If your hours have been reduced, you are only partially employed. You may still be able to receive unemployment benefits during this status. If your hours are reduced and your income is reduced by twenty percent or more, it is most like a legally sufficient especially when it is coupled with a less favorable shift or hours that are reduced. During the interview present old pay stubs where you can show you were making a certain amount until your hours were reduced. Sometimes showing the actual paperwork will help hit home your point. Explain how fulfilled you felt at your position and that you look forward to returning as soon as you are asked to.

Partial unemployment can make you eligible for partial unemployment benefits that can help supplement your pay until your hours increase or you find other employment.