Career fairs are an excellent way to start or advance your job search. Whether they're in person or online, job fairs let you engage with potential employers and learn about job openings.

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

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. To see a full list of their services along with all sponsored virtual career fairs, visit their website.

• April 13: Bender Disability Virtual Career Fair

CareerEco Virtual Career Fairs

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

• April 5: Houston Area Virtual Job Fair
• April 6: MCCA Virtual Diversity Career Fair
• April 20: Government & Non-Profit Jobs Hiring Event

City Career Fairs

Diversity Employment Day Career Fairs provide recruiters access to the United States' largest pool of diverse, multi-cultural and qualified professionals. To see the full schedule of in-person and virtual career fairs, view their full calendar.

• April 6: San Francisco Career Fair – In Person
• April 8: San Francisco Career Fair – Virtual Video
• April 13: Seattle Career Fair – In Person
• April 20: Chicago Career Fair – In Person
• April 22: Chicago Career Fair – Virtual Video

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.

• April 7: Pasadena Career Fair – Virtual Job Fair
• April 14: Dallas Career Fair – Virtual Job Fair
• April 21: Orange County Career Fair – Virtual Job Fair

Equal Opportunity Publications

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

• April 20: STEM Virtual Career Fair

Professional Diversity Network

Professional Diversity Network works to connect job seekers with employers that value an inclusive and diverse work environment. Visit their full calendar of events.

• April 12: The New England Professional 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.

• April 12: Transitioning Army & Spouse Virtual Career Fair
• April 14: New York Veterans Career Fair
• April 21: Charlotte Veterans Career Fair
• April 26: South Central Region Virtual Career Fair for Veterans

Preparing for Job Fairs

Before you attend a job or career fair, be sure to prepare. We have a variety of resources to help, including:

• Preparing for and Attending a Virtual Career Fair
• 9 Tips to Help You Succeed at a Career Fair

CareerOneStop also has lots of tips that can help you prepare for and succeed at a job fair and in your overall job search.

Learn More

To learn more about the Ticket Program, call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. Ask a representative to send you a list of service providers or find providers on your own with the Ticket Program Find Help tool.

Receive Ticket Program Texts

If you're interested in receiving text messages from the Ticket Program, please text TICKET to 1-571-489-5292. Standard messaging rates may apply. We'll send updates from our blog, identify steps on the path to employment and more. We hope you'll find this new way to stay in touch helpful. You can opt out at any time.

Interview Anxiety? Here's What to Do

Having a job interview is exciting. It’s your chance to show a potential employer that you have what it takes to do a great job. Yet, an interview can also be stressful. That’s normal. Here are some tips to help you calm your nerves before an upcoming interview.

Prepare

The more you prepare, the more confidence you'll have. That preparation is key to reducing any anxiety you may have. For example, if you are worried about certain interview questions, review them ahead of time, and think about how to answer them (more on that later). Being prepared also includes bringing copies of your resume, work product examples, certificates, pen and notebook, and anything else the interviewer asks you to bring. This shows the employer that you’re serious about getting the job and can follow instructions. Look at these additional interview prep tips for more help.

Visualize the Interview Going Well

Athletes often visualize how they want their performances to go. This method can work in many settings, including a job interview. Picture yourself smiling as you greet the interviewer, confidently answering an interview question and asking a relevant question that you prepared ahead of time. Think about your body language and facial expressions so that you communicate interest in hearing what the interviewer says. Using your imagination in such a positive way, can help banish some of your stress.

Take a Practice Trip to the Location

If the interview is in person and you're driving to a location, take a practice drive there before the big day. Find the best route, parking and which entrance to use (if it's a large building). That way you can estimate the time it will take and ensure you arrive on time. Being late to an interview causes stress right from the start. If you are not driving yourself, be sure to have the exact address and clear directions to share with the driver.

Practice Answering Questions with Someone

Rehearse answering popular interview questions with a friend before the interview. Some typical questions might include:

• "Can you tell me about yourself?"
• "Why are you the best person for the job?"
• "What do you know about our company?"

