The United States Postal Service (USPS) is one of the largest employers in the country, with over 500,000 employees. While there are many legitimate job opportunities available through the USPS, there are also a number of scams out there that can trick job seekers into handing over personal information or money.

In this article, we'll go over some tips on how to identify a legit post office job and avoid USPS job scams.

How to Apply and Qualify for a Postal Job

The first step in applying for a job with the USPS is to visit the official USPS website and search for job openings. You can also find job openings by visiting your local post office and inquiring with the HR representative.

Once you have got a job that you're interested in, you'll be required to complete an application form and submit any relevant documents, such as a cover letter, resume, educational testimonials, and any other required forms depending on the job post.

To qualify for a postal job, you'll need to meet certain basic requirements, such as being eighteen years and above, possessing a minimum of a college diploma, passing a background check, having a valid driver's license, and being able to lift packages up to 70 pounds.

You'll also need to take and pass a USPS postal assessment tests, which will test your knowledge of postal operations and procedures.

What is contained in the U.S. Postal Service Assessment tests?

Since the postal exams were changed from a single test to four different ones, potential applicants might wonder what is in these exams and which one they should apply for. However, it gets trickier as those who are interested should apply first before knowing the test they’ll take.

Image alt text: avoid USPS job scams. A postal service mailman delivering mail.

Author credit: By Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Designed by Edward Vebell. - U.S. Postal Service; National Postal Museum: Postal Service Employees Issue, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=47032442

In this new system, the applicants must confirm the job listing by the postal agency first to select the position they are interested in. once this is done, they will go through the application process.

If selected, candidates will receive a notification email informing them of the same and containing a link to the test they should take. Fortunately, you are given 72 hours to complete the test online. Also you can access the available study tips to help you succeed Check out some of the basic postal assessment tests.

Common types of USPS postal assessment tests.

The United States Postal Service uses different types of postal assessment tests to screen candidates for various posts. Some of the most common postal assessment tests include:

• The Postal Battery or The Virtual Entry Assessment Exam for mail carriers (474)

This test is used to evaluate candidates for entry-level positions such as mail carrier, mail handler, and clerk. The exam covers a wide range of topics, including memory, problem-solving, and spatial relations.

Exam 474 is self-administered and takes around 45 minutes to complete. And the common scenarios in this test includes work scenario, experience and background checks, and approach to work, all aimed at assessing if you fit the position.

• The Postal ServiceClerical-Entry Exam or The Mail Handler VEA (475C).

This test is used to evaluate candidates for mail handlers and data entry positions. It focuses on differenttopics, such as typing speed, accuracy, and basic math skills. Exam 475 has similar sections as the 474, but the questions and the postal interviews are tailored to clerical work.

• The Postal Service Maintenance Exam (955)

This test is used to assessapplicants for technical and maintenance positions such as mechanics, electricians, and custodians.

The test covers a wide range of topics, such as mechanical understanding, problem-solving, custodial knowledge, and spatial relations. It has four sections like the others, but for technicians, you must have skills and a track record of professional experience in the applied field.

For instance, a USPS custodian is expected to answer the four sections, which cover general cleaning skills, the ability to read and identify vocabularies, the ability to follow oral and written instructions, and most importantly, basic knowledge of health and safety.

For the health and safety sections, custodians are expected to know about different safety information, including health hazards, safety principles, and personal protective equipment maintenance.

On general cleaning, applicants are needed to understand the ins and outs of cleaning, disinfecting materials, tools, and equipment to be used, among others. This exam, just like technician tests is given on an as-is-needed basis.

• Postal Service Management Assessment Test (943)

This exam is used to evaluate candidates for senior management positions such as postmasters, accountants, administrators, and supervisors. It covers topics ranging from leadership, problem-solving, creativity, and decision-making.

It's important to note that passing an assessment test does not guarantee a job with the USPS, but candidates must pass the relevant test for the position they are applying for in order to be considered for the job.

Additionally, the USPS may use other forms of testing, such as interviews, background checks, and reference checks to evaluate candidates.

Tips for identifying a Legit USPS Job

When looking for a job with the USPS, it's important to be aware of the common signs of a scam. Here are a few tips to help you identify a legit USPS job:

1. Look for the official USPS logo:The United States Postal Service logo is a recognizable and well-known symbol among many people in the U.S., And any legit USPS job posting will feature the logo prominently. If this postal agency's symbol is missing on the advert or looks like poor quality, the job advert may be a scam.
2. Check for the USPS.gov website link: The job listing will only be posted on the official USPS website or on the website of a renowned job search engine. Any legitimate job posting will feature a link to the organization's website that should direct applicants to the USPS.gov domain.
3. Check for detailed information about the vacant position:a legitimate postal service job post will have detailed information about the specific position. For instance, you will find details about the job duties and responsibilities, qualifications, and salary to expect. If the job post seems vague and lacks this information, then it may be fake. On the same note, to help you avoid USPS job scams, no advert should promise you easy work and high payments.
4. Be aware of unsolicited job offers:United States Postal Services have elaborate hiring methods and would not directly contact them with voluntary job offers. So to avoid USPS job scams, you need to be aware of these unsolicited offers from any organization playing out as the postal service organization.
5. Check for testimonials or reviews: before you apply for a USPS job advert, you need to check for online testimonials and reviews from candidates who have applied through the website in question. From the reviews, you will get an understanding of the legitimacy of the site. For instance, if the recommendations are extremely negative, then you should avoid it.
6. The job post will not ask you to pay any fees or give your personal information, such as your social security number or bank account information. Also, you should not be asked to attend an interview via email, instant messaging, or any other online platform.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of landing a legitimate postal service agency job and avoid USPS job scams.

How to Avoid Postal Job Scams

To avoid falling victim to a postal job scam, it's important to be vigilant and use common sense. Here are a few tips to help you avoid scams:

• Never pay any fees or provide personal information in order to apply for a job.
• Don't trust job listings that seem too good to be true, such as high pay or easy work.
• Don't trust job listings that ask for personal information such as your social security number or bank account information.
• Don't trust job listings that ask you to interview via email or instant messaging.

Conclusion

While there are many legitimate job opportunities available through the USPS, it's important to be aware of the potential for scams. By following the tips outlined in this article, you'll be able to identify a legit post office job and avoid scams, helping you to find the perfect job for you.

Remember that the most important thing is to not provide personal information or pay any fees to apply for a job. Always check the official website of the USPS or a reputable job search engine, and be careful with any suspicious offer or request.