You need to learn about the USPS hiring process if you are seeking employment with the company. Image source: Mike Segar / Reuters file, nbcnews.
The USPS hiring process involves candidates going through stages, which include job application and interview stages before they can be hired.
If you are interested in a job with the United States Postal Service, USPS, you should be prepared to successfully pass through a recruitment process to be offered an employment.
USPS Hiring Process
Here are the various stages that usually make up the hiring process at the United States Postal Service:
USPS Job Application Process
To apply for any position with the US Postal Service you must first fill out an online application form at www.usps.com/jobapp.
You can also download the application from your local post office or call their toll free number (1-800-275-8777) to ask them to send you one.
When applying for a job, make sure to include all required information on the form.
This includes: your name, address, phone number, email address, date of birth, Social Security Number, previous employers, military experience, education history, driving record, drug test results, criminal background check, etc.
Make an effort to answer each question thoroughly and accurately. If you do not provide accurate information then you could be disqualified from further consideration.
Once you have filled out the application form, then you should print it out and take it along with copies of your resume to your local Post Office where they will give you an appointment to complete the application process.
Some applicants are given appointments within 24 hours after submitting the application while others may wait up to two weeks before receiving an appointment.
After completing the application process, you will receive a letter via email confirming the details of your appointment.
Make sure to keep this letter as proof of your appointment. After you meet with the hiring manager, he or she will decide whether or not to move forward with your application.
More tips on USPS Job Application Process
If you are hired then you will need to pass a physical examination and drug test. These tests are usually conducted within 2 days of being offered employment.
Your employer will inform you about these requirements prior to beginning the hiring process.
If you fail the exam or test then you will need to retake it.
You cannot be hired if you fail the exam twice. However, there are some positions which require only a drug test.
For example, cashiers, retail clerks, customer service representatives, and distribution center employees.
Available Jobs at USPS
USPS offers many different types of jobs. They offer career opportunities in many fields such as postal carriers, mail processing technicians, maintenance workers, clerks, sales associates, and many others.
The most common type of job at USPS is the mail carrier. There are many different routes that carriers cover each day.
Each route requires its own set of skills and knowledge. Carriers are responsible for delivering mail to homes and businesses in their assigned area.
They carry heavy loads of mail between mailboxes and deliver packages to customers’ doors.
There are many other types of jobs at USPS, including mail processing technicians, maintenance personnel, clerks, sales associates and more.
USPS has developed a series of questions called the Job Assessment Test (JAT).
The JAT is used by USPS to evaluate candidates who wish to work in certain positions.
It consists of three sections: Reading Comprehension, Math Reasoning, and Vocabulary.
Candidates are tested on the JAT when they apply for a job.
To get started, visit www.usps.com/jobs to learn how to prepare for the JAT. Then, once you have completed the preparation steps, you can register online.
USPS Interview Process
The next step in the hiring process is to attend a pre-employment screening interview. During the interview you will be asked questions regarding your work history, references, past performance, skills, personality traits, etc.
Your interviewer will use the answers provided during the interview to determine whether or not you are suitable for the position.
If you are selected for a second round of interviews then you will be contacted by the Human Resource representative who interviewed you.
They will let you know what time and place the next round of interviews will occur.
During the second round of interviews you will be expected to bring several documents with you.
The most important document you will need to bring is a copy of your current driver’s license.
You will also need to bring a copy of your social security card, pay stubs, and other forms of identification that prove your identity.
You will be asked to sign a statement acknowledging that you understand the job duties and responsibilities of the position.
You will also be asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement stating that you will not discuss anything related to the company with anyone else.
More tips on USPS Interview Process
Finally, you will be asked to sign another document stating that you agree to abide by the rules and regulations of the company.
You will also be asked to take a polygraph test. Polygraph examinations are used to detect deception.
A person who passes a polygraph test can be trusted because their physiological responses indicate truthfulness. On the other hand, someone who fails the test is considered untrustworthy.
Polygraph results are generally not admissible into court unless the employee has been convicted of a crime involving dishonesty.