There are many others, but it will help relieve your anxiety to practice how you will answer expected questions. Check out our blog post Top Questions You Can Expect during a Job Interview for more questions to review. If you are currently working with an Employment Network (EN), remember they can help run through interview questions with you. They are there to support you through your employment journey.

Eat Lightly Before

Make sure to eat a light meal before your interview. A nutritious snack or meal before your interview will likely give you energy to be alert and feel your best. You don't want your stomach to growl during the interview, but a heavy meal could make you feel sluggish.

Wear Comfortable Clothes

When you are comfortable in your clothes, you feel better in general. If you are stressed about your outfit during the interview, it shows. You want to look and be confident. Decide on your interview outfit the day before. A comfortable, professional outfit will help you feel and look your best. It also helps you make the best first impression possible.

Remember You're Interviewing Them Too

The great part of an interview? You're not the only one in the "hot seat." You are interviewing your potential company too! They should impress you as well. Think whether you can see yourself working in this environment. Is the company organized and able to help guide your career? What you feel matters. Plan to take notes on important features of the company and environment to review later.

You are going to have a great interview! Remaining calm before the interview allows you to think more clearly and show the employer your best qualities.

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/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 as they move toward financial independence through work.

As you think about returning to work and possibly changing careers or working for the first time, you may have questions and need support. Working with a Ticket Program service provider can help you develop achievable goals and steps to find and maintain employment in your new career. Ticket Program service providers can even help you identify the type of career you might enjoy and any transferrable skills you may have.

Learn More

To learn more about the Ticket Program, call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. Ask a representative to send you a list of service providers or find providers on your own with the Ticket Program Find Help tool.

Career fairs are an excellent way to start or advance your job search. Whether they're in person or online, job fairs let you engage with potential employers and learn about job openings.

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

Abilities Expo

Abilities Expo is the nation's leading event for manufacturers, distributors and service providers to showcase their products and services directly to the end-user and professional healthcare providers. Review the full Abilities Expo list of upcoming in person events.

• March 4-6: Los Angeles Abilities Expo

CareerEco Virtual Career Fairs

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

• March 5: Greenville County Schools Shining Stars: Early Childhood & Elementary
• March 16: Diversity & Inclusion Virtual Career Fair
• March 23: Big 12 Virtual Career Fair
• March 24: Healthcare Online Career Fairs

City Career Fairs

Diversity Employment Day Career Fairs provide recruiters access to the United States' largest pool of diverse, multi-cultural and qualified professionals. To see the full schedule of in-person and virtual career fairs, view their full calendar.

• March 4: Los Angeles Career Fair - Virtual Video
• March 9: Los Angeles Career Fair - In-Person
• March 16: Dallas Career Fair - In-Person
• March 18: Dallas Career Fair - Virtual Video
• March 22: Portland Career Fair - In-Person
• March 30: Washington DC / Virginia Career Fair - In-Person

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.

• March 17: Seattle Career Fair - Virtual Job Fair

Equal Opportunity Publications

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

• March 9: CAREERS & the disABLED Virtual Career Fair

Professional Diversity Network

Professional Diversity Network works to connect job seekers with employers that value an inclusive and diverse work environment. Visit their full calendar of events.

• March 8: The Chicago Professional Diversity Virtual Career Fair
• March 22: The DC Professional 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. 

• March 3: Fort Bragg Area Virtual Job Fair
• March 10: Houston Veterans Job Fair
• March 15: National Virtual Career Fair for Veterans
• March 24: Kansas City Veterans Career Fair

Preparing for Job Fairs

Before you attend a job or career fair, be sure to prepare. We have a variety of resources to help, including:

• Making the Most of a Virtual Career Fair
• 9 Tips to Help You Succeed at a Career Fair

CareerOneStop also has lots of tips that can help you prepare for and succeed at a job fair and in your overall job search.

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 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 web page 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. 

