Throughout the year, we share advice and resources that may help you as you pursue financial independence through work. You can find information about how to present your best self to a potential employer on your resume or during a job interview; discover Social Security Work Incentives that may help you transition to the workplace; and explore resources that may help you identify your work goals or plan for your financial independence.

As 2018 comes to a close, we're taking a look at the topics you liked best by sharing our top 3 blog posts of this year.

Update! Social Security's Online Wage Reporting Service

Through a free my Social Security account, you can easily report your work and wages to Social Security. This online tool was introduced in 2017 and, at first, it was available for people who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). But, as this blog post explains, the tool has been expanded to allow people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to also report their work and wages.

Reporting your wages is an important way to avoid being overpaid by Social Security. Visit our Wage Reporting page to learn more and sign up for your my Social Security account today at www.ssa.gov/myaccount.

Myth Busted: Trial Work Period

We receive a lot of questions about what working and earning income may mean for your Social Security disability benefits. Talking with a Benefits Counselor can help you learn more, including finding out how Social Security Work Incentives may help.

In this blog post, we discuss one Work Incentive, the Trial Work Period (TWP), that allows people who receive SSDI to continue receiving benefits as they test their ability to work. As you start to work, you'll continue to receive your full benefits for the first 9 (non-consecutive) months in a 5-year timeframe.

Learn more about TWP, then check out 2 more Work Incentives, Extended Period of Eligibility (for people who receive SSDI) and Expedited Reinstatement (for people who receive SSDI, SSI or both).

What's New for ABLE in 2018?

The Stephen Beck Jr., Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (ABLE) Act allows certain individuals with disabilities and their families to save funds in a tax-advantaged savings and investment account. In addition to your own contributions, family and friends can also add funds to your ABLE account. Learn about some of the updates related to the ABLE Act in this blog post, then check out our webinar, Achieving Financial Independence with the Ticket to Work and an ABLE Account.

Stay updated

Avoid missing out on helpful information and resources that may help you on the path to work:

• Subscribe to the Choose Work! Blog
• Like us on Facebook
• Follow us on Twitter
• Subscribe to learn about upcoming Work Incentives Seminar Event (WISE) webinars

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 (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.

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. They give you the chance to meet potential employers and learn about different job opportunities. The career fairs listed in this post are just a few of the offerings in December. Visit the organizers' websites for a full list of career fairs to see if there's one near you.

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.

Choice Career Fairs (In person)

Choice Career Fairs organizes job and career fairs throughout the United States. Find a full list of their events this month by visiting their website.

• December 5: Baltimore, MD
• December 6: Minneapolis, MN
• December 6: Orange County, CA
• December 6: Houston, TX
• December 13: Long Island, NY
• December 13: Phoenix, AZ

Diversity Career Group (In Person)

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

• December 5: Los Angeles, CA

RecruitMilitary (In Person and Virtual)

RecruitMilitary seeks to tap into the extensive talent pool that veterans represent for employers.

• December 6: Fort Hood Job Fair
• December 6: Las Vegas Veterans Job Fair
• December 6: Greater Seattle Veterans Job Fair

National Career Fairs (In Person)

National Career Fairs holds free career fairs in more than 130 cities each year. Register for one of the events below, or check out their calendar to find one in your region.

• December 4: Cincinnati, OH
• December 4: Sacramento, CA
• December 4: Reno, NV
• December 5: Boston, MA
• December 6: Edison, NJ
• December 6: Arlington, TX
• December 11: Cleveland, OH
• December 13: Denver, CO
• December 13: Inland Empire, CA

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 (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.

Learn more

To learn more about the Ticket program, 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.

Each November 11, the country celebrates and honors the men and women who have served in the U.S. military.

