The Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program

Linking Ticket-holders to SSA Jobs

Reference Guide for Employment Networks and State Vocational
Rehabilitation Agencies

August 2007
Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program
Employment Network Training—Linking Ticket-holders to SSA Jobs
 Overview of the SSA Federal Hiring Initiative
This training educates Employment Networks (ENs) and state Vocational Rehabilitation (VRs)
agencies on the SSA Initiative to link Ticket-holders to job opportunities at the Social Security Admini-
stration (SSA).

Table of Contents
FACT SHEET: LINKING TICKET-HOLDERS TO SSA JOBS ………………………………………..... 3

FACT SHEET: SCHEDULE “A” HIRING AUTHORITY …………………………………………………. 4

INSTRUCTION SHEET: WHAT ARE THE PROCESS STEPS TO LINK TICKET-HOLDERS TO

SSA JOBS……………………………………………………………………..…. 5

STEP I: IDENTIFY QUALIFIED TICKET-HOLDERS………………………………………….... 6

STEP II: SEARCH SOCIAL SECURITY CAREERS WEBSITE AND USAJOBS.COM FOR
JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS TO MATCH TICKET-HOLDERS’ COMPETENCIES …. 6

STEP III: PREPARE RESUMES IN FEDERAL FORMAT USING “USAJOBS RESUME

BUILDER”……………………………………………...………………………………….. 8

STEP IV: ACTIVATE TICKET-HOLDERS’ RESUMES AND SUBMIT APPLICATIONS ……. 12

STEP V: TRACK APPLICTIONS, PREPARE TICKET-HOLDERS FOR INTERVIEWS,

AND CONTINUE TO SEARCH FOR JOB OPENINGS ……………………………… 13

OTHER RESOURCES ……………………………………………………………………………………... 19

Learning Objectives
The learning objectives of this module are to:

• Educate ENs and VRs about the new SSA Hiring Initiative to link Ticket-holders to job oppor-
tunities at SSA
• Identify and learn to use the online SSA Careers website (www.socialsecurity.gov/careers)
• Explore SSA Career Paths for employment opportunities for Ticket-holders
• Identify required job competencies and training/reasonable accommodations
• Create Federally-formatted resumes for Ticket-holders
• Utilize USAJOBS.com and Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) resources for “Federal
Employment of People with Disabilities” (www.usajobs.com)
• Understand and utilize Schedule A hiring authority for people with disabilities
• Navigate the steps in USAJOBS.com and the SSA Hiring Process to submit complete job
applications to SSA

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Employment Network Training—Linking Ticket-holders to SSA Jobs
 Fact Sheet:
Linking Ticket-holders to SSA Jobs
SSA generally announces large numbers of job opportunities in early spring through late
summer each year. Employment Networks (ENs) and state Vocational Rehabilitation (VRs)
agencies have an immediate opportunity to assist Ticket-holders to prepare for and to link to
SSA jobs in these areas:

Public Contact Careers—disability examiner, claim representative, claims authorizer,

benefit authorizer, service representative, teleservice representative, and bilingual repre-
sentative;

Information Technology—software development, network services, systems analysis,

web development, IT specialist, and data management;

Legal Careers—staff attorneys, general attorneys, attorney-advisor, administrative law

judge, attorney-examiner, and law enforcement;

Additional Career Areas—management analyst, budget analyst, human resource special-

ist, program analyst, staff assistant, actuary, auditor, economist, social science research
analyst, statistician, and options for students and college graduates.

Why Should Ticket-holders Apply for SSA Jobs?

• SSA is rated the #1 place to work for individuals with disabilities by Careers
and the disAbled magazine, Winter 2004 issue
• SSA is ranked in the top ten of the Best Places to Work in the Federal govern-
ment by the 2006 OPM Federal Human Capital Survey
• SSA develops and retains a workforce of the future
• SSA is ranked the #1 agency to work for by Information Technology employees
in an August 2007 Federal Computer Week survey

SSA Provides Many Benefits for People with Disabilities

• Ongoing opportunities for advancement and individual growth
• Unique opportunities for people with disabilities to successfully perform the essen-
tial duties of a position
• Flexible work schedules, alternative work sites, interpreters, readers and other per-
sonal assistance and reasonable accommodations
• Salary, health benefits, and the other employer-provided benefits

Additional information for applicants with disabilities may be found at http://www.opm.gov/

disability/appempl_4-08.asp

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Employment Network Training—Linking Ticket-holders to SSA Jobs
 Fact Sheet:
Schedule A Hiring Authority
The special Schedule A hiring authority makes it easier for people with disabilities to get a job with
SSA and the Federal government without having to compete with other job applicants. Ticket-holders
may apply for non-competitive appointment through the Schedule A 5CFR 213.3102(u) hiring authority
if they have any of the following:

• Certification letters from a state or private Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) office or

Counselor
• Certification letters from the Department of Veterans Affairs
• Certification letters from any other Counselor that issues or provides disability benefits
• Statements or letters on a physician’s/medical professional’s letterhead stationary
• Statements, records or letters from a state Vocational Rehabilitation agency Counselor
• Statements, records or letters from a Federal Government agency that issues or provides
disability benefits

Ticket-holders must indicate “Schedule A, 5 CFR213.3102(u)” along with their Social Security
Numbers on all resumes and application forms. Appointments under Schedule A 5 CFR 213.3102(u)
are excepted service appointments, which means that Federal agencies may accept resumes without
posting job notices.

