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Month: October 2016

City Carrier Assistant (CCA) and Associate Rural Carrier (ARC) Post Office Jobs

Posted on by Betty Boyd

The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers many great job opportunities  especially during the holidays when it is critical for them to deliver mail, packages, and parcels on time. The city carrier assistant (CCA) and the rural carrier associate (RCA) are two of the most in demand jobs each holiday season.

All applicants must apply online to be considered for employment and have a valid email address. All communication regarding employment opportunities, examinations, interviews and background checks are sent by email. Add the following list of email domain addresses to your contact list or check you spam folder for these email extensions:

  • @usps.gov
  • @psionline.com
  • @geninfo.com
  • @uspsis.gov

Dennis Damp, host of PostalWork.net reports that many applicants miss out on opportunities because they don’t print out a copy of the Postal Service job announcement. The job announcement includes detailed application guidance. It also provides contact information in case you have a problem with the application process, need to reschedule an exam, or to confirm receipt of documents.  Damp frequently receives questions from applicants that don’t know who to contact after applying for postal positions because they didn’t print out a copy of the job announcement.

City Carrier Assistant (CCA)

Generally CCAs are appointed for periods not-to-exceed 360 days. Subsequent appointments after a 5 day break in service may be offered but are not guaranteed.  If your work performance is satisfactory there may be opportunities to apply for a permanent position.  City Carrier Assistants must be U.S. citizens to apply, take an on line assessment and pass the 473 Postal Exam. The starting salary is $16.06 per hour paid bi-weekly.

Duties

  • Routes or cases all classes of mail in sequence of delivery along an established route. Rearranges and re-labels cases as required.
  • Withdraws mail from the distribution case and prepares it in sequence for efficient delivery independently or by another carrier along an established route. Prepares and separates all classes of mail to be carried by truck to relay boxes along route for subsequent delivery.
  • Handles undeliverable mail in accordance with established procedures.
  • Delivers mail along a prescribed route, on foot or by vehicle, on a regular schedule, picking up additional mail from relay boxes as needed. Collects mail from street letter boxes and accepts letters from mailing from customers; on certain routes may deliver mail that consists exclusively of parcel post, or the collection of mail.
  • Uses portable electronic scanner as instructed.
  • Delivers and collects charges on customs, postage-due, and C.O.D. mail matter. Delivers and obtains receipts for registered and certain insured mail. Signs for such matter, except insured mail, at the post office before beginning route and accounts for it upon return by payments of the amounts collected and delivery of receipts taken.
  • Deposits in the post office mail collected on the route upon returning from the route.
  • Checks, and corrects if necessary, mailing cards from advertisers bearing names and addresses of customers or former customers on the route.
  • Furnishes customers with postal information and provides change of address cards and other postal forms as needed.
  • Reports to supervisor all unusual incidents or conditions relating to mail delivery, including condition of street letter boxes and centralized delivery equipment.
  • Becomes proficient, when assigned to a route, in the casing of mail on other routes as assigned.
  • Works professionally with other employees in the office.
  • May as a CCA, perform clerical duties and be required to pass examinations on scheme of city primary distribution.
  • In addition, may perform any of the following duties: check hotels and other establishments to ensure that mail for residents undeliverable as addressed is not improperly held; deliver stamps or other paper supplies to contract or classified stations and other designated delivery points; serves at carriers’ delivery window; receive and register where practical, all letters and packages of first-class matter properly offered for registration; case mail and make deliveries on other routes as assigned.

Physical Requirements

You must be physically able to efficiently perform the duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. CCA duties require arduous exertion involving prolonged standing, walking, bending and reaching, and may involve handling heavy containers of mail weighing up to the allowable maximum mailing weight.

Additional Requirements

CCAs must work their assigned tour and days of work.  CCAs must follow Postal Service policies and procedures for personal conduct at work, including adhering to rules and regulations.

CCAs are required to provide service to the public.  They must maintain a neat and professional appearance and demeanor in such interactions. May be required to wear uniform items.

Applicants must have a valid state driver’s license, and demonstrate and maintain a safe driving record.

Associate Rural Carrier (ARC)

  • Must be a U.S. citizen to apply.
  • On line assessment and a written Exam Required: Postal Exam 473 is required.
  • $17.02 per hour paid bi-weekly.