November 11 was originally established as Armistice Day to celebrate the Allies' victory in World War I. After World War II, a veteran from Alabama started organizing events and festivities on Armistice Day to honor and celebrate all people who served in the U.S. Armed Forces, during World War I or otherwise. This idea sparked the evolution of the holiday to what we know it as today. And in 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill into law that established Armistice Day as a holiday honoring all American veterans, not just those who had served in World War I. Congress renamed the day Veterans Day just a few days later.

Today, in honor of Veterans Day, some businesses and companies close, there are parades, and many stores and restaurants offer discounts for veterans. We also encourage you to reach out to someone you know who has served in the military to thank them for their service.

Helping those who have served

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, people who are eligible can connect with authorized service providers to receive the support they need to succeed in the workforce.

The Ticket program recognizes that military experience includes training and skills that many civilian employers look for in employees. For veterans with disabilities who receive Social Security disability benefits, the Ticket program offers supports and services to help identify and leverage transferable skills and transition these to the civilian workplace.

If you're a veteran who receives Social Security disability benefits and you're looking for a job in the civilian workplace, a Ticket program service provider can help you:

• Review your resume and make sure that you've included such transferable skills and traits as leadership, organization, flexibility and time management
• Practice interview skills to help you discuss how your military experience makes you a strong job candidate
• Decide if disclosing your disability and requesting accommodations is right for you
• Review your disability benefits and learn about Social Security Work Incentives to help you make an informed decision about finding work

Finding supports and services

Finding a Ticket program service provider is easy. You can connect with a service provider in one of 2 ways:

1. Call the Ticket to Work Help Line. Our representatives can answer questions about your benefits and the effect earning income may have on them. They can also send you a list of Ticket program service providers to help you get started on your return to work. To connect with the Ticket to Work Help Line, call 866-968-7842 or 866-833-2967 (TTY) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. ET (TTY).
2. Use the Find Help Our Guided Search will ask you a series of questions about your goals, experience — including military service — and the types of services and supports you may be looking for to help you identify the type of service provider that best fits your needs. Once you've completed the questions, you'll find a list of service providers who serve your area. Or you can search directly for a service provider in your area or one that offers services virtually using the Direct Search feature. With either search function, you can use our menu of filters to narrow your results to help you find a service provider who serves a particular work goal, disability, or language — or find service providers who have specific experience working with veterans.

In addition to finding a service provider, you can also explore the Choose Work website to find resources for and stories about veterans who have found success with help from the Ticket program:

• Ticket to Work for America’s Veterans: Learn more about Ticket program and other Social Security supports and services that are available for veterans interested in finding work.
• Robert's Ticket to Work Success Story: Robert served for 7 years in the U.S. Army, and when a spinal cord injury from a surgery mishap took him out of work, a Ticket program Employment Network (EN) helped him find his path back to the workforce.
• Renate's Ticket to Work Success Story: Renate left her job after experiencing multiple disabilities. Her Ticket program EN helped her recognize that her experience serving in the U.S. Army's Military Police gave her transferable skills and regain the confidence she needed to return to work.

Thank you to the men and women who have served our country. Join the Ticket program in celebrating and honoring America's veterans this Veterans Day and throughout the year.

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 (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.

Learn More

To learn more about the Ticket program, 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.

During Global Entrepreneurship Week (November 12 – 18) and today's Women's Entrepreneurship Day, many organizations offer guidance and advice to help people interested in opening their own business. Today, we're answering some of the questions we receive about self-employment and sharing resources that may be helpful as you start on the path to self-employment.

Can Ticket to Work help me start my own business?

Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or both. This includes offering supports and services that may help you succeed as you set up your business and move toward financial independence through earned income.

You can use the Find Help tool to search for service providers who have experience working with entrepreneurs starting their own business. Once you have a list of service providers, you can use the filters to narrow your results based on types of disabilities served, languages spoken, and whether services are offered in person, virtually or both.

As you think about which service provider is right for you, consider asking a few questions, like:

• Do you work with people trying to start their own business? Can you provide me with references from other clients who have started their own businesses?
• Can you help me develop and implement a business plan?
• Once I've opened my business, do you offer supports or services to help me manage and grow the business?

