Depending on where you live, winter can mean shorter days and overcast skies. For some people, this change in seasons leads to what is called Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD. SAD is a form of depression that can result in lower energy levels and decreased motivation. If these signs sound familiar, here are five tips that you can try to avoid having SAD symptoms impact your work performance.

1. Brighten Your Workspace

Less sunlight due to shorter days is one of the leading causes of SAD. Increasing exposure to natural and synthetic light can improve your mood and minimize other symptoms of SAD. For example, if you work at a desk, try moving your desk closer to a window to take advantage of more natural light. If you can’t move your desk, there are several types of light products, such as sun boxes, light visors and sun-simulating desk lamps you can use that mimic daylight.

2. Take time to have Lunch with a Friend or Coworker

Having lunch with a coworker is a great way to break up your day, reduce feelings of isolation and brighten your mood. If you work from home, try having a virtual lunch or coffee with a coworker.

3. Use Company Resources

Many employers offer workplace options that can help with SAD symptoms. Check with your employer to see what changes you can make to your workstation or surroundings. In addition, don’t overlook benefits that your employers may offer, like mental health services, gym memberships and mental health days.

4. Adjust Your Work Schedule

Adjusting your work schedule can be a great way to increase your time outside during daylight hours. While you may not be able to completely change the hours you work, adding even a single hour more of daylight each day can make a positive impact on your health. The Americans with Disabilities Act covers SAD as a disability so a schedule change may be a reasonable accommodation. You can learn more about SAD and examples of reasonable accommodations through the Job Accommodation Network.

5. Go to a Public Workspace

For those who work from home, a coworking or shared office space may be an option. Coworking spaces often have lots of natural light and provide opportunities for social interaction. Many local libraries and community centers have study rooms you can reserve or that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. You may also find worktables at a local café or coworking spaces that allow for one-day desk rentals at low cost.

How Can Ticket to Work 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 services and supports they need to find and maintain employment as they move toward financial independence through work.

The Ticket Program can support you along your employment journey. Through the Ticket Program, a service provider such as an Employment Network (EN) can help you identify and request accommodations to help mitigate your disability.

Learn More

To learn more about the Ticket to Work Program, call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842. For callers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, call 1-866-833-2967 (TTY). Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.; or visit choosework.ssa.gov.

Have you heard? We changed our email address to TicketToWork@ssa.gov!

For a limited time, messages sent to our old email address, Support@choosework.ssa.gov, will be forwarded to the new email address. When we reply, the response will come from TicketToWork@ssa.gov!

More Ways to Stay Connected

1. Call the Ticket to Work Help Line

You can speak with a support specialist at the Ticket to Work Help Line who will provide you with individualized assistance. You can call the Help Line at 1-866-968-7842, or for callers who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability, call 1-866-833-2967 (TTY). The Help Line is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.

2. Attend a WISE webinar

If you have questions about the Ticket Program, Work Incentives or a specific topic, we invite you to attend one of our monthly Work Incentives Seminar Event (WISE) webinars. They are held on the fourth Wednesday of every month and are free to attend. We cover a wide variety of topics, including working from home, how work may affect your health care benefits, and federal employment initiatives.

3. Sign up for Texts from Ticket to Work

If you want to learn more about upcoming WISE webinars, new success stories and blog posts, you can opt in to receive information via text about the Ticket Program by texting the word "TICKET" to 1-571-489-5292. Standard messaging rates may apply, and you can opt out at any time.

4. Sign up for Emails from Ticket to Work

Another way to stay up to date about the latest blog posts, success stories and WISE webinars is to sign up for emails from Ticket to Work.

Learn More

To learn more about the Ticket Program, visit choosework.ssa.gov, email us at TicketToWork@ssa.gov or 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. You can also learn more by registering for a free, online Work Incentives Seminar Event webinar.

There are some questions you can expect to be asked during most job interviews. “Where do you see yourself in five years?” is one of the most common questions. Preparing your answers for commonly asked questions can help you shine during the interview process.

Employers ask this question to determine if you’re a good match for a position and assess your motivation. Your answer can demonstrate how much you’ve thought about your career path and how this job fits into your plans. Whether you’ve never worked before or you’re a seasoned professional, employers want to know you’re thinking about the future.

So, where do you see yourself in five years?