If the employee is found guilty of lying on the polygraph then they may lose their job.
After passing all of the required tests you will be given an offer letter from the company.
This letter will contain information such as salary, benefits, vacation time, etc. It is very common for companies to give new hires an orientation period before starting them on the job.
Pre-Employment Testing
Pre-employment testing helps employers screen potential hires to ensure they do not pose a risk to themselves or others.
This includes background checks, drug screenings, and psychological assessments.
You must pass all required pre-employment tests before starting work. If you fail any of them, you may not be allowed to start working for USPS.
You should expect to pay $50-$100 for each test. Some tests include an initial fee followed by periodic fees after that.
For example, the background check fee is $25 per person. The drug screening fee is $10 per person. The psychological assessments fee is $75 per person.
These costs vary depending on what kind of test you take.
How Long Does USPS Hiring Process Take?
After passing the pre-employment tests, you will receive an application form from your local post office. You will fill out this form and submit it to the Human Resources Department.
This form contains basic personal information such as name, address, phone number, date of birth, etc.
In addition, you will answer several questions regarding your education, previous employment experience, criminal history, health status, and so forth.
Once you complete the application, you will need to sign an agreement stating that you understand and agree with the terms of your contract.
These terms include things like hours of work, wages, benefits, and vacation time.
Once you have signed the agreement, you will be hired. Congratulations! Now you can begin working for USPS.
Major Careers and Jobs Available At USPS
The United States Postal Service employs more than 500,000 people nationwide. They deliver mail and packages to every home in America.
They also provide services such as delivering newspapers, collecting payments, processing insurance claims, and operating retail stores.
Here are some major careers available at USPS:
Mail Carriers
Description: Mail carriers deliver mail door-to-door throughout the country. They use a special vehicle called a “letter carrier” to carry mail.
Requirements: To qualify as a mail carriers , you must be able to walk long distances, lift up to 50 pounds, stand for extended periods of time, and operate a motorized vehicle.
Salary: $18.50 – $22.00 per hour.
Distribution Center Employees
Description: Distribution center employees sort incoming letters and parcels into their appropriate bins.
Requirements: To become a distribution center employee, you must be able, or willing, to lift objects weighing up to 75 pounds.
Salary: Varies based on location.
Postmasters
Description: Postmasters manage postal offices. They greet customers, help them find items in the store, and sell stamps, money orders, and other products.
Requirements: To become a postmaster, you must be 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and be willing to work overtime when necessary.
Salary: Depends on location.
Delivery Drivers
Description: Delivery drivers deliver mail and packages using a van or truck. They drive to different locations throughout the city and drop off the mail.
Requirements: Delivery drivers must be able to drive a large vehicle over rough terrain.
Salary: Starts at $11.60/hour.
Parcel Post Workers
Description: Parcel post workers handle packages sent by private companies. They scan the barcodes on the packages and then enter the package’s destination information into a computer system.
Requirements: To become a parcel post worker, you must be able and willing to lift heavy boxes and bags.
Salary: Starts at $12.30/hour.
What to Expect Working at USPS
USPS is a great place to work if you want to make good money while enjoying yourself. Here are just a few of the perks offered to its employees:
Free medical care (including dental)
401(k) retirement plan
Paid holidays and vacations
Free legal advice
Life Insurance
Health savings accounts
Discounts on car rentals and hotels.
However, employees often complain that they don’t get enough vacation days. This is because most of their jobs require them to work overtime.
USPS Company Profile
The US Postal Service was founded in 1775. It is one of the oldest government agencies in the world.
It provides services like delivering mail, handling payments, and selling postage stamps.
The company employs over 500,000 people around the United States. Its headquarters are located in Washington D.C.
Conclusion
USPS is an excellent job opportunity for anyone who is interested about what the United States Postal Service is all about.
It offers flexible hours, low pay, and plenty of benefits.
This post has provided all you need to know about the USPS recruitment process and other information to enhance your chances of getting hired with the United States Postal Service.
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