How to Apply on the USPS eCareer Portal

Which Site Do I Use?

This is the #1 source of confusion. USPS has two separate application websites. Here's the simple breakdown:

Simple rule: CCA, MHA, and PSE Sales are on the new site (jobs.usps.com). Everything else is on the old eCareer portal. This guide walks you through the eCareer portal.

Step 1: Go to the eCareer Portal

• Link: wp1-ext.usps.gov eCareer Job Search
• Use a desktop or laptop — the mobile experience is rough. This is an old SAP-based system and it was not built for phones.
• Supported browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Safari. Edge works too.

Step 2: Search for Jobs

• Enter a keyword (job title like "custodial", "tractor trailer", "rural carrier")
• Select your state under Location
• DON'T use the Functional Area dropdown unless you know exactly what you're looking for — it narrows results too much
• If you DO use Functional Area: "Facilities" has custodial/building maintenance. "Processing Operations" has MPE/ET and plant roles. "Transportation" has driving positions.
• Hit Search
• IMPORTANT: Max 30 results shown. If you see "Search Result: 30 hits" you're not seeing everything — refine your search with more specific keywords or a narrower location.
• ALWAYS hit "Reset" before a new search — old search criteria carries over and messes up your results. This trips up everyone.

Step 3: Create a Candidate Profile

• You can browse jobs without a profile, but you need one to apply
• Registration link: Create Candidate Profile
• Create a username and password
• You can only have ONE profile — don't create multiple accounts
• Use an email you check regularly — ALL USPS communication about your application comes through email

Step 4: Fill Out Your Profile

This is separate from the application — your profile info auto-fills into applications you submit.

• Must include complete work history for the last 5 years (back to your 16th birthday if your work history is shorter)
• For gaps in employment, enter "unemployment" — don't leave blank
• Grade level field is for federal/postal jobs only — leave blank if not applicable
• If you can't find old employer info, enter "unknown" or "out of business"
• Dates can be estimated — use first of the month if you're not sure of the exact date

Step 5: Apply to a Job

• Click on the job posting, review the requirements
• Click Apply
• Fill in the Summary of Accomplishments — this is YOUR chance to explain why you're qualified. Don't skip this.
• Summary of Accomplishments is limited to 6,000 characters
• Tip: Use the STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to describe relevant experience
• Upload a resume if you have one (recommended but not always required)
• All mandatory fields are marked with an asterisk (*)
• You can save progress and come back — but your session times out after 30 minutes of inactivity, so don't leave it sitting

Step 6: Submit

• Your application stays in "draft" until all required fields are complete — a draft is NOT submitted
• Go to the "Send Application" tab to confirm everything is done and submit
• You'll get a confirmation email — check your spam folder if you don't see it

Step 7: After Applying

• Check application status: Log in → Job Opportunities → My Applications
• You may get an email about an assessment/exam — the exam varies by job type
• Background check and drug test come after a conditional offer
• Be patient — federal hiring is slow. It can take weeks to months. This is normal.

Pro Tips for eCareer (From Experience)

• The site looks ancient. It is. Don't let that scare you off — this is a legit government portal that just hasn't been updated in a long time.
• Apply to multiple positions and locations to increase your chances
• Don't pay anyone for exam prep — the application and exams are FREE. Any site charging you money for USPS applications or exam access is a scam. Report them to the USPS Postal Inspection Service.
• If you copy/paste text into the application from Word or another source, apostrophes and special characters may turn into # signs or garbled text — review and fix manually before submitting
• You can save job postings to Favorites, but this does NOT extend application deadlines
• You can withdraw and resubmit an application if the posting is still open
• If you're a current USPS employee, you use LiteBlue eCareer (a different system) — the external portal is for outside applicants only
• Forgot your username or password? Use the recovery links on the login page — don't create a new account

Exam Numbers Quick Reference

• VEA 474: CCA (City Carrier Assistant)
• VEA 475: MHA / PSE Mail Processing
• VEA 476: PSE Sales & Services
• VEA 477: RCA (Rural Carrier Associate)
• Exam 916: Laborer Custodial (Maintenance)
• Exam 955: Maintenance Mechanic, MPE, Electronic Technician
• Exam 944: Tractor Trailer Operator (TTO)

VEA exams (474-477) are personality/situational judgment tests — no technical knowledge needed. Exams 916, 944, and 955 test actual knowledge and skills — study is required.