Here are some tips for answering this question:

1. Connect the position to your career goals

Maybe you’re just starting out and you want to use this job to break into a certain field of work. Or maybe you have a gap in your resume, and you hope to improve some skills that may have gotten rusty while you were out of the workforce. Even if you’re unsure what you want to do, prepare an answer that demonstrates you’re thinking about your next steps.

For example, if you are interviewing for a position in Information Technology (IT), this position may give you the opportunity to receive a certification in specific software or to have developed a certain number of websites within the next five years.

2. Be realistic

Be confident but realistic in your response. Telling an interviewer that you plan to oversee the company in five years may not be realistic. It’s important to show you have initiative, but you should also keep your goals and expectations in line with what you can accomplish. For more information on setting goals, check out Setting SMART Goals for the Job Search. Setting a SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound) goal to help answer this question is a great place to start.

3. Be honest

Many of us have no idea where we’ll be in five years, especially if we’re interviewing for entry-level positions, and that’s okay! Think about the skills the position and company can help you develop and come up with some possible outcomes that could help you on your career path.

4. Be prepared

That’s why we’re sharing this blog post! This is one of the most frequently asked interview questions, and you should prepare for it in advance. Write down your answer and practice your response. This can help with preparing for any interview question.

5. Answer each question professionally

If you joke around and say you want to be sitting on a beach or want to be a millionaire, the interviewer will know you haven’t thought about your career path if you are chosen for the position. Make sure you take the question seriously and answer professionally.

6. Respect the interviewer’s time

Sure, you may be using a position as a starting point to launch (or relaunch) your career, but there’s no need to emphasize that. Instead of saying you plan to move on quickly, answer by saying what you hope to accomplish related to the type of work you’ll be doing.

Remember our IT professional example from the first tip? You can refocus on those goals without saying that you don’t plan to be with the company long term.

How Can Ticket to Work 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 their employment team to receive the services and supports they need to prepare for the interview process. If you’re eligible, your employment team can help you every step of the way; from resume development to interview practice and on-the-job support.

Learn More

To learn more about the Ticket to Work Program, call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842. For callers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, call 1-866-833-2967 (TTY). Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.; or visit choosework.ssa.gov.

Subscribe to the Choose Work! Blog for more tips on how to answer interview questions and other advice for your job search.

You can also learn more by registering for a free, online Work Incentives Seminar Event webinar. Or text TICKET to 1-571-489-5292 to receive Ticket Program texts. Standard messaging rates may apply, and you can opt out at any time.

To help people 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 2025, Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments will increase by 2.5%. This means that more than 72.5 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 2024, 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. If you do not have an account yet, you must create one by November 20, 2024, to receive the 2025 COLA notice online.

This year, for the first time, Social Security beneficiaries will receive a newly designed COLA notice that makes it easier for customers to find the information they need most. The simplified COLA notice is now only one page, uses plain and personalized language, and provides exact dates and dollar amounts of a person’s new benefit amount and any deductions. Learn more in this video.

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 Social Security-approved 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 2025 COLA means for you, you may have questions about how work would affect your benefits. 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.

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 messages and follow us on social media to stay updated on the program and discover resources designed to help you succeed on the path to employment or self-employment.

• 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 during our monthly webinars.
• Follow us on Facebook and X to find even more information that can help you on your path to financial independence through work!
• Opt in to receive information via text by texting the word "TICKET" to 1-571-489-5292. Standard messaging rates may apply, and you can opt out at any time.

Learn More

To learn more about the Ticket to Work Program, call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842. For callers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, call 1-866-833-2967 (TTY). Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.; or visit choosework.ssa.gov.

Each October, we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Led by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy, NDEAM highlights the value of workers with disabilities in the workforce. This year’s theme is “Access to Good Jobs for All.” The Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program is joining the celebration and providing services and supports that help many Social Security disability beneficiaries succeed this year and beyond. If you’re starting your work journey, here are some ways to start looking for a job that’s the right fit for you.

Internships

An internship is a short-term work opportunity (part time or full time) that allows you to get experience in a career or career field that interests you. An internship may be paid or unpaid. Many are connected to education programs that provide academic credit and can last four weeks to a year. If you’re interested in finding an internship, here are some resources to help you.

• American Job Center - You can visit the website or visit your local American Job Center to ask about youth programs or summer jobs available. You can also meet with a career counselor.
   
• Workforce Recruitment Program - This program connects federal and private sector employers nationwide with college students and recent graduates with disabilities who want to test their skills in the workplace through summer or permanent jobs.
   