You can use our worksheet, Finding an EN and Assigning Your Ticket, to think about other questions to ask a service provider and help you make the choice that's right for you.

Are there Work Incentives available for people who are pursuing self-employment?

Social Security Work Incentives make it easier for people with disabilities to work and still receive medical benefits and, in some cases, cash benefits from Social Security. In fact, certain Work Incentives may help you set aside income or deduct business expenses from the countable income that Social Security uses to determine your eligibility for benefits and cash payment amounts.

• Unincurred Business Expenses (SSDI): An unincurred business expense is any non-monetary contribution that someone else makes to your self-employment business effort that you don't have to pay for. Social Security deducts the cost of this contribution from your earnings when they determine if you're engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA), even though you didn't have to pay for it.
• Plan to Achieve Self-Support (SSI or SSDI): This is a Social Security-approved plan of action that details your work goals and the items or services you need to reach your goal. Once approved, you can set aside money to pay for these expenses without those funds affecting your SSI cash payment. A self-employment PASS plan assists with obtaining the items and services needed to start the business. In addition to submitting the completed PASS application form, you must also submit a detailed business plan. Listed below are some organizations that can help you write a business plan. For more information, please see Social Security's  free publications , Working While Disabled -- A Guide to Plans for Achieving Self-Support (Publication No. 05-11017), Working While Disabled — How We Can Help (Publication No. 05-10095), or The Red Book (Publication No. 64-030), Social Security’s  guide to employment support programs. You can find them online at www.ssa.gov/pubs and www.ssa.gov/redbook.

If your service provider has a Benefits Counselor on staff, they can review your benefits, show you how earned income will affect your benefits and tell you about other Work Incentives you may be eligible for.

Where can I find more information about starting my own business?

Your Ticket to Work service provider is a good first stop to finding resources that may help you. You can also find out more from:

• The Small Business Administration (SBA): The SBA aims to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small businesses. Through their website, you can discover resources and learning modules to help you plan, launch, manage and grow your business. You can also find information about Small Business Development Centers, SCORE mentors, and business development for populations like women and veterans.
• U.S. Department of Labor: Discover resources to help people with disabilities think about self-employment. Find out what it takes to be your own boss or check out the Job Accommodation Network's series of guides on self-employment.

Learn more about Ticket to Work and self-employment by checking out our recent WISE webinar, "Ticket to Work, Self-Employment and Work from Home."

Learn more

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. 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.

As you think about your career goals and begin looking for work in a specific industry, you may want to consider seeking an apprenticeship. Through an apprenticeship and with help from Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) program, you may find your path to success in the workforce.

Because this week is National Apprenticeship Week, we're taking a look at what apprenticeships are, where to find them and how the Ticket program can help you make progress toward your goals.

Apprenticeship

Let's start with the basics. Apprenticeships are work opportunities specifically designed to offer you hands-on, "learn-while-you-earn" experience in a job or industry that interests you. They combine on-the-job training as well as job-related education, sometimes in a traditional classroom or sometimes in an online setting, to give you an understanding of a job's duties and responsibilities. Apprenticeships typically last 1 to 6 years, during which you learn specific skills and, sometimes, acquire certifications. And while you start receiving a paycheck as soon as you start an apprenticeship, you're also eligible for wage increases as you learn and master new skills.

The U.S. Department of Labor has a Registered Apprenticeship program, through which a business or an employer invests the time and money to hire apprentices and then offer them in-depth training and education. At the end of an apprenticeship program, many businesses offer full-time employment to their apprentices. In return, these employers get a highly skilled and trained workforce.

