Q. Once I’ve passed all phases of the selection process, when can I expect to begin training?
A. The length of time between completing the selection process and attending the training academy varies, depending on the needs of the agency and the number of Postal Inspector vacancies. The number of vacancies determines the number of Basic Inspector Training classes that will be held in a fiscal year. Selection is a two-phased process; the first phase takes the candidate through a series of assessments to evaluate the candidate’s ability to perform effectively as a Postal Inspector. The second phase ensures the candidate meets the medical standards of the position. Candidates who are successful during all phases of the selection process are not guaranteed a job offer.
Q. How long will I stay on the selection list before my file is closed?
A. There is no set amount of time that candidates remain on the eligibility list. There is no guarantee of being hired for those on the eligibility list.
Q. How long is each portion of the recruitment process valid?
A. Entrance exam and Assessment Center results are valid for five years. Polygraph results, comprehensive application packages, and national agency checks are valid for two years. Background investigations and employment physicals are valid for one year, and drug screening is valid for 90 days. All results are updated as necessary and must be current when a job offer is made.
Q. What is the Postal Inspection Service policy on directed transfers (orders to relocate to another office)?
A. Postal Inspectors may be directed to any vacancy after serving four years as an Inspector and reaching an ISLE Level 12. At that time, they enter the Directed Transfer Window. Inspectors may leave the window after serving three years in the window, after a promotion to an ISLE 14 or above position, or after serving five continuous years in Puerto Rico with successful performance for the last three years.
The most junior Inspector will be the first selected from the window for any directed transfer. If the vacancy requires a special skill, the most junior Inspector with that skill will receive the directed transfer.
Q. How long do I have to be an Inspector before I can apply for upward mobility?
A. Promotions through ISLE 13 are non-competitive and based on satisfactory performance evaluations. The timeframe for reaching the ISLE 13 level averages 4 years. Postal Inspectors may compete for ISLE 14, entry-level management positions, one year after reaching the ISLE 13 level. Postal Inspectors may compete for ISLE 15, one year after reaching the ISLE 14 level.
Q. Who do I contact to update my address, telephone, or employment information?
A. After you submit your application, report changes in employment or other information to:
U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Security Investigations Service Center, Attn: Recruitment, 225 N. Humphreys Blvd, 4th Floor South, Memphis, TN 38161-0001.Q. If I was disqualified from the applicant process for a cause that has since been resolved, what procedure should I follow to request reconsideration?
A. Write a letter explaining your situation and address it to: U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Security Investigations Service Center, Attn: Recruitment, 225 N. Humphreys Blvd, 4th Floor South, Memphis, TN 38161-0001.