I applied directly through the USPS careers website. The status on the website said “Pre-Screening” at this point. The interview happened after the job posting ended. When the interview was scheduled, the status on the website said something like “Hiring List.”
The interview was a WebEx video call. I think it was supposed to be with 4 people but I only had 2. In the beginning, they briefly go over some stuff (background check, 6 month probation, etc.). They also said that I was not the only person who applied for the job and that they were not planning on hiring everyone who applied. Then they ask if you’re ready to get started.
A lot of the questions are situational questions (both hypothetical and things that actually happened). Also be prepared to talk about any projects that you may have done, both inside or outside of your college courses. I should also note that I didn’t have an internship during college. They may also briefly ask about any experience that you put on your application that is unrelated to tech. There are also a few questions on object oriented programming and the software development lifecycle. They also ask if you’re willing to learn older languages like COBOL and what experience you have with databases (I didn’t have much).
The interview was scheduled for an hour but mine only lasted around a half hour. My interview was on a Thursday and I think I got the offer the following Tuesday. Honestly, I didn’t even think I did that well in the interview. They had told me that I happened to be the last interview from those who applied. A little before I got the email, the status on the website changed to “Selection List,” and then to “Offer Phase (ext),” and then blank (and then back to offer phase sometime after the offer). I only know this because I was watching it closely.
I got some emails saying to schedule a drug test and to complete a background investigation form within 5 days. They also mailed a fingerprint card. Be prepared to provide personal references for the background investigation. The investigation took about 8.5 weeks (!) for me but I hear it differs for everyone. They also don’t give any updates until it is complete.