Finding an apprenticeship

You may have heard of apprenticeships in industries like manufacturing and construction, but apprenticeship opportunities are available in more than 1,000 occupations, including industries like:

• Finance and Business
• Energy
• Healthcare
• Hospitality
• Information Technology
• Telecommunications
• Transportation

Ready to get started? The U.S. Department of Labor offers a search tool to help you discover apprenticeship opportunities in your area in an industry that interests you. To find the apprenticeship that's right for you:

• Visit apprenticeship.gov/become-an-apprentice
• Enter keywords to search for careers that interest you, like Automotive Technician, Nurse Aide, Claims Adjuster, or others.
• Enter your location
• Select Search

This will bring up a list of apprenticeships in your area. You can browse the listings to learn more about the skills and responsibilities you'll learn during an apprenticeship. Some listings may also include specific information about training and certifications that apprentices will complete.

Apprenticeships and Ticket to Work

If you're an adult age 18 through 64 and receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI/SSI), the Ticket program may be able to help you as you pursue an apprenticeship and employment.

Through the Ticket program, you can work with a Ticket program service provider, like an Employment Network (EN) or State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency, to receive supports and services to help you succeed in the workforce.

Your EN or State VR agency may help you search for an apprenticeship that matches your career goals, review your resume and application for a specific position, and offer interview-preparation assistance to help you increase your chances of being accepted into an apprenticeship. Once you start working, an EN may offer continuous supports to help you succeed in the workplace, including assistance with requesting a reasonable accommodation if you need one due to your disability.

Many ENs also have Benefits Counselors on staff who are trained to review your benefits and help you make an informed decision about finding work. Because apprenticeships are paid work opportunities, this may include explaining your responsibilities to report your work and wages to Social Security, explaining Social Security Work Incentives, and sharing resources that may help you as you move toward financial independence through earned income.

Learn more

To learn more about the Ticket program, 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.

As you are starting to think about finding work, knowing the type of job you'd like to do is important to determine what skills you need to learn or strengthen and will help you target your job search.

How can you learn about the ins and outs of a job? Consider an informational interview! Unlike a traditional job interview, an informational interview is a meeting that you set up with someone in a specific job you're thinking about so you can learn more about that profession.

Finding a contact

Finding someone to talk to about their job and industry can be easy once you tap into your professional and personal networks. Reach out to family and friends, your Ticket to Work service provider, or your LinkedIn contacts to help you. Chances are someone either knows or works with someone who does a job similar to the one you're looking for.

Once you find that someone, reach out to them to request an interview. Let them know that you're interested in their field and that you'd appreciate their help in learning more. Be clear about what it is that you're trying to gain from your meeting.

Asking questions

Informational interviews are an important tool for learning about the daily responsibilities and tasks and may help you think about aspects of the job that aren't included in the typical job listing. You can also find out how that person started out in the field to help you better understand the different jobs you may want to explore before you reach your dream job.

Consider asking some of these questions:

• How did you get started in your profession? Did you need any special training or education?
• What's your favorite part and biggest challenges of your job?
• What are some of your current projects?
• What are some similar industry job titles I should look at, especially as I start out?
• Is there anyone else you recommend I talk to for information on a particular job?

Creating opportunity

Even though an informational interview is your chance to learn more and consider a career option, remember that this type of meeting may also be a stepping stone to employment. The person you interview may become an important industry contact. Depending on the impression you leave with them during the meeting, they may think of you the next time they hear of a job opening.

This interview is not a chance to ask for a job. However, be prepared to discuss your interest in the field by researching the industry, including typical job titles and responsibilities; dress professionally, and be kind and courteous. This will show the person that you're professional and serious about your interest, which are both traits that potential employers look for in job candidates. Bring a copy of your resume with you, too, so you can discuss your experience and skills related to the field. In addition to showing the person what you can do, your resume may help them make suggestions on types of jobs that fit your experience or what skills you should develop to strengthen your resume.

And just like with a job interview, be sure to send the person a thank-you note after your meeting. Thank them for their time and insight into the industry, and include any actions you'll be taking based on their recommendations.