February is Black History Month. It's an opportunity to celebrate African Americans' achievements, history and contributions. Although February is the popular designated month, African Americans' achievements make an impact year-round, including achievements by those who have a disability. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 1 in every 4 African Americans has a disability. Let's take a moment to learn about a few African Americans whose achievements and gifts add so much to our lives.

Halle Berry

Known for starring in movie roles such as "Boomerang," "Losing Isiah," "Catwoman," and "Kidnap," Berry has had major success as an actress. More recently, she made her directorial debut with the movie "Bruised," in which she also stars. Her latest movie is "Moonfall," where she plays an astronaut who is trying to save humanity. Throughout her career, Berry has been open about her diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes, and partial hearing loss.

In 2002, Halle Berry was the first African American to win an Academy Award for Best Actress, for her role in "Monster's Ball." Berry has given her time to charities including the Juvenile Diabetes Association, Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes and groups against domestic violence, which caused her hearing loss. Her drive to continue being the best and grow in her career inspires many people.

John Register

John Register is a celebrated inspirational speaker, U.S. Army combat veteran and two-time Paralympian. Register has inspired and trained thousands across the globe to reach for their dreams, and never stop. Register became an amputee in 1994 following a misstep over a hurdle. At the time, he was training for the 1996 Olympic Games after participating in two consecutive Olympic trials. He was one of the fastest hurdlers in the world when he had the accident. Register needed to adjust and re-create his goals, and that's just what he did.

As he recovered and became more comfortable using his prosthetic leg, he trained for the Paralympics and made the team in 23 months! He eventually won a silver medal in the Long Jump in 2000. Currently, he is busy traveling the world, sharing his story of hope and giving workshops on overcoming life's most challenging obstacles. 

Keisha Greaves 

Keisha Greaves is an entrepreneur, MBA graduate and motivational speaker. In 2011, Greaves was diagnosed with a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy called Limb Girdle. She now uses a wheelchair, and requires additional help to maintain her daily activities, like running her own business, Girls Chronically Rock.

Girls Chronically Rock officially launched in 2016. Greaves decided that her diagnosis would not stop her love of fashion and entrepreneurship. She feels strongly about the need for clothing designed for people with disabilities and is actively doing something about it. She designed a line of t-shirts with inspirational quotes and bright colors. She recently expanded her online store to include an adaptive swimwear line. Greaves plans to offer even more adaptive clothes in the future. She was named a 2021 National MDA Ambassador where she enjoys bringing awareness to Muscular Dystrophy and fighting for a cure.

Daryl "Chill" Mitchell

Daryl "Chill" Mitchell has had a long career including being a rapper, writer, comedian and actor. He has done it all and continues to build his career. Michell has played in movies, including "House Party," "A Thin Line Between Love and Hate," "Ten Things I Hate About You" and more. In 2001, Mitchell was in a motorcycle accident and became paralyzed from the waist down. Daryl did not quit and continued his career in entertainment. Daryl played Wendell in "Fear of the Walking Dead." He also had a starring role in "NCIS: New Orleans" from 2014 to 2021. He played the leading role of Patton Plame, a computer specialist.

Mitchell created the Daryl Mitchell Foundation to raise awareness of spinal cord injury. He is also a strong advocate for employing African Americans and disabled actors in the entertainment industry. He co-authored the Ruderman White Paper on the Challenge to Create More Authentic Disability Casting and Representation on TV. He also served as an ambassador for the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation.

Take some time to learn more about those featured here, and more. So many African Americans with disabilities have amazing careers, in and out of the spotlight. They all have a "no quit" attitude, and we hope you're encouraged by their accomplishments!

Do you need some help accomplishing your career goals? 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 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.

Career fairs are an excellent way to start or advance your job search. Whether they're in person or online, job fairs let you engage with potential employers and learn about job openings.

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

CareerEco Virtual Career Fairs

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

• February 9: Government Jobs Hiring Event
• February 11: National Collegiate Sales Competition Virtual Fair
• February 16: Eastern North Carolina Career Alliance (ENCCA) 2022 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.

