How Can I Get a Postal Job?
Working for the post office can be an excellent career plan. As a civil servant, U.S. Postal Service workers usually have excellent benefits, including government-subsidized health insurance and/or a government pension plan. But as a result of the favorable working conditions, competition for postal jobs is stiff. Certain requirements must also be met, including passing written and practical tests.
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Things You'll Need
- U.S. citizenship or resident alien status
- Good English skills
- Good driving record
Instructions
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Become a Postal Services Worker
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1
Meet minimum eligibility requirements. You must be 18 or older to get a postal job. You also must be either a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident alien. You must be fluent in English. There are no minimum educational requirements, but most postal workers have at least a high school diploma.
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2
Apply and take a postal service exam. This is administered by the government and given at certain times throughout the year. Call your local post office to find out when the exam is administered in your area. The exam tests your ability to quickly and accurately read addresses, and to learn proper procedures for distributing mail. You are given a score based on how well you do. Additional points are added if you are a veteran. When a job opens, the post office interviews the top scorers on the exam (usually the top three). Sometimes, you may have to wait several years after taking the exam to be interviewed since many people want postal jobs.
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3
Pass additional required exams. Before being hired, in most cases you must also take a drug test and a road test. Most post officers also require you to pass a special physical exam that tests your ability to lift heavy packages and mail sacks that weigh 70 pounds or more.
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Begin working part time if necessary. Many postal workers will take part-time openings when they become available, in order to eventually move up to full time employment. Full-time employment usually will be awarded based on your seniority when a full-time job opens up.
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