PS Form 2181-A Pre-employment Screening - Authorization and Release

USPS Pre-Employment Screening

Since the USPS is obligated to maintain public trust and the security of the mail, it is crucial to assure confidence in the integrity and reliability of its employees. Therefore, the USPS makes certain that individuals chosen for employment are carefully evaluated, screened, and deemed suitable for employment so that their conduct reflects favorably on the organization. The USPS collects, reviews, and stores several records - your application for employment, drug testing, police records. It helps to reward applicants who have earned their credentials, rather than individuals who present an application with false information.

The detailed screening process identifies applicants who possess the necessary abilities, skills, and qualifications to perform jobs in the postal service. Additionally, it is designed to disqualify unsuitable or ineligible applicants. Potential employees must meet certain criteria:

1. Conscientiousness. Applicants have to demonstrate personal discipline, perform the essential duties effectively and competently, and behave ethically, and honestly;
2. Communication. Potential employees must understand necessary instructions for effective and safe job performance, and receive and transmit information effectively;
3. Cooperation. Applicants are required to work and cooperate well with other people, and contribute to positive work relations in order to avoid unnecessary conflict;
4. Adaptability. Future postal service workers need to adapt well to supervisory, organizational, and technological changes, along with accepting and completing new or changed assignments.

The USPS pre-employment screening authorization (given through the PS Form 2181-A) is relatively simple and self-explanatory.

You are required to complete the PS Form 2181-A with your full name, the date of birth, the home telephone address and the email address. It is necessary to write down all other names you have used in the past (maiden name, other married name, nicknames) and dates when they were used. The USPS needs you to state all the places where you have lived, working back 5 years and accounting for all periods. You certify your consent and authorization to the disclosure of any relevant information and sign the form.