Q&A for How to Apply for USPS Jobs

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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