• Pathways Programs – This program offers specific programs for current students, recent graduates of qualifying educational institutions or programs, and people with advanced degrees. 

Apprenticeships

If you want to learn as you earn, an apprenticeship could be a great option. An apprenticeship is a program that combines work with learning and training, both on and off the job. These are jobs with paid salaries with possible opportunities to advance in your chosen career. Apprenticeship.gov is a good place to start to find an apprenticeship. It is a one-stop source to connect career seekers, employers, and education partners with apprenticeship resources. You can use it to discover apprenticeships across multiple industries. To become an apprentice, search for an opportunity using the Apprenticeship Finder and apply directly with the employer or the program sponsor.

Federal Hiring

Do you think you might be interested in working for the federal government? Federal employees and contractors serve in a variety of jobs in multiple federal agencies, including accounting, public affairs, health care, law enforcement and Information Technology (IT). Here are two programs that can lead to federal jobs.

• Schedule A – If you’re a person with a disability, you can apply and compete for any federal government job for which you are eligible and meet the qualifications. Schedule A is a special hiring authority that gives federal agencies an optional way to hire qualified people with disabilities and offers an exception to the traditional competitive hiring process. You must be eligible for Schedule A and provide “proof of disability.”
   
• Section 503 – Another option is to look for work with an organization that does work for the government, such as federal contractors and subcontractors. A program authorized by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, called Section 503, helps create job opportunities for people with disabilities. It prohibits federal contractors and subcontractors from discriminating against people with disabilities and requires affirmative action in recruiting, hiring, training, promoting, and retaining people with disabilities.

You can find federal positions with remote and hybrid options on USAJobs.gov..

How Can Ticket to Work 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 the Ticket Program, a service provider such as an Employment Network (EN) can help you along your path to financial independence. Whether you’re looking for a paid internship, apprenticeship or position with the federal government, an EN can help you review if you’re qualified for a specific position or if you have transferable skills that may apply to a specific job posting. You can also use our Find a Job page to search a variety of jobs.

Learn More

To learn more about the Ticket Program, call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842. For callers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, call 1-866-833-2967 (TTY). Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.; or visit choosework.ssa.gov.

Working from home has become more popular over the past few years, but it’s not for everyone. Although working from home can offer many benefits including flexibility and a less stressful environment, people can miss out on in-person social interaction. A great option for someone looking for a more flexible position but also needing social interaction is a hybrid job. So, what is a hybrid job and how do you know if it’s right for you?

What Is a Hybrid Job?

A hybrid job or hybrid work is a mix of working at the actual location of your job and working remotely. It may consist of working from home a few days a week and going to the job site the other days. There are many schedules and situations possible with hybrid work, so it's important to understand the details. You'll need to decide if the job type is right for your lifestyle, ask the right questions of a possible employer and look for hybrid positions in reputable places.

Is a Hybrid Job Right for You?

According to a recent Gallup poll, 53 percent of U.S. remote-capable employees work in hybrid jobs while only 27 percent are exclusively remote and 21 percent are onsite. While working a few days from home each week can sound ideal, you will need to ask yourself “does this match with my home life?” It is important to make sure you have a comfortable and quiet place to work from home, uninterrupted. Make sure you have an atmosphere where you can concentrate on your work and be productive.

Also, consider your own personality. Are you the type of person who needs a great deal of in-person interaction each day? If so, being at home, isolated from co-workers a few days a week may have a negative effect on your mental health.

Think about the few days a week you will need to report to work. Are these days worrisome for you due to a long commute? Are you easily distracted working in a busy office setting? It's a good idea to think clearly about your own needs.

You may find you need a fully remote job, and not a hybrid. You may even find you need to be on location each day to be most productive. Take time to think about your employment and personal needs.

Questions to Ask Employers

Keep in mind that each company has a different definition of a hybrid job. If you ask questions beforehand, you may find that the job is not a good fit from the beginning and save yourself time. Here are a few possible questions to consider asking the contact person if the answers are not included in the job description:

• "Is the hybrid option permanent or temporary?"
• "How many days per week would I be required to work on location?"
• "How much notice would I have if I were required to come to the office on a scheduled remote day?"
• "What would the internet and home office requirements be if I worked from home?"
• "Would my work hours be the same if I were on location, as if I worked from home?"

