How to Be Postal Clerk - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

May 10, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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When a Postal Clerk is hired, they are responsible for a variety of tasks that ensure the smooth operation of the mail system. The primary responsibility is to process incoming and outgoing mail. This involves sorting, weighing, pricing, and delivering the mail to its destination.

When processing incoming mail, the Postal Clerk must verify addresses and arrange for delivery or return. Outgoing mail is also sorted and weighed for proper postage, and then delivered to the post office for further processing. The Postal Clerk must also be familiar with postal regulations, maintain records, and provide customer service.

This can include assisting customers in finding specific items or providing information about delivery times and procedures. The Postal Clerk's efforts ensure that mail is delivered in a timely manner, which can have a positive effect on businesses and customers who rely on the mail system for communication and shipping.

Steps How to Become

Ensure you meet the minimum eligibility requirements. To become a postal clerk, you must be a U. S. citizen or permanent resident, be 18 years of age (or 16 with a high school diploma), and have a valid state drivers license.
Pass the U. S. Postal Service Exam 473. The exam is a standard aptitude test that assesses your skills in four areas. address checking, memory for addresses, coding and personal characteristics.
Apply for open positions. You can do this through the USPS website or by visiting your local post office and asking about open positions.
Undergo a background check. Once youve been offered a position, you must pass a background check that includes a criminal records check, drug screening and medical exam.
Complete training. Depending on your position, you may be required to attend basic clerk training at the post office or online. This can take up to 10 weeks to complete.
Take and pass the Postal Service Exam 710. This exam is required for all postal clerks and measures your knowledge of the USPS policies, procedures and regulations.
Get certified in customer service. This certification is required for all postal clerks and is designed to help you better serve customers and handle customer complaints.

Postal Clerks are highly skilled and qualified professionals who are essential for the smooth running of postal services. To become skilled and qualified, Postal Clerks must first receive a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by on-the-job training in postal regulations, procedures, and operations. Once these steps are completed, Postal Clerks must then pass the Postal Exams which assess their skills and knowledge of postal services.

Passing the Postal Exams gives them the necessary credentials to secure a job in the Postal Service, with successful Postal Clerks having the expertise to perform their duties with efficiency and accuracy. Furthermore, continuing education is often required to keep up with changing technologies and regulations in the industry, ensuring that Postal Clerks maintain their qualifications. By having a highly skilled and qualified workforce, Postal Clerks can ensure the continued success of postal services.

You may want to check Rural Carrier Associate, Substitute Postal Worker, and Mail Carrier Assistant for alternative.

Job Description

Process incoming and outgoing mail and parcels.
Sort incoming mail according to established procedures.
Prepare outgoing mail for distribution.
Provide accurate information on postal rates, regulations and services.
Operate mail processing equipment, including scales and franking machines.
Sort, date stamp and dispatch incoming mail.
Prepare registered mail for collection or delivery.
Document delivery of registered items.
Receive payments for postal services.
Issue postage stamps, envelopes and other stationery supplies.
Prepare parcels for domestic and international delivery.
Follow postal regulations and guidelines when handling hazardous materials.
Investigate customer complaints relating to postal services.
Maintain accurate records of mail and parcel volumes.
Perform basic administrative duties in support of the postal service.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Excellent customer service skills
Attention to detail
Ability to multitask
Good communication and listening skills
Knowledge of postal regulations and procedures
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Ability to accurately sort, process and deliver mail
Computer literacy in order to process mail
Knowledge of postal rates and fees
Ability to lift and move heavy items

Being a Postal Clerk requires a great deal of attention to detail, excellent customer service skills, and a strong sense of organization. Being organized is key to success in this field, as it enables Postal Clerks to efficiently manage their time and prioritize tasks. This also helps them to accurately process mail and packages, including sorting, weighing, and delivering them.

Furthermore, strong communication skills are essential for Postal Clerks, as they must be able to answer customer questions and provide helpful guidance. the ability to remain calm and patient in stressful situations is essential, as Postal Clerks often have to manage difficult customers while performing their duties. These qualities all contribute to a successful Postal Clerk and ensure that job tasks are completed quickly and accurately.

Postal Courier, Postal Service Courier, and Postal Assistant are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

How familiar are you with the mail sorting and delivery process?
How do you handle customer service issues?
What experience do you have with operating mail sorting equipment?
Describe your experience with data entry and record keeping.
What would you do if you noticed a customer was not being charged correctly for a package?
What methods do you use to maintain an organized work area?
How do you keep track of customer information and packages?
Describe a time when you had to solve a difficult problem with a customer in the postal office.
What safety procedures do you follow when loading and unloading packages?
How would you handle a situation where the customer is unhappy with their service?

Common Tools in Industry

Computer. Used to type up documents, create reports, and access information. (eg: Microsoft Word)
Printer. Used to print documents. (eg: HP LaserJet)
Scanner. Used to scan documents into digital format. (eg: Epson Scanner)
Fax Machine. Used to send and receive documents electronically. (eg: Brother Fax Machine)
Postal Meter. Used to weigh and calculate postage for packages. (eg: Pitney Bowes Postal Meter)
Postal Scale. Used to weigh packages for calculating postage. (eg: Dymo Digital Postal Scale)
Envelope Sealer. Used to seal envelopes quickly and efficiently. (eg: Formax Envelope Sealer)
Mail Sorter. Used to sort mail by address, zip code, or other criteria. (eg: Neopost Mail Sorter)
Label Maker. Used to create labels for packages and envelopes. (eg: Dymo Label Maker)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Postal Workers Union
National Association of Postal Supervisors
National League of Postmasters of the United States
National Postal Mail Handlers Union
National Rural Letter Carriers Association
National Postal Professional Nurses
International Brotherhood of Postal Clerks
National Association of Postal Mail Processing Specialists
American Mail Alliance
National Association of Letter Carriers

We also have Mail Clerk, Postal Service Worker, and Mail Delivery Driver jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Mail Sorter. A person responsible for sorting letters, packages and other mail items into the correct categories for distribution.
Post Office Counter Clerk. A person responsible for providing service to customers at a post office counter, including handling mail and money transactions.
Postal Delivery Worker. A person responsible for delivering mail to homes and businesses.
Postal Inspector. A person responsible for ensuring compliance with postal regulations, fraud prevention, and investigating mail-related crimes.
Mail Carrier. A person responsible for transporting mail between post offices.
Mail Handler. A person responsible for processing mail, including sorting, labeling, and bundling.
Mail Clerk. A person responsible for processing and delivering incoming and outgoing mail.
Postmaster. A person responsible for the overall operation of a post office, including management of personnel and budgeting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the basic duties of a Postal Clerk?

The main duties of a Postal Clerk include sorting and distributing mail, helping customers with inquiries, selling postage stamps and other products, collecting payments, and processing incoming and outgoing mail.

What qualifications are necessary to become a Postal Clerk?

Generally, you will need to have at least a high school diploma or GED and some customer service experience. Additionally, you may need to pass a background check and drug test.

How much does a Postal Clerk earn?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for a Postal Clerk is $44,890.

What are the hours of work for a Postal Clerk?

Hours of work for a Postal Clerk can vary depending on the employer. Generally, Postal Clerks work full-time during regular business hours, with some overtime during peak seasons or holidays.