• February 10: Los Angeles Career Fair - Virtual Job Fair
• February 17: Dallas Career Fair - Virtual Job Fair
• February 24: East Bay Career Fair - Virtual Job Fair

Professional Diversity Network

Professional Diversity Network works to connect job seekers with employers that value an inclusive and diverse work environment. Visit their full calendar of events.

• February 8: The New York Professional Diversity Virtual Career Fair
• February 22: NUL Black History Month 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.

• February 8: Eastern Region Virtual Career Fair for Veterans
• February 17: Phoenix Veterans Job Fair
• February 22: Northwest Region Virtual Career Fair for Veterans

Preparing for Job Fairs

Before you attend a job or career fair, be sure to prepare. We have a variety of resources to help, including:

• Making the Most of a Virtual Career Fair
• 9 Tips to Help You Succeed at a Career Fair

CareerOneStop also has lots of tips that can help you prepare and succeed at a job fair and in your job search.

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 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 web page 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.

Sometimes, leaving the workforce due to a disability means that when you're able to try working again, the job or career you once had is no longer possible. If you find you want to work, but you're unable to return to your previous profession, changing careers is the next logical step.

If you're unsure where to start your career change, we have some tips to help you figure out where your return to work may lead. Once you decide on a new career path, it's time to prepare for your hunt for a new job. You may be transitioning to a different type of work within your field or even a new field entirely, but that doesn't necessarily mean you have to start over from scratch. Here are some ways to make yourself a strong job candidate.

Identify Your Transferable Skills

When you're looking for a new type of job or career, it can be discouraging to learn that the  requirements listed in a job posting don't directly match your experience. That shouldn't stop you from applying. You may have the skills and experience the employer is looking for even though you took a different path to get those skills.

For example, you may have "transferable" skills that hiring managers want for all types of positions—from customer service representatives to management positions. Soft skills such as communication, working in a team or time management are essential for anyone working in a collaborative environment.

Even some technical skills can help you move more easily between industries. A basic understanding of Microsoft Office, project management principles or writing skills can be useful in a variety of workplaces.

If you need help figuring out what skills you've gained during your time in the workforce or volunteering, Career OneStop has a helpful tool to identify your transferable skills that you can highlight during an interview.

Build Your New Network

Changing jobs may mean working within a different industry. Unless you're one of the lucky few, looking for a new job may take some time. While you're applying for jobs and waiting for interviews, networking can help you find new opportunities and show people you're looking to try something new.

Attending career fairs, alumni meet and greets or reaching out to potential new companies for informational interviews helps you build professional relationships in the industry before you've even had your first day.

Update Your Resume

You know what new type of work you'd like to try. You learned from your new friend in the industry about a company that's hiring. How do you show the hiring manager you're a good fit for the job? Adjusting your resume can play an important role in your application process.

Not all resumes are equal and using one that highlights the transferable skills you have is an important tool for your career change. We have a collection of tips and tools to help you write an updated resume.

Your position titles may not match the traditional path to your new career, but explaining how your skills could be applied to a new position may help you secure the next interview. For example, running an elementary school classroom takes strong, clear communication skills and exposure to different types of computer programs. A mechanic understands attention to detail and rapid problem-solving skills. A nurse can work well under pressure and with a wide variety of personality types.

Don't forget an important part of your job application: Your cover letter! To add more context to your skills and show what a great fit you are for the new position, customize your stand-out cover letter to focus on your experience.

We all start somewhere, and occasionally we must start over. If you find yourself looking to try something new, know you're not alone. It's not impossible, and there are supports and services available to you if you need them.

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. 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 as they move toward financial independence through work.

As you think about returning to work and possibly changing careers you may have questions and need support. Working with a Ticket Program service provider can help you develop achievable goals and steps to find and maintain employment in your new career. Ticket Program service providers can even help you identify the type of career you might enjoy and any transferrable skills you may have.

To help people who receive benefits and payments keep up with the changing cost of living, Social Security beneficiaries often receive an annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). Each year, Social Security bases the COLA on changes in the Consumer Price Index.

