Your resume got you in the door. You aced the last round of interviews and you have your list of references. What's next? Because your prospective employer may want to speak to some of your references, now is the time to connect with them about the specific position you're pursuing. You'll want your references to be prepared so they can advocate for you when the employer contacts them. Here are a few steps that can make this a smooth process for both your reference and the employer.

Preparing Your References for Their Role

Get in touch with your references to verify their contact information. Make sure you have the correct phone number and email for the colleague or manager you asked to be a reference. Having the most up-to-date information is important so employers can easily connect with your references.

Share your past and recent experience with your references. Unless you've kept in close contact with your previous employer or colleague, it may be hard for them to remember specifics about your previous job and your current ambitions. If it has been a while since you and the reference have worked together, refresh their memory about your job responsibilities and performance.

Update your references on your current work situation and your career goals. What you share with your reference is just as important as the information you include on a resume. Walk them through your recent personal and professional growth so they are aware of your current capabilities. References can discuss your strengths and weaknesses with your possible future employer and give context to the experience you'd bring to your role. To make sure your references are comfortable answering questions about your skills, work performance and current goals, share why you are applying for this new position and what makes you a good fit for this new role. Consider sharing information like:

• Skills that make you a good fit
• Experience that prepares you for the job
• Passion and excitement about the position you're applying for

Just like you prepare for job interviews, it is important to coach your references on the information they may be asked to provide your prospective employer.

Avoid Overly Personal References

Sometimes you don't have enough work experience to rely on using only professional contacts for a job reference. That's okay. Personal references like volunteer coordinators, club members and teachers are good additions to the list of people who can speak to your skills and accomplishments. However, avoid using your family members or significant others. Employers will assume that your family will always speak well of you so their endorsement will not carry much weight.

Vary Your References

It's a good idea to choose references that can each speak to your different attributes. For example, a manager could talk about your ability to problem solve or your reliability on your previous job. A volunteer supervisor could discuss your attitude and ability to work well in a team setting. Each of your references should have some knowledge of your strengths and character and be able to discuss why the prospective position would be a good match for your skills.

Working with Ticket to Work

Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI/SSI). Through this free and voluntary program, people who are eligible can work with Ticket Program service providers, like Employment Networks (EN) and State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies, to receive supports and services as they pursue work. Many service providers offer help with job interview preparation, including mock interviews that can help you prepare for the questions you may receive during an interview.

Receive Ticket Program Texts

Career fairs are an excellent way to start or advance your job search. Virtual job fairs let you engage with potential employers and learn about job openings — all you need is an internet connection.

If you're aware of an upcoming job fair that our readers would find helpful, email us at socialmedia@choosework.ssa.gov with the event name, dates and official website.

AbilityJobs

AbilityJobs offers specific online resources for job seekers with disabilities. Accessibility features offer you the opportunity to connect with employers using an American Sign Language interpreter, screen reader or other accommodations. This job fair website also offers online face-to-face interviews with recruiters. Learn more about AbilityJobs' job fairs and how to attend.

CareerEco Virtual Career Fairs

Many organizations list their events on CareerEco. Check out their full calendar for a list of their virtual events.

• June 16: Southern Alliance Virtual Career Fair
• June 17: CUNY School of Professional Studies Virtual Career Fair

Diversity Career Group

Diversity Career Group focuses their career and job fairs on connecting employers and job seekers through sit-down conversations and even first-round job interviews. Check out the full calendar.  

• June 10: Orange County Career Fair - Virtual Job Fair
• June 17: Dallas Career Fair - Virtual Job Fair
• June 17: San Diego Career Fair - Virtual Job Fair

Equal Opportunity Publications

Equal Opportunity Publications (EOP) offers a variety of diversity recruitment resources, including national online career magazines, virtual job boards, and career fairs for minority groups and people with disabilities. Check out EOP's career expos page for a list of events.

