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Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service

Also called: Mail Clerk, Mail Handler, Mail Machine Operator, Postal Clerk

What they do:

Prepare incoming and outgoing mail for distribution. Time-stamp, open, read, sort, and route incoming mail; and address, seal, stamp, fold, stuff, and affix postage to outgoing mail or packages. Duties may also include keeping necessary records and completed forms.

On the job, you would:
  • Wrap packages or bundles by hand, or by using tying machines.
  • Verify that items are addressed correctly, marked with the proper postage, and in suitable condition for processing.
  • Remove containers of sorted mail or parcels and transfer them to designated areas according to established procedures.
On the job, you'll need:

Business

  • customer service

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Basic Skills

  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • reading work related information

People and Technology Systems

  • thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one

Hand and Finger Use

  • hold or move items with your hands
  • put together small parts with your fingers

Verbal

  • listen and understand what people say
  • read and understand what is written

Conventional

People interested in this work like activities that include data, detail, and regular routines.

  • Integrity
  • Self Control
  • Dependability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Cooperation
  • Stress Tolerance

Electronic mail software

  • Email software
  • Microsoft Outlook

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Data base user interface and query software

  • Microsoft Access
  • Recordkeeping software

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Below Average.

New job opportunities are less likely in the future.

Median Annual Salary: $35,070

Education

High school diploma/GED or no high school diploma/GED is usually needed.

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