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Postal service? (Employment)

Cptn PantsCptn Pants Registered User regular
edited May 2009 in Help / Advice Forum
So I'm not sure what I'm doing with my life, I don't have any real prospects for the future. I've pretty much been working at RadioShack for the last 7 years with a few side jobs doing I.T. related stuff. Long story short I'm thinking about working in the Postal service, it seems like a nice steady job and the idea just seems to be attractive to me, I don't really know what it is. So is there anyone here who works for the Post office? Can anyone offer me some advice as to what kind of positions they offer, pay rates, and other job related details that might be relevant. I'm gonna run down to to the local post office next time I get a day off and ask some questions and such but that won't be a few days. Any and all advice would be amazing, thanks!

Cptn Pants on

Posts

  • CrashtardCrashtard Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    I applied for a position at the post office, went to take the test, etc about 3 years ago. You can take the test free, it's not terribly difficult unless you're a moron. The thing is, a TON of people take the test. When I went there were probably 100 at my testing alone that day, and there were 5 that day. The jobs are great, they start around 17$ an hour and have govt benefits. The problem is that people that get the job and never leave, so the waiting list for a position is crazy. To this day I've still not been notified of an open position, so if you're looking for a job there soon I wouldn't get your hopes up honestly.

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  • ImprovoloneImprovolone Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Military vets get ranked higher on the hire list.

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  • JasconiusJasconius sword criminal mad onlineRegistered User regular
    edited May 2009
    As it has been pointed out, it is an extremely cushy job with a low turnover rate.

    Add to this the fact that the post office is currently looking at making cuts like no delivery on Saturday and it does not bode well for new hires.

    Apply, by all means, but don't make this your only option.

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  • ShogunShogun Hair long; money long; me and broke wizards we don't get along Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    The exam you have to take is called the Postal Battery Exam. There can be a few variations depending on what service you'd be doing for the Post Office be it delivery or in house. Anyway I suggest you study and study hard for the exam. I'm told it is predominantly memorization, but the important thing is that you need to score high. Like really high. Preferably 98+ but at least 95+. You can pass the exam with a lower grade, however you probably will not even be considered. You really have to keep in mind that this is a job a lot of people can do and want to do.

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  • Zombie NirvanaZombie Nirvana Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Your percentages for hiring will be drastically increased after you spend some time in the military. Plus, you'll get to see fabulous locations like Iraq, Afghanistan, and West Virginia! Okay, just kidding... West Virginia sucks.

    Zombie Nirvana on
  • CrashtardCrashtard Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Zombie Nirvana wrote: »
    Your percentages for hiring will be drastically increased after you spend some time in the military. Plus, you'll get to see fabulous locations like Iraq, Afghanistan, and West Virginia! Okay, just kidding... West Virginia sucks.

    It thought West Virginia was almost heaven? Talk about a dissapointment..

    Crashtard on
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  • Cptn PantsCptn Pants Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    interesting, I didn't really thing a lot of people would want to do that job to be honest but I guess it makes sense. Well I'll go down, ask about the test and take it. It's worth a shot at the very least. After I take the test do i need to apply to each Post office or is it like a mass application thing? Thanks for all the input!

    Cptn Pants on
  • ImprovoloneImprovolone Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Pretty sure the testing info is on thee website and that the guys in the post office won't know.

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  • ShogunShogun Hair long; money long; me and broke wizards we don't get along Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Also beware websites and newspaper/craigslist ads that are similar to, "Your local post office is hiring! 57k/year + benefits! Call this number to find out how to get your Postal Exam Kit!"

    These things are everywhere and its companies essentially selling study guides for the Battery exam. They'll charge upwards of $150 so beware.

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  • Cptn PantsCptn Pants Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Shogun wrote: »
    Also beware websites and newspaper/craigslist ads that are similar to, "Your local post office is hiring! 57k/year + benefits! Call this number to find out how to get your Postal Exam Kit!"

    These things are everywhere and its companies essentially selling study guides for the Battery exam. They'll charge upwards of $150 so beware.

    Thanks for the heads up, I'll keep my eye out for that kind of nonsense. So yea, I went down to the local post office and they knew next to nothing, which is weird because they work there. You would assume that they would remember how they got hired, but nope. Anyway thanks for all the help, i'll probably close this later today unless anyone else has any last minute insight.

    Cptn Pants on
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