In today’s digital job market, standing out takes more than listing past jobs; you need a résumé that passes both automated screening and human review. The rise of applicant tracking systems has changed how employers collect and screen applications, and AI writing tools now help candidates tailor materials more quickly. At the same time, the Social Security Administration’s Ticket to Work (TTW) Program offers free, voluntary services that help eligible individuals return to work with coaching and benefits guidance. Technology and structured support can help job seekers, including individuals with disabilities, navigate the employment process more effectively.
How AI Assists With Resume Development
Today’s applicants have to understand how ATS’s work and create a resume that works within the system. AI-enabled resume platforms analyze job descriptions, suggest keywords, and flag formatting that can sometimes confuse applicant tracking systems. These features typically include:
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Keyword alignment. AI-driven tools can analyze your resume alongside a job posting and recommend language that aligns with the listed qualifications.
This helps ensure your application speaks directly to employer needs and improves your chances of passing applicant tracking system filters. - ATS optimization. Clean templates and layout guidance help ensure your resume is accurately read by applicant tracking systems. This reduces the risk of formatting issues that can cause your application to be misinterpreted or overlooked.
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Feedback and scoring. Some AI tools provide match scores and targeted edit suggestions to enhance clarity and alignment with job requirements.
This gives job seekers actionable insights to refine their resumes and increase competitiveness in the application process. - Language refinement. AI tools can help draft bullet points and summaries using concise, professional language tailored to the role. This streamlines the writing process and ensures your resume communicates key accomplishments clearly and effectively. AI assistants can help draft bullet points and summaries. The final step is to fact-check, personalize and ensure accuracy.
Important Note: You must review your resume. If you rely too heavily on AI, it can lead to vague phrasing, unverified claims and the language sounding stilted. Keep control of your content and make sure every example is accurate and attributable to you.
About ATS Prevalence
Recent reviews show ATS are widely used: Jobscan’s 2025 report finds Workday remains the most common ATS across the Fortune 500, and industry polling indicates most large employers rely on an ATS during screening. Tailoring your resume to pass both automated and human review is now a baseline strategy. A vocational expert through the TTW Program can help interpret job descriptions, align your resume with industry-specific language, and ensure your content meets both ATS and employer expectations.
Federal Support: Ticket to Work
For individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Ticket to Work provides access to employment services through Employment Networks and state Vocational Rehabilitation agencies. You can get help with resume and cover letter assistance, job search coaching, help requesting reasonable accommodations, and benefits counseling. Participation is free and voluntary for eligible beneficiaries ages 18 to 64.
Key Protections While You Test Work
- Trial Work Period. You can test your ability to work for at least nine months within a rolling 60-month window and still receive full SSDI benefits. In 2025, any month with gross earnings of $1,160 or more (or 80 or more self-employment hours) counts as a trial work month.
- Extended Period of Eligibility (SSDI). After the trial work period, there’s a 36-month re-entitlement window. In 2025, average monthly earnings at or above $1,620 (or $2,700 if statutorily blind) are generally considered substantial gainful activity. Benefits can restart in months earnings fall below that level.
- Medicare continuation (SSDI). Most beneficiaries whose cash benefits stop due to work continue to receive Medicare for at least 93 consecutive months after the trial work period, if the disability continues; Part B premiums still apply if enrolled.
Best Practices For Using AI In Resume Building
AI accelerates drafting. Ticket to Work and similar programs add human elements—coaching, accountability, and benefits planning—that software can’t replace. For example, you might generate a first draft with an AI tool, then refine it with a counselor to ensure accomplishments are specific, quantifiable and aligned with your goal. Here are some other best practices.
- Start with a clear job target. Choose one or two specific job titles so that AI suggestions remain relevant and focused.
- Balance keywords with readability. Use language from job postings naturally and avoid overusing keywords in ways that seem forced. Teal’s guidance helps identify which keywords matter without making your resume sound like it’s stuffed.
- Use AI output as a starting point. Verify all claims, numbers, certifications, and customize achievements to reflect your actual contributions.
- Keep formatting simple and ATS‑friendly. Use clean layouts, minimal graphics, standard fonts, and export to PDF or DOCX unless a posting specifies otherwise.
- Review privacy policies and pricing models. Before entering personal or sensitive data, read each tool’s privacy policy and terms. Understand what features are paid vs. free. Look at third‑party sources and regulatory findings for broader reputation insights, rather than depending solely on user complaints.
- Have someone else review it. A fresh set of eyes—whether a mentor, career counselor, or vocational expert—can catch unclear phrasing, inconsistencies, or missed opportunities that automated tools may overlook.
Preparing For Long-Term Employment
Navigating today’s job market requires more than just well-written application materials. While AI tools can help streamline resume development and improve alignment with job postings, long-term success often comes from combining technology with personalized support and informed decision-making.
Employment programs such as Ticket to Work offer structured services—including career coaching, benefits planning, and skills development—that complement digital tools. This combination helps job seekers approach opportunities with greater clarity, confidence and strategy.
Regardless of background or experience level, everyone benefits from resources that make the job search more manageable and transparent. Whether you’re updating a resume, preparing for interviews or evaluating how work affects your benefits, support systems are available to guide you.
By using AI responsibly and working with knowledgeable professionals, job seekers can create strong, tailored applications that meet both automated and human expectations—opening the door to meaningful, sustainable employment.