Getting hired for a new job can be exciting- meeting colleagues, facing new challenges, and maybe even buying some new clothes all come with the territory. But there is one part of starting a new job that most people hate- the dreaded probationary period.
As with most jobs, USPS imposes a probationary period on new hires. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this period including how long it lasts, what its purpose is, and how to get through it successfully!
How Does USPS’ 90 Day Probation In 2024?
Depending on the role, USPS imposes a probationary period from 90 days to 2 years. Career appointments to a bargaining position serve a 90-day probationary period in 2024. Those selected for career appointments to a non-bargaining position serve a 1-year probationary period. Non-career employees don’t serve probationary periods. However, their performance is evaluated and a 90-day evaluation report is filed.
There’s a lot more to know about how the USPS probation period works, so make sure to keep reading for more useful information regarding this topic!
What Is the Probation Period for USPS Employees?
As with many jobs, USPS’ probationary period is a designated amount of time during which new employees are trained, monitored, and evaluated to determine their suitability for a given role.
If an employee fails to meet the expectations and demands of their position during this period, management may fire them without warning or explanation.
What Is the Purpose of the USPS Probation Period?
From a management perspective, USPS’ probationary period is the final step in determining whether or not an employee is suitable for their position.
While a lot can be determined by the employee’s resume and interview, only an actual trial on the job can be conclusive.
From the perspective of the employee, this period is a chance to see if the job meets their needs and expectations before fully committing to the role.
What Happens During the USPS Probation Period?
Several things may happen during the probationary period. For example, an employee may go through orientation, receive on-the-job training, or perform their role with supervision.
In addition to these activities, the employee’s supervisor will likely engage in informal evaluation and performance analysis to determine both proficiencies and deficiencies.
What’s more, the supervisor will likely guide, counsel, and train the new employee to shore up any deficiencies in either conduct or performance.
How Long Is the Probation Period for USPS Employees?
How long a USPS probation period lasts depends on which position an employee is hired for.
Applicants for careers appointments to a bargaining position must serve a 90-day probationary period.
This applies not only to the first appointment but also to any subsequent career appointments or transfers.
An applicant selected for a career appointment to a non-bargaining position must serve a 1-year probationary period.
Here, the period is defined as 1 year of continuous service in the Postal Service.
Applicants hired as Postal Inspectors must serve a probationary period of 2 years.
How Do I Pass the USPS Probation Period?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a magic formula for passing the USPS probationary period.
That being said, current USPS employees do have a lot of good advice and insights to make sure new recruits make it through.
For starters, new recruits should show they want to be at work, that they’re coachable, and that they can improve.
They should also ask their supervisor for tips and ask for extra time with a trainer if they’re struggling in one area or another.
While not required, several USPS employees suggest making yourself available during the probationary period in order to show that you’re a team player.
This could mean covering shifts on your days off, coming to work early, or taking shorter lunch breaks.
How Do I Know When My 90-Day USPS Probation Period Is Over?
There seems to be some debate about how to tell when your USPS probationary period is over.
Some USPS employees say that new recruits should keep track of their schedules and count 90 working days from the start of orientation in order to know when the period is over.
Others claim that they received a PS-50 form on their LiteBlue account when the period was over.
Still, others mentioned that receiving their uniform allowance was the only way they knew the period was over.
To find out more, you can also read our posts on USPS attendance policy, USPS termination policy, and USPS inclement weather policy.
Conclusion
USPS has probationary periods of varying lengths depending on the role an applicant has applied for. Some of these roles, such as career appointments to a bargaining position, only serve a 90-day period. Others, like postmasters, are on probation for 2 years.
In many cases, this period is only a formality. However, it’s still important for applicants to show enthusiasm for the job, to become as competent as possible, and maintain a perfect attendance record in order to be successful.