Job Boards with Hybrid Job Choices

Be careful when you search for hybrid jobs online. Since it's a very popular choice, you may find websites that claim verified hybrid job listings that are part of or lead to a scam. Here are some reputable job boards that include hybrid and fully remote job options. (Some helpful keywords to find remote and hybrid positions on job boards include "hybrid," "partially remote," "remote," "blended," "telework" and "work from home.")

• CareerOneStop.org - Job search board, career exploration and training with many work from home and hybrid jobs.
• Indeed.com - Large job board that includes many remote and hybrid choices.
• RecruitMilitary.com - Website that has large job board with many remote and hybrid options for veterans and military spouses.
• disABLEDperson.com - Works with employers who have a strong desire to hire qualified applicants with disabilities. Includes remote and hybrid positions in many industries.
• LinkedIn Jobs - Job site with many hybrid options. You can see immediately if any of your LinkedIn connections work at the company you're interested in.
• USAJOBS.gov - Resource to find Federal positions in various industries. While some hybrid positions are available, most Federal employees are returning to the office throughout the nation for their workdays.

A hybrid position could be a good option for you to explore in your job search, especially since many companies offer some form of hybrid work these days. A position like this could help you have better work-life balance. Just make sure to research the company and ask any questions you have to ensure the position fits your needs.

How Can Ticket to Work 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 the Ticket Program, a service provider such as an Employment Network (EN) can help you along your path to financial independence. They can help you prepare for in-person and virtual interviews, understand what hybrid job opportunities are, decide if they’re the right choice for you, and help you identify potential job openings.

Learn More

To learn more about the Ticket to Work Program, call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842. For callers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, call 1-866-833-2967 (TTY). Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.; or visit choosework.ssa.gov.

Career fairs can be one of your best tactics for finding the right job. At an in-person career fair where there are many employers in the same place, you can talk to several about their organizations and potential openings. Recruiters are there to find potential employees and will answer questions you may have about their organization or the potential job opportunities. They are often the first step in the hiring process before you meet with a hiring manager.

Today, we’re sharing some tips to help you have productive conversations at a career fair. Think about what to wear. Business or business casual attire is most common. Depending on your career choice, prepare a portfolio that has examples of your work and bring multiple copies of your resume.

We know not everyone is comfortable in crowded situations or engaging with strangers. That’s why it’s most helpful if you research what organizations will be at the fair and what jobs they may have already posted. With that information, you can decide which organizations you want to talk to and how to have a conversation with them. We’ve prepared a few questions you can ask to get you started.

1. What are the Duties and Expectations of this Position?

Use your research to prepare unique questions for each employer. Asking questions specific to the job description is key to a good first impression. You’ll want to know as much as possible about the work itself. You’ll also want to know if you’ll be part of a team or an individual contributor. Asking about expectations, how you’ll be evaluated and what opportunities for advancement are will help you decide if the position will be right for you.

2. What are the Opportunities for Growth?

Many organizations invest in the professional growth of their employees. Because progress in your career results from increasing your value to an organization, opportunities for additional training and education like specific training for the job, coursework towards a certificate or classes about new technology, can advance your career and open new job opportunities.

3. What has Your Experience Been in the Organization?

Don’t forget to ask the career fair representative about their experience. What do they like about the organization? Ask about their work history: how did they get started? How long have they been with the organization? At a career fair, you can hear from someone who may not be the hiring manager for your future position, but who may be able to give you a sense of the atmosphere and environment so you can assess whether it sounds like a good fit for you.

4. What is the Organization’s Outlook for the Future?

Asking about future plans can help you see how you could fit into their long-term strategy. Can you foresee opportunities down the road with this organization? Can you get a sense of their culture and values from their goals and plans? Some examples might have to do with expanding their markets internationally or improving their environmental sustainability. Perhaps they want to develop new products or services. These types of insights can contribute to your own decision making.

5. What Does the Hiring Process Include?

The hiring process is different at every organization and learning about each one’s process can help you get an idea for the steps involved and likely timeline. Some organizations conduct multiple rounds of interviews with several individuals. Others may only require you to meet with one or two people. Some require background checks or that you complete certain tests. Because you’ll want to know what to expect and what the timeline may be, this is an important question to ask.

Be sure to get the representative’s contact information if you’re interested in a position. After talking to a lot of people at a career fair, it may be hard to remember who you want to thank and follow up with.

Need Help Getting Ready?

Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program can help! 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, eligible participants can work with service providers to receive the services and supports they need to find and maintain employment as they move toward financial independence through work.

Every month, we share upcoming nationwide career fair opportunities, both in person and virtual. Be sure to subscribe to our blog for updates.

