The USPS onboarding process features several stages and can be quite rigorous. The “Pre-Hire list” represents one of the early stages and usually comes after passing the online Virtual Entry Assessment (VEA).
At this point, the status of your application should read “Pre-hired”, which is good because it means you are being considered for the position. However, do not get too excited because you still have much to do to get the job.
This guide explains the meaning of the USPS Pre-Hire list, what comes after being pre-hired, and general tips that can elevate your chances of getting hired. You will also discover how to check your application status and the implications of each status.
What Does the USPS Pre-Hire List Mean?
The” Pre-Hire List” is a USPS onboarding status and a list for only applicants who passed the USPS virtual postal exams (scoring at least 70%). You are on course to continue the hiring process when you receive this notification, or your name appears on the list.
The opposite of the “Pre-Hire List” is” Ineligible.” It simply means you did not score high enough in the Virtual Entry Assessment and will have to wait for a year (at least) to rewrite the exam.
How Long Does USPS “Pre-Hire List” Take?
The speed of this process will depend on the location’s hiring power, urgency, volume of applicants, and screening schedules. Please note that USPS generally offers limited slots per application on a first-come, first-served basis.
According to most applicants, it may take several weeks or months to advance to the next stage. The series of tests you will face next will also depend on the position you applied for.
What is Next After the USPS Pre-Hire List?
You still have to pass other assessments after making it to the Pre-Hire list to get hired. Most onboarding processes follow these steps:
1. Personal or group interview
This is usually the next step after being pre-hired. Whether it is a personal or group interview, this process will examine your communication skills.
2. Screening
This is the next stage for pre-hired applicants who passed their interviews. Screening will examine your ability to adapt to change, dependability, and work ethic.
3. Personal testing
Personal testing features various physiological examinations, personality tests, fingerprint tests, and drug tests, to name a few.
4. Background check
This usually precedes the USPS pre-employement stage. It involves verifying your employment, criminal, and driving history, to name a few. You should be good as long as you do not have any serious convictions or violations within the last 5 years.
USPS uses the NACI (National Agency Check with Inquiries) database for background checks, and the entire procedure may take one week or several weeks. In other words, you will only be invited for pre-employment orientation if NACI clears you.
5. Pre-employment orientation
Being invited for a pre-employment orientation has only one meaning – USPS is seriously considering you for the position. While you might not be the only one who made it to this stage, it is safe to say that the ball is now in your court.
The role of a pre-employment orientation is to allow candidates to work for USPS temporarily. This window of opportunity will help you discover some pros and cons of the position you are about to fill.
You will also be given a job site tour and enlightened on the unique requirements for the position. While you are learning about the job responsibilities, training requirements, terms of employment, expectations, and core values, USPS is also studying your response.
At the end, you will be given a report based on your performance during the orientation process. A good score on this report means you will get the job.
Will USPS Notify You If You Don’t Get The Job?
USPS rarely notifies ineligible candidates after the virtual assessment. However, they always release a long list of pre-hired candidates.
Hence, it is safe to assume that your application was rejected or you did not pass the virtual assessment if your name does not appear on this list.
On the other hand, you will get an email or a written notice if you made it to the pre-hire stage and got rejected. This might take a while because USPS prefers to complete onboarding before sending such emails.
How to Check Your USPS Application Status
Candidates can check their application status online via the following steps:
- Login to your USPS account
- Click on the “Job Opportunities” tab
- Select “My Application”
- Check the status of the application you are interested in.
USPS Application Status & Their Meaning
- Received – means USPS has received your application
- In Progress – means your application is being reviewed or processed by the HR
- Offer – means USPS will or has sent you an offer letter
- Hired – means you passed all the assessments and have been hired.
- Closed – means the application is no longer valid. At this point, you must have been hired or rejected.
General Tips to Improve Your Chances of Getting Hired
After passing the Virtual Entry Assessment, below are the attributes and practices that can improve your chances of getting hired:
- High attendance and adjusting to the new environment naturally during pre-employment orientation.
- Punctuality, discipline, and proper ethics while completing your assignments.
- Display accountability, reliability, and the ability to work with other employees.
- Work well under pressure, stress, and other setbacks that come with the job.
- Readiness to accept any new challenges that come your way.
FAQs
Who has the final hiring decision?
The hiring manager. However, they work closely with recruiters to ensure you are suitable for the position.
How long does it take to make a hiring decision?
Within a week or two after the USPS pre-employment interview or orientation.
How do you contact USPS if you have an application or testing problem?
Via email. Send an email to all the email addresses below:
- examadmin@usps.gov
- ecareerworkflow@usps.gov
- eservices@geninfo.com
- usps_support@panpowered.com
Final Thoughts
The USPS onboarding process is lengthy because USPS wants to hire only qualified and suitable candidates. As a result, every assessment is designed to test your natural and acquired characteristics.
Besides, a job at a federal facility like the USPS will always be a positive move. The company takes its time to release the Pre-Hire List, and it gets more interesting and impressive after that.
Ensure you use this waiting period to prepare yourself for the interviews and pre-employment orientation that will follow. While this phase might come quicker than expected, nothing beats accepting the challenge with the right mindset.
I hope you found this guide helpful. Knowing when USPS delivers packages is also essential for candidates who want to become delivery drivers.
Thanks for reading.