Guide to Securing a Career with the Postal Service

How to Secure a Position with the Postal Service

The United States Postal Service has a rich history spanning over two centuries, employing over 600,000 professionals today. From recent graduates to seasoned experts, USPS offers diverse roles in delivery, operations, finance, marketing, and management. If you're considering building a career with USPS, understanding the application process is essential.

Here are key steps to follow when applying for postal jobs.

Verify USPS Eligibility Requirements – Ensure you meet the basic criteria needed for USPS employment.

All applicants must satisfy certain prerequisites. For example, candidates should be at least 18 years old, or 16 with a high school diploma. U.S. citizenship or residency in existing territories is also a must. Postal employment involves thorough background checks, drug tests, and health screenings. For driving roles, a valid driver’s license is required.

Select the Appropriate Position – USPS offers a variety of roles, so choose one that aligns with your skills, experience, and education.

Common categories include operational roles such as mail handling and delivery, or administrative positions like finance, engineering, HR, and logistics.

Visit the USPS Careers Website – Register on the official USPS jobs portal to start your application. You will need to provide personal details, employment history, education background, and skillsets.

Complete the USPS Postal Exam 473 – Many USPS positions require passing the Postal Exam 473, which assesses skills relevant to postal work. Exam formats and sample questions are available on the USPS website.

Attend the Interview – Candidates who score well on the exam will be invited for an interview, which varies depending on the role applied for.