What does the USPS Pre Hire list mean?
The US Postal Service’s Pre Hire list means you’re still early in the job process.
The USPS Pre Hire List is an early stage in the Postal Service’s complex hiring process – and is a sign that you’re in the running for the position you applied for.
Once applicants pass the online Virtual Entry Assessment (VEA), their application status is changed to "Pre Hire list," and the application continues on down the hiring path. However, if applicants don’t test high enough on the VEA, they’ll see their online status as "Ineligible."
You’ve made it on the Pre Hire list. Now what?
Once you’re on the Pre Hire list, the process speed can vary. USPS has hiring rules and steps that can take anywhere from several days to several weeks to move applicants along the pipeline. The wait depends on each location’s hiring needs, their applicant load (USPS accepts a limited number of applications per position, on a first-come, first-served basis), and testing schedules.
Depending on the position applied for, the next steps along the hiring route may include:
- Interview
- Additional in-person testing
- Motor vehicle record screening
- Job offer, which will kick off additional screening:
- Drug and criminal background check
- Fingerprinting
- National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI) The NACI includes checks on employment history, criminal convictions over the past 5 years, education, and references.
Keep these information tidbits in mind when applying for a job with USPS, and your patience could pay off with a new job. The hiring process for a federal job with USPS can be long, but stay positive — once you make the Pre Hire list you’re on your way there!
Comments
I tried to put forward my application position of rural carrier and it keep pay some money, which I personally unemployed looking for job. surprising finger printed and because I didn't pay some money and denied the position.
I am on the pre hire list for the job I applied to in my town, which no longer shows in a job search on the USPS site. I also applied for both a rural and a city carrier in the larger adjacent town. I was offered a conditional job for the city carrier position. If I take this job, and everything works out, is there the ability to switch to either my town if the opportunity comes up or switch to rural if I prefer that?
USPS application from 9/04/2024 and am still on pre-hire list as of 1/12/2025. Is this normal? What do I look for next?
On the pre hire list but have not done the VEA exam yet-is that normal?
I submitted my application for a Secretary position on 5/10 and completed/passed all the tests required of me. I was getting a little worried because it's almost July and I haven't heard anything back. My application process step does say "Pre-hire List" though--so I'll keep hope alive and hope whoever is reading this does the same! :)
I have a unique situ. Seperated in early March, circumstances changed. Re- applied 2 weeks ago, am on pre-hire list again. Anything else i should know/ be aware of?
I've been in the pre hire stage for almost three weeks now. Does it normally take this long?
Update had phone interview 11/8/23. Been selected for the tractor trailer position. Now just waiting on the job offer letter.
My process is like this 9/18/23 applied for tractor trailer. 9/18/23 got email for assements 220/230/240. Scored 100. 9/27/23 got email for usps motor vehicle record search. Called geninfo 10/4/23 about my background. They said it came the same they I applied and they summited to usps. It's 10/14/23 2wks now nothing yet. Still waiting for finger print email
I tried to put forward my application position of rural carrier and it keep pay some money, which I personally unemployed looking for job. surprising finger printed and because I didn't pay some money and denied the position.