• June 16: EOP's STEM Diversity Virtual Career Fair

RecruitMilitary

RecruitMilitary seeks to tap into the extensive talent pool that veterans represent for employers.  For a listing of all RecruitMilitary virtual events, visit their calendar.

• June 10: Orlando Veterans Job Fair
• June 17: Boston Virtual Career Fair for Veterans
• June 22: Transitioning Army & Army Spouse Virtual Career Fair
• June 24: Denver Veterans Job Fair

About Ticket to Work

There's a lot to consider when job searching, and it can be tough trying to do everything on your own. Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI or SSI) and want to work. The Ticket Program is free and voluntary. The Ticket Program connects you with free employment services to help you decide if working is right for you, prepare for work, find a job or maintain success while you are working.

Finding a Job

The resources on the Ticket to Work Find a Job page can also help as you start or continue your job search. For more comprehensive support, we recommend using the Find Help tool to find a service provider that can offer personalized assistance. The Find a Job webpage includes a chart that you can use to compare the features that the various organizations provide, such as job boards, resume services and social networking opportunities. Some of the organizations also offer an employer directory and access to recruiters.

Receive Ticket Program Texts

In the first of our series about Behavioral Interview Questions, we described what behavioral interview questions were, why interviewers ask them, and how you should prepare for them. Today, we're taking the next step and talking about answering a specific and common question: "Tell me about a time when you had to learn something very quickly but knew nothing about it before." This question is the interviewer's way of acknowledging that you probably aren't going to know everything that the new job will require. They want to know your method for learning new material so they can evaluate how well you might do in their organization.

Know Your Style

People have different learning styles. Some people are visual learners who succeed most often when they see information presented in graphics, such as charts and diagrams. Some people are auditory learners. They do best when they can listen to information presented verbally. Others process information by reading material. And, still others prefer to learn by doing, much like on-the-job training. Some people like to learn in a group; others prefer a more solitary experience. As you prepare to answer the interviewer's question, it's important to recognize your own style. That way you can easily explain how you learned unfamiliar material in the past and describe how you would tackle it in the new job.

Prepare Your Answer

As we wrote in the previous blog post, you need to think about a situation that you experienced so that you will have an example ready. Once you identify that situation, it helps to approach your answer by breaking it down into specific parts using the STAR method. Here's an example.

"I moved into a new department at my previous employer. I had been handling customer service phone calls about a specific product. In the new department, I was responsible for handling customer calls about a completely different product. To learn about the new product, I read all the promotional material, manufacturing specifications and timelines for delivery. I also listened in to other workers' phone calls with customers to see what customers wanted to know and how my co-workers handled them. After less than a week, my supervisor allowed me to take live calls from customers. Later that year, I was promoted to team leader of that section."

How this uses the STAR method:

Situation: Give the interviewer context to your story and why this event matters.

"I moved into a new department at my previous employer. I had been handling customer service phone calls about a specific product."

Task: Define your role in the situation and what you were responsible for.

"In the new department, I was responsible for handling customer calls about a completely different product."

Action: List the actions you took to fix the situation.

"To learn about the new product, I read all the promotional material, manufacturing specifications, and timelines for delivery. I also listened in to other workers' phone calls with customers to see what customers wanted to know and how my co-workers handled them."

Results: Explain the results of your actions and the positives that came out of this event.

"After less than a week, my supervisor allowed me to take live calls from customers. Later that year, I was promoted to team leader of that section."

Phrasing your answer in this way gives the interviewer a concise response that shows that you can learn quickly, that you've been successful in the past and are likely to take the same approach to learning your new job.

About Ticket to Work

There's a lot to consider when job searching, and it can be tough trying to do everything on your own. Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI or SSI) and want to work. The Ticket Program is free and voluntary. The Ticket Program connects you with free employment services to help you decide if working is right for you, prepare for work, find a job or continue to be successful while you are working.

