POSTAL CLERKS & MAIL CARRIERS (Continued)
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement
Postal Service workers must be at least 18 years old. They must be U.S.
citizens or have been granted permanent resident-alien status in the United
States, and males must have registered with the Selective Service upon reaching
age 18. Applicants should have a basic competency of English. Qualification is
based on a written examination that measures speed and accuracy at checking
names and numbers and the ability to memorize mail distribution procedures.
Applicants must pass a physical examination and drug test, and may be asked to
show that they can lift and handle mail sacks weighing 70 pounds. Applicants for
mail carrier positions must have a driver’s license and a good driving record,
and must receive a passing grade on a road test.
Job seekers should contact the post office or mail processing center where they
wish to work to determine when an exam will be given. Applicants’ names are
listed in order of their examination scores. Five points are added to the score
of an honorably discharged veteran and 10 points are added to the score of a
veteran who was wounded in combat or is disabled. When a vacancy occurs, the
appointing officer chooses one of the top three applicants; the rest of the
names remain on the list to be considered for future openings until their
eligibility expires — usually two years after the examination date.
Relatively few people become postal clerks or mail carriers on their first job,
because of keen competition and the customary waiting period of one to two years
or more after passing the examination. It is not surprising, therefore, that
most entrants transfer from other occupations.
New Postal Service workers are trained on the job by experienced workers. Many
post offices offer classroom instruction on safety and defensive driving.
Workers receive additional instruction when new equipment or procedures are
introduced. In these cases, workers usually are trained by another postal
employee or a training specialist.
Postal clerks and mail carriers should be courteous and tactful when dealing
with the public, especially when answering questions or receiving complaints. A
good memory and the ability to read rapidly and accurately are important. Good
interpersonal skills also are vital, because mail distribution clerks work
closely with other postal workers, frequently under the tension and strain of
meeting dispatch or transportation deadlines and quotas.
Postal Service workers often begin on a part-time, flexible basis and become
regular or full time in order of seniority, as vacancies occur. Full-time
workers may bid for preferred assignments, such as the day shift or a high-level
non supervisory position. Carriers can look forward to obtaining preferred
routes as their seniority increases. Postal Service workers can advance to
supervisory positions on a competitive basis.
Job Outlook
Employment of Postal Service workers is expected to decline through 2012.
Still, many jobs will become available because of the need to replace those who
retire or leave the occupation. Those seeking jobs as Postal Service workers can
expect to encounter keen competition. The number of applicants should continue
to exceed the number of job openings due to low entry requirements and
attractive wages and benefits.
For more information on Post Office Jobs purchase a copy of
"Post Office Jobs" by Dennis V. Damp
ORDER POST
OFFICE JOBS ONLINE
