At least 18 years old, or at least 16 years old with a high school diploma A citizen or permanent resident of the United States Able to pass a criminal background check, drug screening, and medical assessment Have a safe driving record (if applicable) Be registered with the Selective Service (if applicable) The USPS does not have any general education requirements - you can apply for many positions, including postal carrier, without a high school diploma. [2] X Research source However, some corporate positions require a four-year degree. [3] X Research source The USPS is particularly interested in employees with a stable, continuous employment history. The postal service is also unlikely to consider applicants who have been fired for misconduct or excessive lateness or absence. [4] X Research source
Corporate careers at the USPS include accounting, business, finance, logistics, marketing, sales, and human resources. [5] X Research source Delivery and operations positions include automotive mechanic and technician, postal carrier, custodian, engineer, mail handler assistant, and tractor trailer operator. [6] X Research source
You can also search by keywords if you have a specific job title in mind. Many of the positions listed on the USPS website do not include job descriptions. However, these descriptions are available on the American Postal Workers’ Union’s website. [8] X Research source
To register you only need to supply your name and email address, a username, and a password. Once you have created your account, you will be able to update your candidate profile with your demographic information, education, skills, and work experience. [10] X Research source The application requires you to provide the last 7 years of work history. If you have any gaps in employment during this time, you will have to indicate that you were unemployed.
The majority of USPS workers - city carriers, mail processing clerks, mail handlers, and sales, service, and distribution associates - must take Test 473, which tests your ability to check addresses, complete forms, use and assign codes, and remember information. [11] X Research source Test 473 takes about 2 hours to complete. The USPS provides sample questions on its website. Printed study guides are also available at a bookstore or library. [12] X Research source Veterans are granted preferential treatment for this exam, including an automatic 5 or 10 point addition to any test score and priority access to exams not open to the general public.
The USPS also recommends that, when you complete the section marked “Summary of Accomplishments,” you include a separate document describing how your skills specifically match the position for which you are applying. You should upload a resume along with your application.
If the USPS chooses to offer you a position, you will be contacted to complete a drug screening and criminal background check. [14] X Research source For the final step in the hiring process, you may be called in for a final interview before being offered a position.
The USPS employs 85,000 current and former members of the military. Veterans are also given preferential treatment on the postal civil service exam.
This program is designed for graduates with 4-year degrees in an applicable discipline, which includes Engineering, Human Resources, Accounting/Finance, Supply, Sales/Marketing, and Information Technology. Applications must be submitted by the late winter deadline, which varies from year to year. Interviews take place in April, positions are offered in May, and new interns begin in July. Check the USPS website for details. [17] X Research source
Internship positions may be converted to permanent positions once the student completes his education. [19] X Research source The intern must meet all of the requirements for employment before he is hired permanently.
