If you want to change careers later in life or begin a new career, becoming a mail carrier is a good choice.These positions don't require any education or previous experience, and they offer excellent compensation and benefits.Depending on the location, the job description, requirements, application, and pre-employment screening process for a mail carrier will vary.There are some general steps you will need to take to become a letter carrier.
Step 1: Decide if you want to be a mail carrier.
If you want to be a letter carrier, you need to figure out if you are happy with your job.This will be dependent on your personality, lifestyle, and skill set."morning people" will be the most effective letter carriers.Most postal carriers work from 7 am to 3 pm.If you want to avoid rush-hour traffic, you may be an excellent fit.Most mail carriers work a physically strenuous workday.A lot of walking and lifting heavy objects will be your job.You would be better suited for a different job if you don't enjoy physical activity or have health problems that make it hard to do certain tasks.Unless you live in a dense urban center, you will need to be a skilled driver.No matter what the road conditions are, the mail needs to be delivered.This may not be the right career for you if you are prone to traffic accidents or have a hard time driving.
Step 2: There are open letter carrier positions in your area.
Most countries use online application systems to apply for these jobs.Simply visit the appropriate website and use the search function to find jobs.The United States Postal Service, Canada Post, and Australia Post all have available positions on their websites.The majority of Royal Mail positions in the UK are posted on the company's website.The Royal Mail's website has a section called "Careers" which can be used to search for open positions.
Step 3: Do you meet the job requirements?
The qualifications of letter carriers are based on physical fitness, driving record, and reading ability.The USPS requires that all applicants be citizens or legal residents of the United States and either at least 18 years old or a high school graduate.Depending on the position, carriers may be required to lift up to 70 lbs and have a safe driving record.A criminal background check, drug screening, medical assessment, and aptitude test are required for successful applicants.Preference will be given to veterans of the US armed forces.Canada Post requires applicants to be able to lift packages weighing up to 50 lbs, carry loads greater than 35 lbs and climb stairs in bad weather.They need a valid driver's license and a safe driving record.The organizational and customer service skills of applicants will be evaluated.Depending on the mode of transportation used, Australia Post has different job requirements for different types of postal delivery officer.All must be able to lift and carry up to 16 kilomes and have good communication skills.Letter carriers in the UK are usually required to lift up to 16 kilomes and pass an aptitude test.The person applying for a delivery driver position must have a full UK driving license with no more than 6 penalty points.
Step 4: Required documentation should be gathered.
You need to know about past employment and education records.If you live in the US, you will need to have a social security number and a driver's license.To claim veteran's preference in the US, you have to have a digital copy of your discharge from active duty or Certificate of Release.
Step 5: You have to complete the online application.
Enough time has been set aside to finish it.The online employment application can be filled out in a quiet place with a compatible Internet browser.Not all browsers are supported.If you can't get a webpage to display correctly, try a different browser.Javascript is required for most application websites.
Step 6: Familiarize yourself with the tests.
Entry-level postal workers in the US take an exam.Testing guides can be purchased.Most local libraries have these guides.There are sections on address checking, accurate form completion, mail coding, short term memory, and personality.Being familiar with the exam's format will help you relax and do your best, while there aren't specific answers you can study for.In most other countries, applicants must take the same exams.
Step 7: You can schedule and complete your exams.
In the US, qualified applicants are immediately invited to take an online version of Exam 473 upon completion of their application both on screen and via email.This can be done in 3 to 7 days.An in-person exam must be scheduled at a testing center in your zip code if you pass the online assessment.The online and on-site versions take 90 minutes to complete.If you pass the exam but don't get a job, your score will be valid for 6 years.You won't have to take the exam again.If you're below the eligibility threshold, you won't be able to take the exam again for 120 days.You can find out by phone or email in other countries.The job interview and screening exams are the same day.
Step 8: Prepare for the interview.
Make sure you are prepared for the interview.General job interview skills are required.Keep your body healthy and well-rested if the position has fitness requirements.If a drug screening is part of the application process, you should not use alcohol or drugs in the weeks leading up to the interview.A false positive on a drug screen can be caused by foods and over-the-counter medications.If you've been prescribed a controlled substance or medication that is known to cause false positives, it's a good idea to inform the laboratory of your current medications.