eCareer Guide to Getting a Job at the Post Office
Date: March 4th, 2024
The United States Postal Service offers its employees a variety of benefits and possibilities for professional growth. You can choose from various post office jobs depending on your experience and interests.
Find out what it takes to work at the post office so you can decide if this is the right career move for you. Fortunately for you, this article covers qualifications you’ll need to be working at the post office and the ecareers usps application process for various positions.
Understanding Postal Office jobs
Those meeting the US Postal Service's employment requirements can choose between career, non-career, or casual working roles. A wide variety of jobs are available to employees- in the office and the field.
Workers at an office may sell postage stamps, examine outgoing mail, or do these tasks. Office workers aid in the distribution of mail to customers at their places of business, private homes, and other post offices.
Postal workers typically work 40 hours a week, although that number can increase around the holidays and other peak mail delivery seasons.
Here are some of the most common career positions within the USPS:
Postal clerks
They coordinate the nationwide distribution of postage stamps, money orders, packaging materials, and mailing envelopes. They can work the counter within the post office and take customer orders, certified mail, and answer queries.
Mail carriers
These workers follow established paths to deliver mail to homes and businesses. Carriers sometimes utilize mail vehicles and are expected to respond to questions from customers about USPS policies and procedures.
Machine operators and sorters
These individuals are responsible for loading and unloading trucks with mail from and to various destinations. Workers repair and operate machines in the postal service to sort mail and process packages.
Postal inspectors
The post office inspection team performs various roles, including:
Limit the distribution of illicit drugs: The Postal Inspection Team makes every effort to protect the integrity of the mail system from introducing illegal substances and other forms of contraband.
Prevent identity theft: Inspectors collaborate with law enforcement at all levels to investigate reports of identity theft, apprehend and prosecute those responsible, and safeguard the public.
Helps Prevent Mail Scams: Any scheme that exploits the United States Postal Service to deceive recipients into sending money or other valuables by promising something untrue is illegal, and inspectors ensure offenders are prosecuted.
Ensure adequate emergency response and preparedness: Postal inspectors protect people, buildings, and mail during a crisis. They strive to restore normalcy for employees and post office operations.
Inspectors are also responsible for the following:
- Preventing and investigating mail thefts
- Ensures proper cybercrime investigations and prevention
Image alt text: USPS Quality Control Inspecting Packages for Defects
Author credit: By U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Northeast Region, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
What requirements are needed for you to work at the post office?
Standards for Postal Workers
Working at the postal office demands that candidates meet specific requirements. The following criteria will allow you to determine if you meet the qualifications for the various USPS roles.
Age Restriction
The minimum age for employment in the United States Postal Service is 18. However, USPS hires people as young as 16, especially if they hold a high school diploma.
Necessity of Citizenship
Any prospective employees of the Postal Service must be either legal U.S. citizens of a U.S. territory.
Residency requirement
All U.S. territory addresses from the candidate's last five years of employment or education are checked as part of the standard postal service background check.
Candidates must prove that they have been legal residents of the state for the past five years to pass the required background check.
Work Experience
Job history information, including dates worked, titles held, and duties performed, must be provided by candidates. Applicants must typically give company contact details so the USPS can validate employment information.
A good history of safe driving
Candidates for postal service jobs, such as mail carrier positions, must demonstrate a clean driving record. Applicants are required to have a current driver's license as well.
Screening and Assessment Requirements
Candidates for the postal service must complete a battery of tests, including the following:
Background checks determine if the candidate has been prosecuted or charged with criminal cases. In short, it helps identify any criminal record.
Physical assessments: Candidates' abilities to do things like to lift a specific weight or see clearly on a vision or hearing test are evaluated in this way to see if they are suitable for the position.
Testing for Drugs: Drug screening results can reveal whether or not an applicant is utilizing illicit drugs.
Employment-related exams: Many positions require applicants to complete and pass postal written examinations before they may begin working. Exams tailored to the specific duties of mail carriers, postal clerks, and postal support staff are obligatory.
So, how do you apply for the ecareers usps positions?
How to Apply for Ecareers USPS Job Opportunities
The United States Postal Service offers more career opportunities than any other postal service. If you're looking for a job in the postal service, you can trust that you’ll have your dream job at the United States Postal Service (USPS).
Here are some of the procedures you must follow if you want to work for the United States Postal Service:
Create an Account and Register Your Details
To apply for a job at the post office, visit the United States Postal Service website. Launch your web browser and go for the USPS employment page. When you’re ready, click the "Search and apply" button then "Create an account."
As soon as the website loads, you'll be prompted to enter your details- first and last names along with your login and password. After entering your email and password, you’ll have to confirm your email and password. Following these procedures will guarantee that the USPS has accurate contact details for you in the event of a job opening.
Update Your Profile
Users are prompted to edit their profile information after account creation or logging in. When an asterisk (*) appears next to a region, it must be filled out with reliable data before moving on. Here are some of the standard data you’ll be required to provide:
- Skills and expertise
- Education
- Work experience
- Current address
- Email and phone number
Browse for Available Job Postings
Once your profile is complete, you can search for job openings by clicking the "Search now" button. You can use the post office's location or a search term to locate available employment opportunities.
Start the Application Process
Once you're done creating an account and looking for vacancies, it’s time to begin your application. Ensure you have already edited your resume and need copy and paste the required areas' details.
Make sure the jobs you're applying for are a good fit for where you want to go in your career. Check if the position you're considering aligns with your beliefs and long-term objectives.
You must also tailor your responses to the specific job requirements listed under "Education," "Skills," and "Training." Even better, you can sell yourself as the best person for the job by detailing how you've excelled in the past in the "summary of accomplishments" section. Make sure your online application stands out by listing professional references.
Take Required Assessments and Evaluations
Working at the USPS usually necessitates taking and passing a postal exam. While not necessary for all positions, it is wise to learn which positions call for testing. Candidates who are needed to take an assessment from the USPS are sent comprehensive information through email.
USPS can test your knowledge in two ways:
Proctored test: A proctored test requires the taker to physically appear at a testing facility, where they will undergo identity verification before taking the test. If you fail the first time, you can retake this test after a year.
Nonproctored assessment: Nonproctored exams can be taken whenever convenient for you, as long as you submit your answers within 72 hours of receiving the USPS test link. All you need to do is to log in to the account you created and then follow the assessment instructions.
Conclusion
The United States Postal Service offers a variety of job opportunities, from casual to career. But you apply for these positions; candidates must meet certain age, citizenship, and physical requirements. Candidates who meet all the recommended requirements can create an account on the USPS website and apply for their dream jobs. Just ensure you capture and fill in the correct details.