For 2022, Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments will increase by 5.9%. This means that more than 70 million Americans will see a change in their benefit payments. 

Find Out Your New Benefit Amount

my Social Security accounts are secure ways to verify and manage your benefits. By creating a free, personal account, you can check your Social Security statement, change your address, report your wages and more.

If you don't have a my Social Security account, you can sign up for one today. Once you log in to your account, you can manage your notification preferences under "Message Center Preferences" to start receiving courtesy messages either in your email or as a text message. Social Security will send a message to the Message Center inbox in your account and, if you've signed up for courtesy notifications, you will receive an email and/or text message to let you know you have a message waiting in your account.
In December 2021, Social Security COLA notices will be available online to most beneficiaries in the message center of their my Social Security account. Remember, you'll still receive your notice in the mail, but you can also choose to receive COLA notices online through your my Social Security account.

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. 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 as they move toward financial independence through work.

As you think about what the 2022 COLA means for you, you may have questions. Working with a Ticket Program service provider, like an Employment Network or State Vocational Rehabilitation agency, that has Benefits Counselor on staff may help you find the answers and information you're looking for.

The Ticket Program shares information about Work Incentives and employment resources for people with disabilities on a regular basis. Subscribe to our emails, sign up for text messaging and follow us on social media to stay updated on the Program and discover resources designed to help you succeed on the path to work.

• Subscribe to the Choose Work! Blog to learn more about the Ticket 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 can help you on your path to financial independence!

Career fairs are an excellent way to start or advance your job search. Whether they're in person or online, job fairs let you engage with potential employers and learn about job openings. This month's events are for veterans and their spouses. If you're not a veteran, check out our tips and get ready for career fairs in 2022.

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

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.

• December 7: Transitioning Army and Spouse Virtual Career Fair
• December 9: Atlanta Veterans Job Fair
• December 9: Houston Veterans Job Fair
• December 16: San Diego Veterans Job Fair

Preparing for Job Fairs

Before you attend a job or career fair, be sure to prepare. We have a variety of resources to help, including:

• Making the Most of a Virtual Career Fair
• 9 Tips to Help You Succeed at a Career Fair

CareerOneStop also has lots of tips that can help you succeed at a job fair and in your job search.

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 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 web page 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.

Deciding if and when you're ready to try work is a very personal decision with many factors to consider. And each person's timeline for entering the workforce is unique. However, if you decide that this is your time, you may want to start your journey to financial independence during the upcoming holiday season.

Why? Because many employers are looking for additional end-of-the-year help that is seasonal or temporary. Seasonal work is a great way to try out a job or industry to learn whether it's the right fit for you without a long-term commitment. Seasonal employees also can sometimes transition to more permanent employment.

The Benefits of Seasonal Employment

In addition to being short term and a possible first step into the workforce, seasonal work has some other benefits that can help you on your employment journey:

• Flexible Schedules: Many seasonal employment opportunities like retail, customer service or warehouse work have flexible schedules outside the traditional 9-5 office job. This flexibility can give you time to adjust to working and time to meet other commitments you may have.
• Filling Employment Gaps: If you had to leave the workforce due to your disability and are ready to try working again, future employers may ask about employment gaps on your resume. Seasonal employment can bridge those gaps, showing interviewers that you're ready to return to work again.
• Developing New Skills: Seasonal work is a chance to try something new. If you think you're ready for a career change or want to apply your skills in a new way, seasonal work can let you try new things. New jobs let us brush up on skills we've already mastered, develop new skills we can apply to our existing careers or be the start of an entirely new chapter in our work history.
• Building Your Network: They say it's not what you know, but who you know. And seasonal work is a chance to meet new people in a professional environment. By growing your career network, you open the door to new opportunities. Former coworkers can become references and supportive members of your employment team.