Through the Ticket Program, you’ll have access to service providers, including Employment Networks (EN), that can help you find and prepare for career fairs and interviews. ENs can help you polish your resume, practice mock interviews with you, give you tips on how to dress and what to bring to a career fair. ENs can help you after the career fair too. They can help you with writing a cover letter, applying for jobs, interview prep, and asking for reasonable accommodations during the interview process.

Learn More

To learn more about the Ticket to Work Program, call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842. For callers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, call 1-866-833-2967 (TTY). Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.; or visit choosework.ssa.gov.

With lower stress levels, increased flexibility and a better work-life balance, working from home is becoming more popular. Unfortunately, scammers have picked up on the increased demand for work from home jobs. Ask yourself these questions to help determine if a work from home job sounds like a scam.

1. Does the Job Seem Too Good to be True?

If a job seems too good to be true, it likely is. For example, if a company is offering compensation well above the average pay for that position, it’s likely a scam. If you’re offered a position that you are significantly underqualified for, investigate the company further to determine if it’s a scam.

2. Can You Find Information About the Company Online?

Research the company to learn more about them. Do they have a professional website? Are you able to find people who work there on LinkedIn? Do they have a social media presence?

A legitimate company will have a professional website that provides information about what the company does and their values. They also likely have a social media presence of some kind. They don’t have to be active on all platforms, but they probably have an account on at least one of the major platforms.

3. Is the Company Asking You to Spend Money?

One of the most common scams involving work from home jobs is potential employers asking you to spend your money during the application process. A legitimate company will not ask you to send them money.

One common scam is a company sending you a check to buy equipment for your job, but it is for too much money. They then ask you to send the remainder of the money to them. This is a scam – you will be out the cost of the equipment as well as the remainder of the money, as the check you cash will bounce.

Many times, these ways of asking for money are scams, but there are some employers that are legitimate who ask for paid background checks and fingerprint scans. If you need to pay for a background check, you should pay the company performing the background check directly.

4. How Does the Company Communicate?

A legitimate company should only contact you through phone or email during the hiring process. If a potential employer tries to contact you through other platforms such as WhatsApp, it is likely a scam.

If a hiring agent is overly eager to get in contact with you, it’s often a sign of a scam. Scam companies will often email and call numerous times. A real company will reach out and then send one follow-up email or call you if they have a hard time contacting you.

5. Did You Have an Interview?

Scam companies will often offer you a job without an interview process. A legitimate company will want every applicant to go through a thorough screening. Legitimate companies will often have you participate in multiple interviews to understand your background and how it applies to their work.

How Can Ticket to Work 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 services and supports they need to find and maintain employment as they move toward financial independence through work.

The Ticket Program can support you as you look for different forms of employment, including work from home and in-person jobs. Through the Ticket Program, a service provider such as an Employment Network (EN) can help you find the right position. Service providers offer both in-person and remote services and can help you find the work you’re looking for. Your Ticket Program service provider can help you spot a scam and provide tips for researching companies.

Learn More

To learn more about the Ticket to Work Program, call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842. For callers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, call 1-866-833-2967 (TTY). Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.; or visit choosework.ssa.gov.

Have you ever wondered why you’re not getting responses to all those resumes you’ve been sending to employers? There could be a variety of reasons, but today we're talking about one specific reason ─ an Applicant Tracking System or ATS.

So, what is an ATS? According to LinkedIn, “ATS is a hiring software tool that helps employers collect, filter, and assess candidate data. ATS software automates the more menial, error-prone aspects of recruiting — like resume scanning and candidate screening — so employers can make better, faster hires.”

Because employers receive multiple resumes in response to job openings, they often use ATS software to assess resumes. In fact, LinkedIn reports that almost 99% of Fortune 500 companies use computerized ATS in hiring.

If a potential employer may be using an ATS, below are some tips you can use to customize your resume and increase your chances of receiving a request for an interview.

Make Your Resume ATS Friendly

1. Format Matters
   When writing your resume, do not use pictures, tables, columns, text boxes or any other type of graphic element. This will confuse the software and put your resume at the bottom of the pile. When labeling sections on your resume, do not use headers; bold the section name instead.
    
2. Choose Font Wisely
   Your resume should have an ATS-friendly font such as Calibri, Arial, Helvetica, Georgia or Times New Roman. For body text, use a font between 10-12 points. Do not go for bold or fancy fonts; the ATS software won’t recognize them.
    
