MODULE 4: Find A Job And Apply

Time to find a job, review the job and apply.

In this module searching for a job in the USPS site is made simple by using the Job Opportunities search tool to zero in on the area of the country you want to work and the job you want to have. Once you see the job title in the city it is just a click away to get the Job Posting. Although the Job Posting may be a few pages long, they give you the details you need to be sure you want to apply.

Tip number one in any job search is to review the Job Posting thoroughly to be sure what you are applying for AND to find any questions you might have in the interview process. Even if you know the answers, asking questions shows you are prepared and interested in the job.

Now that you have found the job, Module 4 will help you step through another set of questions you need to answer to be prepared to finish off the application.

Log into your eCareer account to apply to posted jobs using this link:

http://about.usps.com/careers/search-apply/welcome.htm

Log into your eCareer account using your username and password and click the “I Agree” button. Click the “Log me in” button on the bottom left of the login box.

Now it’s time to start your job search. Click on the tab at the top of the page:

This brings up the page and asks “Interested in a career opportunity with the U.S. Postal Service?” and says to “Start your search here.”

The buttons at the top are

• “Start” which will execute the criteria you have picked. If you click it with no criteria you will get a hundred jobs, and they will be all over the country
• “Reset” which will erase any criteria you have entered. This is useful when you need to begin a new search.
• “Save Search Query” which will let you name a search you have completed and want to save. For example, you know you want to keep an eye out for a particular job in a particular city, you can save it as that job title with the city name. Going forward you can click on the “Search Query” drop down, find that in the list click on it and click start to get a list of current job vacancies for that job in that city.
• “Full Text Search” “Keywords” is where you enter the criteria. Such as the name of the job and the city.
• “Search Criteria for Employment Opportunities” “Location” is a list of states. The city you want to work in might also exist in another state, so clicking your state here will limit the search to the state you want.
• “Functional Area” is the type of work you want. You don’t have to select anything in this area if you have entered the job title in the Full Text Search field.

Start by selecting the state you want to work in by choosing it in the Location list. If you plan on applying in more than one state, it’s best to enter each state separately. Use the Reset button to enter new parameters.

Click to see the first 100 jobs in that state. Scroll down on the right hand side of the list to see more information.

Each line shows a job posting they are currently hiring for along with the city. The NC number is an internal identification for the job. The Published field shows when the job was listed. There are new jobs listed every day. Jobs are typically posted for only five days.

Click to go back and enter more search criteria, as long as you do not hit “Reset” it will keep the jobs in the state you selected.

If you are looking for a mail carrier position in Alamosa, you will want to use the field to narrow down your results:

The Carrier job is sometimes listed as CARRIER and sometimes as CARR, but entering Carrier gets you both. You do not need to, nor should you enter anything into the space between the search words.

If you selected the State of Colorado, this will give you all mail carrier positions that are open in Alamosa Colorado.

If you want to apply for jobs in two cities, you will need to do two separate searches. Save the search for future use by clicking at the top or bottom of the page.

Click on and enter a name for the search such as Alamosa Carrier into the yellow Name of Search Query field, then click .

You can save your search criteria under a name and reuse them at a later point in time.

To overwrite a saved search query, select the search query in the table and choose “Save”

Assign a unique name to your search query.

It will then see that name in the list below of Saved Search Queries.

This will save the search you just created so in the future you can click on it and see if any new jobs have been posted.

Click on to clear the criteria and begin a new search.

Job Search Tips

• Do not select too many criteria at once. Use multiple search options to find different options.
• The search is not case sensitive.
• Search in full text, do not use quotation marks (“or”) and do not use “and”, “or”, “not”.
• Save your search query so you can search again later.
• Use the “Reset” button before each search. If you do not reset, your previous search criteria may affect the search results. Be sure to reselect the state.

To see more information about a job, click on the Job Posting in the Search Results list.

A PDF of the Job Posting will appear.

You can print it off by clicking on the Printer icon: , or page through it. Be sure to review ALL the details as it will help you decide if you qualify and if you want to apply for this particular job.