For details on Schedule A, see “Excepted Service –Appointment of Persons with Disabilities
and Career And Career-Conditional Employment Regulation, Questions and Answers” at
www.opm.gov/disability/appointment_disabilities.asp

What Do Selective Placement Program Coordinators Do?

SSA and most Federal agencies have a Selective Placement Program Coordinator, Special Emphasis
Manager (SEP) for Employment of Adults with Disabilities, or equivalent, who help recruit, hire and
accommodate people with disabilities at that agency. These coordinators and SEP Managers do the
following:

• Help persons with disabilities access information about current job opportunities, types of jobs in
the agency and understand how these jobs are filled, and reasonable accommodation;
• Advise managers about candidates available for placement in jobs under special hiring authorities
and provide managers with information on reasonable accommodation and needs assessments
for applicants and employees;
• Help managers determine the essential duties of the position and identify architectural barriers
and possible modifications that allow people with disabilities to perform essential duties;
• Work with public and private organizations involved in the placement of applicants with disabilities
to provide information about their agency program and job opportunities and to facilitate the place-
ment of applicants with disabilities in their agency; and
• Monitor and evaluate selective placement program efforts and activities for people with disabilities
to determine their effectiveness, making changes as needed to improve program effectiveness.

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Employment Network Training—Linking Ticket-holders to SSA Jobs
 Instruction Sheet:
What Are the Process Steps to
Link Ticket-holders to SSA Jobs?
INTRODUCTION:

The new SSA Initiative to link Ticket-holders to SSA jobs is an exciting and easy way for ENs
and VRs to expand their local services and better assist Ticket-holders in reaching employ-
ment goals. ENs and VRs will prepare and customize Ticket-holders’ resumes in advance of
job announcements so they are ready to respond when jobs are posted on the SSA Careers
website and USAJOBS.com. SSA generally announces large numbers of job opportunities
from early spring through late summer each year. Plan ahead! Act now!

Steps to Link Ticket-holders to SSA Jobs

1. ENs and VRs will identify qualified Ticket-holders for employment with SSA under
Schedule A hiring authority for people with disabilities. Some jobs may require some
college background.

2. ENs and VRs will help Ticket-holders search for Social Security jobs at
www.socialsecurity.gov/careers or look for Federal jobs at USAJOBS.com (same
as USAJOBS.gov).

3. Once an appropriate job posting for a Ticket-holder is found, ENs and VRs will
customize the Ticket-holder’s resume and create a Federally-formatted resume in
USAJOBS Resume Builder. This resume should match the specific competencies
and requirements in the Job Announcement. Ticket-holders’ resumes must include
Social Security Numbers and Schedule A hiring authority.
Most job postings in USAJOBS.com are active (will accept resumes) for a one-
week period only, so it is essential that the Ticket-holder’s materials be ready to
submit as soon as a job is posted.

4. ENs and VRs will activate the Ticket-holder’s customized resume and cover letter
to complete the online submission and application process.

5. ENs and VRs will track the Ticket-holder’s application, assist the Ticket-holder in
preparing for interviews, and continue to search USAJOBS for additional SSA
Careers and Federal job announcements.

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Employment Network Training—Linking Ticket-holders to SSA Jobs
 STEP I: IDENTIFY QUALIFIED TICKET-HOLDERS
Ticket-holders must be qualified candidates; some positions may require some college background.
Begin by looking at the competencies, experiences, and career interests of Ticket-holders before
writing their resumes. “Competency” is defined as a set of behaviors that describe desirable perform-
ance on the job. Competencies are comprised of knowledge, skills, traits, qualities, and characteristics
that contribute to a person’s ability to perform the duties and responsibilities of a job effectively.

SSA uses structured competency-based interviews in the hiring process, so ENs and VRs should
assist Ticket-holders in determining these job-related competencies before beginning the resume
writing process.

USAJOBS HIRING TOOLKIT

Use the link below to access USAJOBS.com in order to Explore Career Opportunities and assess
Ticket-holders’ skills and interests to match potential career opportunities:
http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/careers/index.asp

This webpage provides several resources for job profiling, including the Career Interest Guide, the
Job Interest Matching tool, and a tool for Specific Job Exploration. These assessment tools help
ENs and VRs to assist Ticket-holders in determining their job interests and in matching skills and ex-
perience with SSA job requirements and competencies.

