Q&A for How to Apply for USPS Jobs

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  • Question
    How long after you take the 473 exam do they contact you?
    Jomyel Bondoc
    Community Answer
    It took 3 weeks for me to get an email back from them. It's a waiting game after you've taken the exam.
  • Question
    How can I explain a seven year gap between two jobs I have held?
    Community Answer
    Your cover letter is the best place to explain this. For example, "After being employed with Company X for 3 years, I spent the following 7 years (insert reason here) before working for Company Y". Whatever your reason is, try and phrase it in the most positive light possible, such as devoting that time to your family, gaining life experience, or doing volunteer work.
  • Question
    What should I do if I paid the registration fee and received a confirmation email, but didn't actively create an account and now I can't proceed without paying the fee again?
    Community Answer
    What registration fee? You don't have to pay any fees to apply for jobs at USPS.
  • Question
    I took the USPS exam but did not receive a score. How do I find out what I scored?
    Community Answer
    If the corresponding email didn't include a score, unfortunately that means you didn't pass the examination.
  • Question
    Does a 70-year-old male have a chance to get a job at USPS?
    Community Answer
    Yes, the USPS does not discriminate based on age. It's an equal opportunity employer.
  • Question
    How do I get to the link to fill out an application?
    Community Answer
    You can use the USPS.com website to apply for a job with the Postal Service.
  • Question
    What website can I use to apply online?
    Community Answer
    You can use the USPS.com website to apply for a job with the Postal Service.
  • Question
    If I drink alcohol daily, am I still qualified for employment?
    Community Answer
    As long as you are not intoxicated while on the clock, you should be fine. Drinking alcohol every day is not illegal, but if it hinders your ability to perform your duties, you might get called out on it.
  • Question
    How can I apply for USPS jobs if I don't speak English very well?
    Community Answer
    Just get someone to help you fill out the applications. If you get an interview, ask if you can bring an interpreter.
  • Question
    I recently applied for a position with the USPS and received an email saying that "a review of your application for this position determined that you do not meet the eligibility and suitability requirements listed on the vacancy announcement. Therefore, you will not receive further consideration for this vacancy." What does that mean?
    Community Answer
    It means you do not fit within their criteria for the job, and are not hired.
  • Question
    I have filled out the USPS application online, all 9 sections show complete. When I click on a position to apply for, no details open. What do I need to do?
    Community Answer
    Your browser needs to allow pop-ups, and it needs to be a supported browser.
  • Question
    Do I have to pay to take the test for USPS jobs?
    Community Answer
    No, any website that requires a payment is a scam. Apply directly through the USPS itself and don't pay any money.
  • Question
    I have completed the online Candidate Profile and received a receipt reply with a candidate ID number, but have not yet found a job to apply for. Why?
    Community Answer
    Be patient. There isn't always a job available, so it might take a while to find an opening near you.
  • Question
    I selected an open position on my profile page under the job opportunities and hit "apply". Was my application submitted?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it was.
  • Question
    How do I apply for USPS jobs after passing the exam? How will they contact me and how long will it take?
    Community Answer
    You go to the usps.com website and search for jobs in your state. Then apply and complete your application and wait between 1 to 2 weeks (normally) to either get non-selected or get on the pre-hire list. After that, depending on the office where you were pre-hired, it takes from 1 week to several weeks for the next steps to happen.
  • Question
    Where can I find the test on USPS.com?
    Community Answer
    Apply for a job on the USPS website. If you're qualified to take a test, you will get an email telling you how to choose a test date.
  • Question
    Where do I take the exam when applying for USPS jobs?
    Community Answer
    Once you trigger the exam, you have a short window to take the test; it will give you a list of test sites you can choose from.
  • Question
    How do I apply on the website? Nothing happens when I press the "apply" button.
    Community Answer
    Go into you settings, then find “access." Once you are in the access window, scroll down and and uncheck your pop-up blocker. Then you can make the application.
  • Question
    Does the drug screening affect applicants negatively in states that medical or recreational marijuana is legal when applying for a job with the USPS?
    Community Answer
    Yes, if marijuana shows up on your drug screen at all, you will not be selected for employment with USPS, regardless if your state has it legalized for medicinal or recreational use. This is due to the marijuana ban being federal and USPS being a federal program.
  • Question
    Do I take the USPS exam every time I apply for a position?
    Jackie Duboise
    Community Answer
    No, the final exam is taken once. You must receive 70% or better to be considered for any position you are applying for.
  • Question
    Do I have to pay the fee for the practice exam?
    Community Answer
    If you want to pass the exam, it's been recommended you purchase a study kit that shows you what you will be tested on, along with practice testing. All of the tests are timed, so it is important to be aware of what you will be tested on and practice as much as possible before the actual exam in order to hopefully get your completion times within the time frame of each part of the exam.
  • Question
    Can I be employed with USPS if I take antidepressants for my anxiety?
    Jackie Duboise
    Community Answer
    Yes, anxiety is considered a disability, and the medication you take is legal and supervised by your doctors. Most likely the medication you take is not something that you would be screened for in a UA.
  • Question
    Can I get a job for USPS right out of high school?
    Community Answer
    Yes, as long as you are at least 18 and have a high school diploma or GED.
  • Question
    Do I have to take the assessment test before I apply for the job?
    Jackie Duboise
    Community Answer
    No, you must apply first. If you meet the minimum requirements that are determined when you submit your application, then you will be instructed to take an assessment with a specific time frame that you must complete it in. Keep in mind that these assessment tests are not the final exam and they are not considered as part of your final grade, However, they are examples of what you will be tested on. If you can afford it, purchase a study guide for the final exam.
  • Question
    Will the USPS hire me if I left/quit my last job?
    Jackie Duboise
    Community Answer
    USPS is an equal opportunity employer. If they are interested in hiring you from the information you gave in your application, then they will notify you of your next step. Apply anyhow, address your application and reason for quitting in the most positive light you can and whatever you do, do not lie.
  • Question
    If my grandson has just been released from prison after six years, does he have a chance at employment with USPS?
    Community Answer
    It depends on the nature of the crime. Violent offenders stand a very slim chance of being hired, and if the crime was a felony, he would only be able to work entry-level positions, never advancing to positions that work with sensitive material.
  • Question
    Are there any sample questions to practice for a USPS exam?
    Community Answer
    Yes, a lot of websites offer free sample questions as well as study guides. However, try buying the official study guide, as it has paraphrased questions from the exam.
  • Question
    If I have a non-violent felony can I apply for a job with the USPS?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can still apply. However, you are asked to clarify the reasons for which you were convicted during the creation of your profile.
  • Question
    Do you have to have a High School diploma or a GED to work at USPS?
    Spaceship
    Community Answer
    Most USPS positions do not require a diploma or GED, but you should still have one if you want to increase your odds of being promoted to higher positions.
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