Our previous blog post in this series was, Behavioral Interview Questions: What Are They? We discussed a general approach to answering these types of questions. Today, we're talking about answering a specific and common question: "Tell me about a time you made a mistake." Everyone makes mistakes, but no one likes to talk about them. So how do you answer this question during a job interview? Go into the interview prepared, and you can turn your mistake into an asset.

Own Your Mistake

The first rule in answering this question is to take responsibility for your mistake. Don't blame someone else. Describe what you did or should have done to fix it. Did you forget to follow up with someone? Did a task fall off your radar because you weren't very organized? Here's an example of how you can address a mistake and take responsibility for it.

Think of a situation in your own experience and break down the key points using the STAR method. You can talk about a volunteer experience or even a specific job you've held, for example:

"At the end of every shift at the shelter where I volunteer, there are certain tasks that need to be done. Otherwise, the other volunteers are left in a bind and can't complete their own tasks. One day I was in a rush to get home and forgot to do everything that needed to be done before I left. The next day, I apologized to my coordinator and the other volunteers and created a checklist to use in the future. Now I can make sure everything gets done before I leave, and nothing gets forgotten. My coordinator liked my checklist so much they asked to share it with the other volunteers to increase productivity within the project."

How this uses the STAR method:

• Situation: Give the interviewer context to your story and why this event matters.
  "At the end of every shift at the shelter where I volunteer, there are certain tasks that need to be done. Otherwise, the other volunteers are left in a bind and can't complete their own tasks."
• Task: Define your role in the situation and what you were responsible for.
  "One day I was in a rush to get home and I forgot to do everything that needed to be done before I left."
• Action: List the actions you took to fix the situation.
  "The next day, I apologized to my coordinator and the other volunteers and created a checklist to use in the future."
• Results: Explain the results of your actions and the positives that came out of this event.
  "Now I can make sure everything gets done before I leave, and nothing gets forgotten. My coordinator liked my checklist so much they asked to share it with the other volunteers to increase productivity within the project."

Approaching your mistake this way shows that you accept responsibility, but it also highlights how you resolved the issue and helped the rest of your team.

Don't Dwell on Your Mistake

Like the example above, you don't need to dwell on your mistake or whether it affected your job. Instead, emphasize what you learned and how you avoided making a similar mistake in the future like the example below:

"When I was a customer service representative, our main form of communication with clients was via email. When I lost track of a very important email from a client, it resulted in the company losing a big account. To make sure it didn't happen again I started using some tools to help me. For example, I marked emails as unread and flagged them until I followed up on them. I also started using folders in my email program in a way that helped me track where things were. Implementing this system made me more organized and prompt in my communication with clients from then on."

This answer not only briefly talks about your mistake, but it highlights how you have become more organized and applied that skill to other jobs.

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 (SDSI 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.

Many Ticket to Work 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.

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During the interview process, employers are not only looking at the skills and talents you'll bring to a position, but how you'll use them on a daily basis. They do this by asking behavioral interview questions — stories about different projects and issues that may mirror an average workday in the position you are applying for.

By asking these questions, employers want specific details about how you accomplished a goal or solved a problem. They use your stories to determine whether you would be a good fit for their organization. You can use your experience from a previous job, a volunteer project, an internship or a group project in school.

Preparing for this type of question can take some time; but it also gives you the opportunity to identify the strengths you'll want to highlight during the interview. In future posts, we will address several of these types of questions and offer suggestions about how to answer them. Today, we're talking about how you can prepare to handle behavioral questions in general.

Analyze the Job Description

Review the job description to identify what specific work or soft skills the employer mentions. Often, you'll see attributes and skills such as communication, team player, ability to focus, efficiency, timeliness, flexibility, attention to detail, creativity and responsibility. Which ones are emphasized in the job description?

List Your Past Experiences

Once you decide which attributes or skills are most relevant to the job description, think about what experiences you've had that would address them. Reflect on your successes; how you achieved them and why they were significant. If you faced some challenges, how did you handle them? If you have some past performance evaluations, look at those to refresh your memory.

Create Some Examples

Anecdotes or stories are an excellent way to make your points. A good rule of thumb is to think of examples as you prepare for the interview and apply the STAR method to answer these types of questions:

• Situation: Offer some background on the task or challenge that you'll be addressing
• Task: Define your role and responsibilities for the particular situation
• Action: Explain what steps you took or ideas you offered to help solve the problem
• Result: Share how the situation was resolved, highlighting how your actions helped

Enlist Some Help

A Ticket to Work service provider that offers interview preparation help may be an ideal resource to help you address STAR questions. They may be able to help you brainstorm some situations to discuss with a potential employer or hold a mock interview to help you practice your responses. That way, you'll head into an interview with confidence.