STEP II: SEARCH SOCIAL SECURITY CAREERS WEBSITE AND

USAJOBS.COM FOR JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS TO MATCH
TICKET-HOLDERS’ COMPETENCIES

Begin by visiting the SSA Careers website (www.socialsecurity.gov/careers). Click on

“Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities.” This will immediately link you to the Office of
Personnel Management (OPM) website “Federal Employment of People with Disabilities”
(www.opm.gov/disability/appempl.asp) which provides helpful guidance and information on the
recruitment, employment, and retention of individuals with disabilities in Federal employment.

Welcome to USAJOBS.com INFO CENTER

The Info Center has several very helpful tools for you to use:
- Hiring Process gives information on How Jobs are Filled and How to Write Resumes and
KSAs, along with Interview Tips.
- USAJOBS Orientation tells you how to get Maximum Job Search Results and what the Top
Job Searches are.
- Use TUTORIALS at the bottom of the page under USAJOBS Orientation to help use and
navigate USAJOBS efficiently.

The Ticket-holder does not need to create a “My USAJOBS Account” to search for jobs online.
From the www.usajobs.gov web page, select "Search" and the Ticket-holder will be taken to all of
the current job listings. Be sure to check “yes” for “a person with non-competitive appointment
eligibility.”

Ticket-holders can Create a Search Agent to help find appropriate Job Announcements. If the Ticket-
holder wants to narrow down his or her search to specific jobs or locations, then “refine your search
with more keywords.” Ticket-holders can also search USAJOBS automated jobs database by phone.
Call 1-703-724-1850 or TDD 1-978-461-8404 to access the same information that is on the USAJOBS
website. Local telephone companies may charge for long distance service.

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Employment Network Training—Linking Ticket-holders to SSA Jobs
 How To Read the Job Announcement/Posting
Click on “Print Preview” and then immediately click on “DETAILED VERSION” – then Print the
Detailed Version which will give you the following in-depth information:

Job Announcement Overview

Job Announcement Number—you will need this to complete the application form.
Job Title—this is the title of the job
Salary Range—starting salary up to promotion potential
Series and Grade—how the job is classified
Open Period—gives time frame during which you must apply. Note the deadline date.
Position Information—gives details on the job
Duty Location—where the job is physically located
Who May Be Considered—who may apply

Job Summary

This is a summary of the agency’s mission statement, with a brief description of the role of the position
in that organization, an overview of the duties and requirements associated with the job, and the com-
petencies and skills required for success in this position.
Example: This is a [senior / journey / entry ]-level position in [Program Office], [Division/Group]. You will play an integral role in…
by… This position requires extensive knowledge of…You must be able to…The ideal candidate will possess outstanding written
and spoken communication skills and…You must have experience in…Federal sector experience in this field is [highly desir-
able/required/not required].

Key Requirements: U.S. Citizenship, Degree in…, Ability to…, Etc.

Duties: A brief summary of the job description, with a list of key duties/responsibilities.
Qualifications and Evaluation: Lists specialized experience needed to qualify with position-specific
examples.
How You Will be Evaluated: Explains the basis upon which candidates will be assessed (self-assessment
questionnaire, subject matter expert panel review of resume, automated skills assessment, etc.). May link to
further information on Veterans’ Preference, EEO Policy, Reasonable Accommodation, and Regulatory
Guidance.
How to Apply: Provides simple, concise, step-by-step instructions on how to apply. Follow these steps
exactly and make sure you respond to all requirements.
Benefits and Other Information: Describes benefits and perks and links to details as necessary.
Other Information: As needed.

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Employment Network Training—Linking Ticket-holders to SSA Jobs
 STEP III: PREPARE RESUMES IN FEDERAL FORMAT USING
“USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER”

SSA (and the rest of the Federal government) accepts resumes that adhere to the established Federal
Resume Format. USAJOBS Resume Builder is a useful online tool to help Ticket-holders build a
Federally-formatted resume. If assistance is needed, download the Guide to the new USAJOBS
Resume Builder tutorial at USAJOBS “First Timers” website—http://www.usajobs.gov/
firsttimers.asp.

Create Your Account

The Ticket-holder should “Create a Personal Account” by clicking “Step 1—Create Your Account” at
the bottom left of the First Timers page. Then simply follow the steps to successfully create the profile
and build a Federally-formatted resume. If assistance is needed, a downloadable guide to using “My
Resumes” is available on the right of the screen.

Create An Online Resume

There are four steps in creating an online resume: 1) Getting Started, 2) Experience, 3) Related
Information, and 4) Finishing Up. NOTE: Fields with an * are required fields. If you need an outline
to work from, you may “Look at a Sample Resume.” When you have input all of the Ticket-holder’s
information, click on “Preview Your Resume” to view it before printing a copy for your files.