Duties

  • Loads packages in delivery sequence in vehicle.
  • Delivers packages to customers along a prescribed route.
  • Sorts mail in delivery sequence for the assigned route.
  • Receives and signs for accountable mail.
  • Loads mail and packages in vehicle.
  • Delivers mail and packages to customers along a prescribed route or as an auxiliary assistant by a vehicle; collects monies and receipts for accountable mail; picks up mail from customers’ roadside boxes.
  • Furnishes routine information concerning postal matters to customer.
  • Returns mail collected, undeliverable mail, and submits monies and receipts to post office.
  • Prepares appropriate time records.
  • Provides for mail security at alltimes.
  • May be required to provide a vehicle for delivery if an employer provided vehicle is not assigned.

They are non-career employees who provide customers along a rural route services which includes delivering and collecting mail.

Work is performed indoors and outdoors in all types of weather. Carriers may be required to load and unload trays and containers of mail and parcels weighing as much as 70 pounds.

For more information, review our step-by-step guide for applying for and taking the exam. A postal exam study guide titled Post Office Jobs, the 6th edition, can help you prepare for the exam.

Additional Information from the OOH website

Postal service mail carriers deliver mail to homes and businesses in cities, towns, and rural areas. Most travel established routes, delivering and collecting mail. Carriers cover their routes by foot, vehicle, or a combination of both. Some mail carriers collect money for postage due. Others, particularly in rural areas, sell postal products, such as stamps and money orders. All carriers must be able to answer customers’ questions about postal regulations and services and, upon request, provide change-of-address cards and other postal forms.

All applicants must pass a written exam that measures speed and accuracy at checking names and numbers and the ability to memorize mail distribution procedures. Jobseekers should contact the post office or mail processing center where they want to work to find out when exams are given.

When accepted, applicants must undergo a criminal background check and pass a physical exam and a drug test. Applicants also may be asked to show that they can lift and handle heavy mail sacks. Mail carriers who drive at work must have a safe driving record, and applicants must receive a passing grade on a road test.

Other Qualities

Customer-service skills

Postal service workers, particularly clerks, regularly interact with customers. As a result, they must be courteous and tactful and provide good client service.

Physical stamina

Postal service workers, particularly carriers, must be able to stand or walk for long periods.

Physical strength

Postal service workers must be able to lift heavy mail bags and parcels without injuring themselves

Union Membership

Most postal service workers belonged to a union in 2014.

These were just two of the many wonderful job opportunities offered by the USPS.

Credit

Helpful Career Planning Tools 

Visit our other informative site

The information provided may not cover all aspects of unique or special circumstances, federal and postal regulations, and programs are subject to change. Our articles and replies are time sensitive. Over time, various dynamic human resource guidance and factors relied upon as a basis for this article may change. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation and this service is not affiliated with OPM, the postal service or any federal entity. You should consult with school counselors, hiring agency personnel offices, and human resource professionals where appropriate. Neither the publisher or author shall be liable for any loss or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages.

Personal Interviewing Guidelines and Transportation Industry Spotlight

Posted on by John Weiss

The personal interview is an important step in the job hunting process, one that could lead to a job offer or result in a rejection. It really is a make or break situation. With guidance and preparation you will ace the interview and become a happy new recruit when you hear the hiring manager say, “You’re hired!”

INTERVIEW PREPARATION AND PROCESS

Every successful outcome presupposes preparation. Interviewing is no exception. It is not merely an event that takes place on a moment’s notice. Thoughtful preparation includes a thorough review of the job in question and the company, which will enable you to convey to the interviewer that you really want that specific job with that specific company. There is nothing that will kill an opportunity quicker than having the hiring manager conclude that you want just any job as long as it provides a paycheck. Companies hire candidates who show a passion for a specific job with that particular company.

While learning about the company, remember that it exists to make money or for the federal government to provided services. With companies, when they make more  money its business grows and more workers are hired. Learning about the employer’s finances is key or for federal government what services are provided. You can find this information on company or federal agency websites, in its annual report, and thorough a variety of online reports. Items you need to learn are: annual revenues for the past three to five years; the increase or decrease in the quarterly revenue for this particular quarter; and the increase or decrease in the price of the company’s stock if it is publicly traded. In addition, learn the number of company employees and the number of main competitors for the company’s products or services. For the federal sector determine the number employed, the largest employers, and the location of their facilities in your area. You can find this government information online. Having this information will help you through the interview process.

