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

Nov 20, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The rise of online shopping has had a notable effect on the postal system. As more people are opting to purchase items online rather than in stores, the demand for postal services has increased dramatically. This has created a need for more postal sorters, who are responsible for organizing incoming and outgoing mail and parcels.

To meet this increased demand, postal service providers have had to hire more staff and invest in new technologies, such as automated sorting machines. This has resulted in improved efficiency and accuracy in sorting and processing mail, leading to improved customer satisfaction overall. Furthermore, it has allowed postal services to keep up with the ever-growing volume of packages and letters being sent through the mail.

Steps How to Become

Research the job requirements for a postal sorter. Most employers require a high school diploma or GED and a valid driver's license.
Consider enrolling in a college-level course in business or logistics. This can help you gain an understanding of mail sorting and related tasks.
Apply for any open positions at the local post office or a mail-sorting facility. You may need to submit an application, attend an interview and pass a background check before you are considered for a job.
Complete on-the-job training. Most employers provide training in the specific tasks that you will be responsible for, such as sorting mail, operating machinery, and making sure all packages are properly labeled.
Follow all safety protocols. Postal sorters must be aware of their surroundings and follow safety guidelines to avoid accidents and injuries.
Work with a supervisor on a regular basis to ensure that all tasks are completed correctly and on time.
Stay up to date on any changes in regulations, technology, or equipment related to postal sorting.

The process of postal sorting can be greatly improved and made more efficient if the right technology is adopted. Automated sorting machines are designed to quickly process mail, separating it into categories, such as destination, size, weight, and type. This eliminates the need for manual sorting, which can be time-consuming and prone to mistakes.

using address recognition software can help speed up the process of sorting mail as it can quickly identify and sort packages using a database of addresses. Furthermore, using barcode scanners to read the barcodes on mail can help to accurately and rapidly process mail without the need for manual sorting. Finally, tracking and tracing technology can be used to ensure that all packages are accounted for, making it easier to track deliveries and monitor progress.

With the right technology in place, postal sorting can become more efficient and effective.

You may want to check Postal Delivery Supervisor, Postal Delivery Driver, and Postal Technician for alternative.

Job Description

Mail Handler: Responsible for sorting and delivering incoming mail to the appropriate departments and individuals.
Postal Clerk: Responsible for facilitating customer service, handling customer inquiries, and providing guidance for postal services.
Mail Carrier: Responsible for collecting, sorting, and delivering mail from post offices, businesses, and residences.
Mail Processing Machine Operator: Responsible for operating mail sorting equipment such as sorters, folders, and bundlers.
Mail Room Clerk: Responsible for managing the daily operations of a mailroom, including sorting mail, organizing packages, and delivering mail to the proper locations.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of mail sorting regulations and procedures
Attention to detail
Ability to work quickly and accurately
Ability to lift and move heavy packages
Ability to stand for long periods of time
Good organizational and time management skills
Ability to follow instructions
Ability to read and comprehend labels and addresses
Computer literacy
Good customer service skills

Postal sorters face a variety of tasks, but the most important skill to have is organization. Good organization helps postal sorters stay on top of the heavy workload they face. It allows them to efficiently separate, organize, and deliver mail in an efficient manner.

This skill also helps them manage their time, ensuring that all tasks are completed within their allotted time frame. Furthermore, having excellent organizational skills leads to better communication between the postal sorter and their customers. Knowing which sorting techniques are best for the job at hand leads to improved customer satisfaction and fewer delivery delays.

Overall, organization is a critical skill for postal sorters, as it helps them stay on top of their workload and deliver mail in a timely manner.

Postal Security Officer, Postal Mail Processor, and Postal Counter Clerk are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with postal sorting machinery?
How do you prioritize tasks when faced with multiple deadlines?
Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced environment?
What techniques do you use to stay organized and efficient?
What challenges have you faced in the past while sorting mail?
Are you familiar with USPS regulations and policies?
Describe a time when you had to resolve a customer complaint while sorting mail.
How do you handle a situation where the machines break down during your shift?
Are you comfortable lifting heavy packages and mail bags?
What strategies do you use to ensure accuracy when sorting mail?

Common Tools in Industry

Mail Sorter. A machine used to quickly and accurately sort envelopes and packages in a post office. (e. g. Neopost IS-330 Mail Sorter)
Label Printer. A device used to print and apply labels to mail pieces for sorting, tracking, and identification purposes. (e. g. Dymo LabelWriter 450 Twin Turbo)
Barcode Scanner. A handheld device used to quickly scan barcodes on mail pieces, providing data to the postal sorting system. (e. g. Honeywell Voyager 1602g)
Postage Meter. A machine used to print postage on envelopes and packages quickly and accurately, eliminating the need for manual stamping. (e. g. Neopost IS-280i Postage Meter)
Computer System. A central computer system used to control the entire sorting process, allowing for data tracking and reporting. (e. g. USPS Electronic Verification System)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society for Quality (ASQ)
Project Management Institute (PMI)
International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA)
Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Institute of Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS)
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE)
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP)

We also have Postal Operations Manager, Postal Station Manager, and Postal Processing Manager jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Bulk Mail. Mail that is sent in large quantities, usually at a discounted rate.
Cancellation Mark. An official postmark or label used by postal services to mark mail as cancelled.
Destination Sorting. The sorting of mail items according to their delivery locations.
Flats. A type of mail item that is larger than a letter, but smaller than a parcel.
Intelligent Mail Barcode. A barcode system used to track and sort mail.
Mail Tray. A container used to transport mail items.
Parcels. A type of mail item that is larger than a flat but smaller than a package.
Post Office Box (P. O. Box). An address used to receive mail at a post office.
Presort. The sorting of mail items before they are sent to the post office.
Tray Label. A label placed on a tray of mail items to indicate their destination or contents.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Postal Sorter do?

A Postal Sorter is a professional who sorts mail into post office boxes, bins, or onto conveyor belts for delivery. They also ensure that mail is correctly addressed and that the correct postage is used.

What qualifications are needed to be a Postal Sorter?

To be a Postal Sorter, you must have basic math and reading skills, as well as a good attention to detail. You must also be able to lift and move packages weighing up to 50 pounds.

What is the salary range for a Postal Sorter?

The average annual salary for a Postal Sorter is between $25,000 and $35,000.

What kind of environment do Postal Sorters work in?

Postal Sorters typically work in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments. They must be able to keep up with the high volume of mail that passes through their station.

What safety measures should Postal Sorters take?

Postal Sorters should wear protective gear such as gloves and goggles when handling packages. They should also use caution when lifting packages, as well as keep the workspace organized and tidy to avoid injury.