You may “Save for Later” if you do not want to activate the resume and submit the application yet.
When you are ready to submit the Ticket-holder’s resume and application, return to “My USAJOBS”
and log into the Ticket-holder’s account and view the resume. You must “Activate” the resume and
then submit the application for a specific Job Announcement.

Ticket-holders’ resumes must address all of the areas on USAJOBS Resume Builder online:
1. Candidate Information 8. Additional Language Skills
2. Social Security Number 9. References
- Country of Citizenship 10. Affiliations
- Veterans’ Preference (if applicable) 11. Professional Publications
3. Availability 12. Additional Information— Add “person applying
4. Desired Locations is a current Ticket-holder in the Ticket to Work
5. Work Experience Program and is applying under the Schedule A
6. Education hiring authority.” This is the ONLY place you are
7. Job-Related Training able to claim Schedule A on Resume Builder.
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Employment Network Training—Linking Ticket-holders to SSA Jobs
 Make sure the Ticket-holder’s resume adheres to all of the requirements of the Federal format by following
the instructions in “Applying for a Federal Job,” Optional Form 510 located at http://www.opm.gov/
forms/html/of.asp. The OF510 also describes how to apply using the “Optional Application for Federal
Employment,” OF Form 612 at the same website. Remember to spell-check and proofread the resume
before printing it out.

Tips On Resume Writing

Make the Ticket-holder’s resume the “advertisement” that causes the reader to want to know more about
him or her. Give an honest “big picture” of who the Ticket-holder is and what he or she can offer in a
concise, clear resume. Identify one or two critical projects, duties, or functions that the Ticket-holder
performed and describe them in one or two brief sentences each. The Ticket-holder will fill in the details
during the interview.

The resume needs to be simple for the reader to understand and must clearly communicate that the
Ticket-holder possesses the competencies, knowledge, and experience to perform the job.

Match the Ticket-holder’s career interests with the competencies identified in the Job Announcement. Use
keywords from the job description to match his or her experience and skills so the resume will be picked
up by the recruiter or search engine.

Be specific about the Ticket-holder’s experience. Use Active Verbs to describe employment history, what
actions were performed, and what contributions were made. Identify measurable results; use numbers.
Describe what was done on a daily basis and how it fit into the department and supported the overall mis-
sion of the employer. Give examples of the Ticket-holder’s best work and show how he or she was a prob-
lem solver. Show accomplishments in terms of money (increased revenue, savings to the company) and
more efficient processes. Enlarge upon these areas during the interview.

Employers look for certain words to show that the applicant will fit into their workplace. Use words like
“teamwork,” “flexibility,” “detail-oriented,” and “self-motivated” to describe experience where appli-
cable. “Teamwork” shows that the applicant works well with others to accomplish goals. “Flexibility” dem-
onstrates a willingness to take on new and varied projects and an ability to handle changing priorities and
deadlines. “Detail-oriented” means being organized and meticulous about your work and able to perform
work independently without constant supervision. “Self-motivated” shows the applicant is a self-starter
and committed to accomplishing the job.

Don’t use jargon or buzzwords in the resume. Don’t use vague words like “assist,” “contribute,” and
“support” – these words don’t give specific information, and the recruiter won’t know what exactly the
applicant did. Always give concise and concrete examples of what the applicant did and how it was
successful. Make it easy for the reader to match the Ticket-holder to the job.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) and Required Questions

SSA uses a series of questions to assess candidates’ knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) of the duties
and qualifications required by the position. When describing the Ticket-holder’s knowledge, skills and
abilities, you should give examples and explain how often the Ticket-holder used these skills, the complex-
ity of the knowledge the Ticket-holder possessed, the level of the people with whom the Ticket-holder
interacted, the sensitivity of the issues the Ticket-holder handled, etc. The Ticket-holder may be asked to
describe his or her level of experience; the number of years of experience; specific types of experience;
job duties and responsibilities; education and training; problem solving skills; specific actions taken;
reviews, outcomes and recommendations the Ticket-holder made; special duties or projects; and training
and presentations that the Ticket-holder developed.

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Employment Network Training—Linking Ticket-holders to SSA Jobs
Tips to Writing KSAs and Answers to Required Questions

