USPS Careers: Hiring Process/Jobs/Aptitude Tests in 2024
Updated November 20, 2023
- What Is USPS?
- What Is the Postal Exam 474?
- What Are Some Examples of the Postal Exam 474 Test?
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- How to Prepare for the Postal Exam 474 in March 2024
- Who Is Eligible for a Job at USPS?
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- The USPS Hiring Process in 2024
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- USPS Careers – Job Benefits
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
What Is USPS?
It’s likely that you will have heard of USPS before. You have also probably made use of its services at one time or another.
The United States Postal Service is the second-largest employer in the United States, with over 1,500 individuals employed across the company at any given time.
While you might automatically think of the postal workers who deliver your mail, careers across the United States Postal Service are enormously varied, with a range of office-based options alongside the more familiar postal worker positions.
If you’re considering a new career, USPS might be the perfect option for you. Careers can be enormously rewarding, with a range of USPS employment programs to choose from, including work experience and internships. This includes options for students, graduates and ex-military personnel.
What Is the Postal Exam 474?
If you’ve been browsing the USPS employment opportunities and spotted one you want to apply for, you might be asked to complete a variety of virtual entry assessments.
Currently, these are postal exams:
- MC 474 – Mail carrier roles
- MH 475 – Mail handler assistant
- MP 476 – Mail processing candidates
- CS 477 – Customer service employees
Postal exam 473 is no longer used.
The exact assessment requirements will largely depend on the role you have applied for and the level of expertise required.
Individuals applying for mail carrier jobs are usually asked to complete the Postal Exam 474 as part of the USPS hiring process.
The USPS Postal Exam 474 is a 84-question assessment that is split into three sections:
- Work Scenarios – This section contains eight questions designed to assess how you would handle a variety of theoretical work situations.
- Tell Us Your Story – By answering 20 multiple-choice questions, you will be informing recruiters about your work history, skills and abilities.
- Describe Your Approach – This is essentially a personality test, designed to assess whether you have the right attitude and personality for USPS jobs. You will be asked 56 questions.
Candidates have a total of 45 minutes to complete all three sections. Questions are formatted in a variety of ways, with a mixture of multiple-choice, scenario-based and personality questions.
A passing score of at least 70 is required to move on to the next stage of the USPS hiring process. Failing to achieve this will result in your application being terminated. You will need to wait at least a year before you can apply again.
The entire assessment is completed via the USPS online portal, with candidates able to log on from home once they have received a link.
It’s important to remember that the link will expire after 72 hours, so applicants should make sure that they complete the assessment in time.
What Are Some Examples of the Postal Exam 474 Test?
One of the best things you can do before taking any assessment is to familiarise yourself with the questions you’re likely to be asked.
Below, you will find a range of example questions to help you understand the style of questioning you can expect when completing the USPS Postal Exam 474 test.
Question One: Work Scenarios
You are working at the drop-off office and a customer comes in with a letter that doesn’t have a complete ZIP code, although they have completed the rest of the relevant address information. They explain that they couldn’t remember it and couldn’t ask the recipient, as the parcel is a birthday card for them.
What do you do?
Please select your most and least likely responses.
a) Show them how to use the USPS website to find the information
b) Use the USPS database to find the rest of the ZIP code
c) Tell the customer that you can’t send the letter without a complete ZIP code
d) Ask them to contact the recipient for the ZIP code
How long have you worked in your current role?
a) Less than six months
b) Six to 12 months
c) One to three years
d) More than three years
What is the longest amount of time you’ve spent unemployed between jobs?
a) No gap
b) Less than one month
c) One to two months
d) Three months or more
Read the sentence and select the option which you feel best describes your attitude.
I am thorough in my approach to work, even if that takes me longer than others to complete a task.
a) Very much like me
b) A bit like me
c) Not really like me
d) Not at all like me
Read the sentence and select the option which you feel best describes your attitude.
I am always looking for the next step on the ladder regarding my career, even if that means changing companies.
a) Very much like me
b) A bit like me
c) Not really like me
d) Not at all like me
How to Prepare for the Postal Exam 474 in March 2024
Before taking any assessment, you should make sure that you’re as prepared as possible.
This will help you to perform to the best of your ability, enabling you to know that you have done the best you can, no matter the outcome.
Step 1. Take Practice Tests
One of the best ways to prepare for any test is by taking practice papers and looking at sample questions.
There are a number of websites that offer practice tests for the various tests used during the USPS hiring process.
By using these, you will be able to familiarise yourself with the style of questioning you’re likely to face. You will also be able to identify the type of answer that the USPS recruiters are looking for, therefore enabling you to answer in the best way possible on the day.
Step 2. Get a Good Night's Sleep
We all perform better when we are well rested. Getting enough sleep can have a significant impact on cognitive function and response times, so it’s a good idea to get an early night before taking your USPS assessments.
Step 3. Eat a Balanced Breakfast
Never underestimate the importance of a good breakfast. Eating foods that are high in protein and slow-releasing carbohydrates can help to provide long-lasting energy and may work to improve your focus and attention to detail during tests.
Step 4. Practice Answering Questions with a Time Limit
You will have a total of 45 minutes to complete the assessment, but each section has its own time limit.