Receive Ticket Program Texts

One of the most common interview questions is some version of "why do you want this job?" or "why do you want to work here?" How you answer that question can be a significant factor in whether you get the job because the employer wants to know if you will add value and be a good fit for their organization. They want to know why you like the position and why you like their company. So how should you prepare to answer that question? Today, we'll provide some ideas to help you get ready for that interview.

Sometimes it helps to think of the flip side of this question. Ask yourself, "Why would this company want to hire me?" In other words, think more about what you have to offer, and how you could make an impact rather than why getting the job would benefit you. There are 3 factors that most employers are looking for in your answers. They want to know: (1) that your experience and skills qualify you to do the job; (2) that you have researched their organization and are enthusiastic about its product, service or goals; and (3) that you align with the company's values.

Match Your Skills with the Position

If you have previous work or volunteer experience that is a good fit for the company or position, be ready to discuss that as well as why you enjoy the type of work the company does. If your skills match up well, you can shine when you are asked why you want this job.

If your work skills don't necessarily match perfectly, maybe your soft skills do. Does the person in this position communicate with the public? If that is something you enjoy, you can focus on that aspect of the position and share your experience. Do you enjoy problem solving at work? Again, if it fits, describe how you've solved problems on the job or with a group before.

Express Your Interest and Enthusiasm for the Company

Before you landed the interview, you did your homework and checked out the company culture, right? Learning about the organization you're interviewing with is key, but this includes more than just knowing what the organization does. You'll also want to know about its leadership, culture, employees, stakeholders and competitors. By being well informed, you'll make a good impression on an interviewer. You will also learn whether the organization is a good match for you.

When you make it to the interview, share what caught your eye about either the company or the position. Maybe the position is a good fit or the company's mission is something you can support.

Think About Your Career Goals

Are you applying for an entry-level position in a field you're really interested in? Are you making a career change, or do you want to apply the skills you've gained to a new type of position? While you don't want to sound like you'll only stay in this position for a short time, you can discuss where you see yourself in the future and how the knowledge you can gain from this position can help you get there. This is also a great time to discuss why you picked this company. Asking about growth opportunities and career development show you're interested in investing in the employer for a longer time.  Â 

Working with Ticket to Work

Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI/SSI). Through this free and voluntary program, people who are eligible can work with Ticket Program service providers, like Employment Networks (EN) and State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies to receive supports and services as they pursue work.

Receive Ticket Program Texts

If you no longer receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI/SSI), but need to pay back an overpayment, you have a new option for making payments. 

An overpayment happens when you receive a higher benefit payment from Social Security than what you were due for that month. It is the difference between the benefit payment you received and the amount you were due.  You can now make payments online. You can make full or partial payments using a credit card, debit card or bank account transfer.

Your billing notices now include the new Pay.gov direct payment option and a new 10-character alphanumeric Remittance ID that you will use instead of your Social Security number when making a payment online. There will be a unique Remittance ID with each monthly bill.

You can easily make payments online at pay.gov/public/form/start/834689469. You can also access the site by visiting Pay.gov and searching for "SSA" or "Social Security."

It's as easy as 1-2-3

Step 1: Access the secure payment site at Pay.gov using your Remittance ID. A new and unique Remittance ID is included with each monthly billing statement you will receive.

Step 2: Input your payment information using one of the approved payment methods.

Step 3: Review your payment information and submit your payment.

About Ticket to Work

Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI or SSI) and want to work. The Ticket Program is free and voluntary. The Ticket Program connects you with free employment services to help you decide if working is right for you, prepare for work, find a job or be successful while you are working.

Receive Ticket Program Texts

Career fairs are an excellent way to start or advance your job search. Virtual job fairs let you engage with potential employers and learn about job openings — all you need is an internet connection.

If you're aware of an upcoming job fair that our readers would find helpful, email us at socialmedia@choosework.ssa.gov with the event name, dates and official website.

AbilityJobs

AbilityJobs offers specific online resources for job seekers with disabilities. Accessibility features offer you the opportunity to connect with employers using an American Sign Language interpreter, screen reader or other accommodations. This job fair website also offers online face-to-face interviews with recruiters. Learn more about AbilityJobs' job fairs and how to attend.