• Identify keywords that communicate the Ticket-holder’s skills and qualifications. When
recruiters read the keyword "analyst," they might assume theTicket-holder has experience in
collecting data, evaluating effectiveness, and researching and developing new processes. Just
one keyword can have tremendous power and deliver a huge message.
• Study the Job Announcement and focus on “requirements,” “skills,” and “qualification” for
keywords. Look at the experience, education and other credentials important in the Ticket–
holder’s field and relate these to the Job Announcement and the Ticket-holder’s experience.
• Be Concise. Recruiters begin by skimming through applications and eliminating candidates who
clearly are not qualified. Can a recruiter see the Ticket-holder’s main credentials within 10 to 15
seconds? Does critical information jump off the page? Does the Ticket-holder effectively sell
himself/herself on the top quarter of the first page?
• Sell Yourself. The Ticket-holder’s key selling points need to be prominently displayed at the top
of the first page of the resume and directly address each question asked in the KSA section. For
example, if an advanced degree is an important qualification, it should not be buried at the end
of a resume. If a KSA question asks about the Ticket-holder’s writing ability, immediately detail
his/her experience with specific things that the Ticket-holder has written.
• Edit the Ticket-holder’s Resume. A resume shouldn't contain every detail of the Ticket-
holder’s life. Make the Ticket-holder’s resume highlight the areas that match the job
announcement and KSAs.
• Use Numbers to highlight and to quantify the Ticket-holder’s accomplishments. Describe
specific ways the Ticket-holder has saved time, effort, or money.

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Employment Network Training—Linking Ticket-holders to SSA Jobs
Create a Cover Letter

Create the Ticket-holder’s cover letter using the “Cover Letter” section of USAJOBS.com. A sample
image of this page is below:

The cover letter must include the 1) Ticket-holder’s name, 2) Social Security Number, and 3) state-
ment that he/she is applying under the Schedule A hiring authority.

A sample outline of the cover letter is available below:

Date

Dear (HR or contact name from Job Announcement) :

This letter is to request consideration for employment with the Social Security Administration (SSA)
[or other Federal agency] under Schedule A hiring authority. I am enclosing a copy of my /(Name of
Ticket-holder’s) resume to apply for Job Announcement #_____________, title of job. (Ticket-holder may
give brief description of his/her experience here).

I / (Name of Ticket-holder) am registered in the Ticket to Work Program and have already submitted
Proof of Disability materials to SSA in order to receive my (his/her) Ticket. I / (Name of Ticket-holder) am
“job ready” and able to succeed in the performance of the duties of this position.

Please contact me if you have any questions or need any further information. Thank you for your
assistance.
Sincerely,
Your Name and SSN
Enclosure (resume)

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Employment Network Training—Linking Ticket-holders to SSA Jobs
STEP IV: ACTIVATE TICKET-HOLDERS’ RESUMES AND
SUBMIT APPLICATIONS

Most Job Announcements are posted (able to accept resumes) for a one-week period, so ENs and VRs
must complete the application process in a timely manner. Once you have created the Ticket-holder’s
resume in USAJOBS Resume Builder, you do not have to create it every time you apply for a new posi-
tion. However, you will want to “customize” it for the specific requirements in the Job Announcement.
Once the resume is activated, recruiters will be able to access the Ticket-holder’s information through
the database. Confirmation that the application process is complete will be sent by email from Applica-
tion Manager.

To complete the application process, ENs and VRs should make sure the resume is “searchable” in the
“Status” line. Then they must activate the Federally-formatted resume and submit the application
ONLINE. This will take you to the Application Manager.

APPLICATION MANAGER

Use the Application Manager to help complete the online submission process by navigating through
these steps:

1. Biographic Information—name, address, and contact information

2. Eligibility Information—lowest pay grade acceptable, veterans’ status, military service, occupa-
tional specialties, geographic eligibility, transition assistance plan
3. Other Information—employment availability and date
4. Assessment Questionnaire—multiple choice questions to rate your background and level of ex-
perience; may be in several sections—make sure you complete all questions
5. Upload Documents—The “How to Apply” tab on the Job Announcement will tell you what docu-
ments are required. You may upload the Ticket-holder’s resume, transcripts, or veterans’ documen-
tation. A message of “processed” in the “Document on File” will confirm your document has been
received. NOTE: The Job Announcement will also give you instructions for FAXING your docu-
ments, but you must complete the online application even if you fax attachments. Follow the “help”
instructions at the bottom of the page for faxing. Faxed documents may take up to 24 hours or more
for processing.
6. Submit My Answers—asks if you are “Ready to Submit?” or “Not Ready?” If not ready, you may
a) work on the application some more, b) work on a different application package, or c) leave
Application Manager by logging out.
7. View/Print My Answers—Print out a copy of your responses.

The Application Manager will then confirm the submission. PRINT THIS PAGE FOR YOUR RECORDS.
It contains your submission details:
Job Title
Job Announcement Number
Vacancy Identification Number (VIN)
USAJOBS Control Number
Submission Date and Time
Your Name
Your Application Manager User Name

What to Expect Next

The Job Announcement also has a section on “What to Expect Next.” After the application is received,
the Ticket-holder’s qualifications will be evaluated and his/her ranking will be determined. The most
highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible
interview. Decisions are usually made within 60 days of the closing date on the Job Announcement.
Only candidates referred will be contacted. If the Ticket-holder is not contacted he/she was not selected.