The posting will show you details about the job. Not all jobs have the same information, but most are similar:

• External Publications for Job Posting ID Number – In this job the number of postings may be limited – this is a fairly common disclaimer. They may get a lot of applicants for each position and will typically only look at a limited number.
• Job Posting Period – be sure to apply before the last date listed.
• Job Title – Double check that this is the job you wanted
• Facility Location – The physical site of the job is listed along with the Contact Information. This will be useful if you get moved onto the next level of the hiring process.
• Position information
  • Title
  • FLSA designation – Carrier, Handlers, and Clerks are typically Non-Exempt meaning they are eligible for overtime
  • Scheduled days – look at this carefully as it may vary and include weekends
  • Hours – these also may vary and in some cases may be temporary positions. Read this part carefully as well.
  • Driving Required – typical for carriers and may even require that you have suitable vehicle, won’t be listed non-carrier positions
  • Salary Range may or may not be listed
  • Benefit Information – again this is an area that may or may not be listed
• Persons Eligible to Apply – Will list out the criteria of who is eligible to hold the position.
• Background Check – will outline the standard checks they conduct including criminal background checks and drug tests.
• Functional Purpose – The job description will outline actual duties of the job
  • Duties and Responsibilities – A detailed list of duties of the job. Review these carefully to be sure you can do them all. If you need accommodation to perform any of them, you can bring that up in the interview.
  • Supervision – List of positions above you. Think of these as your next step in your career.
• Requirements – May list out physical or other requirements of the position. Also listed here is whether it is a union position or not.
• Examination Requirements – Applicants must successfully pass the listed exam. Be sure to note which exam you will be taking so you can review those parts of the exam training in Module 2.
• Training Requirements – If there are essential duties to this position with required knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA) testing will be done. If you cannot perform the KSAs you will not be able to perform the duties of the job and will therefore not get this job.
• Physical Requirements – if there are essential duties of the position be sure you can perform them with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Additional Provisions – This section is often used to outline the conditions you will be working under and what the worker needs to do to accommodate these.
• Important Information – Specific time by which the application must be submitted will appear.
  There is a reminder for veterans to supply the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214), which you took care of when completing your eCareer Profile.
• Special Note – In some cases current career Postal Service employees are ineligible to apply to this posting.

The job information will also indicate if more candidates have been invited to take part in a particular assessment or if all opportunities have been exhausted and there are no further invitations. If the number of applicants is reached, you will not be invited to take part in the assessment if you apply for the position.

If you do not see a job posted in your desired location, don’t worry, the USPS posts new jobs every day. Just check the job postings regularly.

When you apply for a job, you are doing so to get an invitation to be considered, not to actually get a job or even an interview.

Job Search Tips

• Read the Job Posting carefully.
  • There is a lot of information in this document that pertains to the job you will be doing.
  • This is done for your benefit as you want to know what to expect.
  • If you have any questions, be sure to note these down so you can ask them in the interview.
  • If you don’t have any questions, find some. Questions let the interviewer know you are interested in this job and in working for the USPS.
• You may find many jobs with the same location, title, salary, and requirements.
• Look carefully at each job listing to get specific information, and, remember, you can apply for as many jobs as you wish.
• You can save jobs to your favorites for quick retrieval (once you have created a candidate profile). However, make sure you apply before the deadline.

The application will have many sections already filled out by your eCareers Profile. However, there are more questions, and these may vary depending on the job you apply for. Here are some questions you may be asked:

• Indicate if it is okay for the USPS to contact your current supervisor, be sure to let your supervisor know you have done so. This is also a good opportunity to remind them of the great employee you have been so they give you a good reference. If you don’t want them to know you are looking for another job, or do not want them to talk to the USPS say No. A No answer will not prevent you from being hired.
• You will be asked again if you have ever been fired, or quit before being fired, be sure to be consistent in relating the circumstances of this event.
• There will be questions about your General Willingness to work certain hours and conditions.
  A NO response to any of the following statements will remove you from further consideration for this job. If, for any of the statements below, you are willing to perform the requirement but may need reasonable accommodation for a disability, religious practice, or related reason, mark “YES.”
  This is a good time to figure out what schedule works for you. If the hours or conditions listed don’t work for you then apply for a different job.