Additional resources

• An Introduction to LinkedIn
• Finding Work through LinkedIn
• Tips for Networking
• The Job Interview: It's More Than What You Say
• Learning the ABCs of Career Progress

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 (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.

Learn more

To learn more about the Ticket program, 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.

Jump start your job search and attend a job fair in November.

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. The career fairs listed in this post are just a few of the offerings in November. Visit the organizers' websites for a full list of career fairs to see if there's one near you.

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.

City Career Fairs (In Person)

City Career Fair’s Diversity Employment Day (DED) career fairs provide the chance for local and national employers to meet and interview qualified candidates from diverse communities.

• November 7: Long Beach, CA

The Long Beach event is the last City Career Fair of 2018, but visit the 2019 calendar to see events planned for next year.

Choice Career Fairs (In person)

Choice Career Fairs organizes job and career fairs throughout the United States. Find a full list of their events this month by visiting their website.

• November 1: Jacksonville, FL
• November 8: Albuquerque, NM
• November 8: Philadelphia, PA
• November 15: Denver, CO
• November 28: Las Vegas, NV

Coast to Coast Career Fairs (In Person)

Coast to Coast Career Fairs holds numerous in person career fairs across the country each month, and there are 9 events across the country scheduled for November. To find a full list of career fairs by region, check out their calendar.

• November 5: Cherry Hill, NJ
• November 12: Houston, TX
• November 13: Orlando, FL

Diversity Career Group (In Person)

Diversity Career group focuses their career and job fairs on connecting employers and jobseekers through sit-down conversations and even first-round job interviews. To find the full list of their events, visit their website and select "Career Fairs" at the top of the page.  

• November 7: Phoenix, AZ
• November 8: Los Angeles, CA
• November 14: Seattle, WA

RecruitMilitary (In Person and Virtual)

RecruitMilitary seeks to tap into the extensive talent pool that veterans represent for employers.

• November 1: Norfolk, VA
• November 1: Colorado Springs, CO
• November 1: Columbus, OH
• November 6: Western Region Virtual Career Fair for Veterans
• November 7: Fort Bragg, NC
• November 8: Long Beach, CA
• November 20: National Career Fair for Veterans

National Career Fairs (In Person)

National Career Fair holds free career fairs in more than 130 cities each year. This November, they have 27 career fairs planned. Register for one of the events below, or check out their calendar to find one in your region.

• November 6: New Orleans, LA
• November 6: Salt Lake City, UT
• November 7: Washington, DC
• November 7: Charlotte, NC
• November 14: Nashville, TN
• November 15: Irvine, CA
• November 15: Houston, TX

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 (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.

Learn More

To learn more about the Ticket program, 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.

Congratulations! You've landed a job interview! Now it's time to make a strong first impression. Because preparing for your interview is essential, we've put together a few tips to help you impress your interviewer and avoid some of the most common mistakes we've seen candidates make.

The Dos

• Do learn the name of the interviewer. Your interview may not be with the same person who contacted you to set up the interview. When you schedule your interview, be sure to ask who you'll be meeting and make a note of their name. When you arrive, be sure to let the receptionist know who you're meeting. When you meet the interviewer, greet them by name. This shows respect for the job and the individual.
• Do show interest in the job. Before the interview, re-read the job description and responsibilities. Highlight those duties that match your skills or experience. These are the items you will want to be sure to talk about during the interview. Think about examples to share with the interviewer. For example, if you're applying for a customer service position, you could talk about volunteer or work experience where you had success communicating with others to solve a problem.
• Do stay positive about past employers. Even if you had a poor relationship with a previous employer, avoid talking negatively about your experience. If you're asked why you want to change jobs, consider answers that focus on positive reasons for change. For example, you might be ready to take on new responsibilities, learn new skills or assume a leadership role. Focusing on the positive aspects of new employment tells the interviewer that you want to progress in your career and are eager to learn.
• Do ask questions. Remember, the interview is a two-way conversation. It's as important for you to find out if the job is right for you, as it is for the employer to decide if you are right for the job. Asking questions can help you decide. Interviewers often offer candidates the chance to ask questions at the end of the interview so you should be prepared and bring a list of questions with you about the job or the company. However, you can certainly ask questions during the interview if they're relevant to the topic being discussed.

