, LinkedIn, or company websites. But using Reemployct makes documentation easier and gives you professional support at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use Reemployct to keep my unemployment benefits?
No. Connecticut requires you to search for work, but you can do that on your own. Using Reemployct is optional. However, using their services creates a clear record of your search, which is helpful if the state ever asks you to prove you are looking for work.
What if I call and the wait is too long?
You can call back at a different time, visit an American Job Center in person, or use the online job database on your own. You can also email questions to the Department of Labor through the website. There is no single best time to call, but early mornings and mid-week tend to be less busy than afternoons and Mondays.
Can Reemployct may provide me a job?
No. Reemployct connects you to job openings, helps you present yourself well, and teaches you how to search effectively. But they cannot force an employer to hire you. What they can do is increase your chances by helping you find the right jobs and explore in a way that gets noticed.
What if I already have a job lined up but have not started yet?
Tell the state when ready. You may still be receiving benefits while you wait to start, and the state needs to know your employment status. Contact Reemployct or your local unemployment office to report the job offer. Depending on when you start, you may need to stop filing for benefits.
Can I get help with a specific job process?
Yes. If you find a job you want to explore for, you can call Reemployct and ask a counselor to help you tailor your resume and cover letter to that specific opening. They can also help you practice answers to questions you expect the employer to ask.