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.

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Nearly one-third of all American adults report getting less than the recommended amount of sleep^[1]. Are you one of them?

According to the Centers for Disease Control, not getting enough sleep is a major public health concern. For example, ongoing sleep deficiency can raise your risk for some chronic health problems such as diabetes or depression. If you are on the job or preparing to enter the workforce, it can also affect how well you think, react, work, learn and get along with others.

This week in honor of National Sleep Awareness Week, the Ticket to Work Program is sharing why sleep is important for job performance, and what you can do to practice healthy sleep habits. Below are several facts about sleep to keep in mind.

• When you sleep is just as important as how long you sleep. Go to sleep at about the same time each day to feel rested. Set a bedtime routine and avoid eating, talking on the phone or watching TV in bed.
• Sleepiness can reduce productivity. Being rested and alert before a job interview, a meeting with your local service provider or before a routine day at work can help you feel confident and ready.
• Your health is important. Just like eating well, getting a good night's sleep is vital to your overall health. The National Institute of Health has provided 13 tips to help you prepare for a good night sleep.

Have trouble falling asleep?

Having a bedroom that is conducive to falling asleep and staying asleep is an important factor in creating healthy sleep habits. The Sleep Foundation sorts the elements needed for a good sleep setting into two categories:

Category One: Design Choices

Interior design is about making a place your home and expressing your style, but it can also help create a bedroom that promotes better sleep habits.

• Choose colors that help you feel calm and relaxed. For many that means warm, softer colors.
• Make sure the layout is usable without feeling cramped. Keep your bedroom essentials but make sure there is still space to move about comfortably.
• Reduce the clutter in the bedroom. Clutter may reinforce the idea of "too many loose ends," creating a sense of anxiety or stress. Keeping your bedroom neat and organized can help set you up for a successful workday and restful night.

Category Two: Practical Environment Changes

A sleep-conducive bedroom doesn't just look relaxing, it has some practical characteristics that support your body's natural ability to wind down and fall asleep.

• Reduce light and noise in the bedroom when it's time for sleep. A dark, quiet bedroom supports your circadian rhythm's cues to your body that it's time to sleep. This also means you should reduce your exposure to electronics and blue light, which can throw off your circadian rhythm.
• Keep your bedroom at a comfortable temperature, usually between 60 to 71 degrees Fahrenheit. Excess heat can disrupt sleep.
• Your mattress and bedding play an important role in helping you fall and stay asleep. Make sure each is comfortable to your personal preference but can support your back and neck properly based on your sleep position. Regular washing of all bedding also helps keep the bed fresh and reduces potential allergen build-up.  

Set yourself up for a successful night's sleep by making your bedroom a place of relaxation and comfort. And if you've got a big day ahead, set aside some time for "active worrying." Make a plan or write down a to-do list or journal. Writing lists can ease worry and reduce stress, making it easier to fall asleep. Getting enough sleep can help you stay focused and ready to achieve your work goals.

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 (SDSI 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.

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^[1] CDC - Sleep Home Page - Sleep and Sleep Disorders

Did you know that if you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you may be able to test your ability to work for 9 months and still receive full SSDI benefit payments no matter how much you earn from your job? It's true. It's one of Social Security's Work Incentives – the Trial Work Period (TWP). Let's take a closer look at this Incentive, one of many from Social Security that supports people who receive benefits and want to work.

Trial Work Period

With the TWP, people who receive SSDI have an opportunity to decide whether working is right for them while receiving their benefit payments for 9 months. Each disability claim with Social Security is eligible for a single TWP to support beneficiaries while they explore long-term employment. During the TWP, they receive full SSDI benefit payments no matter how much they earn. It's important to know that the 9 months do not have to be consecutive. Once you use those nine months, you have used the TWP. When deciding if you have used your TWP, Social Security measures earnings over a 60-month (5 year) period. Beneficiaries must report their work activity and continue to meet Social Security's rules for disability during those 9 months.

How does it work?

Social Security uses the amount of earnings you make in a month before taxes, to calculate if a month counts toward one of the 9 months of your TWP. In 2022, any month in which you earn $970 or more will count toward your TWP. For example, if you began your TWP in 2022 and earned $1,500 in January and $800 in February, you would have used 1 of your 9 TWP "service months."

