How to Get a Job As a Mail Carrier
U.S. Postal Service mail carriers deliver mail to residences and businesses. According to the Occupational Information Network, the carrier first sorts mail to be delivered and then organizes it in the order of delivery. He travels established routes by foot, vehicles or both. Much mail goes to mailboxes, but some mail requires the carrier to obtain a receipt signed by the recipient. In 2008, a mail carrier earned an average annual salary of $46,970, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2008 Occupational Employment Statistics. If you are interested in becoming a mail carrier, a good memory and the ability to read quickly are important.
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Instructions
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Be at least 18 years old, according to the BLS. Also, at the age of 18, male candidates must have registered with the Selective Service.
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Have citizenship. The BLS says applicants must be U.S. citizens or have permanent resident alien status.
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Apply for a job with the Postal Service. You can request and submit a physical application at any post office or apply electronically on the USPS website.
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Pass a written exam that measures speed, accuracy and memorization abilities. The speed and accuracy portion involves names and numbers. The memorization portion pertains to mail-distribution procedures.
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Pass a few other eligibility tests. Upon being accepted, an applicant undergoes a criminal background check, physical exam and drug test. The physical test involves lifting mail sacks of up to 70 pounds. A safe-driving record is required. Applicants must also undergo a road test.
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Tips & Warnings
Upon completion of the written exam, applicants are ranked in the order of their exam results. Certain veterans have an edge over their competition. Five points are added to the scores of honorably discharged veterans, and 10 points are added to those who were wounded in combat or are disabled. When a job vacancy happens, one of the top three applicants is chosen. The rest are considered for future openings until their eligibility expires two years after the examination date.
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Resources
- Photo Credit 100 year old postal image by Paul Coskery from Fotolia.com
