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

May 4, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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The lack of qualified substitute postal workers has caused significant delays in mail delivery. This has been especially true in rural communities, where the demand for postal workers is high but the supply is low. As a result, many people have been left waiting for their mail, leading to frustration and inconvenience.

This is compounded by the fact that a large number of post offices are currently operating with reduced staff due to the pandemic, further limiting the number of available substitute postal workers. To address this issue, the US Postal Service is offering additional incentives to attract more qualified workers and to ensure that mail delivery can be maintained. In the meantime, customers are advised to expect delays and to plan accordingly.

Steps How to Become

Research the requirements to become a substitute postal worker. Each state and postal facility may have different requirements. Common requirements include being at least 18 years old, having a valid drivers license and passing a drug test.
Obtain a copy of the U. S. Postal Service Exam 473 or 473E, which is the exam required to become a substitute postal worker.
Schedule a time to take the exam at your local post office or other approved testing site.
Study for the exam to prepare yourself. Some post offices offer free study guides and practice tests to help you prepare.
Take the exam and pass it in order to be eligible for the position of substitute postal worker.
Contact the post office where you want to work to inquire about any open positions.
Complete any required paperwork and submit it along with your application to the post office.
Wait for an invitation from the post office to come in for an interview. Show up prepared and dressed appropriately for the interview.
Pass the interview and be prepared to start work as a substitute postal worker as soon as possible.

When working as a substitute postal worker, it is important to stay updated and capable in order to provide a high-quality service. To do this, it is essential to stay informed about shifts and changes in the industry, as well as new regulations and procedures. Keeping up with current technology is also important for a substitute postal worker, as it helps to ensure efficient communications and processes.

staying organized and familiarizing yourself with the postal services procedures and guidelines can help you to maintain an effective workflow. Finally, developing professional relationships with co-workers, customers, and vendors can provide a more holistic understanding of the postal service industry, leading to greater job satisfaction and success.

You may want to check Parcel Delivery Driver, Postal Services Manager, and Post Office Window Clerk for alternative.

Job Description

Sort and process incoming mail and packages according to postal regulations and procedures.
Collect mail from post office boxes, street letter boxes, and other collection points.
Deliver mail to customers in an assigned area using a vehicle.
Compile records for tracking mail and make adjustments for undelivered mail.
Deliver special-handling mail, such as registered and certified mail.
Provide customer service to the public in a courteous and professional manner.
Accept payment for postal products and services.
Complete paperwork and maintain records related to postal operations.
Operate postal equipment, including scales, sorters, and meters.
Perform maintenance on vehicles and other postal equipment.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of postal regulations and procedures
Ability to operate postal equipment such as scales, postage meters and other mail processing machines
Excellent customer service skills
Ability to lift heavy packages and parcels
Ability to read and interpret mail sorting codes
Ability to work independently and in a team
Good organizational and problem-solving skills
Computer literacy
Ability to follow instructions precisely
Attention to detail

Having good organizational and communication skills is essential for a successful career as a substitute postal worker. Being organized helps to keep track of mail and packages that need to be delivered and ensures that they are delivered on time. Good communication skills are also essential, allowing the worker to effectively communicate with customers and other staff members in order to ensure that mail and packages are delivered correctly.

problem-solving skills are key, as postal workers must be able to quickly and efficiently address any issues that may arise in the course of their duties. Finally, having a good understanding of postal regulations and procedures is important for a substitute postal worker to be successful. With these skills, a substitute postal worker can ensure that all mail and packages are delivered on time and in accordance with the regulations.

Postal Service Technician, Postal Courier, and Package Handler are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working in a customer service role?
How would you handle an irate customer?
What is your experience with postal machines and sorting mail?
How would you handle a customer whose package was damaged or lost?
What methods do you use to remain organized when faced with multiple tasks?
How do you ensure you are meeting the deadlines of the job?
Describe a situation where you had to work with a difficult colleague and how you handled it.
How do you handle a situation where you need to complete a task but dont know how?
What is your experience in delivering mail to rural or remote areas?
What safety procedures do you follow while on the job?

Common Tools in Industry

Postal Scales . Used to weigh packages and ensure accuracy (eg: for weighing a package that weighs 10 lbs).
Envelope Sealers . Used to seal envelopes quickly and securely (eg: for sealing a stack of 500 envelopes).
Mail Sorters . Used to quickly sort mail into categories (eg: sorting out packages from letters).
Delivery Vehicle . Used to transport mail to recipients (eg: a van or truck).
Mailroom Supplies . Used to store mail and supplies (eg: mail trays, mailboxes, etc. ).
Computer Software . Used to track and organize mail (eg: USPS tracking software).
Label Maker . Used to create shipping labels (eg: printing out labels for packages).
Postal Meter . Used to calculate postage (eg: for determining the cost of mailing a letter).

Professional Organizations to Know

National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC)
American Postal Workers Union (APWU)
National Rural Letter Carriers' Association (NRLCA)
National Postal Mail Handlers Union (NPMHU)
National Association of Postmasters of the United States (NAPUS)
Alliance of Nonprofit Mailers (ANM)
Mailers Technical Advisory Committee (MTAC)
Postal Customer Council (PCC)
Print & Mailing Professional Association (PMPA)
International Mailers Advisory Group (IMAG)

We also have Post Office Security Guard, Registered Mail Clerk, and Motor Vehicle Operator jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Postal Service. A government agency responsible for providing mail services, including delivering letters and packages, to citizens and businesses in a country.
Delivery Route. A designated path taken by a postal worker to deliver mail.
Postal Carrier. A person employed by a postal service to deliver mail.
Mailbox. A receptacle for receiving mail, typically located outside of a residence or business.
Post Office. A government-run institution that provides postal services, including sorting, handling, and delivering mail.
Postal Code. A code used to identify the location of a residence or business for delivery purposes.
Postal Rate. The cost of sending mail, which is determined by the weight and destination of the item being mailed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Substitute Postal Worker?

A Substitute Postal Worker is a temporary employee of the United States Postal Service (USPS) who is hired to fill in when a regular postal worker is absent or on vacation.

What qualifications do I need to become a Substitute Postal Worker?

To become a Substitute Postal Worker, applicants must be at least 18 years of age, have a valid driver's license, be able to lift up to 70 pounds, and be able to pass a pre-employment physical exam.

How much does a Substitute Postal Worker earn?

The rate of pay for a Substitute Postal Worker is based on the number of hours worked and the type of work performed. Generally, substitute workers earn between $14 and $20 per hour.

What kind of duties does a Substitute Postal Worker perform?

Substitute Postal Workers typically perform the same duties as regular postal workers, including sorting and delivering mail, operating postal equipment, and providing customer service.