If you start your TWP as a self-employed person, any month you earn $970 or work more than 80 hours, that month will count as one of your TWP "service months."

Reporting Wages

Whether you receive SSDI or SSI, Social Security needs to know about your work activity or wages earned. A Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program service provider can explain Social Security's work and wage reporting requirements and may assist with reporting earnings to Social Security.

When Your Trial Work Period Ends

After you've completed your 9 months of the TWP, you begin a 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE). During this time, if you continue to work, Social Security will evaluate your work and earnings. A person who is earning more than a certain monthly amount after consideration of all of Social Security's Work Incentives, is ordinarily considered to be engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). In 2022, SGA is a monthly earning of $1,350 for individuals who are not blind and $2,260 for individuals who are blind. Social Security determines your eligibility for benefits based on this number, and some other Work Incentives that may allow Social Security not to count some of your earnings.

If you do not perform work that Social Security determines to be SGA during any month of your EPE and continue to have your disabling impairment, you will be due your disability benefits during that month. For months that you earn above SGA, you may no longer be due payments, once Social Security looks at the earnings. If Social Security decides your work is substantial Gainful Activity the first time after your Trial Work Period ends, Social Security will pay benefits for the month your disability ceased and the following 2 months. This is the grace period. However, if your earnings fall below SGA and you are still within the 36-month period, Social Security can restart your benefits without a new application.

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. It helps people with disabilities move toward financial independence and connects them with the services and support they need to succeed in the workforce.

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

Career fairs are an excellent way to start or advance your job search. They give you the chance to meet potential employers and learn about different job opportunities. 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.

• March 4: Accessible Online Career Fair

Bender Consulting Services

Bender Consulting Services offers a variety of employment resources for job seekers with disabilities, from career prep and education to job recruitment and vocational training.

• March 23: Bender Virtual Career Fair

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.

• March 4: Virtual Career Connections Expo
• March 13: Charter School Teacher Virtual Job Fair
• March 16: Diversity & Inclusion Virtual Career Fair

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.

• March 11: Los Angeles Virtual Career Fair
• March 24: San Jose / Silicon Valley Virtual Career 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.

• March 26: 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.

• March 16: Western Region Virtual Career Fair
• March 18: Washington DC / Baltimore Virtual Career Fair
• March 23: Transitioning Army & Army Spouse Virtual Career 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.

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When you're ready to try working, finding the right job means looking at a variety of factors — job requirements, your skills, the company's location and culture — among other things. At the same time, employers are looking for qualified candidates. Did you know that there's a law that requires businesses that have contracts with the federal government to actively recruit and hire qualified individuals with disabilities? It's a provision of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Rehabilitation Act) called Section 503.

Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act requires employers to not only actively recruit and hire individuals with disabilities, but to support these individuals during employment through training, promotion and retention. These rules can lead to more job opportunities for people with disabilities as federal contractors in a variety of fields and businesses of various sizes, ranging from small family-owned businesses to large international corporations. Employers may work in construction, food service and IT and administrative support, among many other fields.

Ticket to Work Can Help!

Your Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program service provider is a great resource to help you find such federal contractors and job openings. If working as a federal contractor sounds like a good fit for you, service providers like these are ready to help:

• State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies and Employment Networks (EN): Many State VR agencies and ENs can help you locate employers and support you through the job search process. To find the right EN or State VR agency for you, use our Find Help tool.
• American Job Centers (AJC): Many AJCs provide resources to job seekers throughout various stages of the job hunt. These include career counseling, job interview practice sessions, job search assistance, job training and much more. Find your local AJC.

From Airman to Department of Defense (DOD) Support

One person who benefitted from support from the Ticket Program and Section 503 was Angel. After years of service in the Air Force and extensive damage to his neck and back, Angel found he couldn't keep up with the physical demands required of an airman. After he was medically retired, had multiple surgeries and recovered from a health scare, Angel felt he was ready to return to the civilian workforce.

With support from his Ticket Program service provider, Angel found a full-time position that supports the U.S.DOD. He's now in a workplace that provides him with the accommodations and support he needs to succeed.

"Being back at work has had a positive impact in so many areas of my life," Angel said. "I've been able to [show] my children the rewards that can go with perseverance and resilience."

Read more about Angel and learn how the Ticket Program helped ease his transition to the civilian workforce.

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. The 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 considered whether an apprenticeship could help you reach your career goals? In many fields, an apprenticeship could turn out to be a path to financial independence through employment. Today, we're talking about what they are and sharing some tips on how to find them.

