Postal Job Requirements

The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers a variety of different positions throughout the United States--including positions for electronic technicians, mail carriers, mail handlers, mail processing clerks, mail service clerks, and mechanics. However, each of these positions requires an individual to meet some basic requirements before he can apply.

Age/Language

Each applicant must be over the age of 18 (16 if she has a high school diploma or an equivalent degree) and be able to demonstrate an ability to understand and speak English.

Background Check

Each applicant must have a relatively clean criminal record (typically without any convictions). An individual applying for a position that requires driving must also have a valid driver's license and a relatively clean driving record.

Citizenship

An individual applying for a postal position must be a U.S. citizen, a citizen of a U.S. territory or a legal alien recognized as a permanent resident of the United States.

Employment History

An individual applying for a postal position is required to provide information about the employers that he had during the ten-year period prior to his application. Employers before age 16 can be omitted.

Testing

An individual must successfully complete a drug test (urinalysis screening), a physical examination, and a written examination (if an exam is required for the position) to receive a postal job.

References

• United States Postal Service - Employment Requirements
• PostalWork.net - Post Office Job Employment Requirements

Resources

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Postal Service Workers
• United States Postal Service - Career Opportunities