These are some of the General Willingness questions (remember, they will vary depending on the job you are applying for):

1. Are you willing to work a regular 8 hour shift (plus a ½ hour meal/rest period)?
2. Are you willing to work a schedule that may vary from day to day, and may include weekends and holidays, with or without supervision?
3. Are you willing to perform physical work, including standing, walking, lifting, and moving objects, for an entire work shift ((plus a half hour meal/rest period), with or without accommodation)
4. Are you willing to carry moderately heavy objects (up to 35 lbs.), with or without accommodation?
5. Are you willing to carry moderately heavy objects (up to 70 lbs.), with or without accommodation?
6. Are you willing to learn to use computers or automated equipment and technology?
7. Are you willing to follow rules and regulations for your personal conduct at work? (for example, attendance, smoking restrictions, security requirements)
8. Are you willing to learn safety related policies and procedures?
9. Are you willing to follow supervision and follow directions/orders?
10. Are you willing to work as a member of a team?
11. Are you willing to cooperate with others in performing work?
12. Are you willing to work with various types of people?
13. Are you willing to develop and maintain positive and respectful working relationships with other employees and supervisors?
14. Are you willing to provide service to customers and/or coworkers?
15. Are you willing to keep supervisors and coworkers informed of work related matters?

• There may also be a Driving and Language set of questions for Mail Carrier positions:

1. Are you able to communicate in and understand the English language with or without a disability accommodation under the Rehabilitation Act (or the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended)?
2. Do you have a valid state driver’s license?
3. Have you held a valid state driver’s license for the past two years? Note: If you had a learner’s permit during this time you should answer No.
4. In the past 3 years, has your license been suspended or revoked?
5. In the past 3 years, have you been convicted of reckless or careless driving?
6. In the past 5 years have you been convicted of any driving related conviction involving the use of drugs, alcohol, controlled substances, etc.?
7. In the past 5 years, have you been involved in 2 or more at fault accidents?
8. In the past 5 years have you been convicted of a hit and run offense?

How to Write a Cover Letter

You will need a short cover letter and should prepare it in advance. Once you have it for one job it will need to be adjusted for other jobs you apply for. For example, a cover letter for a physical job like Mail Handler or Processor will look different than that for a Carrier, and both will be different than for a Window Clerk position.

When writing your cover letter:

1. Review the job description and requirements. As you read the job posting, think about how your background and experiences have prepared you for the job.

For example, one of the most important qualities for USPS jobs is being organized. This means being able to keep track of all the different tasks you need to do, as well as the mail that needs to be processed. You can mention how you’re able to stay calm under pressure and how you work best when you have a clear plan of action.

Highlight your attention to detail. Mention times you notice errors in signs or jobs you’ve had that require you to check things.

2. Think about the most enjoyable aspects of the job. Consider why you would be the perfect candidate for the job and highlight those aspects. Brainstorm why you think you are a strong candidate and what you think of postal service work, and why you want this job.
3. Remind yourself of the benefits of working for the USPS. Research the postal service by going back to Module 1 to review the information listed about the post office. To create a strong cover letter, make sure you demonstrate a good understanding of the postal service. The more you know about the postal service, the more you understand if this work is what you are looking for in a career. If you are unsure about any information you find, write down questions to ask your interviewer.
4. Create a simple outline or draft by writing down key points you want to mention. This can be used in your interview to remind them why you would be the perfect fit and why they want to hire you.
5. Your introduction paragraph should focus on why you’re applying for the job. The second and third paragraphs should detail how your education, experience and/or skills make you a good fit for the role. Use one or two specific examples of your work to show hiring managers how you can succeed in the job. Add a closing paragraph to thank the hiring manager for their time and encourage them to contact you with any questions.
6. It’s important to proofread your cover letter before submitting it. This will help you catch any mistakes in spelling or grammar, and it will also show the hiring manager that you’re serious about the job. Read it aloud to make sure it flows well from one idea into another. It could be useful to ask a friend or family member to read it and make suggestions for changes.

The following Sample Cover Letter has a mix of suggestions for you to follow. Comments and tips are in italics.

Asher Post Office
7401 Colonel Glenn Rd.
Littleton Rock, CO 11111 The address is found in the Job Posting under Facility Location

Dear Mr. French, (the hiring manager’s name is found in the Job Posting under Contact Information.)

1. Sample First Paragraphs:

My name is Jane Smith, and I am excited to share my interest in the postal window clerk position at the U.S. Postal Service. I found this opportunity on your website and was thrilled to learn that my background in customer service and office clerk aligns well with the job requirements.

