Can You Work at the Post Office with a Felony?
I’ve always been fascinated by the postal service. As a child, I would spend hours watching the mailman deliver letters and packages to my house. I was amazed by how quickly and efficiently he could sort through all the mail and get it to the right people. As I got older, I learned more about the history of the post office and the important role it plays in our society. I was also intrigued by the fact that the post office is one of the few federal agencies that is allowed to hire people with felony convictions.
In this blog post, I will discuss the history of the post office’s hiring policies, the current policies regarding hiring people with felony convictions, and the process for applying for a job at the post office with a felony conviction. I will also provide some tips for increasing your chances of getting hired.
A History of the Post Office’s Hiring Policies
The United States Postal Service (USPS) was founded in 1775. At the time, there were no specific hiring policies regarding people with felony convictions. However, in the early 1900s, the USPS began to implement a policy of excluding people with felony convictions from employment. This policy was based on the belief that people with felony convictions were not trustworthy and could not be relied upon to perform their duties in a responsible manner.
In the 1970s, the USPS began to relax its hiring policies regarding people with felony convictions. This change was due in part to the passage of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which prohibits employers from using criminal history information to make hiring decisions unless the information is job-related and consistent with business necessity. As a result of the FCRA, the USPS began to consider each applicant’s criminal history on a case-by-case basis.
Current Policies Regarding Hiring People with Felony Convictions
The USPS’s current hiring policy regarding people with felony convictions is based on the following principles:
- The USPS does not automatically disqualify applicants with felony convictions.
- The USPS considers each applicant’s criminal history on a case-by-case basis.
- The USPS will only consider criminal history information that is job-related and consistent with business necessity.
In order to be considered for a job at the USPS with a felony conviction, you must be able to demonstrate that you have been rehabilitated and that you are no longer a risk to the public. You can do this by providing evidence of good behavior, such as:
- Employment history
- Education
- Community involvement
- References
Process for Applying for a Job at the Post Office with a Felony Conviction
If you have a felony conviction and you are interested in applying for a job at the USPS, you should follow these steps:
- Research the different job openings at the USPS website.
- Choose the jobs that you are most qualified for.
- Apply for the jobs online.
- Be honest about your felony conviction on your application.
- Provide evidence of your rehabilitation.
- Be prepared to answer questions about your criminal history during the interview process.
Tips for Increasing Your Chances of Getting Hired
If you have a felony conviction and you are applying for a job at the USPS, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of getting hired:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to each job you apply for.
- Highlight your skills and experience that are relevant to the job.
- Be prepared to talk about your criminal history in a positive way.
- Emphasize your rehabilitation and your commitment to being a productive member of society.
- Be patient and persistent. It may take some time to find a job at the USPS with a felony conviction, but if you don't give up, you will eventually succeed.
FAQs
Q: What is the USPS’s policy on hiring people with felony convictions?
A: The USPS does not automatically disqualify applicants with felony convictions. The USPS considers each applicant’s criminal history on a case-by-case basis.
Q: What can I do to increase my chances of getting hired at the USPS with a felony conviction?
A: You can tailor your resume and cover letter to each job you apply for, highlight your skills and experience that are relevant to the job, be prepared to talk about your criminal history in a positive way, emphasize your rehabilitation and your commitment to being a productive member of society, and be patient and persistent.
Conclusion
If you have a felony conviction and you are interested in working at the USPS, I encourage you to apply. The USPS is a great place to work, and it offers a variety of jobs that are suitable for people with all types of backgrounds. If you are willing to work hard and prove yourself, you can have a successful career at the USPS.
I would love to hear from you if you have any questions or comments about this blog post. Please feel free to leave a comment below.