How to Join as a Post Office Agent

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to become a post office agent. Whether you're interested in the United States Postal Service (USPS), Canada Post, Australia Post, or UK Royal Mail, this article will walk you through every step of the application and pre-employment process.

Part 1: Applying for the Job

1. Self-Assessment

Before you start the application process, determine if being a mail carrier is the right fit for you. The happiest and most effective letter carriers share certain qualities:

Physical Strenuosity: The typical workday involves a lot of walking and lifting heavy objects. If you dislike physical activity or have health issues, you might not be the best candidate.Driving Skills: Skilled driving is essential. If you tend to get into traffic accidents or find driving stressful, consider a different career.

2. Job Availability

While local post offices used to list job openings, most countries now use online systems. Visit the appropriate website to find positions near you. For example:

USPS Career PageCanada PostAustralia PostRoyal Mail

3. Job Requirements

Letter carriers typically need to meet certain qualifications:

USPS: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents, at least 18 years old or 16 with a high school diploma. Physical ability includes lifting up to 70 pounds and having a safe driving record. Background checks, drug screening, and Exam 473 are also Post: Applicants must be able to lift up to 22.7 kilograms, carry up to 15.9 kilograms, climb stairs in bad weather, and have a valid driver's license with a safe driving record. Customer service and organizational skills are also Post: Different job requirements apply for different Royal Mail: Applicants must be able to lift up to 16 kilograms and pass an aptitude test. For delivery drivers, a full UK driving license with no more than 6 penalty points is required.

4. Necessary Documentation

Gather essential documentation, including:

Previous employment and education records.Government identification numbers (e.g., social security number for the U.S., driver's license).Proof of past service for veterans (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty).

5. Completing the Application

Take your time to complete the application without distractions. Set up a quiet place and use a compatible browser. Some application websites require Java scripting to be enabled. For issues with displaying webpages correctly, try using a different browser.

Part 2: Pre-Employment Screening

1. Familiarize Yourself with Aptitude Tests

In the U.S., entry-level postal workers take Exam 473. Testing guides are available at libraries and can be purchased. Important sections include address checking, accurate form completion, mail coding, short-term memory, and personality. While there are no specific answers, knowing the exam format can help you relax and perform well.

2. Schedule and Complete Your Exams

In the U.S., qualified applicants are invited to take an online version of Exam 473 shortly after completing their application. Applicants must pass it within a 3 to 7 day window. After passing the online assessment, an in-person exam must be scheduled at a testing center. Both versions typically take 90 minutes. If the applicant scores below the eligibility threshold, they cannot retake the exam for 120 days.

3. Prepare for Your Interview

Be well-prepared if invited for an interview. Ensure your body is healthy and well-rested if the position has fitness requirements. Occupational health and safety are crucial.

For drug screening, avoid heavy alcohol and illicit substance use. Certain foods and over-the-counter medications can cause false positives, so notify the lab of any medications you are currently taking or have taken recently, especially if you are prescribed controlled substances.