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

Jul 4, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The increased usage of email and digital communication has had a significant effect on postal mail processing. As more people are now relying on digital communication, the amount of mail being sent through post offices has drastically decreased. This has resulted in a decrease in the demand for postal mail processors, as fewer workers are needed to process the diminishing amount of mail.

the automation of certain mail processing tasks has further reduced the need for manual labor. As a result, many postal mail processors have lost their jobs, leading to a decrease in job availability and wages for these workers.

Steps How to Become

Meet the Basic Requirements. To become a postal mail processor, you must be a U. S. citizen or permanent resident, and be at least 18 years of age. You must also pass a background check and have a valid drivers license.
Complete Your Education. Most postal mail processors have at least a high school diploma, and some have an associates or bachelors degree.
Get Postal Worker Experience. Many employers prefer to hire candidates with experience working in a post office. If you dont have any experience, consider interning or volunteering at your local post office to gain some experience.
Take a Postal Clerk Exam. All applicants for postal mail processor positions must take and pass the postal clerk exam. This exam will test your knowledge of postal operations, customer service, and other job-related topics.
Apply for the Postal Mail Processor Position. Once you have met the requirements and passed the exam, you can apply for the position of postal mail processor. You can find job openings on the USPS website or via a staffing agency.
Complete On-the-Job Training. Once hired, you will need to complete on-the-job training in order to become a fully qualified postal mail processor. Your training will include learning how to sort mail, use mail processing equipment, and track packages.

Postal mail processors must stay updated and efficient to ensure that mail is processed accurately and on time. To do this, they must be familiar with the latest postal regulations, stay organized and have an efficient workflow. they must be aware of the latest sorting technologies, such as automated machines that can quickly sort and process large amounts of mail at once.

Furthermore, they must have good communication skills in order to coordinate with other departments and stay up to date on any changes that may take place. Finally, they must be able to troubleshoot and solve any issues that may arise. By following these steps, postal mail processors can keep up to date and remain efficient.

You may want to check Postal Automation Technician, Postal Manager, and Postal Counter Clerk for alternative.

Job Description

Sort incoming mail, separating out express mail, first-class mail, and other classes of mail.
Process and stamp outgoing mail.
Operate mail processing equipment such as postage meters, scales and canceling machines.
Receive and examine incoming mail for correct postage and address.
Package and address outgoing mail and parcels.
Insert mail into appropriate mail sacks or containers.
Prepare invoices and other documents related to mailing activities.
Collect postage fees from customers for items sent by express or special delivery.
Monitor delivery schedules and ensure that mail is delivered on time.
Load and unload trucks or other vehicles carrying mail.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to accurately sort mail according to postal regulations.
Ability to quickly and accurately read addresses on mail items.
Ability to operate mail processing equipment such as scales, postage meters, and envelope openers.
Knowledge of postal regulations, rates, and services.
Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
Attention to detail to ensure accuracy and compliance with postal regulations.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Physical stamina for standing for long periods of time.
Good communication skills for interacting with customers and coworkers.
Good organizational skills for sorting, labeling, and tracking mail items.

Good communication skills are essential for any Postal Mail Processor. They need to be able to understand and follow directions, as well as clearly communicate with other workers and customers. An effective Postal Mail Processor should also have good problem-solving skills as they are often faced with complex tasks, such as properly sorting mail according to postal regulations.

Attention to detail is also important as it ensures that mail is sorted correctly and delivered to the correct address. Finally, a strong work ethic and time management skills are necessary to ensure the efficient processing of mail. All of these skills are essential for a Postal Mail Processor to be successful in their role.

Having these skills can lead to improved productivity and customer satisfaction, as well as higher job satisfaction and ultimately job security.

Postal Operations Manager, Postal Mail Carrier, and Postal Technician are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have with handling large volumes of mail?
What strategies do you use to stay organized when managing mail?
How do you handle difficult customers when processing mail?
Describe a time when you had to manage a challenging task related to mail processing.
What challenges have you faced when processing mail?
How do you ensure accuracy in your work?
What techniques do you use to stay on top of deadlines?
What safety measures do you take when handling mail?
How would you handle a situation where you had to process an unusually high volume of mail?
What methods do you use to ensure that all mail is properly addressed and sorted?

Common Tools in Industry

Postal Sorting Machine. Used to sort mail by address, zip code, or other criteria. (eg: Neopost SI 68)
Barcode Scanner. A device used to read barcodes on mail and packages. (eg: CipherLab 8001)
Label Printer. A device used to print labels on mail and packages. (eg: Zebra ZT410)
Postage Meter. A device used to print postage on mail and packages. (eg: Pitney Bowes DM60)
Mail Opener. A device used to open mail and packages. (eg: Martin Yale P7200)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Postal Mail Handlers Union
Mail Systems Management Association
National Association of Postal Supervisors
American Postal Workers Union
National Association of Letter Carriers
Postal Technology International
International Mailers Advisory Group
National Postal Forum
Institute of Postal Studies
International Federation of Postal Clerks

We also have Postal Counter Clerk Supervisor, Postal Supervisor, and Postal Receptionist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Postal Clerk. An individual who works in a post office, responsible for sorting, processing, and delivering mail.
Bulk Mail. Mail that is sorted and prepared in large quantities for efficient and cost-effective delivery.
Cancellation. A postmark that is placed on a stamp or envelope to indicate that it has been used and is no longer valid for postage.
Metering. The use of a machine to affix postage onto envelopes or parcels.
Registry Mail. A special service offered by the post office for the purpose of insuring valuable mail items.
Delivery Confirmation. A service provided by the post office to ensure that mail items are delivered to the intended recipient.
International Mail. Mail sent from one country to another.
Express Mail. A service offered by the post office for expedited delivery of mail items.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the job of a Postal Mail Processor?

A Postal Mail Processor is responsible for sorting and processing mail for delivery by the United States Postal Service (USPS). This includes preparing mail for transport, sorting it according to destination, and delivering it to its intended recipient.

What skills are required for a Postal Mail Processor?

Postal Mail Processors should possess excellent organizational skills, as they must be able to sort mail quickly and accurately. They must also be able to lift heavy objects and have good customer service skills. Additionally, they should have knowledge of USPS procedures, regulations, and postal codes.

What are the working hours of a Postal Mail Processor?

Most Postal Mail Processors work full-time hours, often in shifts that include nights and weekends. The actual hours may vary depending on the needs of the USPS.

How much does a Postal Mail Processor earn?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Postal Mail Processors was $58,910 as of May 2020.

What is the job outlook for Postal Mail Processors?

The job outlook for Postal Mail Processors is expected to decline by 3% from 2019 to 2029, due to advancements in technology that reduce the need for manual sorting.