How to apply

This video series provides an overview of how to apply for a position with the United States Postal Service (USPS). You will learn how to search for different job opportunities, create an online profile, submit an application, and what to expect after applying. The videos provide instructions on how to navigate both our Careers webpage and the online application portal. Additionally, they will summarize any steps to complete after applying for an open job.

What to know before you apply

To help set some expectations, there are some details to know before jumping in.

• Make sure you check that you meet all Technical requirements and Employment requirements.
• All USPS communication is through email, so please monitor your inbox closely.

Important details:

Application time commitment

We encourage you to take your time with the application to best detail the experience that you bring to the table. Within the eCareers application you have the ability to save your progress and return to your profile at a later time if needed.

Application and exam cost (free)

Both the application and any exams are free – if you see any websites that are charging a fee they are not legitimate and should be reported to the United States Postal Inspection Service.

Contact information

Contact the person listed on the job posting if you have questions about a particular job.

Number of applications

You may apply to multiple jobs at a time if you wish. If you are not selected for a job, you can apply to another position as soon as you choose.

Technical requirements

• For best experience, use a desktop or laptop computer rather than a mobile device.
• Use a supported browser; Internet Explorer IE 7-11, Mozilla Firefox, Chrome and/or Safari.
• Ensure Adobe PDF Reader is installed and enabled in supported browsers.
• You must have an email address to apply for a job or create a Candidate profile. This is the only way that USPS can communicate with you about your application and job status.

Employment requirements

• Must be 18 years old at the time of appointment or 16 years old with a high school diploma.
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check, drug screening, and medical assessment.
• Must be a United States citizen, permanent resident, or citizen of American Samoa or other U.S. Territory.
• Must provide recent employment history.
• Must have a safe driving record (if applicable to the position).
• Must be registered with Selective Service is applicable.
• The Inspection Service criminal background check is conducted using United States information resources only (e.g., FBI fingerprint check, state and county checks). A criminal background check involves a 5-year inquiry for any location where the individual has resided, worked or gone to school within the United States or its territories. As a result of this limitation, the criminal background checks of individuals who have not resided in the United States or its territories for the preceding 5-years may not be considered complete. The Inspection Service may be able to process inquiries for U.S. Citizens only, but only if their time spent out of the country was spent as: a trailing spouse or dependent of someone working for the U.S. government (military or civilian), a missionary, a student attending school in a foreign country, a Peace Corps participant, or as an employee of a U.S.-based employer/company. If the Inspection Service is unable to perform a complete background check because of residency outside the United States, such individuals will be ineligible for Postal employment.

Residency requirement

The Inspection Service criminal background check is conducted using United States information resources only (e.g., FBI fingerprint check, state and county checks). A criminal background check involves a 5-year inquiry for any location where the individual has resided, worked or gone to school within the United States or its territories. As a result of this limitation, the criminal background checks of individuals who have not resided in the United States or its territories for the preceding 5-years may not be considered complete. The Inspection Service may be able to process inquiries for U.S. Citizens only, but only if their time spent out of the country was spent as: a trailing spouse or dependent of someone working for the U.S. government (military or civilian), a missionary, a student attending school in a foreign country, a Peace Corps participant, or as an employee of a U.S.-based employer/company. If the Inspection Service is unable to perform a complete background check because of residency outside the United States, such individuals will be ineligible for Postal employment.