Make sure that you are comfortable answering questions within a time limit so that you don’t panic on the day.
Who Is Eligible for a Job at USPS?
Before beginning the USPS application process, you should make sure to check your eligibility.
Although most people will find that they are eligible for a position, there are a few exceptions.
Age
Applicants are usually required to be over 18 years old, but exceptions are sometimes made for 16 year olds who hold a high school diploma.
Citizenship
You will need to be a US citizen or have permanent residency status.
Driver’s License
This will largely depend on the role you are applying for, but some positions will require you to have a full, clean driving license. Some roles within the USPS will involve driving, so any driving violations will probably see you as ineligible for those roles.
Selective Service
Applicants are often required to be registered with Selective Service.
Education
In many cases, there aren’t any educational requirements for applicants. There are some roles, however, such as corporate positions, that will require successful completion of a four year degree.
Employment History
Ideally, candidates applying for roles within the US postal services will have a complete employment history without any large gaps. Employers want to see stable and continuous employment.
Veterans
If you have served within the military, this can help to progress your application to the next stages of the process. You will be required to provide documentary evidence of your time in the services.
The USPS Hiring Process in 2024
The post office hiring process is relatively straight-forward, but it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with it so you know what to expect.
1. Apply Via the Website
You will be able to find current USPS seasonal jobs and vacancies for permanent positions (like USPS delivery driver jobs, for example) on the USPS eCareers system. This is also where you can apply.
To submit an application for the job you want, you will need to register for an account on the application system.
This will create an applicant profile and save any applications you make. You can also use the system to track the progress of your applications.
2. Take Any Required Exams
Once your application has been submitted, USPS will perform its screening process. This may include asking you to complete a range of online assessments related to the role you’re applying for.
If you are required to complete assessments, you will be notified via email with information about the next steps and a link to the appropriate tests.
There are two types of assessment that you might be asked to take (or you might need to take both):
- Proctored. This test will take place at a test center. You can choose the date and time of the assessment. You will need photo ID to enter the test center.
- Non-proctored. This test can be done at home on your laptop or phone/tablet. you will have three days to complete the test.
Results for both types of test will be posted on the USPS career portal.
3. Interviews
If you pass your assessments, the next step will be interviews. In many cases, you will be asked to complete a group interview before moving on to a one-to-one interview.
4. Background checks
Before being offered a position, USPS will conduct background checks and a drug test. You will be required to pass both of these.
5. Final interviews
It’s common for applicants to be invited for a final interview before being offered a position. This is a good opportunity to ask any last questions you might have about the role that you might have forgotten in previous interviews.
USPS Careers – Job Benefits
Alongside competitive salaries and a high level of job security, USPS careers offer an extensive range of benefits for their employees, including:
- Overtime
- Health, dental and vision insurance
- Long-term care insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Commuter programmes
- Career development and training opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions
Your experience of the USPS hiring process will generally depend on the role you’re applying for. In most cases, it’s a relatively straightforward process.
Occasionally, if there is a lot of competition, or if it’s a sought after role, you may find it more challenging.
This will largely depend on what you are looking for in a job. USPS careers can be highly rewarding, with a large number of benefits for employees.
In most cases, the USPS hiring process is completed within four weeks. Occasionally, it may take longer – for example, if there are issues with background checks.
No. There is no cost associated with registering with eCareers, searching for USPS job openings, completing a USPS job application or completing assessments during the recruitment process.
Many people say that a USPS career is highly rewarding, with plenty of opportunities for career progression and a number of benefits that make the job worthwhile.
Any job can be stressful. Depending on the role you are applying for, you might find the job physically demanding, and the demands of the job can vary from week to week. You should consider your ability to manage changes and difficult situations before submitting a USPS application.
There aren’t really any exams you might be asked to take when you apply for a role within the US postal service, but you might need to take a series of assessments as part of the USPS application process.
The most common assessment is the Postal Exam 474, which is usually taken by people applying for mail carrier jobs. Others include the Postal Exam 475, which is taken by those applying for mail handler jobs and the Postal Exam 477, which is required of customer service clerks.
Generally speaking, the best paid position would be postmaster, with an average salary of $57,000 to $94,000.
However, there are a number of more specialised roles within USPS that could potentially pay more.
Employees can enjoy a number of benefits, including a competitive salary, life insurance, health, vision and dental insurance, and plenty of career development opportunities.
While USPS routinely tests candidates as part of the hiring process, there isn’t a routine testing schedule for existing employees.
If you are asked to complete assessments and fail to reach the expected standard, your application will be terminated. This means that you will no longer be considered for the role you have applied for.
You will also have to wait at least 12 months before applying for other US postal service careers.
Final Thoughts
US postal service careers can be hugely rewarding, with opportunities for progression and plenty of staff benefits to enjoy. If you’re considering applying for a role within the USPS, you should make sure that you are aware of the process and prepared for the relevant interviews and assessments.
Taking the time to learn about the USPS hiring process and the assessments you may be asked to complete can have a significant impact on your performance.
It can also be a good idea to take practice assessments ahead of your application so that you know what to expect, therefore enabling you to perform to the best of your ability on the day.