Think Outside the Big Box Store

When people hear seasonal employment, they often think of retail employees for the holidays. That is one option you can explore as you look for work. However, if you think retail may not be for you, there are other industries hiring around the end of the year that may be a better fit. These include:

• Warehouse and Delivery Employees: Online shopping and holiday deliveries go up near the end of the year. Many companies try to meet the demands of consumers by having more order processors, stock clerks and delivery drivers around the holiday season.
• Customer Service: Like retail and warehouse demands, customer service professionals are needed to support companies through their end-of-year sales. From public-facing customer service positions to more behind the scenes logistical support jobs.
• Human Resources Administration: The end of the year means open enrollment season for many companies that provide health insurance benefits to their employees. Many HR professionals look for additional staff around the holidays to help with open enrollment, questions about benefits and the upcoming tax season.
• Seasonal Resort Employees and Tour Guides: If you live in or near a resort area, your local resort may be looking to hire for the upcoming season. While you may have missed hiring for the winter months, they may start looking for employees for the upcoming summer months. If you did miss winter hiring, don't give up, there may be last minute openings as people decline job offers due to various circumstances.
• Temporary Work Agencies: During the final months of the year companies may experience more long-term absences from their full-time employees due to holiday leave or seasonal illnesses. They sometimes hire temporary employees to fill in those gaps to keep things running smoothly. Temporary employment like this can allow you to connect with a company for future employment opportunities. Some agencies may even offer temporary to permanent employment positions.

Be Prepared

No matter the type of seasonal job you apply for, there are a few universal tips to help you make a great impression during your interview and possibly land the job. This job may be temporary, but being prepared for your interview, dressing professionally and respecting the process are always important.

Many seasonal jobs conduct open interviews. This means that instead of scheduling a one-on-one time to meet with you, they have a set time slot to meet with everyone who is interested in applying for a seasonal job.

Open interviews can be done individually or in a group setting. If you're going to an open interview, bring a few extra copies of your resume and references. You may be meeting with more than one manager. Be prepared to wait; open interviews can sometimes take the hiring manager the entire time slot to meet with everyone. Finally, even though it is an open interview, make sure to get the interviewer's information so you can send them a thank you note once the interview is complete.

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 heard about ABLE Accounts? An ABLE Account offers certain individuals with a disability a tax-free way to save for disability-related expenses. Today, we're sharing information that will help you when you're opening your ABLE account.

If you have a disability that began before age 26 and meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, you or a person legally authorized to act on your behalf may open and manage the account.

An ABLE Account allows you to save up to $15,000 per year of your own earnings from work, or with the help of contributions from family, friends or an employer. Saving up to $100,000 in an ABLE account does not affect your federal or state benefits at all!

Questions to Ask

To see whether your state is one of the 43 states with an ABLE program, visit the state review. A few states offer their program to in-state residents only, but most enroll individuals from other states. Before you open an ABLE Account, you may want to ask these questions:

• Am I a resident of this state? If not, is the enrollment open to non-residents?
• Is there a minimum contribution to open the account?
• Is there a monthly or annual fee?
• Is there a debit card available?

Information You'll Need

After you decide to open your account in a particular state, click on that state in the state review to access the program website and complete the online application. Some states, but not all, have an application you can download. You'll need the following information and to make a few choices:

1. Personal identification
   • Federal law requires name, street address, date of birth, and Social Security number, among other information, to verify your identity.
2. Identification of your disability
   • Some applications include various categories. If you don't receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you will need general information about the disability you certify began before age 26.
3. Information about anyone authorized on your account
   • This includes your legal guardian, conservator, or someone with power of attorney, or a parent or guardian of an account holder who is a minor.
4. Banking information
5. Investment options
   • Choices may include multiple savings and investment options with varying degrees of investment risk.

In addition to deciding how your money will be invested, you will be asked whether you would like to establish recurring deposits or withdrawals. These may include payroll deposits from an employer or withdrawals for recurring expenses like rent or utilities.

For more information about the ABLE Act and ABLE programs, please visit the ABLE National Resource Center. To stay up to date with the latest state and local news, sign up for email notifications.

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.

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