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Employment Network Training—Linking Ticket-holders to SSA Jobs
STEP V: TRACK APPLICATIONS, PREPARE TICKET-HOLDERS FOR
INTERVIEWS, AND CONTINUE TO SEARCH FOR JOB OPENINGS
There are three ways to track the Ticket-holder’s application:

1. Application Manager. After you have logged out of Application Manager, you may return at any
time to check the status of any applications by accessing the URL:
https://ApplicationManager.org.

2. USAJOBS.com. You can also check the status of your application by clicking on “Application”
under MY USAJOBS at USAJOBS.com. The Job Announcement may also give a specific person’s
name and phone number as a contact point for the Ticket-holder to follow-up with. Make sure you
print out the “Detailed Version” of the Job Announcement to save this information for later use, if
needed.

IMPORTANT NOTE! If you did not apply to the job announcement with your USAJOBS resume through
the Apply Online Button, USAJOBS cannot track your application. It is not possible to track applications
in your USAJOBS account when they have been submitted through an agency's application website or
through the mail. You can contact the agency that posted the announcement to verify receipt of your
application. Each record will be deleted 18 months after Initial Application Date. You may want to print
your application submission page for future reference.

3. Name and contact listed in the “Detailed Version” of the Job Announcement. Always print
out a copy of the “Detailed Version” of the Job Announcement. It will list names, phone numbers,
addresses, emails, and fax numbers for “Contact Information,” “Send Mail To,” and “Questions.”
Use this contact information to track the Ticket-holders application.

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Employment Network Training—Linking Ticket-holders to SSA Jobs
Prepare Ticket-holders for Interviews

SSA uses structured, competency-based questions during the interview process. Remember, the focus
of the interview should be on the Ticket-holder’s abilities and qualifications and on how he or she can
perform the essential functions of the job. When the job interview is scheduled, Ticket-holders should
request any accommodations needed for the interview, if appropriate.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK! Study the Job Announcement and know what competencies the interviewer
will be asking about.

Examples of Competency-Based Interview Questions

Here are sample interview questions arranged by competency to help Ticket-holders understand the
competency-based interview:

Oral Communication
1. Tell me about your experience giving oral presentations or about a time when you demonstrated your ability to
communicate with others. What was the outcome?
2. Think of a situation when you have tried to explain something to someone but they had difficulty understanding.
What did you do?
3. Think of something that you know a lot about. It could be a hobby or a special place. Your task is to tell us
about it in a way that will help us learn the main facts or basic concepts. Take about 5 minutes to prepare and
make notes if you like.

Computer/Math Skills
1. Describe a situation in the past where you applied computer skills. What did you do?
2. Tell us about a situation when you had to use math to solve a problem. What was involved and how did you
do it?

Customer Skills
1. Describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult person. How did you respond and what did you do?
2. Describe a face-to-face meeting in which you had to lead or influence someone who was very sensitive.
What did you do?
3. Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a hostile person and attempted to diffuse a volatile situation.
What did you do and what was the outcome?
4. Give an example of an important goal you had to set and describe your progress in reaching that goal. What
actions did you take?

Decision Making
1. Think of a time when you had to make a difficult or complex decision. What issues and alternatives did you
consider and how did you make the final decision?
2. Explain what happened when you were working on a task and you were given a second task with a higher
priority. What did you do? How did you react?
3. Describe a time when the workload was very heavy. How did you maintain production? Have you ever been
under pressure to sacrifice quality to complete work on time? When has this happened to you? What did you
do?

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Flexibility/Resilience
1. Describe a situation when you had to quickly change priorities. What did you do?
2. How do you deal with disruptions when working? What actions do you take?
3. Describe a stressful day that you experienced. What did you do and how did you respond?

Integrity
1. Tell about a time when you noticed a coworker doing something that did not meet your definition of integrity.
What did you do?
2. Describe a time when you had to “bend the rule” to complete a project. What actions did you take?

Interpersonal Sensitivity
1. Describe a time when you had to work with or assist someone who was very different from you. What was the
situation, describe the other person, and what did you do in order to understand this person better?

Planning and Organization/Time Management

1. Give an example of a time when you had conflicting assignments/responsibilities. How did you respond and
what did you do?
2. When scheduling time, how do you determine what constitutes a priority? Give examples. What do you do?
3. Tell me about a time when you had to handle multiple projects at once. What did you do?
4. Give an example of an important goal you had to set and describe your progress in reaching that goal. What
actions did you take?

Problem Solving
1. Describe a time you did NOT meet a goal or commitment. Explain the circumstance and what you did.
2. Give an example of a time when you could not participate in a discussion or could not finish a task because
you did not have enough information. How did you move forward?

Research
1. Talk about a time that you had to do research to solve a problem. Describe how you proceeded, step by step.
2. Give examples of a situation where you had to interpret and apply laws and regulations, policies or proce-
dures. What did you do?
3. How do you handle situations where you must seek information from multiple sources? How do you elicit
appropriate instructions from each of the individuals you ask? How do you integrate the answers to determine
an appropriate answer?