Proper Attire for an Interview

What to wear for an interview is something that troubles every female and male job candidate, military veterans and non-veterans, experienced workers or entry level workers. In fact, just today, I was prepping a candidate for a National Sales Director position and he asked what he should wear for an upcoming personal interview. This was an experienced worker in mid-career who had held several managerial positions. He had learned that the company was populated primarily with millennial-aged employees and that the culture was casual. I directed him to wear nothing less than upscale business-casual attire, which includes creased dress trousers, a blazer, a conservative shirt and tie, and leather shoes. If this had been an established conservative company I would have suggested a business suit.

You will never go wrong wearing business attire to an interview. This rule applies to both men and women. However, women have to put more thought into the process because there are more clothing choices for them. If in doubt about what to wear, google. “Attire for a personal job interview” and you will find all the information and pictures you will need to dress appropriately.  For more on attire, please review Chapter 27 of my book, Operation Job Search; A Guide for Military Veterans Transitioning to Civilian Careers. Female applicants can find helpful information on page 333 under the heading: Fail-Safe Dress for Female Veterans; Listen to Linda.

Using Civilian-Speak during Interviews

You may have heard this many times over, even in your TAP classes, but it is worth mentioning again. Speak using civilian language and avoid using military or local acronyms.  Research this beforehand and translate your military occupation specialty (MOS) if you are a veteran into civilian language. If you use military-speak, the majority of company interviewers will not understand because they lack military experience.

Controlling the Interview. Interrogation or Conversation?

Many interviews deteriorate into a Q-A session because the candidate believes the interviewer is holding all the aces. That is an erroneous assumption. The company is interviewing you because it needs workers to be productive, and you are interviewing because you need their job to make money to become self-sufficient.  Both the candidate and the interviewer are holding the aces.  Both have a critical need that needs to be resolved.

After the introductory pleasantries, most interviewers will throw this question at you. “Could you tell me something about yourself?” Answer that question in business terms, not personal terms. The interviewer is really not interested in knowing where you attended elementary school, where you took basic training or whether you like a cappuccino better than a latte. Your answer should go something like this. “I’m the kind of person who takes complete responsibility for my life. My career plan includes working in a position like the one stated in your job description and with a company in the transportation industry, like yours. By the way, I’m impressed with your job title and rank and would appreciate your telling me how you worked your way into your present position. Could you tell me something about your background and experience?”

What this response does is level the playing field. It lets the interviewer know that this will be a conversation, not an interrogation. Follow up by handing the interviewer a list of questions you have about the job and the company. Handle it this way. “I’ve prepared a list of questions for you indicating my interest in the job and company. My first question is: What do you consider the most important attribute for this job?”

Once the interviewer realizes that you have a plan and are not intimidated by the formal interview setting, you will be able to converse as equals. Above all, remember that the company is interviewing you because it has a critical need; to find a worker to fill an important job.

When the interview comes to an end, do not just say “thank you” and leave the premises. Ask for the job saying, “I’ve really enjoyed learning about the job, the company, and your personal background and experience. I would like to move forward to the next step in your process, which I hope will be a job offer. Can we schedule a follow up meeting to discuss compensation and a starting date?”

INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT: TRANSPORTATION

The broadly defined transportation industry includes employers involved in moving people and things from one place to another. Included in this industry are companies like FedEx, UPS, General Motors, Delta Airlines, Uber and United Van Lines. The industry employs millions of workers in the USA and abroad and offers many attractive, necessary and well-paying jobs. Contrary to the popular stereotype that transportation jobs are limited to driving a truck or piloting an airplane, this industry offers everything from hands-on jobs to IT management to President. It offers a variety of jobs for every worker. For example, truck driver jobs with Walmart command a starting salary of approximately $80,000 plus comprehensive benefits.

The interesting thing about transportation is that is ranks up there with the three basic survival industries; food, shelter and clothing. Every day the majority of workers need and use something from the transportation industry. Stop for a minute and ask yourself how you got to work today or how you plan to reach a company for an interview. Yes, the transportation industry will be one of the basic needs for as long as we live. So who are some of the best players in this industry? We have three favorites. Fed Ex, Southwest Airlines, and Union Pacific Railroad, all military friendly companies.