The Don'ts

• Don't be late. Employers want workers who are punctual and reliable. Showing up late to an interview can signal that you have trouble managing your time or aren't serious about the position. Being on time is another sign of respect. Plan to arrive at least 10 minutes before your interview. Map out your travel directions and timing the day before and try to anticipate possible delays that you could run into along the way.
• Don't overshare. While you should be cordial and approachable, sharing too much personal information can appear unprofessional. Stay professional. Most of the conversation should be about workplace activities and your professional accomplishments. If you are asked about your personal interests, you can reference activities you enjoy in a work setting, like planning or participating in work-sponsored volunteer events.
• Don't be the first to bring up salary and benefits. Avoid bringing up pay during your interview. Asking questions about salary or benefits too early may give the impression that you're interested only in the perks of employment and not the job itself. However, be prepared to answer questions such as what was your previous salary or whether you are seeking a particular pay range. Before your interview, consider how much you'd like to make and research the salary range for jobs in your field.

Ticket to Work

Preparing for an interview may seem like a tall task, but Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) program may offer the supports and services you need. The 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, people who are eligible connect with Ticket program service providers, such as State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies and Employment Networks (EN).

When it comes to interviewing, many of these providers will help you prepare by reviewing your resume to help you decide which skills and experience you should emphasize during the interview. They may also help you practice your interview skills by doing a mock interview so you can improve on  answering different questions. You can also find more resources and guidance on writing a strong resume and acing an interview on the Choose Work! Blog.

To learn more about the Ticket program, you can 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.

Every day, employers receive hundreds of resumes from qualified job candidates hoping to land an interview. A common source of frustration for jobseekers is that many never hear back about their resume submission. While there may be many reasons for this, today we'll take a look at one particular reason and show you how to use technology to strengthen your resume and increase your chances of being called for an interview.

Because many large employers may get overwhelmed by the number of resumes they receive, your resume may never make it to a "live" person to be reviewed. Many of these companies use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to screen resumes. What is an ATS? According to Wikipedia, it is "a software application that ... filters applications automatically, based on given criteria such as keywords, skills, former employers, years of experience and schools attended."

Whether your resume makes it to the human resource department or hiring manager may depend on whether it contains important keywords being screened for. Even top candidates and jobseekers with well-written resumes may miss the mark if they are not customized to the position being applied for.

According to a Wall Street Journal article, "Your Résumé vs. Oblivion" (2017), more than 90% of large companies use computerized ATS. Almost all Fortune 500 companies reportedly use these programs.

Taking Advantage of the System

What can you do to maximize your chances of passing through the ATS screening or at least achieve a higher ranking?

O*NET-SOC AutoCoder is a free tool to assist you in analyzing your resume to see how closely aligned it is to the type of job you're applying for.

The process involves 4 steps:

1. Visit onetsocautocoder.com.
2. Under the Job Description text box, copy and paste your entire resume, excluding your contact information.
3. Click Search.
4. Review your results.

Your results will include types of job titles that match your resume from the highest score to the lowest score. It also provides clickable links to view these job titles.

If your resume scores below 80% for the job or type of job you're applying for, you may want to do some additional editing to line up your keywords with those in the job description. Improving your resume with this tool is simple using the steps below:

1. Review the jobs that you're interested in.
2. Identify keywords within the job description that match your skills.
3. Edit your resume to match the terms that are used in the description.
4. Make sure that you only include skills that you have.

Once you have made changes, repeat Steps 1-4 until you achieve a higher score. Keep making changes until you reach the 90 percentile range.

