Overview  For those seeking a Postal career, this guide provides incredible advantages not found anywhere else. As you well know, the interview is a critical element in the employment process that can make or break you. The most important element is your exam score. You will simply never be invited to an interview if your score is not good enough. But assuming you prepared diligently for your exam and scored high enough to receive an interview invitation, the interview then becomes the final deciding factor.

Your goal in the interview is to demonstrate that you can meet their needs better than any other applicant. What they have to offer you is irrelevant. The interview is all about them and what you can do for them. It is not about you.

Included in this guide are interview tips based upon specific advice from Postal hiring authorities as well as over 25 years of experience assisting Postal job seekers, of scrutinizing Postal policies, and of comments from customers who have gone through the interview and hiring process.

Also provided are common questions asked in Postal employment interviews along with suggested responses. Assuming you meet Postal employment requirements, using this guide should assure a favorable interview rating.

Another huge advantage offered by this guide is our comprehensive listing of KSAs for all entry level jobs. KSA is an acronym for Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.  There are different KSAs for each job, and you are supposed to display mastery of the KSAs relevant to the job you applied for when creating a profile on the Postal Service website, when completing an online application, and in your interview.  They are supposed to include KSAs with every job posting but rarely do.

So how are you supposed to display mastery of specific KSAs if you do not know what the KSAs are? Most applicants do not know a thing about the KSAs and do not do anything about KSAs in their profile, application, or interview because most applicants do not have the advantage you do. Your advantage is the detailed listing of KSAs in this guide.

How are interviews conducted?  There are a number of variables that affect this issue. For instance, different Postal districts and facilities have their own ideas about how to approach interviews. So, interviews for the same job but at different locations may be approached in different ways. Plus, interviews are conducted by local postmasters and other Postal hiring authorities, which means that there are more than 30,000 people nationwide who conduct Postal interviews. Each of these people is an individual with their own ideas about interviews, so each one may conduct interviews a little differently.

Postal policy states that, of the hundreds of people who applied for the same job as you, interview invitations are sent only to the three highest scoring applicants, and one of these three gets the job. Contrary to this policy and to offset the number of individuals who are typically disqualified by drug tests, background checks, and driving records, more than three applicants may be invited to group interview. In such a group interview, however, it is still true that only the top scoring applicants are invited. If more than three people are invited, the group first undergoes basic qualifying steps that usually reduce the number of applicants to something close to the three applicants called for by policy. These remaining few applicants then go through the traditional interview process.

Before the Interview 

Your interview invitation should include an email address for the Postmaster or other authority who will interview you. Before the interview you should email this person to express (in your own words) excitement about the interview and eagerness to become a Postal employee and a contributing team member. Postmasters tell us that such messages make a very positive impression, but very few applicants send them.

Interview Tips  Below are basic tips that are applicable to most interviews.  Following these tips are suggestions from Postal hiring authorities about what to bring and about asking questions.

• Arrive early. Do not be late!

• Remember that first impressions are lasting.

• Your personal appearance, grooming, attitude, and behavior are being

examined.

• Do not chew gum or use any type of tobacco product during the interview.

• Establish eye contact with the interviewer. Failure to do so leaves a poor

impression.v

• Be attentive and interested.

• Try to relax. Speak clearly and in a normal tone of voice.

• Do not respond too quickly. Pause to think before answering.

• Be prepared to answer honestly about past work experiences and work relationships.

• Do not make excuses for past mistakes. Show that you have learned from them.

• Be prepared to discuss why you want a Postal career and what you can

contribute.

• Thank the interviewer for his/her time. Make his/her last impression of you

favorable.

Bring Copies of Your Resume & Application

You should print and bring several copies of your resume and of your application. Also bring a binder / pad-folio / portfolio - or at least a

folder - to hold these items. Postal hiring authorities unanimously agree that being prepared in this fashion makes a very good impression. You want copies of your resume and application in case the interviewer(s) does not have them on hand during the interview. When there are multiple interviewers, one or more of them may not have even seen your resume or application yet. It can also be beneficial for you to have copies on hand when drawing attention to a particular item on the resume or application to make a point about your qualifications. 

Bring Pen & Paper for Making Notes

Hiring authorities say that you should bring pen and paper (a tablet) so you can make notes and that you should indeed make a few notes. Making notes shows you are keenly interested and motivated. But do not make continuous notes like you may have done in school.  Constantly making notes is distracting, interrupts the interview, and prevents you from actively participating.

Ask Questions

Postal hiring authorities say that asking relevant questions is very important. You should thoroughly review the job posting and the KSAs of the job prior to the interview. Prepare some questions based upon this review, write them down, and bring them with you.  Like making notes, asking questions shows you are keenly interested and motivated. But also like making notes, do not interrupt the interview with constant frivolous questions. Ask only truly relevant questions. Hiring authorities virtually always ask if you have questions at the end of the interview. Saying “No” is a big turn off. You absolutely should have some questions to ask. And as long as you do not constantly interrupt the interview with questions, asking a few at appropriate points during the interview is good also.

Interview Questions & Answers 

Next we will cover questions typically asked in Postal interviews that can be difficult for many applicants.

1. Many interviewers start out with one simple request can scare applicants to death: “Tell me about yourself”. When faced with this request, most people freeze up and cannot think of an appropriate response. And the first few seconds of an interview are critical. Right or wrong, hiring decisions are often based upon first impressions. So, you are going to compose your response right now. You are going to create an “Elevator Pitch”.

Elevator Pitch is a term sales reps use. An Elevator Pitch is a hard-hitting brief sales pitch used when trying to make a favorable impact in a matter of seconds. Picture a sales rep who bumps into a prospective customer in an elevator. The rep has only seconds to make his pitch, so he must make every second count. Now picture yourself hearing “Tell me about yourself” and needing a similar brief hard-hitting reply. That reply is your personal Elevator Pitch.

Remember, this interview is not about you. It is about them and their needs. It is about how you can fulfill their needs better than other applicants. Your Elevator Pitch should be a brief recap of your background and qualifications that will enable you to be a valuable employee - your background, work experience, etc. An Elevator Pitch should say nothing of your personal life except for perhaps pointing out personal attributes like diligence, motivation, work ethic, etc. An Elevator Pitch must be positive and upbeat, and goals are important. Your goals should include becoming a productive and valued member of the Postal organization (or your own words to that effect). You might mention how this has long been one of your goals and how personally rewarding it would be to finally achieve this goal (or your own words to that effect).

Review the job posting and the KSAs for the job before creating your Elevator Pitch. As much as possible, you want your Elevator Pitch to

demonstrate how your experience and qualifications make you a perfect match for the job.

2. Another common frustrating question is “Where do you see yourself in

_______?” The time period might be a number of months or a number of years. Regardless of the period of time, your reply should reflect a goal of long term employment with the Postal Service and the prospect for growth within the organization. Your answer should not include anything about your personal life. This is a professional interview, not a personal interview.

3. Perhaps one of the most difficult interview questions is “What are your

weaknesses?” Some people suggest that you actually point out a strength and use it as a weakness. For instance, you could say that you are a little too much of a perfectionist and that you are trying to get a better grip on this issue. In effect, you just turned a negative into a positive by putting a spin on your answer. The problem with that answer is that they will not respect it because they can see right through it.

A better plan would be to answer with a minor weakness (never a major one) and explain how you are working to resolve it.  For instance, you might say your weakness is that you sometimes get bogged down in the lesser details of an issue and that this can delay completion of a project. Then follow up by saying that you have recently been focusing more on the big picture, on the goal of the project, and that this helps you resolve smaller details more quickly and effectively.

You obviously must prepare in advance for this question. Give it serious thought. Review the job posting and the KSAs to assure your response is relevant.

4. When interviewing for a delivery job, applicants are frequently asked how they would react if confronted by a bad dog. Below is a quote from the official Postal policy on this topic:

“Postal employees must not risk personal injury during mail delivery because of animals. If unsafe conditions exist, report them to your supervisor at once.”

The best response to this question would therefore be to postpone delivery until supervisory advice can be obtained in order to avoid an on-the-job injury or incident.

5. Applicants are often asked how they would handle a customer complaint or

angry customer. Postal policy on this topic is paraphrased below. If asked such a question at your interview, respond by describing this policy in your own words.

• LISTEN. Angry customers typically do not expect a great response and are generally made happier if they simply see that you care and are actually

listening to what they have to say.

• APOLOGIZE for whatever issue the customer experienced.

• VALIDATE the customer and assure full understanding by briefly and concisely

repeating the complaint. You can start out something like this: “So if I

understand correctly …”

• RESOLVE the issue immediately if it is within your authority to do so.

• REFER the customer to a higher authority who can resolve the issue if a

resolution is beyond your control and provide the appropriate contact info and/

or forms. This may be as simple as having the customer talk with your Postmaster, or the customer may need to seek assistance at a higher level. And

tell the customer to reach out to you again for help if a resolution is not

forthcoming.

6. Interviewers may ask you to name a previous job similar to the position applied

for and to describe how that experience will contribute to your performance when working for the Postal Service.  Prepare in advance to respond to the request.

7.  Rural Carrier Associates may be required to use a personal vehicle for delivering mail, but they are generously compensated on a per mile basis. This means they need a reliable vehicle consistently available. In an interview for this position, applicants are often asked what they would do

if their vehicle broke down on the way to work. The response, worded in a fashion appropriate to your circumstances, should demonstrate that you would somehow gain access to another vehicle and fulfill your duties without delay. For instance, if you are married, you might say that you would call your spouse, have him/her pick you up, and then use the spouse vehicle to make deliveries.

8. In an interview for a technical maintenance position, you will naturally be

asked about technical maintenance topics. If you know the answer, respond with confidence. But if you do not know the answer, do not try to bluff your way out of it. It is always better to be honest, to admit you are not familiar with that particular matter, and to state you are certainly eager to learn about it. The technical maintenance experts conducting the interview will catch you every time if you try to bluff them. The interviewer will certainly know the correct answer to any question asked and will realize immediately that you do not. Bluffing will probably cause you to get an unfavorable interview rating and to lose the job.

9. Other common questions are “Why do you want to work for the USPS?” or

“Why should I hire you?” which are basically the same question. The general purpose of the interview is to determine if your qualifications and motivation are a match for the USPS as a whole and for the position to be filled in particular.  And that is exactly what they hope to learn when asking these questions. You response should be a combination of professional and personal content.

This is another question that requires advance preparation. And your Elevator Pitch we discussed earlier will play into this question as well. As always, a thorough review of the job posting and the KSAs is needed along with a review of your work history, your qualifications, and your goals. 

You need to talk as specifically about how your experience and qualifications fit ideally with the job description, how working for the USPS would be a great match and perhaps enable you to expand on

your qualifications while exceeding their performance goals, and how these are some of the reasons (1) why you want to work for the USPS and (2) why they should hire you. 

On a personal note, you might mention something about how you have learned that not all jobs are equal and not all jobs truly offer career potential. Follow up with something like, toward that end, based upon many things you have heard and upon your research, you have come to recognize (1) that working with USPS is not merely a job, it is indeed a career with the potential for growth and great benefits and (2) you have reached a point in your life where you realize that establishing long term goals and having a real career are essential. 

10. Expect to be asked “What would you do if a supervisor asked you to do something that you think is not safe?”  The best answer for this question is that you would ask your supervisor about how to manage it in the safest fashion and what USPS safety regulations are involved. By doing so, without directly challenging your supervisor, you have raised the issue of safety and indirectly expressed your concern about safety.

11. “What is your greatest accomplishment?” is frequently asked. Again, start with a review of the job description and the KSAs. Pick an accomplishment in previous job that relates to the Postal job you seek.

12. Be ready to answer “Why did you leave your last job?” or “Why are you

planning to leave your current job?” Do not say anything negative about your last or current job or about the management there! There is no room in an employment interview for negativity. Everything must be positive and upbeat. Even if you must make something up, your answer should include such things as better opportunities, growth possibilities, career potential, a chance to expand or build upon your skills and qualifications, etc. You get the idea. Always be positive and answer in a positive fashion.

How to Dress for Your Interview 

Over the years we have surveyed many Postal hiring authorities about how applicants should dress for an interview. The below comments are the results of these surveys.

Literally every hiring authority started by saying applicants should dress “professionally”. When hearing this word used so unanimously, it quickly became obvious that “professional” attire is one of the keys to a favorable interview rating.

Many of those surveyed shared stories of applicants who came to interviews in jeans, shorts, tee shirts, halter tops, or ragged old clothes that looked like he/or she had just finished mowing the grass or changing the oil in their car. An applicant who dresses in this fashion for an interview has already lost the job.

Each time we heard the word “professionally”, we asked what exactly does that mean. The answers were again virtually unanimous:

• Men should wear dress shoes, slacks, a dress shirt, and a tie. Your clothes

should of course be clean, pressed, and presentable. A tie is not absolutely

required, but it is highly recommended. Those surveyed were again virtually

unanimous in saying that … if forced to choose between two similarly qualified applicants … if one wore a tie and the other did not … the applicant with a tie

would be chosen because he appeared to be more motivated, professional, etc.

• Whatever ensemble a woman chooses, it should be an equivalent conservative professional outfit. Note that it should be “conservative”. A number of those

surveyed told stories of women who came to interviews in inappropriate

clothing that was too revealing or overly formfitting. Wearing such attire to an

interview raises many red flags and will virtually guarantee that you do not get the job.

Note: Most Postal applicants are seeking entry-level positions. The above comments on interview attire are directed to these applicants. People applying for professional corporate jobs are expected to dress at a somewhat higher level. For instance, the expected dress code for men interviewing for professional corporate jobs would be suit and tie.

After the Interview  You should send the interviewer a thank you note within 24 hours. As with the message sent before the interview, this note should express your eagerness to become a Postal employee and a contributing team member. Very importantly, to display your motivation and qualifications and to demonstrate that you indeed paid attention during the interview, this message should mention specific topics discussed in the interview. As with sending a note before the interview, hiring authorities say that such messages make a very positive impression, but very few applicants send them.

Killer KSAs  During the interview, you are expected to display mastery of the KSAs relevant to the job you applied for. Following are KSAs for all entry level jobs.  It is imperative that you review the KSAs for the job you seek very closely and demonstrate your mastery of those KSAs at your interview.

General KSAs Applicable to All Jobs • Ability to communicate orally refers to expressing spoken ideas or facts clearly

and logically when answering questions, giving instructions, and providing information.

• Ability to identify and analyze problems by gathering information from both

oral and written sources and developing an appropriate course of action to resolve the situation.

• Ability to perform basic mathematical computations refers to performing basic

calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with

whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.

• Ability to reference, comprehend, and use information refers to gathering

information from both oral and written sources, retaining it for future use,

providing it in response to request (e.g., on forms), and using to identify the appropriate course of action to resolve a situation.

• Ability to safely perform the duties common to the position.

• Ability to work and deal with people sufficiently to work cooperatively and

interact positively with customers and/or coworkers, as well as responding appropriately to changing conditions or unique customer and/or coworker

situations.

• Ability to work independently refers to following either spoken or written

instructions or directions, multitasking, and organizing time effectively to perform work assignments, either with or without direct supervision.

• Demonstrating conscientiousness and initiative refers to taking care in

performing work assignments and working toward task completion.

KSAs for Processing, Distribution & Delivery Jobs This category of jobs includes the following positions whether they are posted as career, entry level, or non-career jobs.

• City Carrier

• Data Conversion Operator

• Mail Handler

• Mail Processing Clerk

• Rural Carrier

• Sales, Service & Distribution Associate

Following is a collection of various KSAs we have seen published for these type jobs. It will be obvious that several of these KSAs are more relevant to some positions than to others. For instance, customer service related KSAs will have little to do with Mail Handlers, Mail Processing Clerks, and Data Conversion Operators who never deal with the public.

• Ability to carry out operational plans and procedures within the framework of

policy. Ability to obtain and interpret relevant facts; analyze problems, complaints, and suggestions and take appropriate action or escalate, when

necessary, to the Manager, Post Office Operations.

• Ability to communicate orally refers to expressing spoken ideas or facts clearly

and logically when answering questions, giving instructions, and providing information.

• Ability to conduct operations in an attitude of responsive service to customers.

Ability to present a favorable Postal Service image to the community. Ability to

comprehend and communicate information, both orally and in writing. Knowledge of operating procedures and standards, postal rates and classes, and

commonly encountered customer needs.

• Ability to sell ideas, positions, and recommendations to others. Ability to

interact tactfully and relate well with others.

• Ability to exercise courtesy and self-control in providing appropriate customer

service to accomplish established goals of the functional area.

• Ability to interact with a variety of customers to gather information, evaluate

service needs and respond appropriately to unique customer situations.

• Ability to perform basic mathematical computations refers to performing basic

calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with

whole numbers, fractions and decimals.

• Ability to plan operations over appropriate time periods, taking into account

variations in workload and available resources. Ability to adjust work activities

and schedules to meet emergency operations.

• Ability to reference, comprehend and use information refers to gathering information from both oral and written sources, retaining it for future use,

providing it in response to request (e.g., on forms), and using it to identify the

appropriate course of action to resolve a situation based upon postal laws, regulations, and current procedures.

• Ability to safely perform the duties common to the position.

• Ability to sell products and services includes providing timely and courteous

customer service, persuasive selling to customer needs, providing product information, creating/maintaining an aesthetically pleasing retail environment

and completing sales transactions.

• Ability to use technology-based business equipment, such as calculation equipment or computers sufficient to process customer transactions, input

data, and produce numeric and written reports.

• Ability to work and deal with people sufficiently to work cooperatively and

interact positively with customers, co-workers, as well as responding appropriately to changing conditions or unique customer or coworker

situations.

• Ability to work independently refers to following either spoken or written

instructions or directions, multitasking and organizing time effectively to

perform work assignments, either with or without direct supervision.

• Demonstrating conscientiousness and initiative refers to taking care in

performing work assignments and working toward task completion.

• Knowledge of financial procedures such as the terminology, materials,

techniques, and procedures used in maintaining accurate records of disbursements, receipts and other financial information and loss prevention.

• Knowledge of postal products and services including appropriate Postal

regulations regarding mail service (e.g., domestic and international mail

requirements, classes of mail).

• Knowledge of safety procedures needed to ensure that safe working conditions

are maintained. Knowledge of procedures and techniques established to avoid

injuries to self, employees (if applicable), and customers. Knowledge of normal accident prevention measures and emergency procedures.

In addition to the above, Data Conversion Operator applicants are expected to display mastery of the below specific KSAs.

• Knowledge of computer systems

• Ability to follow instructions

• Ability to communicate

• Ability to work with others

• Ability to key data on a computer terminal at a rate of 35 correct lines within

five minutes

KSAs for Motor Vehicle Operator / Tractor Trailer Operator Jobs This discussion covers Motor Vehicle Operator / Tractor Trailer Operator positions whether they are posted as career, entry level, or non-career. There are no published KSAs for these jobs. Qualification for these jobs is confirmed by responses to the questions on exam/questionnaire 230/238/240.

KSAs for Automotive Mechanic/Technician Jobs

Below are the KSAs for Automotive Mechanic and Automotive Technician positions whether they are posted as career, entry level, or non-career.

• Knowledge of automotive fuel systems refers to the terminology, characteristics, and operation of fuel delivery systems, and related assemblies,

such as fuel pumps, turbochargers, superchargers, inter- coolers, fuel

injectors, and the interface of the fuel system with electronic controls.

• Knowledge of automotive emission control systems refers to the terminology, characteristics, and operation of emission control systems as they relate to

overall engine operation and performance specifications and conformance to

environmental quality regulations.

• Knowledge of engine systems refers to the terminology, characteristics, and operation of engine valves, piston assemblies, engine bearings, cylinders,

cylinder heads, cylinder blocks, crankshaft assemblies, compression ignition,

and cooling system.

• Knowledge of automotive power train systems refers to the terminology,

characteristics, and operation of such components as clutches, universal joints,

manual and computer enhanced automatic transmission systems, differentials,

and drive axles.

• Knowledge of automotive suspension systems refers to the terminology,

characteristics, and operation of standard and computerized/air- controlled

suspension, and standard and power assisted steering, as well as wheel alignment systems and steering geometry.

• Knowledge of automotive braking systems refers to the terminology,

characteristics, and operation of air and hydraulically actuated braking

components such as cylinders, valves, linkage, calipers, sensors and control modules and anti-lock brake systems.

• Ability to use technical reference materials and technical manuals refers to

reading, comprehending, and interpreting technical information, such as illustrated parts breakdown, checklists, flow charts, electronic media, and

schematics.

• Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose malfunctions in automotive components or

systems refers to a proficiency in observing, testing, analyzing, and isolating sources of trouble in automotive systems or their components, such as

electrical/electronic systems, engine, power train, fuel delivery, and

suspension and braking systems through the use of appropriate automotive test

equipment.

• Ability to use automotive test equipment refers to the knowledge of, and proficiency with, various types of electrical/electronic diagnostic test

equipment, such as voltage/amperage testers (VAT), multimeters (VOM), test

lights, scanners, gas analyzers, etc.

• Ability to use mechanical test equipment and hand tools refers to the knowledge of, and proficiency with, various types of mechanical diagnostic test

equipment and hand tools, such as micrometers, calipers, pressure gauges, etc.

• Ability to make minor repairs to automotive components or systems refers to a

proficiency in replacing parts or making adjustments to automotive systems or their components, such as electrical/ignition, emissions, fuel delivery, engine,

suspensions, power train, braking systems, intake, exhaust, and starting aids.

• Ability to make major repairs to automotive components or systems refers to a proficiency in overhauling or rebuilding automotive systems or their

components, such as power train, engine, fuel delivery, suspension, and

braking systems.

KSAs for Custodial Maintenance Jobs Custodial Maintenance postings, whether for career, entry level, or non-career jobs, do not usually include KSAs. A Postal human resources manager once told us that the below items are the only requirements expected of Custodial applicants:

• Basic English competency.

• Ability to work from heights - the ability to perform safely and efficiently the duties of the position above floor level such as from ladders, catwalks,

walkways, scaffolds, vert-a-lifts, and platforms.

•

KSAs for Area Maintenance Technician, Building Equipment Mechanic, and Maintenance Mechanic Jobs Whether posted as career, entry level, or non-career jobs, KSAs for Area Maintenance Technician, Building Equipment Mechanic, and Maintenance Mechanic jobs include the following.

• Ability to adjust to new conditions, situations or technology; to move easily

from one topic to another; to accept change; to be flexible with regard to

viewpoint.

• Ability to be conscientious to carry out job tasks; to be responsible and

dependable; to take care in performing routine and novel tasks; to track

details; to check that all work is accurate and complete; to record information

accurately.

• Ability to comprehend spatial relations as required to perform maintenance

work; to form three-dimensional mental pictures of objects; to know what an

object would look like when viewed from a different angle; to determine if

something will fit in a specified area. This may include the ability to use technical drawings (e.g. diagrams, blueprints and schematics).

• Ability to demonstrate mechanical comprehension to learn and apply

mechanical principles, including a working knowledge of basic mechanical operations (such as levers and pulleys) and the application of physical laws

(such as force and gravity). This includes knowledge in the following areas: (A)

Power transmission—such as gears, sprockets and chains, belts and pulleys; (B)

Power translation—such as cams and cam followers, linkages, springs; (C) Friction reduction—such as bushings, bearings; (D) Fasteners—such as screws,

nuts and bolts, pins, rings, clips, couplings.

• Ability to demonstrate organizational commitment to the public service goals and mission of the Postal Service.

• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships; to work with

teams; to help others; to accept suggestions; to treat others with dignity and

respect.

• Ability to follow oral and written directions, instructions, rules, policies and/or

procedures correctly and in order.

• Ability to learn and comprehend new or unfamiliar material; to use multiple approaches to grasp or learn the implication of new information; to quickly

incorporate information and ideas.

• Ability to perform mathematical calculations such as addition, subtraction,

multiplication, and division correctly; to solve practical problems by selecting from a variety of mathematical techniques such as formulas and percentages.

• Ability to read and comprehend job related written materials; this also includes

the ability to locate, read, and comprehend text material such as handbooks,

manuals, bulletins, directives, checklists, and route sheets. Ability to communicate work related information in writing to complete forms or provide

routine and technical information (e.g., in business letters, reports, e-mails,

memos and technical reports/documents).

• Ability to remember material learned earlier refers to the ability to recall specific information and/or theoretical knowledge and apply it to mechanical,

electrical, or electronic maintenance work such as inspection, troubleshooting,

equipment repair and modification, preventive maintenance, and installation

of electrical equipment.

• Ability to speak to others in a clear, concise, and organized manner to convey

information effectively; to respond to questions appropriately; to listen to

what other people are saying and ask questions to ensure understanding refers to receiving/transmitting oral information (such as equipment status,

recommended repairs or modifications, parts usage, and technical procedures)

to/from maintenance, operations, and other personnel.

• Ability to work from heights refers to the ability to perform safely and efficiently the duties of the position above floor level such as from ladders,

catwalks, walkways, scaffolds, vert-a-lifts, and platforms.

• Ability to work independently; to remain focused to produce quality work under time pressure or other stressors.

• Knowledge and ability to use test equipment, gauges or tools to take

measurements to perform maintenance work.

• Knowledge and ability to use various hand or portable power tools in performing mechanical, electrical, electronic or other maintenance work; this

may include the use of shop power equipment. This ability includes the safe

and efficient use and maintenance of such tools as screwdrivers, wrenches, hammers, pliers, chisels, punches, taps, dies, rules, gauges, and alignment

tools; refers to the knowledge of, and proficiency with, various power tools;

the ability also involves the safe and efficient use and maintenance of power

tools such as drills, saws, sanders, and grinders; refers to the knowledge of, and proficiency with, shop machines such as bench grinders, drill presses, and

table/band saws.

• Knowledge of and ability to follow safety and security procedures for

performing maintenance work. This includes knowledge of industrial hazards

(e.g., mechanical, chemical, electrical, electronic) and procedures and techniques established to avoid injuries to self and others such as lock out

devices, protective clothing, and waste disposal techniques. Knowledge of

cleaning and lubrication materials and procedures including storage,

preparation and disposal and proper Personal Protective Equipment; this includes knowledge related to: (A) Lubrication materials—such as oils, greases,

etc., (B) Lubrication procedures—as in application techniques, storage,

disposal, etc., This also includes knowledge related to: (A) Cleaning materials -

such as alcohols, solvents, detergents, degreasers and (B) Cleaning procedures - as in hand methods, machine methods (compressed air, vacuum cleaners).

• Knowledge of basic electricity principles; this includes knowledge of Ohms law,

Kirchoffs law, AC-DC circuitry, relays, switches, and circuit breakers. Knowledge of the National Electrical Code may be required for employees in a skilled

position; this also includes knowledge of techniques and procedures as used in

electrical installations and maintenance (circuit protection, wiring, conduits,

etc.).

KSAs for Electronic Technician jobs Whether posted as career, entry level, or non-career jobs, KSAs for Electronic Technician jobs include the following.

• Ability to adjust to new conditions, situations or technology; to move easily

from one topic to another; to accept change; to be flexible with regard to

viewpoint.

• Ability to be conscientious to carry out job tasks; to be responsible and

dependable; to take care in performing routine and novel tasks; to track

details; to check that all work is accurate and complete; to record information accurately.

• Ability to comprehend spatial relations as required to perform maintenance

work; to form three-dimensional mental pictures of objects; to know what an

object would look like when viewed from a different angle; to determine if something will fit in a specified area. This may include the ability to use

technical drawings (e.g. diagrams, blueprints and schematics).

• Ability to demonstrate mechanical comprehension to learn and apply

mechanical principles, including a working knowledge of basic mechanical

operations (such as levers and pulleys) and the application of physical laws (such as force and gravity). This includes knowledge in the following areas: (A)

Power transmission—such as gears, sprockets and chains, belts and pulleys; (B)

Power translation—such as cams and cam followers, linkages, springs; (C)

Friction reduction such as bushings, bearings; (D) Fasteners—such as screws, nuts and bolts, pins, rings, clips, couplings.

• Ability to demonstrate organizational commitment to the public service goals

and mission of the Postal Service.

• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships; to work with teams; to help others; to accept suggestions; to treat others with dignity and

respect.

• Ability to follow oral and written directions, instructions, rules, policies and/or procedures correctly and in order.

• Ability to learn and comprehend new or unfamiliar material; to use multiple

approaches to grasp or learn the implication of new information; to quickly

incorporate information and ideas.

• Ability to perform mathematical calculations such as addition, subtraction,

multiplication, and division correctly; to solve practical problems by selecting

from a variety of mathematical techniques such as formulas and percentages.

• Ability to read and comprehend job related written materials; this also includes

the ability to locate, read, and comprehend text material such as handbooks,

manuals, bulletins, directives, checklists, and route sheets. Ability to

communicate work related information in writing to complete forms or provide routine and technical information (e.g., in business letters, reports, e-mails,

memos and technical reports/documents).

• Ability to remember material learned earlier refers to the ability to recall specific information and/or theoretical knowledge and apply it to mechanical,

electrical, or electronic maintenance work such as inspection, troubleshooting,

equipment repair and modification, preventive maintenance, and installation

of electrical equipment.

• Ability to speak to others in a clear, concise, and organized manner to convey

information effectively; to respond to questions appropriately; to listen to

what other people are saying and ask questions to ensure understanding refers

to receiving/transmitting oral information (such as equipment status,

recommended repairs or modifications, parts usage, and technical procedures) to/from maintenance, operations, and other personnel.

• Ability to work from heights refers to the ability to perform safely and

efficiently the duties of the position above floor level such as from ladders,

catwalks, walkways, scaffolds, vert-a-lifts, and platforms.

• Ability to work independently; to remain focused to produce quality work

under time pressure or other stressors.

• Knowledge and ability to use test equipment, gauges or tools to take

measurements to perform maintenance work.

• Knowledge and ability to use various hand or portable power tools in

performing mechanical, electrical, electronic or other maintenance work; this

may include the use of shop power equipment. This ability includes the safe and efficient use and maintenance of such tools as screwdrivers, wrenches,

hammers, pliers, chisels, punches, taps, dies, rules, gauges, and alignment

tools; refers to the knowledge of, and proficiency with, various power tools;

the ability also involves the safe and efficient use and maintenance of power tools such as drills, saws, sanders, and grinders; refers to the knowledge of,

and proficiency with, shop machines such as bench grinders, drill presses, and

table/band saws.

• Knowledge of and ability to follow safety and security procedures for

performing maintenance work. This includes knowledge of industrial hazards

(e.g., mechanical, chemical, electrical, electronic) and procedures and

techniques established to avoid injuries to self and others such as lock out devices, protective clothing, and waste disposal techniques.

• Knowledge of basic electricity principles; this includes knowledge of Ohms law,

Kirchoffs law, AC-DC circuitry, relays, switches, and circuit breakers. Knowledge of the National Electrical Code may be required for employees in a skilled

position; this also includes knowledge of techniques and procedures as used in

electrical installations and maintenance (circuit protection, wiring, conduits,

etc.).

• Knowledge of cleaning and lubrication materials and procedures including

storage, preparation and disposal and proper Personal Protective Equipment;

this includes knowledge related to: (A) Lubrication materials—such as oils,

greases, etc., (B) Lubrication procedures—as in application techniques,

storage, disposal, etc., This also includes knowledge related to: (A) Cleaning materials - such as alcohols, solvents, detergents, degreasers and (B) Cleaning

procedures - as in hand methods, machine methods (compressed air, vacuum

cleaners).

KSAs for Mail Processing Equipment Maintenance Mechanic Jobs Whether posted as career, entry level, or non-career jobs, KSAs for Mail Processing Equipment Maintenance Mechanic jobs include the following.

• Ability to adjust to new conditions, situations or technology; to move easily

from one topic to another; to accept change; to be flexible with regard to viewpoint.

• Ability to be conscientious to carry out job tasks; to be responsible and

dependable; to take care in performing routine and novel tasks; to track details; to check that all work is accurate and complete; to record information

accurately.

• Ability to communicate work related information in writing to complete forms

or provide routine and technical information (e.g., in business letters, reports, e-mails, memos and technical reports/documents).

• Ability to comprehend spatial relations as required to perform maintenance

work; to form three-dimensional mental pictures of objects; to know what an

object would look like when viewed from a different angle; to determine if something will fit in a specified area. This may include the ability to use

technical drawings (e.g. diagrams, blueprints and schematics).

• Ability to demonstrate mechanical comprehension to learn and apply mechanical principles, including a working knowledge of basic mechanical

operations (such as levers and pulleys) and the application of physical laws

(such as force and gravity). This includes knowledge in the following areas: (A)

Power transmission—such as gears, sprockets and chains, belts and pulleys; (B) Power translation—such as cams and cam followers, linkages, springs; (C)

Friction reduction—such as bushings, bearings; (D) Fasteners—such as screws,

nuts and bolts, pins, rings, clips, couplings.

• Ability to demonstrate organizational commitment to the public service goals

and mission of the Postal Service.

• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships; to work with teams; to help others; to accept suggestions; to treat others with dignity and

respect.

• Ability to follow oral and written directions, instructions, rules, policies and/or

procedures correctly and in order.

• Ability to learn and comprehend new or unfamiliar material; to use multiple

approaches to grasp or learn the implication of new information; to quickly

incorporate information and ideas.

• Ability to perform mathematical calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division correctly; to solve practical problems by selecting

from a variety of mathematical techniques such as formulas and percentages.

• Ability to read and comprehend job related written materials; this also includes the ability to locate, read, and comprehend text material such as handbooks,

manuals, bulletins, directives, checklists, and route sheets.

• Ability to remember material learned earlier refers to the ability to recall

specific information and/or theoretical knowledge and apply it to mechanical, electrical, or electronic maintenance work such as inspection, troubleshooting,

equipment repair and modification, preventive maintenance, and installation

of electrical equipment.

• Ability to speak to others in a clear, concise, and organized manner to convey

information effectively; to respond to questions appropriately; to listen to

what other people are saying and ask questions to ensure understanding refers

to receiving/transmitting oral information (such as equipment status, recommended repairs or modifications, parts usage, and technical procedures)

to/from maintenance, operations, and other personnel.

• Ability to think logically and critically; to understand the relevance of information; to identify relationships between information and data.

• Ability to think of possible causes for problems and find solutions; to choose

the best course of action; to make a decision without delay when the

opportunity arises or when all desired information is not available.

• Ability to troubleshoot problems to analyze the root cause of a specific error

and decide what action to take to prevent recurrence; to back track from a

specific problem to identify the source of the error.

• Ability to work from heights refers to the ability to perform safely and

efficiently the duties of the position above floor level such as from ladders,

catwalks, walkways, scaffolds, vert-a-lifts, and platforms.

• Ability to work independently; to remain focused to produce quality work under time pressure or other stressors.

• Knowledge and ability to use test equipment, gauges or tools to take

measurements and/or to take measurements with electrical or electronic test

equipment (such as VOMs, oscilloscopes, amprobes) to perform maintenance work; this includes various.

• Knowledge and ability to use various hand or portable power tools in

performing mechanical, electrical, electronic or other maintenance work; this may include the use of shop power equipment. This ability includes the safe

and efficient use and maintenance of such tools as screwdrivers, wrenches,

hammers, pliers, chisels, punches, taps, dies, rules, gauges, and alignment

tools; refers to the knowledge of, and proficiency with, various power tools; the ability also involves the safe and efficient use and maintenance of power

tools such as drills, saws, sanders, and grinders; refers to the knowledge of,

and proficiency with, shop machines such as bench grinders, drill presses, and table/band saws.

• Knowledge of and ability to follow safety and security procedures for

performing maintenance work This includes knowledge of industrial hazards

(e.g., mechanical, chemical, electrical, electronic) and procedures and techniques established to avoid injuries to self and others such as lock out

devices, protective clothing, and waste disposal techniques.

• Knowledge of basic electricity principles; this includes knowledge of Ohms law, Kirchoffs law, AC-DC circuitry, relays, switches, and circuit breakers. Knowledge

of the National Electrical Code may be required for employees in a skilled

position; this also includes knowledge of techniques and procedures as used in

electrical installations and maintenance (circuit protection, wiring, conduits, etc.).

• Knowledge of cleaning and lubrication materials and procedures including

storage, preparation and disposal and proper Personal Protective Equipment;

this includes knowledge related to: (A) Lubrication materials—such as oils, greases, etc., (B) Lubrication procedures—as in application techniques,

storage, disposal, etc., This also includes knowledge related to: (A) Cleaning

materials - such as alcohols, solvents, detergents, degreasers and (B) Cleaning

procedures - as in hand methods, machine methods (compressed air, vacuum cleaners).

• Knowledge of electronic principles; this includes knowledge of (A) basic logic

gates, symbology, resistors, memory, encoders, decoders, etc.; (B) Hardware/

components - such as solid state devices (diodes, transistors, etc.), coils, capacitors, etc.; (C) Digital circuit components - as in registers, adders,

counters, memories, flip-flops, encoders, decoders, etc.; and D) AC and DC

circuitry - as in circuit analysis, schematic interpretation, etc.