The United States Postal Service (USPS) is a massive independent government agency that constantly needs new employees due to continuous turnover and retirements. The process of securing a position is often perceived as slow and complex. This guide aims to demystify the hiring process and provide a clear roadmap for applicants.
The Reality of Getting Hired
The difficulty in getting hired at the USPS does not stem from overly demanding qualifications for entry-level roles. Instead, the challenge relates to the sheer volume of applicants for positions in highly desirable metropolitan areas. Competition for these roles is substantial, as candidates with the highest assessment scores are prioritized on the hiring register.
The hiring landscape is uneven, however, with numerous opportunities existing due to high demand and turnover in non-career positions. Over half of pre-career job postings have not received a single application in recent years, particularly in rural or less popular locations. While some locations are highly competitive, others urgently need applicants, especially for roles requiring non-traditional hours or the use of a personal vehicle. Employment opportunities are almost always available for those willing to accept the entry-level commitment.
Common Entry-Level USPS Positions
The primary entry points for new employees are non-career positions. These temporary, hourly roles can lead to permanent career employment and are the most frequently posted due to high demand and turnover. Understanding these roles is important when deciding where to focus your application efforts.
City Carrier Assistant (CCA)
The City Carrier Assistant (CCA) delivers and collects mail and packages on foot or by vehicle along city routes. This role involves significant physical activity and requires working in all types of weather, including rain, snow, and extreme heat. CCAs work irregular hours, including weekends and holidays, but the position often offers the fastest path to conversion into a career City Carrier position.
Rural Carrier Associate (RCA)
The Rural Carrier Associate (RCA) delivers and collects mail along an assigned rural route. A unique aspect is that the employee may be required to use their own personal vehicle for delivery, receiving compensation for mileage. RCAs frequently work on an on-call basis, and work hours can be highly variable.
Postal Support Employee (PSE)
The Postal Support Employee (PSE) typically works inside a post office or processing facility, performing clerical and sales duties. PSE roles are divided into two main categories: Mail Processing Clerks, who sort mail using automated equipment, and Sales, Services, and Distribution Associates, who handle window transactions and customer support. These roles often require working evening or night shifts, especially in mail processing centers.
Mail Handler Assistant (MHA)
The Mail Handler Assistant (MHA) performs the physical labor involved in processing and distributing mail, typically in large processing and distribution centers. This job involves sorting, lifting, and pushing loads of mail and packages up to 70 pounds, and requires prolonged standing. MHAs move mail within the facility, ensuring it is ready for transportation or final delivery.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
Candidates must meet several baseline requirements that apply to virtually all USPS jobs. Applicants must be a United States citizen, a lawful permanent resident alien, or a citizen of a U.S. territory. The minimum age for employment is generally 18, though applicants as young as 16 may be eligible if they have a high school diploma.
All applicants must pass a background check, which reviews criminal and employment history. The process also requires a mandatory drug screening. For positions that involve driving, such as the CCA and RCA roles, applicants must possess a valid U.S. driver’s license and demonstrate a safe driving record, free of major infractions like driving under the influence within the past three years.
Navigating the Official Application Process
The hiring process is managed primarily through the official USPS careers website. The first step involves creating an applicant profile and searching for open positions. Once an application is submitted for a position requiring an assessment, the applicant receives an email invitation to take the Virtual Entry Assessment (VEA).
The VEA replaces older, paper-based exams and is the most important screening tool. It consists primarily of personality and situational judgment tests, not traditional knowledge exams. There are four main versions:
- 474 (Mail Carrier)
- 475 (Mail Handler)
- 476 (Mail Processing)
- 477 (Customer Service)
Applicants have 72 hours from the invitation to complete the assessment, which typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. A passing score is 70 or higher, but achieving a score in the 90s is often necessary to be competitive for popular openings.
Candidates who score well are placed on a hiring register and may receive a Conditional Job Offer (CJO) via email. Accepting the CJO triggers the next phase: completing paperwork for a background check and scheduling a fingerprinting appointment. The background check (NACI) is an in-depth review requiring detailed personal history, including addresses and employment for the past five years. For many non-career roles, the USPS has eliminated the in-person interview. The final stages involve the drug screening, a medical assessment, and receiving the final Official Offer of Employment, which includes the orientation and training schedule.
Understanding the Hiring Timeline
A common point of frustration is the length of the hiring timeline, which can be difficult to predict. Although the USPS has worked to streamline its process, the total time from application to orientation can still range from 30 days to six months or longer. Initial steps, such as taking the Virtual Entry Assessment and receiving the Conditional Job Offer, are often quick, sometimes occurring within a few weeks.
The longest delays occur between accepting the Conditional Job Offer and receiving the final Orientation Invite. This waiting period is dictated by the time required for background checks, fingerprint results, and medical clearances to be processed by various agencies. The exact duration depends on the efficiency of the local Human Resources office and the current volume of checks. Applicants should maintain realistic expectations, as the bureaucratic nature of a federal agency necessitates thorough verification procedures.
Strategies for Job Offer Success
Applicants can improve their chances of success through preparation and promptness. Before applying, thoroughly research the specific job duties to ensure the role aligns with your expectations; this knowledge is useful for the virtual assessment. Since the Virtual Entry Assessment is the major gatekeeping step, applicants should seek out practice materials to become familiar with the format of the situational judgment and personality questions.
When taking the assessment, maintain consistency in your answers and select responses that favor safety, reliability, and customer service. While the passing score is 70, aiming for a score in the 90s is necessary because candidates are ranked, and higher scores increase the likelihood of receiving an offer. Applicants should also apply for multiple roles or in multiple locations to maximize opportunity. Regularly checking the application status and immediately responding to all emails regarding the Conditional Job Offer, background checks, and fingerprinting is essential to prevent application withdrawal due to missed deadlines.