This no-cost tool makes resume customization easier and increases your chances for an interview. Take a few minutes to check your resume and see if it hits the mark or needs a few improvements.

Finding help with your resume

If you're eligible for Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) program, you can access free supports and services to help you polish your resume and increase your chances of having the right people see your application.

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. Through this free and voluntary program, you can work with Ticket program service providers, like Employment Networks (EN) and State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies, to receive the supports and services you need to succeed in the workforce.

Many ENs and State VR agencies will help you with your resume, and can offer you tips and guidance on how to capture an employer's attention, whether they use ATS or not. And once you've been contracted for an interview, they can help you prepare to meet with a potential employer, talk about your experience and skills and make a great impression.

If you missed this week's WISE webinar, the video and transcript will be available on the Choose Work website in 2 weeks. Check it out to learn more about creating and polishing your resume and acing a job interview!

Learn more

To learn more about the Ticket program, 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.

About the blogger

Lisa Jordan is President of Human Solutions LLC, a national Employment Network with the Ticket to Work program. Lisa holds an M.S. degree in Rehabilitation Psychology and has been passionate about providing workforce development and disability-related services to government, community-based organizations, and businesses for over 20 years. Lisa is the Board Chair of the National Employment Network Association (NENA) and proudly served in the United States Navy during Operation Desert Storm.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)!

Led by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy, NDEAM is about creating awareness of the value of an inclusive workforce that recognizes the contributions of workers with disabilities.

This year, Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) program is excited to celebrate NDEAM and its theme, "America's Workforce: Empowering All," by sharing stories and resources that may empower you to pursue your employment goals.

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 goal of this free and voluntary program is to assist people with disabilities by connecting them with the supports and services they need to succeed in the workforce.

Ticket program service providers, like Employment Networks (EN) and State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies, work with people who are eligible for the program to identify their work goals, polish their resumes, search for jobs, and transition to the workplace. They can also help you identify additional training or education that you may need to reach your goals, and help you find opportunities to expand your skills and experience. Most State VR agencies may even provide training opportunities to help you make progress toward finding a job that fits your interests and skills.

Many service providers also have Benefits Counselors on staff. Benefits counselors are trained to analyze all of your public benefits, explain how earning income will affect them and help you understand the supports that are available from Social Security to make the transition easier. That way you can make an informed choice about finding work. Once you start working, a Benefits Counselor can also help explain wage reporting responsibilities and may be able to help you through the process.

Find resources

Check out our Choose Work Facebook and Twitter pages, where we're sharing resources to help you pursue and reach your work goals. You can also find resources in our Library to help you choose an EN, plan your work goals or understand Social Security Work Incentives like the Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS).

Meet real people who found the support they needed — people like Walter, who worked with his EN to achieve his dream of working at Cornell University and owning his own home. Or read about Lisa and Lori, who were both inspired by the support they received and now work for a Ticket program EN. Check back later this week, when we'll share a brand-new success story!

Get started

If you're eligible for the Ticket program and want to pursue your employment goals, it's easy to get started.

Calling the Ticket to Work Help Line will connect you with a representative who can answer your questions and send you a list of Ticket program service providers. You can call the Help Line Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. ET at 866-968-7842 or 866-833-2967 (TTY).

Our monthly Work Incentives Seminar Event (WISE) webinars also share key information about programs and supports, like Social Security Work Incentives. This month, we'll be sharing tips on how to create a strong resume and prepare for and ace your next job interview. You'll also learn how a Ticket program service provider can help you with these skills and other steps of the job search process. This free webinar is on October 24, 3 – 4:30 p.m. ET. Register today!

Celebrate NDEAM

We encourage you to join us as we celebrate disability employment, both during NDEAM and throughout the year.

• Visit dol.gov/ndeam to learn more about how you can participate in NDEAM activities.
• Check out the Campaign for Disability Employment's Facebook and Twitter pages for updates on NDEAM

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