Mail carriers are federal employees that work for postal services. It is an exciting job opportunity that requires dedication and certain skills. To get this job one needs to go through a rigorous application process and successfully finish the on-the-job training. If you are interested in this career, this guide will teach you all you need to know how to become a mailman.
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Mail carriers are specialists in postal services that collect, sort, and deliver various letters, packages, documents, or products. If you get a position of a mail carrier, most certainly, you’ll be responsible for delivering those to private individuals or businesses. Some specialists walk on foot others drive trucks – it depends on the city size and the scope of work.
This career involves daily traveling to collect packages and letters and deliver them.
Usually, the duties and responsibilities of a mail carrier include:
According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the average annual mean wage for postal service mail carriers is $54,370 ($26.14 hourly rate).
Every job has its pros and cons and the postal service is no exception to that. When deciding whether this career is for you, it is important to evaluate those according to personal interests and preferences.
The advantages of this job are:
However, there are also disadvantages to being a mail carrier, namely:
Overall, it is a stable position that can be fulfilling for people that do not mind the cons.
The job of a mail carrier is open for people of 16 years and older as long as you graduated high school or passed the GED. The qualifications are not very complex, but they are important to keep in mind.
As the work involves physical activity, you need to meet specific standards in this regard. This means being in decent shape and being able to walk, bend, pull, push, and kneel. Mail carriers need to be able to lift about 50-70 lbs at a time. It doesn’t mean you will always be dealing with large boxes, but you need to be capable of managing them.
Those carriers that walk in the city might cover routes up to 10 miles a day, so they need to be in a good physical state.
As for education, you need a high school diploma or GED. Besides that, you will receive on-the-job training after being accepted.
As with any other federal employees, mail carriers need to pass a criminal background check and drug screening. Also, one needs to have a driver’s license and a clean record for at least 5 years. Another requirement for applicants is a medical assessment to determine whether the person is fit for the job.
If you decide that this job is right for you, here are three steps you need to follow to get it.
Start by assembling the documents, such as:
In the US, the preference in giving position is given to Army veterans. So if this applies, you’ll also need a copy of the Certificate of Release or Discharge.
Usually, the open positions are listed on the postal service’s websites, such as USPS, Royal Mail, Canada Post, or Australia Post. Go there and look in the “Careers” or “About Us” sections to find the offerings and application form.
After that apply for the job online with all your documents and without a hurry. Make sure you fill in all the details. Be aware that in the US, after the application you will be offered to complete Exam 473 online. Usually, you have 3-7 days to do it.
When you are done with the application, it is time to prepare for testing. In the US, mail carriers need to take Exam 473 (particularly those who are going to work with letters). You can find the guides to this test in a local library or online.
Read the questions through and prepare to answer them correctly. There are no specific correct answers but when you know what questions to expect, you are going to be more prepared to do great on the test. If you pass the online test, you need to schedule an in-person exam at a local testing center for the next stage.
Even if you do not get this particular job after successful Exam 473, the results are valid for 6 years. So you can apply to other postal positions without taking it again. If you do not pass you have to wait 120 days to take another chance.
Also, be ready to take drug screening tests – avoid alcohol, specific foods like poppy seeds, or particular medications like cough syrup. If you are taking prescription medication for pain relief, ADHD, anxiety, or depression notify the laboratory about it. Those medications could cause a false positive drug test result. After that, be ready for an interview. Make sure you are well-rested and in a good physical state.
If your interview goes well, you get the job. Congratulations! Now it is time for on-the-job training.
You will learn the route you are going to work with and its specifics. You might be walking or driving. It is good to explore it before day one to make sure you are familiar with the area.
Understanding Mail Classification and Sorting Procedures
In the first days of work, future mail carriers will learn more about sorting procedures, mail classification, and postal workflow.
The equipment you might use depends on the position and the scope of work. Generally, a new mail carrier learns instructions and best practices. You might work under a supervision couple of times to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Also, the majority of postal services have additional educational opportunities. These programs are useful if you want to get a promotion in the future. Those can be management leadership programs, supervisory training, or advanced management program.
If you want to work as a mail carrier you need to have a high school diploma, decent physical shape, and often a driver’s license. You will also need to pass screening tests and a specific exam (Exam 473 in the US). Although the application process might feel long and complicated, the result is worth it as you get to do what you like.
Despite the fact that many people think that the job of mail carrier is not prestigious and unpromising, United states postal service is said to be one of the most efficient in the world.