I found the ad for the Mail Carrier position on the USPS website, and believe I have the ideal mix of skills and past experience to be a top candidate for this position with the Littleton Post Office. I have an excellent driving record and am familiar with the surrounding area. List experience you have delivering, or even how long you have lived in the area.

My organizational skills are top-notch and I am very schedule-driven. My experience at ABC Company delivering on time customer service makes me an ideal candidate for your Mail Handler position. My attention to detail will ensure that I am able to perform the various responsibilities. I am a team player and pride myself on going the extra mile to help the team get the work done. My work on the loading dock at ABC Company is proof that I can handle heavy deliveries.

Let me introduce myself, I am Jane Smith and have been a Littleton resident for the past seven years. I am confident that you’ll find my qualities and experience to be an excellent fit for the Sales and Services/Distribution Associate position. As a Sales clerk at ABC Store I have demonstrated that I can not only work with the public, but that I enjoy delivering good customer service.

2. Sample Middle Paragraphs:

I am a highly organized and efficient individual who always strives to deliver on results. In my previous roles, I have always been able to meet and exceed expectations. I have a strong attention to detail, and I am able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. In my position at ABC Company I handled shipping duties as well as any visitors that came into the office.

I noticed in the Job Posting that I may have to provide a vehicle. I currently drive a 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, which has plenty of room, is economical and good for the environment. This references something specific in a posting for Mail Carrier, be sure to update this with specifics to each posting.

I recently took a Forklift training course and am certified to operate a forklift in Colorado. I look forward to using this skill at the USPS. This skill was listed on a job for a Mail Handler Assistant position.

My last job at ABC Company required OSHA training every six months so I am well aware of safety procedures in a warehouse environment. This skill was listed on a job for a Mail Processing Clerk

I volunteered at my High School’s library and one of the duties I enjoyed was finding things people needed. As a Sales and Service Associate, I’m sure I would get a lot of questions that might need researching, from packaging sizes to the correct zip code. This demonstrates that you thought through some of the aspects of working at this job.

I heard about your USPS Operation Santa Claus and it made me think of this Post Office position as being part of Santa’s team at Christmas, delivering packages and cards to all the little boys and girls. I’m sure things are hectic at that time of year, just like they are at the North Pole. Okay this is hokey, but it demonstrates that you thought enough about working at the USPS to research it.

I read that the USPS delivers nearly 130 billion pieces of mail a year, and that they have been in business since 1774. I would be honored to be part of an organization that is an integral part of this country.

3. Try to have a strong Final Paragraph

Make sure to offer thanks for their time and consideration, and choose a professional closing salutation such as, “Sincerely,” “Best regards” or “Thank you for your consideration.”

I am confident that I would be a valuable asset to your team, and I look forward to the opportunity to discuss this position further with you. Thank you for your time and consideration. Please feel free to call or email with any questions.

Thank you for considering my application, and please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions. I look forward to hearing from you.

In conclusion, my background and skill sets have prepared me to be a successful contributing team member in the USPS. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Jane Doe
222-555-8888
JDoe@gmail.com

Tip: Make the cover letter your own. It is essential that this letter reflect who you are. Reading it out loud will help you put it in your ‘voice’.

Click on the job you want to apply for in the Job Search Results Job Posting list.

This will bring up the posting. If you haven’t already printed it off, you might want to now, so you can make notes on it during the application process. Click on .

Application Welcome

This brings up the actual Application with a brief Welcome and question, “Do you want to continue submitting an application for this employment opportunity? For this application, you can use the information that you previously entered in your profile.

You can also at any time to get a copy of the PDF in a separate document. This way you can see the Job Posting on your screen and continue to complete the application.

Personal Data

Click on to bring up the Personal Data page that you completed during the Job information during Module 2. You can make changes here if necessary.

Work Experience

Click on  at either the top or bottom of the page to open the Work Experience page with the information you completed earlier listed.

There are questions below your experience to complete before moving on:

2. Are you a current United States Postal Service employee?
3. Are you a former United States Postal Service employee?
4. Are you a current or former federal employee (not including military or Postal Service)?
5. May we contact your present employer about your character, qualifications, and employment record? A “No” will not affect your consideration for employment.
6. Have you ever been fired from any job for any reason?
7. Have you ever quit a job after being notified that you would be fired?