3. Save Your Document in an ATS-Friendly Format
   When saving your resume, make sure it is saved as a PDF or DOCX file. Saving as a PDF means no one can edit your resume, accidentally or intentionally. Do not save your file as a GIF, PNG, JPG, or TXT, as the ATS may not be able to read them. If you are unsure what format to use, recheck the application or job listing to see if there are any specific directions.
    
4. Use Keywords... but Naturally
   While you want to use keywords in your resume, be sure to put them where they make sense. You can list keywords in the descriptions of your previous positions or under your skill sets.
    
5. Use a Resume Checker 
   Once you have formatted your resume, you can check to see how it stands out using a free online resume checker tool. Some examples include Jobscan, LiveCareer and Resume Worded. Be sure to check online reviews before using any tools to see how widely accepted they are.
    

How Can Ticket to Work 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 their employment team to receive the services and supports they need to help customize and polish their resumes. If you’re eligible, your employment team can help you every step of the way; from resume development, to interview practice and on-the-job support.

Learn More

To learn more about the Ticket to Work Program, call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842. For callers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, call 1-866-833-2967 (TTY). Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.- 8 p.m.; or visit choosework.ssa.gov.

Searching for a job is time consuming. We know how frustrating it can be when you don’t immediately find a job. One way to make the most of your opportunities is to avoid making some of these common mistakes.

1. Your Resume or Cover Letter Isn’t Specific to the Job

The same resume and cover letter won’t work for every employer or every job. Tailor your resume to the job you’re applying for. Employers want a candidate who matches their job description, so make sure to highlight your most relevant experience for each position. When writing your cover letter, showcase the skills that are most applicable to the specific job. Identify the characteristics or skills that are in the job description and show how your experience relates to them. A cover letter gives potential employers a more complete understanding of your skillset.

2. Your Resume Isn’t Formatted Correctly for an Applicant Tracking System

As the use of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) increases, so does the number of employers that use applicant tracking systems (ATS) and AI to read resumes. You could be the perfect candidate for a job, but your resume may be missing certain keywords or AI may not be able to read it. This can cause your resume to be rejected and not make it to the hiring manager’s desk.

3. You’re Applying for the Wrong Jobs

Carefully look at the jobs you’re applying for to ensure you have the right level of qualification. Most people stay away from applying to jobs they are not qualified for, but being overqualified can be just as problematic. Employers don’t want to hire a candidate who is overqualified because they are more likely to get bored in the position and leave. Employers don’t want to have to fill the position again in six months.

4. You’re Not Letting Your Professional Network Know About Your Job Search

You may have built a professional network of colleagues in the field you’re interested in, but are you utilizing your network? Make sure your network knows that you are looking for a job. Share your job search on LinkedIn, post on personal social media, and talk about your job search while not at work. Often, knowing the right people can get you an interview or even a job.

5. You’re Not Prepared for Your Interview

Interviews and phone screenings give the interviewer an opportunity to get to know you. It is important to be prepared for both after applying for a job. Some phone screens are scheduled, and others aren’t. Be sure to answer the phone in a professional manner, be familiar with the company’s work, be prepared to ask questions about the position, and have an idea of how much you’d like to be paid. 

6. You Didn’t Prepare Your References

It is important to inform your references that you’re applying for jobs. Make sure you have their permission to use them as a reference and inform them of the positions you’re applying for. Different positions require different skills, so if they know the position you are applying for they can highlight your skills that fit that position. You may also want to send them your cover letter and resume, so they are up to date on your current work experience. You could even ask them for feedback.

7. You Experienced Setbacks in the Interview Process

Portraying the right amount of excitement and skills is essential in the interview process. You want to highlight your skillset and why you think you’re a good candidate. It is important to show enthusiasm about the position and the company. Make sure to show up a little early and dress appropriately for the job.

How Can Ticket to Work 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 services and supports they need to find and maintain employment as they move toward financial independence through work.

The Ticket Program can support you throughout every step of your job search. Through the Ticket Program, a service provider such as an Employment Network (EN) can assist you with your job search. ENs can help you write your resume and cover letter, find the right jobs to apply for and prepare you for an interview. If you’re not having success in your job search, you can ask your service provider for suggestions to improve your chances.

Learn More

To learn more about the Ticket to Work Program, call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842. For callers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, call 1-866-833-2967 (TTY). Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.- 8 p.m.; or visit https://choosework.ssa.gov.