Teamwork
1. Tell about a time when you completed your work and then were assigned work for a person who did not com-
plete his/her own work. What did you do? How did it make you feel?
2. Have you ever had to work with another component or team to get a job done? Describe your experience.

Writing Skills
1. Discuss your experience in writing or using written communication.
2. Give an example of a time you wrote a response or gave an explanation on a procedure or policy.

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Ticket-holders should be able to talk about their skills, knowledge, and work experience by discussing
their behavior—what they did or did not do—and relate that behavior to the requirements and competen-
cies listed in the Job Announcement.

Be confident! The interviewer has seen the Ticket-holder’s resume and now wants to meet him/her in
person to learn more.

Questions Ticket-holders Should Ask Before and During the Interview

• What is SSA’s mission and culture?
• What is the position?
• What are the major responsibilities/key duties/tasks for this position?
• How does this position contribute to SSA’s mission?
• What skills/competencies are needed to be successful on the job?
• What personal qualities would you like to see in an applicant?
• Are there specific requirements for this job: travel, overtime, seasonal peaks?
• What is the professional development potential for this position? (Describe the career
progression to which this position might lead.)

An interviewer is prohibited from asking the Ticket-holder questions about his or her disability that are
not relevant to performing the job. During a job interview, Ticket-holders should present their qualifica-
tions in a positive manner, emphasizing their abilities and assets. However, Ticket-holders might antici-
pate and address some of the questions that an interviewer may be reluctant to ask.

What accommodations does the Ticket-holder need to perform this job?

Does the Ticket-holder require transportation assistance?

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has issued comprehensive guidance concerning ques-
tions about an applicant’s disability that can be asked of applicants before and after a tentative job offer.
This guidance also includes the confidentiality of medical information. This guidance is entitled, Enforce-
ment Guidance: Pre-employment Disability-Related Questions and Medical Examinations (10/10/95).
An agency must wait until after making a conditional offer of employment before conducting a medical
examination of a job applicant: www.opm.gov/disability/appempl_4-09.asp

Interviewers should only ask questions that deal directly with the job requirements and the Ticket-
holder’s ability to perform the job functions. If a question comes up during the interview that is “illegal” or
does not fall within the above guidelines, the Ticket-holder can be positive and proactive by not answer-
ing the question but by answering the intent behind the question. To answer the intent behind the ques-
tion, try to figure out what the interviewer REALLY wants to know. For example, if the interviewer asks if
you are a U.S. citizen (which is an illegal question), a smart answer would be, "If you mean to ask if I am
legally authorized to work for you, the answer is yes." In cases like these, it's best to rephrase the ques-
tion into a legal one and then answer it. This displays flexibility and composure -- strong job skills.

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Employment Network Training—Linking Ticket-holders to SSA Jobs
Interview Tips
Greet the interviewer with a smile and a handshake. This shows self-assurance and likeability.
Research shows that the first impression you make on an interviewer really sticks. It only takes
30 seconds to make a lasting impression, either positive or negative.
Be on time. Ticket-holders should allow plenty of time to get to the interview in case they have trou-
ble finding the office, traffic is slow, or parking is not close. Plan to arrive five to ten minutes be-
fore the interview time.
Be courteous and professional to everyone you meet. You never know how much influence the
receptionist may have on the hiring process.
Make eye contact with the interviewer. The Ticket-holder should practice talking about himself/
herself and why he/she is the best person for the job in front of a mirror or with a friend.
Have a professional appearance. People make judgments on appearances so never wear any-
thing sloppy, tight, or revealing to an interview. High-quality, tailored business suits are always
appropriate for both men and women. Make sure shoes and accessories are clean and
polished.
Be sure your hair is clean and well-groomed. Nothing spiky or wild. Keep makeup minimal. Cover
any tattoos and limit visible body piercings to one in each earlobe.
Be aware of person hygiene and avoid wearing cologne or perfume. Always bathe the morning
of the interview. Use a good-quality soap and deodorant. Some people may be allergic to scent,
and some offices have “no perfume/cologne” policies.
Use appropriate body language to signal your confidence by sitting up straight with your shoulders
back. Avoid crossing your legs, and don’t adopt a casual pose – even if the interviewer does.
Don’t cross your arms, don’t fidget, and don’t play with jewelry.
Be positive and talk about your skills and experience. The interviewer has already screened the
Ticket-holder’s resume and thinks he/she can do the job; now the Ticket-holder just needs to
show how well he/she will fit into the position and the organization.