What are apprenticeships?

Apprenticeships are industry-driven, high-quality career pathways by which employers can develop their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience, classroom instruction, and a portable, nationally recognized credential.

Through an apprenticeship program, you earn a salary while you're acquiring the skills and credentials that employers value. In fact, according to Apprenticeship.gov, 94% of apprentices who complete an apprenticeship program stay employed, with an average annual salary of $70,000. Learn more about the benefits of an apprenticeship for career seekers and prospective apprentices.

How to find an apprenticeship

One way to search for an apprenticeship opportunity is to use the U.S. Department of Labor's Apprenticeship Job Finder. You can find an extensive listing of opportunities ranging from cyber security, software development and carpentry to dog grooming. You can then apply directly through the website or contact the employer or the job sponsor for more information.

Ticket Program service providers can also help you connect with apprenticeship opportunities. One type of service provider, an Employment Network (EN), is a private or public organization that provides career counseling and assistance with job placement. An EN may also be able to help you understand how work will affect your benefits. This includes ENs that are also part of a state's public workforce system (Workforce (WF) EN), also known as American Job Centers. They help businesses find qualified workers and can help you find an apprenticeship to boost your career.

How can Social Security's Ticket to Work Program help?

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) and want to work. Through this free and voluntary program, eligible participants can work with service providers to receive the supports and services they need to find and maintain employment.

Receive Ticket Program Texts

Career fairs are an excellent way to start or advance your job search. They give you the chance to meet 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.

• February 10: Virtual Interstate Career Fair
• February 18: Chester County Schools: Virtual Recruitment Fair
• February 24: Mizzou Engineering Virtual Career 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.

• February 26: 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 career fairs, visit their calendar.

• February 11: Dallas Virtual Career Fair
• February 16: National Virtual Career Fair
• February 23: Eastern Region Virtual Career 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. 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.

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

If you've started your journey toward employment, you may have heard the terms Trial Work Period (TWP) and Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). Today, we're highlighting the 2021 changes to the threshold amounts for these 2 disability-related provisions, as well as how Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program may be able to help you achieve your employment goals.

Trial Work Period

If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Social Security has a Work Incentive called the Trial Work Period (TWP), which allows you to test your ability to work for at least 9 months and still receive benefits. As long as you report your work activity and continue to meet Social Security's disability requirements, you'll continue to receive your benefits payments regardless of how much money you make. The TWP continues until you accumulate 9 TWP service months (not necessarily consecutive) within a rolling 60-month period.

What's New in 2021?

Social Security adjusted the TWP amount in 2021 so that any month you earn more than $940 will count toward your TWP. If you are self-employed, any month that you work 80 or more hours in your business, or have net earnings from self-employment of more than $940 per month, will count toward your TWP.

For example, if you earn $1,500 in January 2021 and $700 in February 2021, only January will count toward your TWP. Find more information about the TWP in our Trial Work Period Fact Sheet. The fact sheet explains the process and highlights ways to make this safety net work for you.

Substantial Gainful Activity

Social Security uses the term "substantial gainful activity" (SGA) to describe a level of work activity and earnings. If you receive SSDI, Social Security uses SGA to decide if your eligibility for benefits continues after you return to work and complete your TWP. Social Security generally compares your monthly earnings to set amounts, known as earnings thresholds, to evaluate if your work activity is SGA.

What’s New in 2021?

Social Security has adjusted the SGA monthly threshold to $1,310 in 2021. The Social Security Act specifies a higher SGA amount for statutorily blind individuals, so for people who are blind and receive SSDI, the SGA monthly amount in 2021 is $2,190.

Stay up to date

As you think about what these 2021 updates mean for you, you may have questions. Working with a Ticket Program service provider, like an Employment Network or state Vocational Rehabilitation agency, that has a Benefits Counselor on staff, may help you find the answers and information you're looking for.

We share information about Work Incentives and employment resources for people with disabilities regularly. Subscribe to our emails and follow us on social media to stay up to date on the program and discover resources designed to help you on the path to work.

• Subscribe to the Choose Work! Blog to learn more about the Ticket to Work Program and find tips for your job search.
• Subscribe to our WISE webinars email updates to find out what topics we'll discuss in our monthly webinars.
• Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to find even more information that may help you on your path to financial independence!

About Ticket to Work

There's a lot to consider as you plan your employment goals for the new year, and you don't have to do it alone. The 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 Ticket Program service providers that offer free short-term and long-term supports to help you find and maintain employment.

Receive Ticket Program Texts