You must answer all questions to move on.

Education/Training

Hitting Next Page takes you to the Education/Training section you completed earlier.

General Eligibility

Hitting Next Page takes you to the General Eligibility page you completed previously.

General Willingness

Click on Next Page to get to the General Willingness questions. Remember, these vary depending on the job and a NO answer to any of the questions will result in you NOT being eligible for the job:

These are some of the questions you may or may not be asked about your General Willingness to work certain hours and certain conditions:

1. Are you willing to work a regular 8 hour shift (plus a ½ hour meal/rest period)?
2. Are you willing to work a schedule that may vary from day to day, and may include weekends and holidays, with or without supervision?
3. Are you willing to perform physical work, including standing, walking, lifting, and moving objects, for an entire work shift ((plus a half hour meal/rest period), with or without accommodation)
4. Are you willing to carry moderately heavy objects (up to 35 lbs.), with or without accommodation?
5. Are you willing to carry moderately heavy objects (up to 70 lbs.), with or without accommodation?
6. Are you willing to learn to use computers or automated equipment and technology?
7. Are you willing to follow rules and regulations for your personal conduct at work? (for example, attendance, smoking restrictions, security requirements)
8. Are you willing to learn safety related policies and procedures?
9. Are you willing to follow supervision and follow directions/orders?
10. Are you willing to work as a member of a team?
11. Are you willing to cooperate with others in performing work?
12. Are you willing to work with various types of people?
13. Are you willing to develop and maintain positive and respectful working relationships with other employees and supervisors?
14. Are you willing to provide service to customers and/or coworkers?
15. Are you willing to keep supervisors and coworkers informed of work related matters?

If you are willing to perform essential job functions related to a requirement, but may need reasonable accommodation for a disability, religious practices, or related reason, mark “Yes.”

There will be opportunities later in the application process to engage in an interactive process to request accommodation. Click on Next,

Driving and Language

Similar to the General Willingness questions you were asked, the Driving and Language questions pertain to necessary parts of the position you are applying to. The driving questions are for Mail Carrier positions.

• These are some of the possible Driving and Language questions:

1. Are you able to communicate in and understand the English language with or without a disability accommodation under the Rehabilitation Act (or the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended)?
2. Do you have a valid state driver’s license?
3. Have you held a valid state driver’s license for the past two years? Note: If you had a learner’s permit during this time you should answer No.
4. In the past 3 years, has your license been suspended or revoked?
5. In the past 3 years, have you been convicted of reckless or careless driving?
6. In the past 5 years have you been convicted of any driving related conviction involving the use of drugs, alcohol, controlled substances, etc.?
7. In the past 5 years, have you been involved in 2 or more at fault accidents?
8. In the past 5 years have you been convicted of a hit and run offense?

Veterans Preference

Click on next to get to the Veterans Preference page that should already be filled out from your eCareer Profile.

Cover Letter

The Next Page is where you enter the Cover Letter that we helped you craft earlier in this step. You can copy and paste it into the box after you adjust it for this particular job.

First, they ask where you heard about the job using a drop down.

And then ask you to “Create a short application cover letter. (optional) Here you can provide a more detailed explanation about why you are interested in the job.”

If you have not completed this yet, go back to STEP 3 and the section “How to Write a Cover Letter. It is optional, but highly recommended that you do this. If you have one already written, read through and make changes for the specific job you are applying for. You can copy and paste it into the box provided.

Attachments.

Do you want to supplement your data by adding attachments?

If the vacancy announcement requests supporting documents, please attach them here. If an attachment is not specifically requested, it may not be considered. If attaching requested military documentation please attach it under the Veterans Preference Tab.

Summary of Accomplishments and References

 takes you to page Summary of Accomplishments with another tab, References. Do not forget to complete BOTH:

In the box provided identify at least six skills and if you have limited experience, provide a greater number of proficiencies.

Write about abilities in navigating computer software, processing mail, and providing excellent customer service. Describe yourself as reliable, organized, and detail-oriented to illustrate to hiring managers your valuable soft skills as well.

