Postal Letter

What happens after passing the US Postal Service Exam?

I passed the USPS exam a couple of months ago. Then, two weeks ago, I received a letter stating that I can create an online profile through the USPS employment website to apply for jobs because I have passed the exam and I'm in the USPS database. I created a profile online, and I searched for jobs in every category, but only 3 are listed in the entire state of Texas--all of them corporate or sales positions. I passed a carrier exam, and I find it hard to believe that there are no current job openings for carriers in all of Texas! What should I do to apply for a carrier position? The letter I received said that the USPS contacted people in the past for interviews, but they are in the midst of switching to an all-online process now where everyone must apply instead of being contacted. I feel like I'm caught between the old way and new way since it seems they're not posting carrier positions online in my area yet. Is it possible they'll still call, or is there someplace else I should apply? Has anyone recently been hired by the USPS who can share their experience? Thanks for any advice!

Public Comments

1. my friend started out as a "sorter", in Arizona. I would go talk to some postal employees at a post office and network, way to go on passing!
2. When you took your exam, it asked you which three facilities/areas you wanted your score to be placed. Those three places have your score. No other areas have it. Since you stated that you took the carrier exam (don't know which one you're referring to as there are two, city carrier and rural carrier), your score is for carrier positions only. Your score is placed on a hiring register within those three areas you chose. When the USPS hires from the general public, they do so by score. It took them 2 1/2 years after I passed the Exam 470 (now Exam 473) to call me about a position. And, I scored in the nineties. The USPS is not hiring any time soon. As a matter of fact, it's quite the opposite. They're offering qualifying employees early-outs (early retirement) and reverting (getting rid of) hundreds of positions, many of which are carrier positions. A lot of our "man" power is being done away with by automated systems. My job is even in jeopardy. I would suggest taking the Exam 473 if it ever becomes available in your area. You have the best chances on getting hired in distribution positions within a big city, in a Processing and Distribution Center. That exam is rarely ever given to the general public, so if you ever get the chance to take it, DO IT! In the meantime, go to all your local post offices, speak with the Postmasters there, be polite, introduce yourself, tell them you have passed the city or rural carrier exam and you're interested in a TE position if one is available. A TE is a "Temporary Employee" who delivers mail. It would be a wise decision to inquire about this position while waiting for your score to be called. TEs do not receive any benefits. Just because someone passes one of many postal exams, does not mean they will be hired any time soon. There is still a grueling interview/hiring process to go through. Which includes a thorough criminal and background check conducted by the FBI, driving history, & a drug screening. Those screenings and checks are done for everyone who works for the USPS. Hope I've answered some of your questions, and given you some direction to follow in your Postal career path. Good luck!