CareerEco Virtual Career Fairs

Many organizations list their events on CareerEco. Check out one of the virtual events listed below or find other events by looking at the full calendar.

• May 7: Region 8 Education Service Center Virtual Educator Job Fair
• May 18: US Army Physician Scholarship and Hiring Event

Diversity Career Group

Diversity Career group focuses their career and job fairs on connecting employers and jobseekers through sit-down conversations and even first-round job interviews. Check out the full calendar.

• May 20: Los Angeles Career Fair - Virtual Job Fair
• May 26: Denver Career Fair - Virtual Job Fair
• May 27: Phoenix Career Fair - Virtual Job Fair

Equal Opportunity Publications

Equal Opportunity Publications (EOP) offers a variety of diversity recruitment resources, including national online career magazines, virtual job boards, and career fairs for minority groups and people with disabilities. Check out EOP's career expos page for a list of events.

• May 19: CAREERS & the disABLED Virtual Career Fair

RecruitMilitary

RecruitMilitary seeks to tap into the extensive talent pool that veterans represent for employers. For a listing of all RecruitMilitary career fairs, visit their calendar.

• May 13: Norfolk Area Virtual Career Fair for Veterans
• May 18: National Virtual Career Fair
• May 27: Atlanta Virtual Career Fair for Veterans
• May 27: Ohio Virtual Career Fair for Veterans

About Ticket to Work

There's a lot to consider when job searching, and it can be tough trying to do everything on your own. Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI or SSI) and want to work. The Ticket Program is free and voluntary. The Ticket Program connects you with free employment services to help you decide if working is right for you, prepare for work, find a job or maintain success while you are working.

Finding a Job

The resources on the Ticket to Work Find a Job page can also help as you start or continue your job search. For more comprehensive support, we recommend using the Find Help tool to find a service provider that can offer personalized assistance. The Find a Job webpage includes a chart that you can use to compare the features that the various organizations provide, such as job boards, resume services and social networking opportunities. Some of the organizations also offer an employer directory and access to recruiters.

Receive Ticket Program Texts

You know you're a hard worker, and you're ready to enter the workforce. But what do you do if you don’t have much or any work experience? Employers can't just take your word for it, so they'll likely ask for references. Without that work experience, what can you do?

Many young adults may have questions about job references. Today, we're offering 3 ideas for people who can provide references for you.

1. Teachers: Your teachers can provide a reference — just ask. This can be someone from high school, vocational school, apprenticeship or college. They can speak to your work ethic for completing assignments that will provide insight regarding your reliability and commitment and demonstrate how you are likely to perform on the job!
2. Coaches or club leaders: Did you play a sport or belong to a club in school (or outside of school)? The attitude, character and leadership you brought to the playing field or to club activities can give potential employers a look at how you'll perform at work. This can include religious activities, like youth group, school clubs, school or local sports teams and so much more. Ask the team leader if they would be willing to give you a reference.
3. Volunteer coordinators: Whether you're a recent graduate or have been out of school for a while, you may have had some volunteer experience. Volunteering is an excellent way to build your network and make contacts with people who can help you on the path to employment. Ask your volunteer coordinator to serve as a reference. If you haven't volunteered recently, find an opportunity and start building those relationships!

How to Ask Someone to be a Reference

Once you've narrowed your list of possible references, there's still work to be done. You not only have to ask the person if they'll agree to be a reference, you also need to prepare them to be an effective voice for you. Take the time to follow these tips:

• Get their permission. It can leave a bad impression with a potential employer if someone you've listed as a reference is caught off guard when they are contacted. If you haven't been in contact with the person recently, consider a written request by letter or email. Otherwise, an in-person or telephone request is best.
• Include details. If the person isn't familiar with your current job search, let them know what sort of work you're looking for. This will help the person think about skills and experience you have that relate directly to that type of job when they are contacted by the employer.
• Provide your latest resume. This gives your reference a fuller appreciation of your capabilities and also lets them know what the employer has seen.
• Follow up and stay in touch. If you learn that the employer called your reference, you'll want to know how the conversation went. This will give you a sense of what the employer values in employees and possibly more information on the skills and experiences for the position. Periodically, let your references know how your job search is going.
• Say thanks. Once you receive a job offer, remember that the people you've asked to be references helped. Let them know that you've gotten a job. If they agreed to serve as a reference, they'll be excited for you! A written thank-you note, or a personal phone call will show your appreciation for the person's time and help.