Be sure to emphasize parts of the job they expect of you in things you have done previously such as loading their trucks with mail and helping with other processing jobs or other similar duties and tasks. Use words such as “assisted” and “collaborated” to demonstrate this experience, and to show you worked well with others doing them.

While hiring managers often want to know if you can work independently, they also want to learn whether you can work as part of a team. Think of specific examples from your previous jobs that illustrate your ability to cooperate with co-workers. Remember to show, not tell.

If this is your first job. You may not have work experience, but you do have life experiences such as school classes and teams, clubs and church groups. Those count and may help you get your first job as a postal employee. Emphasize your people skills, attention to detail, and willingness to work busy shifts.

Move to the second tab:

Click on

Click on . Be sure to have at least three references and no more than five. If your reference does not have an official Title, you can list them as friend, coworker, or acquaintance. Be sure the phone number is current.

TIP: Be sure to call your references and let them know you are using them as a reference so they should expect a call. You can check that the phone number is current at this time.

 Driving History

The Next Page brings you to questions about your driving record. This may or may not show up depending on the job you are applying for.

1. Driving Record Information
2. Do you have a valid state driver’s license?
3. Have you held a valid driver’s license for at least the past two years?
4. Have you been found guilty of a moving violation within the last 5 years? (Do not include parking violations)
5. Have you been in an accident in the last 5 years?

Authorization & Release

The Next Page button will take you to the Authorization and Release page with two tabs to complete. The Other Names tab is for you to list any other names you have used in the past beginning with the most recent. Be sure to list the dates the names were changed and don’t leave any gaps.

Should you be considered for this position, the other names are required for a background check and to determine suitability:

• On the Other Names tab, list all names you have used in the past, beginning with the most recent and working backward.
• On the Previous Addresses tab, list all previous addresses where you have lived in the past five (5) years. All periods must be accounted for. Be sure to indicate the actual physical location of your residence.
• Please review your information and check for accuracy

Click on to add and be sure to click .

EEO & Disability

The Next Page also has two tabs EEO and Disability. Every employer is required by law to report these statistics on employment forms, but you are NOT required to supply the information.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is a federal agency established by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act 1964. The EEOC’s purpose is to clarify and enforce federal discrimination laws that prohibit employers from discriminating against individuals based on their age, race, gender, national origin, disability, and religion.

It is illegal for an employer to consider any of these characteristics when making an employment decision or to base the decision on such factors. The EEOC’s job is to ensure that employers are not in violation of these laws, and one of the ways they do this is through Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) surveys.

Questions categorized as EEO are typically found at the end of job applications or may be administered via a survey at work. Companies are required to ask EEO questions about job applicants and then file an EEO-1 report with the EEOC.

These questions can NOT be asked in an interview. If these questions are illegal, why can they be asked in an EEO survey? The purpose of making employers ask these questions is so the EEOC can study their hiring practices. The outcome of the questions lets them know if employers provide equal opportunity in their hiring process. It also lets them study the company’s workforce to ensure they are not unfairly overlooking people from a protected group.

Although these questions are asked on the application, they will NOT be passed on to the interviewer. The human resources department will only use this information in aggregate for reporting purposes, and to be sure they are legally compliant.

You are free to refuse, but keep in mind that filling EEO surveys helps the EEOC make workplaces fair and inclusive. If not everyone responds, it becomes more difficult for the EEOC to prove that there is discrimination in the workplace or at a particular company.

tab. Your information will be used to support personnel research efforts. These are the questions asked:

1. Sex: Male, Female, None Selected
2. Are you Hispanic or Latino? (A person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin, regardless of race.)
3. Racial Origin (the definition of each category is provided). Select all that apply.
   • American Indian or Alaska Native
   • Asian
   • Black or African American
   • Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
   • White

Disability Tab:

Please indicate your disability status

• I do not wish to identify status
• I do not have a reportable disability
• I have a reportable disability, but it is not listed on form
• If you DO have a disability, find it on the list at check what it is, if you wish

Send Application

Last Page! You are almost there. Be sure to read the fine print before releasing your application. Basically, this is a legal document you are signing. Read the document on the site as with any document changes may have been made so we don’t spell it out here.

Among other provisions, and according to the FTC, the (Fair Credit Reporting Act) FCRA safeguards job applicants by ensuring: They have the right to be informed of a background check. They have the right to provide consent for an employment background check.