Follow Up After the Interview

Establish Next Steps.
The Ticket-holder should ask the interviewer when a decision will be made or when the Ticket-
holder may contact the interviewer to see where things stand. The Ticket-holder and interviewer
should establish “what will happen next” before leaving the interview.
Send a “Thank You.”
The Ticket-holder should always send a “thank you” to the interviewer to reinforce his/her interest in
the position and to emphasize the reasons why the Ticket-holder is the right choice for this job. This
may be a handwritten note or an email. Include the following:
- Ticket-holder’s name, the position interviewed for, and the date the interview took place
- A restatement of the Ticket-holder’s interest and his/her strengths. Add anything that wasn’t
brought out during the interview to highlight the Ticket-holder’s qualities.
- A “thank you” for the interviewer’s time.
Follow-up with a Phone Call
Make a phone call to check on the status of the interview. If there is “no decision yet”, reiterate the
Ticket-holder’s interest in the job and find out when to check back again, possibly on a weekly basis.
Be Patient, not Passive.
It may take a few weeks for the hiring process to reach its conclusion. Continue to check in with the
interviewer so he/she knows that the Ticket-holder is still interested and available for the job.

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Continue to Search for Job Openings
This training has educated ENs and VRs on the resources, tools, and processes available for helping
Ticket-holders to search for and apply to job openings at SSA and Federal agencies. This should be an
ongoing process so that Ticket-holders are continually defining their competencies and creating Feder-
ally-formatted resumes to use to apply for SSA and Federal job announcements.

Continue Exploring SSA Careers

and Federal Job Opportunities on USAJOBS.com
USAJOBS - The Federal Government's official one-stop source for Federal jobs and
employment information. Search our database of over 20,000 exciting public service
opportunities. On the web at www.usajobs.gov, you can access USAJOBS and dis-
cover opportunities around the world.

Optional Ways for Ticket-holders to Apply

Ticket-holders may apply for most jobs with a resume, or the Optional Application for Federal Em-
ployment (OF-612), or any written format they choose. For jobs that are filled through automated proce-
dures, Federal agencies may require that Ticket-holders submit a resume and/or other specialized
forms. Jobs with unique requirements may also occasionally require special forms.

There are two versions of the Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF-612) available on this
page. The first (OF612.TXT) , is a text version that can be filled out off-line or by using a text editor. To
view, print, or save this form, click on the .TXT file named above. The second (ei-25612.pdf) is a graphic
version of the form that you can print from a laser printer and complete off-line by hand or typewriter. To
download this form, click on the .pdf file name. Follow the print help instructions if you need additional
information about printing an Adobe Acrobat/PDF file.

OPM provides information about the application process at www.opm.gov/disability/appempl_3-11.asp.

There are several other application options available to applicants with disabilities.

• Competitive Appointments. Many applicants with disabilities find employment through

standard competitive procedures in the same manner as individuals without disabilities
(www.usajobs.opm.gov)
• Student Employment Programs. This program helps Federal employers find the right people
to fill current and future hiring needs. It also gives students the opportunity to get hands-on
experience. This program has two major components – the Student Temporary Employment
Program (STEP) and the Student Career Experience Program (SCEP).
(www.usajobs.opm.govstudents.asp)
• Federal Career Intern Program. This program is designed to help agencies recruit and attract
exceptional individuals into a variety of occupations. It was created under Executive Order
13162 and is intended for positions at grade levels GS-5, 7, and 9. In general, individuals are
appointed to a 2-year internship. Upon successful completion of the internships, the interns
may be eligible for permanent placement within an agency. (www.opm.gov/careerintern/)
• Veterans Appointments. There are a number of authorities available to assist veterans who
are seeking, or wish to change, Federal employment including, Veterans Recruitment Appoint-
ment (VRA), 30% or More Disabled Veterans Program, and Veterans Employment Opportunity
Act (VEOA) appointments. See OPM's VetGuide at http://www.opm.gov/veterans/vetguide.pdf.

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Other Resources
1. DisabilityInfo.gov is the Federal government's one-stop website for people with disabilities, their
families, employers, veterans and service members, workforce professionals, and many others. A
collaborative effort among 22 Federal agencies, DisabilityInfo.gov connects people with disabilities
to the information and resources needed need to actively participate in the workforce and in their
communities.

2. Office of Disability Employment Policy: www.dol.gov/odep

- “Career Development for Persons with Disabilities”: http://www.dol.gov/odep/pubs/ek00/

career.htm

- “Essential Elements of an Effective Job Search”: http://www.dol.gov/dol/audience/aud-

unemployed.htm

- “Writing and Formatting a Scannable Resume”: http://www.dol.gov/odep/pubs/ek99/

resume.htm

- “Small Business and Self Employment for People with Disabilities”: http://www.dol.gov/
odep/pubs/ek00/small.htm

3. California State University, Northridge—”Job Seeking Skills for People with Disabilities”:
http://www.csun.edu/~sp20558/dis/sh.html

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Employment Network Training—Linking Ticket-holders to SSA Jobs