Postal Letter

A question on 2 different jobs at the USPS?

Hello, about 2 months ago I applied for a Transitional city carrier job which pays 20.94 an hour but so far i've gotten no reply. the only "good news" is that the status of my application has changed from application entry to "pre-screening"...which i have no idea how long that's going to take. now i just saw that there's a new job (mail handler) close to me for 12 bucks an hour, i was wondering do you think i should apply for that one (even though of the big difference in pay), or i should just wait it out for the first job? (i'm afraid if i apply for this, they'll hire me for this more likely than the other one, thus losing 9 bucks an hour in pay) thank you for your input!

Public Comments

1. The Post Office is very slow and methodical in filling jobs. It might take months to be interviewed. I wish I had gone into the Postal service years ago, I'd be looking at retirement now. Keep looking for other work while you concentrate on the Post Office. If you get hired into ANY Post Office job, ask before accepting because you probably can transfer once you get your feet in and the transfer to something you want.
2. I really think you should apply for the other position as well. A lot could happen and you really shouldn't count on that one job position. The government takes months to get everything checked out and even after the interview its a little bit more time. Yes the positions hold two different pay rates but, depending on whatever job with the USPS you get, you will probably get the opportunity to move up or change positions at some point..usually after 6 months. Good Luck to you and I hope it all works out for you!
3. Both of the jobs you're looking at with the USPS are "non-career" jobs at the USPS. With those jobs you will have a 180 or 360-day contract for employment, and at the end of the contract, it may or may not be renewed. Currently the USPS is in a hiring freeze, except for Christmas help which will last approximately a month.