They also protect the Employer. Employee background checks are generally considered “consumer reports” under the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which means they are subject to parameters around access and use. Remaining compliant with FCRA regulations throughout the background screening process is crucial.

Be sure to check the box at the bottom of the Send Application page that asserts your agreement “I would like to release my profile so that my data can be considered for other job opportunities as well.” Then to submit your application click the button:

The notification for the exam will arrive anywhere from a few minutes to a day after you hit that  button. It will list which exam you are taking and when it needs to be completed and sent.

Complete the exam when you are well rested, fed and have a nice quiet place to take it.

If you have already applied for a position, you may already have taken the appropriate exam. If not, you will need to take whichever exam they send you the link to.

The USPS recruiting process may seem complicated, but it is designed to find the right people the first time for the job. Hiring people is important, hiring the right people is crucial.

After receiving and reviewing your request, the USPS will make a decision based on.

• Is the application form filled out correctly?
• Have all eligibility criteria been applied?
• Has the applicant successfully completed the post evaluation?
• If the applicant has correctly completed the application form and meets all eligibility requirements, the USPS will consider the evaluation.
• If the applicant has already passed the assessment, the assessment result for the position will be used.
• If the applicant has not yet completed a specific evaluation, the USPS will send the applicant an email inviting them to participate in the evaluation.

Please note that there is little time left. The email will contain a link to the appropriate virtual entry and a warning that the assessment must be completed within three days. Failure to do so within the deadline will result in you being considered as an unsuitable candidate for this and all other posts.

In addition, you will not be allowed to take this test for one year. If the US Postal Service invites you to take the assessment, it is a privilege that is taken very seriously.

If you fail the test, or fail it within three days, not only do you have to wait a whole year. If you fail on the first attempt, you will get a low score and will not be able to repeat the process for two years.

Invitations to take part in the assessment are usually sent within minutes of submitting your application. However, in some cases it can take up to 20 minutes.

This email is generated automatically and may end up in your spam or junk mail folder. If you do not see it in your inbox, please check all the folders in your mailbox.

If you do not receive an invitation to review your application on the same day you submitted it, please call USPS or contact them via chat.

If an assessment is required for the position you have applied for, you will receive an email from the USPS Applicant Tracking System (eCareer).

For best performance, we encourage you to complete the assessment in an environment free from noise and distractions. Now that you have sent your application, you need to keep an eye on your email. The 72 hours to complete the exam starts when the email is sent, not when you open it.

Review the sections in Module 2, that correspond to the exam listed in the email:

Remember to eat something healthy, complete the exam somewhere quiet and be confident. You are prepared and ready.

When preparation meets opportunity, you have success!

 Having said that remember other people are applying, there are other jobs at the USPS to apply for and keep looking at the opportunities that are out there. Diligence at this point is necessary.

As explained in the evaluation notice, your results will be reported after the evaluation. This will normally be possible within a few minutes.

You can find your results and eligibility status in your eCareer profile. To download your results, you must first log in to your account.

Go to https://about.usps.com/careers/how-to-apply/

and click on the link in the upper right corner of the page.

Log in to your eCareer account with your username and password and click “I agree”. Click on “Log in” at the bottom left of the login window.

Once you have logged in, you will see the “Personal Data” page. On the Road Map button in the upper left corner of the page.

Click on the Assessments page, also numbered 7. Once you are on the ratings page, you will find a list of completed and ongoing ratings.

To see the details, click on the rating. You will find the following information.

Assessment – the number of completed assessments

Date of completion – the date on which the assessment was completed.

Time End Date – the date on which your assessment result will be valid Retest Eligibility Date – the date on which you are eligible to retest.

Grades – If the candidate has achieved a sufficient number of points, the grade will be displayed on the Assessment page. If there are no qualifying marks, the numerical score is replaced by ‘ineligible’.

Remember that if you fail one of the tests, you will not be eligible to apply for another post in this category for one year. Don’t worry. You can take a total of four tests for an entry-level position with the USPS.

Even if this is not your first choice, this is an opportunity to secure a job and work towards your ideal position.

If you passed the exam, congratulations, you should receive an invitation for your next step, the interview. This may take a while, hiring managers are often busy, be patient, and don’t neglect checking your email regularly.