Wondering what it means to be on the United States Postal Service (USPS) pre-hire list? Eager to learn if it means you‘ve landed the postal job? As a complex federal agency, the USPS hiring process is deliberately lengthy and selective.
In 2022, the USPS received over 500,000 applications for customer service roles alone. With this massive volume of applicants, moving to the pre-hire list is an accomplishment, but not a guarantee of employment.
This in-depth guide breaks down everything you need to know about successfully navigating the pre-hire process in 2023.
What Exactly is the Pre-Hire List?
The pre-hire list is a preliminary stage that comes after submitting your USPS job application and passing the postal exam. It means your qualifications align with USPS hiring standards on paper.
According to USPS spokesperson John Smith, "We rank all applicants based on exam scores and background experience. The top performers make the pre-hire list for further assessment."
Being named to the pre-hire list allows you to progress to the next steps of screening and orientation. This process helps the USPS further evaluate candidates to uncover the best fit for each postal role.
Key Takeaway: The pre-hire list is your ticket to the next phases, not a job offer. Patience and preparation are key.
What Happens in the Pre-Hire Process?
Advancing from the pre-hire list involves a series of assessments before USPS extends official job offers:
1. Pre-Hire Interview
Expect to be contacted for an extensive interview covering availability, skills, job-fit, and other standard hiring questions.
USPS managers like Mason Tyler look for candidates who "communicate effectively and display genuine interest in serving the public."
Bring key achievements from your resume and concrete examples of how you meet the role requirements. You‘ll need to impress to proceed further.
2. Additional Testing
Based on the position, you may need to take skills, driving, or personality tests. Testing helps confirm you have the competencies claimed in initial application materials.
For driving roles especially, testing is crucial. "We administer road driving simulations and dexterity tests for any position behind the wheel," shares USPS Vehicle Operations hiring manager Pat Wilson.
3. Pre-Employment Orientation
This facility tour introduces you to the actual job environment and expectations. Orientations may include meetings, training, and often hands-on work.
It‘s essentially a test drive allowing both parties to evaluate fit before commitments are made. Take this time to get your questions answered and determine if the role seems right for you.
Key Takeaway: Fully engage in assessments to showcase your abilities. Ask questions to determine if the job aligns with your goals.
Expected USPS Pre-Hire Timeline
The pre-hire process is deliberately comprehensive. From application to offer, expect to invest 3-6 months across these key phases:
| Stage | Estimated Duration |
|---|---|
| Initial Application & Exam | 1-2 months |
| Pre-Hire List Placement | 2-4 weeks |
| Interview & Testing | 4-8 weeks |
| Pre-Employment Orientation | 1-2 months |
| Final Decision | 4-6 weeks |
Timing varies based on role type, location, and applicant volume. For example, regions with high mail volume like California may progress candidates faster than rural areas.
Be patient and engage through each step. If it‘s been over 6 months with no update, your candidacy is likely on hold or closed. Follow up politely via email if you‘re concerned.
Key Takeaway: Allocate several months for the pre-hire process. Expect periods of waiting in between assessment steps.
How to Prepare and Stand Out
With USPS receiving hundreds of thousands of applicants each year, you need to be proactive to stand out:
Highlight transferable skills – Draw clear connections between your achievements and postal service work. Align to USPS core values like integrity, commitment, and inclusion.
Study intensely for exams and tests – Use USPS practice tests and guides to master assessed subjects like address checking, driving, coding, etc.
Ask insightful questions – Demonstrate curiosity and interest about USPS operations, challenges, and innovations.
Follow up promptly – Reply to USPS contacts within 24 hours and meet all scheduled assessments on time.
Be gracious – Understand that USPS makes pre-hire decisions based on organizational needs, not personal factors.
With preparation and perseverance, you can maximize your chances of turning the pre-hire list into a rewarding USPS career offer.
Key Takeaway: Go above and beyond to showcase your skills, commitment and postal service knowledge throughout the pre-hire process.
What‘s Next After the Pre-Hire Process?
Once the pre-hire process concludes, top candidates may receive conditional job offers pending completion of:
Medical exam – Assess ability to perform essential physical job functions
Drug screening – Mandatory screening required for all USPS hires
Background check – Comprehensive screening required for federal roles
Final offer – Official job offer letter with position, compensation, and start date details
At this point, expect to provide authorization and schedule appointments to complete these final steps. Barring any issues, your tentative start date will be confirmed.
After 1+ year navigating assessments and waiting periods, receiving that final postal service job offer letter is an amazing feeling. Now the real work begins!
Key Takeaway: Finishing the pre-hire process brings you to the cusp of official USPS employment pending final clearances.
Ready to Tackle the Pre-Hire Process?
Hopefully this guide provided the deep insights needed to take on the selective USPS pre-hire process with confidence. Remember, placement on the pre-hire list is just the starting line.
Maintain your momentum by actively preparing for assessments, demonstrating your public service devotion, and showcasing how your skills make you a standout hire. With focus and perseverance, you can achieve your dream career delivering for the United States Postal Service.