About Ticket to Work

There's a lot to consider when job searching, and it can be tough trying to do everything on your own. Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI or SSI) and want to work. The Ticket Program is free and voluntary. It helps people with disabilities move toward financial independence and connects them with the services and support they need to succeed in the workforce.

By participating in the Ticket Program, you'll have access to a wide variety of services from service providers that offer free short-term and long-term supports to help you find and maintain employment.

Receive Ticket Program Texts

Have you ever had this experience? You interviewed for a job that you think would be a perfect fit. You sent in a great resume with experience that matched the qualifications for the position. Your cover letter was on point and helped get you through the door. You had a couple of interviews for the position — one with the recruiter and one with a hiring manager. They gave you positive feedback and you sent them thank you notes. But you didn't get the job and you're wondering why.

There could be several reasons why you didn't land this job. One way to find out is to ask the hiring manager. Reach out and thank them again for the interview and letting you know that they filled the position. Then, ask them if they are willing to schedule a phone call to discuss any feedback or provide insight that could help you improve in future interviews.

Remember to keep your tone positive and grateful. They don't have to take the time to respond to you, so thank them for reading your email and send another thank you if they respond. This could also help them remember you for other positions at their organization.

Don't try to change their mind or be defensive. This is an opportunity for feedback. The organization made its decision, so this information is purely for your benefit to use in future interviews.

Stay Positive

Remember, all interviews are practice for the interview that will actually land you a job! If you get feedback, apply it to your next interview. If there is no feedback, that's okay too — you still got to practice your interview skills. Someone slightly more qualified may have applied for the position or the company may decide to hire someone who already worked there for the position. Whatever the reason, use this practice to your advantage and keep searching for the right job.

Working with Ticket to Work

Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI/SSI). The Ticket Program is free and voluntary. If you're eligible, it connects you with free employment services to help you decide if working is right for you, prepare for work, find a job and be successful at work.

Many service providers offer help with job interview preparation, including mock interviews that can help you prepare for interviews with potential employers. They may also be able to help you get feedback on your interview or help you think about how you can improve the next time.

Receive Ticket Program Texts

As we've discussed in the past, reporting your wages is important to avoid overpayments from Social Security. An overpayment occurs when Social Security sends you a benefit payment higher than what you're eligible to receive. An important aspect of working while also receiving Social Security disability benefits is updating Social Security about your employment status and how much money you are earning. If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you or your representative must promptly report any changes in your work activity.

When to update Social Security about wages 

You or your representative must tell Social Security right away if any of the following changes happens to your work activity:

• You start or stop work.
• You already reported your work, but your duties, hours, or pay have changed.
• You start paying for expenses that you need for work due to your disability. For more information, refer to Impairment-Related Work Expenses.

How to report your wages

If you receive SSDI or SSI benefits, or you are a representative payee or deemor, you may report wages through an automated Payroll Information Exchange (PIE) if you provide authorization and your employer participates in the exchange with the payroll data provider.

When you report changes in your work activity, Social Security will give you a receipt to verify that you have properly fulfilled your obligation to report. Save this receipt, along with your paystubs so that Social Security can verify your monthly earnings, and any deductions from allowable earnings.

About Ticket to Work

Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits and want to work. The Ticket Program is free and voluntary. The Ticket Program connects you with free employment services to help you decide if working is right for you, prepare for work, find a job or maintain success while you are working.

Receive Ticket Program Texts