FedEx  

Federal Express Corporation, now referred to as FedEx, has become a household word. It is divided into three separate divisions each serving a specific need: FedEx Ground, FedEx Express and FedEx Freight. It is the world’ largest delivery service and 2016 revenue will be over $50 billion.  It is based in Memphis and has offices around the globe. It is a military friendly company and is noted for initiatives relating to diversity and inclusion in its workforce. FedEx was founded in 1971 by Fred Smith an Army veteran. When he separated and was looking for a job, he decided that someone needed to move packages from one place to another more quickly than the US Postal Service. He started an overnight delivery service in Memphis and the rest is history.

FedEx has something for everyone regardless of MOS or level of education. Check out the website now as I just did. I found jobs in different cities for dockworkers, technicians, drivers, arrival and departures clerks, and senior operations managers.  Remember to review the career pages dealing with military veterans.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest continues to be one of the most profitable airline companies. It is noted for its customer friendly service and a unique company culture. Employees like working there and customers like traveling Southwest, an unbeatable combination for sustained growth. The company is based in Dallas but has offices throughout the country and provides every imaginable type of job for workers at every level, entry through senior. Southwest is noted for its charitable giving and community outreach. When I checked the website, I found a wide array of jobs in airport operations and call centers, and for flight attendants, aircraft maintenance technicians, and pilots.

Union Pacific Railroad

Railroad companies are often overlooked by workers seeking long term careers in the transportation industry. One of the best is Union Pacific Railroad, which employs over 43,000 workers and generates annual revenue in excess of $20 billion. At Union Pacific you will find job opportunities that go well beyond those with high visibility like train conductors and ticket sellers. Behind the scene, Union Pacific employs workers in sales, marketing, technology, maintenance, engineering and human resources just to mention a few. UP offers special training for transitioning veterans and over 20% of its workers are military veterans. In addition, it has donated over $200,000 to Wounded Warriors over the past two years. Its recruiters sponsor job fairs and are in contact with all military transition and education offices.  Union Pacific is hard to beat when you are looking for a military friendly employer.

Association of American Railroads (AAR)

MOVING FORWARD

Interviewing is an important part of the job hunting process. There is much to learn beyond our abbreviated discussion and I suggest that you review Chapters 27-31 in my book OPERATION JOB SEARCH, listed below. In addition we suggest that you read all of Part Four, The Interview Process, in the The Book of U.S Government Jobs by Dennis Damp.

In our November article we will discuss continuing education at bricks and mortar schools and online schools. Our INDUSTRY SPOLIGHT will focus on the robust security industry.

TAKEAWAYS 

  • Control the interview.  Do not let it become a Q-A session.
  • You and the company need each other to be successful.
  • Present a written list of questions and concerns to the interviewer.
  • Use civilian language during the interview and avoid military acronyms.
  • Always wear business attire for personal interviews.

RESOURCES

Helpful Career Planning Tools 

Visit our other informative site

The information provided may not cover all aspects of unique or special circumstances, federal and postal regulations, and programs are subject to change. Our articles and replies are time sensitive. Over time, various dynamic human resource guidance and factors relied upon as a basis for this article may change. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation and this service is not affiliated with OPM, the postal service or any federal entity. You should consult with school counselors, hiring agency personnel offices, and human resource professionals where appropriate. Neither the publisher or author shall be liable for any loss or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages.

Working for the United States Postal Service (USPS) (Part 1)

Posted on by Betty Boyd

There are abundant opportunities for employment at more than 31,600 Postal facilities nationwide. The Postal Service has annual revenue of $69 billion and it’s responsible for delivering 47 percent of the world’s mail. There are over 617,000 employees and the Postal Service is one of the largest employers in the nation. The benefits are outstanding and on par with the Federal workforce. They include excellent pay, job security, a generous pension with a 401K, and Social Security.

 

Jobs Hunt Hiring

The Postal Service was created during the beginning weeks of the Revolutionary War at the meeting of the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia in May 1775. To thwart the threat of British aggression against the colonies, Ben Franklin and others formed a committee. This committee determined that a postal system was needed for the conveyance of letters and other intelligence for the cause of liberty. Ben Franklin was named as the first Postmaster General and served in the position until November 1776. The postal system task was to carry letters to Congress and the armies.

Today’s Postal Service is an independent agency that funds its operation through the sale of postage, products and services. It is the only delivery service that reaches every address within the United States, which is approximately 155 million residences, businesses and Post Office Boxes.

History

The official United States Post Office by a decree of the Second Continental Congress was created on July 26, 1775. Officially, the Post Office was created in 1792 and was referred to as the Post Office Department (USPOD) based on Constitutional authority empowering Congress “To establish post offices and post roads”.

