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

Jan 28, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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The United States Postal Service (USPS) is a vital part of the American economy, and its workers are an essential part of its operation. Postal workers are responsible for delivering mail and packages to millions of citizens across the country every day. This task requires an immense amount of dedication and hard work.

The effects of their labor are far-reaching, as USPS workers have a direct impact on the lives of many Americans. They provide a quick and reliable way for people to send and receive important documents, packages, and letters. The postal service also helps to create jobs and support small businesses by providing access to a cost-effective system for shipping goods.

by maintaining a strong network of postal employees, USPS workers help to ensure that communities are able to stay connected despite distance or other challenges.

Steps How to Become

Take the Postal Exam. The first step to becoming a postal service worker is to take the Postal Exam, which is a multiple-choice test that evaluates your knowledge and skills in areas such as address knowledge, problem solving, and memorization.
Get a Job Offer. After passing the Postal Exam, you will need to be offered a job with the United States Postal Service. You can search for and apply for jobs on the USPS website.
Complete On-the-Job Training. Once you have been offered a job with the USPS, you will need to complete on-the-job training. This training can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months and will cover topics such as sorting mail, operating machinery, and processing payments.
Become Certified. Once you have completed your training, you will need to become certified as a postal service worker. This certification process involves passing a written exam as well as completing an on-the-job practical exam.
Maintain Your Certification. Once you have become certified, you must maintain your certification by completing continuing education courses and passing periodic exams.

Staying up to date and competent as a Postal Service Worker is essential to providing effective and efficient service. In order to maintain a high level of knowledge and skill, it is important to stay informed about changes in postal regulations and procedures, attend training classes or seminars, and practice best practices. Keeping up with changes to postal regulations and procedures can be accomplished by regularly reading the most current postal bulletins, which are issued by the Postal Service.

Attending training classes or seminars can help Postal Service Workers learn new skills, stay current with the latest technological advances, and understand how to apply them in their work. practicing best practices, such as following guidelines for sorting mail, using proper lifting techniques, and adhering to safety protocols, can help to ensure that Postal Service Workers are performing their duties in a timely and effective manner.

You may want to check Mailroom Associate, Postal Assistant, and Parcel Delivery Driver for alternative.

Job Description

Sort and deliver mail to designated areas
Collect, verify, and process payments
Maintain records of postage and other associated fees
Ensure that all mail is delivered to its intended destination
Provide customer service and answer inquiries
Prepare packages for shipping
Provide counter services, including money orders, stamps, and providing change
Assist with bulk mailings, including sorting, labeling, and metering
Operate post office equipment, such as postage meters and scales
Load and unload postal trucks

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to handle a variety of customer service tasks in a professional manner
Knowledge of postal regulations, policies, and procedures
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Attention to detail and accuracy
Computer literacy
Ability to lift and move heavy packages
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Ability to follow instructions promptly and accurately
Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

The most important skill for a Postal Service Worker is effective communication. Along with the ability to communicate with customers and colleagues on a daily basis, Postal Service Workers must also have the ability to listen attentively, comprehend complex instructions and respond appropriately. Good organizational skills are also essential for managing workloads, ensuring that all mail is sorted and delivered on time, and for tracking packages and other important documents.

knowledge of computers, technology and basic mathematics is necessary for data entry and other clerical tasks. Physical stamina is also an important attribute for a Postal Service Worker, as they must be able to lift and transport heavy mailbags and packages and stand for long periods of time. With these skills, Postal Service Workers can ensure that mail is delivered efficiently and on time, and provide excellent customer service.

Part-Time Mail Carrier, Night Mail Sorter, and Registered Mail Clerk are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working in the postal service?
How do you keep accurate records of mail and packages?
What strategies do you have for dealing with difficult customers?
How do you prioritize tasks in a fast-paced work environment?
What safety protocols do you follow when handling packages and mail?
How do you ensure that packages and mail are delivered correctly?
How do you stay organized while dealing with multiple orders?
What is your experience with using mailing equipment, such as scales and stampers?
How do you maintain a high level of customer service while working quickly?
What do you do to stay up to date on postal regulations and policies?

Common Tools in Industry

Scanning Equipment. Used to scan and process mail and packages. (eg: Barcode Scanner)
Postal Service Software. Used to track and manage mail, packages, and shipments. (eg: PostalVision 2020)
Hand Trucks. Used to move and transport mail and packages from one place to another. (eg: Magliner Hand Truck)
Mail Sorting Machines. Used to sort mail by address automatically. (eg: Pitney Bowes Mail Sorter)
Label Printers. Used to print labels for mail and packages. (eg: Zebra ZT410 Barcode Printer)
Postage Meters. Used to calculate and print postage for mail and packages. (eg: Neopost DS-62 Digital Postage Meter)
Computers. Used to manage mail and package data, as well as other administrative tasks. (eg: Dell XPS 13 Laptop)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Postal Workers Union (APWU)
National Postal Mail Handlers Union (NPMHU)
National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC)
National Rural Letter Carriers' Association (NRLCA)
National Association of Postmasters of the United States (NAPUS)
Postal Employees Relief Fund (PERF)
National Postal Professional Nurses (NPPN)
United Postmasters and Managers of America (UPMA)
National Association of Postal Supervisors (NAPS)
National Postal Mail Manager Association (NPMA)

We also have Mail Room Technician, Post Office Automation Clerk, and Mail Delivery Worker jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Postal Regulations. Rules and guidelines established by the United States Postal Service that govern the operations of its workers.
Mail Sorting. The process of separating mail into different categories for efficient delivery.
Postal Rate Chart. A chart that displays the different prices for mailing packages and letters based on weight, size, and destination.
Delivery Standards. A set of performance standards established by the United States Postal Service for its workers to ensure timely and accurate delivery of mail.
Post Office Boxes. Secure mailboxes provided by the United States Postal Service for customers to receive mail.
Registered Mail. Mail that is registered with the United States Postal Service, providing extra security and tracking to ensure delivery.
Bulk Mail. Mail that is sent in large quantities at a discounted rate.
Parcel Post. A type of mail service provided by the United States Postal Service for larger items, such as packages and furniture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the job description of a Postal Service Worker?

Postal Service Workers are responsible for the collection, processing, and delivery of mail and packages. This includes sorting mail, operating mail processing equipment, and delivering mail to customers.

What qualifications are needed to become a Postal Service Worker?

To become a Postal Service Worker, applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent, complete a USPS-approved training program, and pass a criminal background check.