Writing cover letters can be tough, but you can learn what to include in yours in today’s blog post. Read to find out how to get your cover letter noticed by employers and whether you should disclose your disability.
If you're in the market for a new job, you've probably written a cover letter. A cover letter introduces you to potential employers and explains why you're the best person for the job. This can seem like a difficult task, but following a few tips can improve your cover letters and make writing them easier.
Cover letters should include a few basic parts:
An introduction: Let the hiring manager know who you are and what job you're applying for.Remember to proofread your cover letter and resume and to ask someone else, whose judgment and proofreading skills you trust, to take a look before you send them to a potential employer.
Disclosing your disability in a cover letter is up to you. If you decide to disclose your disability, employers may ask you to fill out a job application that includes a formal opportunity to discuss your disability and accommodations you may need on the job. Whether or not you disclose your disability, focus your cover letter on the skills you have that make you a great fit for the job.
There are a few reasons you may want to think about whether to disclose your disability in your cover letter. You may choose to discuss how you will perform certain job tasks with or without a reasonable accommodation. You may also explain any gaps in employment in your cover letter.
In Disclosure: Let's Talk About It, guest blogger Melanie Whetzel of the Job Accommodation Network answers questions about disclosing your disability to employers.
As you start looking for work, the Ticket to Work (Ticket) program can help. With the Ticket program, you can work with service providers to find the supports and services you need to succeed in your job search and transition to work. In particular, Employment Networks (EN) are Ticket program service providers that offer assistance in searching for work, writing resumes and cover letters, applying for jobs, and practicing interview skills. ENs can also provide ongoing support to help you keep or advance in your job.
To find an EN or learn more about other service providers, call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 866-968-7842 or 866-833-2967 (TTY). You can also use the Find Help tool to search for providers by service options, like career consulting, to help with resume and cover letter writing.
For more information on how to get started, check out:
Social Security’s Ticket program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) 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.
To learn more about the Ticket program, visit www.ssa.gov/work. You can also call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 866-968-7842 or 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.
Opt in to receive information about the Ticket Program via text. Text the word "TICKET" to 1-571-489-5292
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