As the West expanded so did the postal system services. It provided a fast and convenient communication system. Letters provided settlers information and encouraged western migration. In addition, businesses and merchants were provided opportunities to develop commercial relationships that helped factories back east. The Postal Service assisted the Army in the control of the Western expansion and the newspapers sent by mail increased their circulation and disseminated information nationwide.

During the 19th century the postal service expanded its delivery routes via railroad, steamboat and eventually waterways where no roads existed. The volume of mail increased during the 20th century by the use of Parcel Post and Rural Free Delivery (RFD). These helped to promote more efficient postal transportation systems.

Currently, the USPS operates one the largest fleets of vehicles in the world, with an estimated 211,264 vehicles. The Department of Defense and the USPS jointly operate a postal system that delivers mail to the military known as the Army Post Office (APO). The Fleet Post Office delivers to the Navy, Marine Corps and the Coast Guard postal facilities.

In 1971 the Post Office Department was reorganized and became the United States Post Office. It was an independent establishment of the executive branch of the Government of the United States. The mission of the Postal Service remained the same, as stated in Title 39 of the U.S. Code:

“The Postal Service shall have as its basic function the obligation to provide postal services to bind the Nation together through the personal, educational, literary, and business correspondence of the people. It shall provide prompt, reliable, and efficient services to patrons in all areas and shall render postal services to all communities”.

Some Interesting Facts about the USPS

  • The Postal Service has the country’s largest retail network — larger than McDonald’s, Starbucks and Walmart combined, domestically.
  • Through the Carrier Alert Program, Postal Service letter carriers help monitor the well-being of elderly and disabled customers. If carriers notice an accumulation of mail that might indicate an accident or illness, they notify emergency personnel. In addition, each year postal employees go beyond the call of duty, some even risking their own safety to save the lives of the customers they serve. In 2015, the Postal Service recognized 318 employee heroes for going above and beyond.
  • The Postal Service embraces the heroic service of the United States’ armed forces. More than 113,000 veterans are employed with the organization, and more than 140 stamps have been issued that reflect the nation’s military history, including the current Medal of Honor series. (As of Jan 2015).
  • The Postal Service is the only organization in the country that has the resources, network infrastructure and logistical capability to regularly deliver to every residential and business address in the nation.
  • The Postal Service can and does compete with the private sector — and it collaborates with it, too. UPS and FedEx pay the Postal Service to deliver hundreds of millions of their ground packages to residences, taking advantage of the Postal Service’s expansive delivery network. The Postal Service pays UPS and FedEx for air transportation, taking advantage of their comprehensive air networks.
  • Mail is reliable, trusted and secure — more than 200 federal laws protect the sanctity of the U.S. Mail. These laws are enforced by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, one of the oldest law enforcement agencies in the country. U.S. Postal Inspectors are federal agents, mandated to safeguard the nation’s mail — including the people who move it and the customers who use it.
  • The U.S. Postal Service is the core of the $1.4 trillion mailing industry in this country that employs more than 7.5 million people.

Postal Careers

The U. S. Postal Service (USPS) employs over 617,000 workers in 300 job categories for positions at 31,600 post offices, branches, stations, and community post offices throughout the United States. Thousands of post office jobs are advertised each year to backfill for retirements, transfers, deaths and to replace employees who choose to leave the Postal Service. The Postal Service also hires many temporary workers (casual temporary positions) during peak mail periods. Mail carrier, clerk, and mail handlers must take and pass the 473 Postal Exam when they apply for these positions. The corporate positons do not require this exam.

Most Postal Service jobs are mail carrier and clerk positions. However, like most large corporations the Postal Service employs workers for everything from janitors to engineers; technicians, mechanics, accountants, program managers, Postal Inspectors and administrative and logistics occupations of all types.

Here are a few of the many USPS job occupations:

In our next article we will discuss job occupations that the Post Office needs to fill for the upcoming busy holiday season.

Credit

Helpful Career Planning Tools 

Visit our other informative site

The information provided may not cover all aspects of unique or special circumstances, federal and postal regulations, and programs are subject to change. Our articles and replies are time sensitive. Over time, various dynamic human resource guidance and factors relied upon as a basis for this article may change. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation and this service is not affiliated with OPM, the postal service or any federal entity. You should consult with school counselors, hiring agency personnel offices, and human resource professionals where appropriate. Neither the publisher or author shall be liable for any loss or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages.