Congratulations on your new career with the United States Postal Service (USPS)! As a leader in delivery services in the US, the Post Office prides itself on both tradition and innovation. I want to provide you with some helpful guidance so you can successfully pass your 90-day probationary period.
As an expert in retail and consumer issues, I’ve helped countless newly hired employees understand workplace policies and supervision protocols. Consider me your coach and advisor as you transition into this dynamic organization. I’ll outline key details on the probation process and share some best practices to set you up for success. Let’s get started!
An Overview of the USPS Probation Period
First, let’s review some quick facts on postal probation from the USPS Employee & Labor Relations Manual:[†]
| Position | Probation Length |
|---|---|
| Bargaining Unit Career Appointments | 90 calendar days |
| Non-Bargaining Unit Career Appointments | 1 year (continuous service) |
| Postal Inspectors | 2 years |
The key things to note are that probation periods differ across Post Office jobs and they are meant as final assessments of your fit and performance. So what exactly happens during this trial phase?
Key Purposes and Processes of Probation
The probationary period serves several important purposes for the USPS:[‡]
- Evaluation: Supervisors observe and analyze your abilities to do the job.
- Training: You learn job duties through training and direct experience.
- Correction: Supervisors take action to address any performance issues.
- Documentation: Management documents all performance deficiencies.
- Termination: The USPS can dismiss probationary staff without appeal rights.
Therefore, probation is an opportunity for both evaluation and growth. Your manager will assess strengths and weaknesses while also providing guidance to help you meet expectations.
For example, after a day of mail processing training, your supervisor might review the quality and pace of your work. He would then offer feedback and additional coaching to improve any problem areas.
Let’s explore common supervision, training, and evaluation processes new USPS employees can expect.
Stepped-Up Supervision & Evaluation
During your first months, you’ll likely have increased oversight as managers analyze your abilities. This may include:
- Job shadowing: Watching experienced employees do tasks.
- Review sessions: Discussing your progress and issues.
- Performance memos: Written commentary on achievements or needs improvement. These are important documents that should go in your employee file.
- Higher inspection rates: Managers checking your work more frequently during early days.
While comprehensive monitoring can feel uncomfortable at first, it ensures you learn properly and helps prevent small problems from ballooning into larger issues. These processes protect both you and the Post Office. Consider supervision an opportunity for constructive feedback.
Extensive Job Training
In addition to supervision, you will go through extensive postal training designed to set you up for success. Training methods may include:
- Formal classroom training: Lectures on job duties, postal regulations, equipment use, safety protocols and more. You will have to pass exams to demonstrate understanding.
- On-the-job training: Side-by-side guidance from experienced employees on how to perform your specific duties. This hands-on learning allows you to gain competency.
- Temporary assignments: You may have the chance to try different roles to discover your strengths and interests while expanding your knowledge.
As a new employee, never hesitate to ask for more training time in unclear areas. It displays engagement and commitment. With multiple learning avenues available, take full advantage so you can gain expertise and confidence.
Key Tips for Making It Through Probation
While supervision processes are mandatory, there are certain success strategies within your control as well. Let’s discuss best practices for new hires navigating probation:
Demonstrate Clear Commitment
Postal management wants to see you are excited to be part of the team. You can showcase commitment through:
- Perfect attendance: Arrive early and avoid any unapproved absences during your first months. This displays dedication.
- Willingness to work extra: Offer to pick up an occasional extra shift even on short notice or cover others’ breaks. This above-and-beyond effort will be noticed and appreciated.
- Initiative with job duties: Take on all duties with zeal and look for opportunities to learn new skills that make you more useful.
- Engaged questions: Ask insightful questions that show you want to truly understand policies and procedures.
Embrace Feedback & Continual Growth
Be actively coachable and responsive to manager input. Key areas to address:
- Receive criticism with grace: Do not get defensive about developmental feedback. Thank supervisors for their guidance and invest advice back into your performance.
- Admit weaknesses: We all have room for improvement, so own your shortcomings rather than making excuses and then focus energy on growth areas.
- Ask for input: Check in regularly with leadership for their perspective on your competencies and solicit suggestions for improvement.
- Leverage available training: If you struggle with any aspect of your role, request more job training or job shadowing opportunities. This further displays commitment.
Postal management will be impressed by self-driven employees who take ownership of their career trajectory rather than waiting for direction.
Understand Expectations & Metrics
Be very clear on what exactly will be measured during your probation review. Key aspects may include:
- Quality of work: How accurate, complete, and meticulous is your job performance? Managers will inspect and analyze metrics like processing errors, misdeliveries, safety violations etc. Know the standards.
- Pace/volume of work: How productive are you? Postal roles usually have quotas or goals for daily volume of mail sorted or delivered in a given time. Ensure you know targets and aim to consistently meet or beat them.
- Job knowledge: How well do you comprehend policy, procedures, regulations, equipment etc? Probation evaluations will assess your grasp of all training elements through hands-on work, exams and discussions.
- Attitude and demeanor: Are you positive, polite, team-oriented, able to accept criticism and willing to learn? Managers monitor interpersonal behaviors.
I advise making your own checklist of everything supervisors will analyze. Then track your progress to continue exceeding expectations. Forethought and focus is key.
## In Summary
I hope this guide has empowered you to tackle your USPS probation period with knowledge and confidence. The key takeaways are:
- Probation enables the final assessment of your postal position fitness
- It involves comprehensive supervision, training and evaluation from leadership
- Clear feedback and developmental opportunities will be provided
- Success requires commitment, coachability, policy comprehension and quality performance
If you embrace training, ask questions, and meet targets while displaying engaged and respectful conduct, you will do phenomenally. I wish you all the best as you embark on an exciting new career assisting our great nation’s communications infrastructure!
Please feel free to reach out if you need any other retail guidance or consumer tips as you journey forward. Now go ace that postal probation!
About the Author
Marques Thomas graduated with an MBA in 2011. Since then, Marques has worked in the retail and consumer service industry as a manager, advisor, and marketer. Marques is also the head writer and founder of RetailInsiders.com which provides guidance to new hires in customer-facing industries.
