An post panel for temporary postal operative

thisNthat

Hi all,

I applied for this over 2 years ago and got a letter that other day for an ability test in Galway city on Feb 10th.
They enclosed some sample tests and they're quite easy.

I'm just wondering what jobs the term "temporary postal operative" includes -
Is it just delivering the post by foot, bike or van?
Is it working in the sorting office?
Is it working in the post office itself?
Any other?

Also does anyone know what the salary is for this position?
Is it shift work or set hours?
Whats the salary for a postman starting off?
Does having a Degree or any other qualification make any difference to your salary with An post?
I have the truck licences too (Rigid and Artic) would this be considered an advantage for An post?
Any postmen / women who could share there experience/advice on this?

I have a good job at the moment but its in a factory and to be honest I'm sick of it so I wouldn't mind if I had to take a little pay cut just to get out of there.
After years working in a factory I feel claustrophobic and nearly institutionalised.

Any opinions appreciated?

Thanks in advance

Julabo

Musst be having at least 2 days of tests as I have been called on Feb 11th.

thisNthat

Julabo wrote: »

Musst be having at least 2 days of tests as I have been called on Feb 11th.

Ya mine is definitely the 10th, Must be alot going for it.
Do you know any of the above questions I have?

Julabo

No sorry.

Am not too worried about any of that at the moment.

I know my preference would to be assigned to a small post office. But reckon if I get into the service, it would be easier to get to there.

Can't beleive that you applied 2 years ago. I applied just before Christmas.

Hopefully someone on here can answer your questions.

armadillo86

Where were these jobs advertised? Thanks

thisNthat

Karbolt wrote: »

Where were these jobs advertised? Thanks

Don't know about anyone else but I just sent a CV into An post on spec,
I was looking for anything with An post and got a letter in relation to this.

armadillo86

thisNthat wrote: »

Don't know about anyone else but I just sent a CV into An post on spec,
I was looking for anything with An post and got a letter in relation to this.

Thanks, what address did you send it to?

thisNthat

Karbolt wrote: »

Thanks, what address did you send it to?

Forster Street, Galway

catbear

I worked there a good few years ago so my help may be out of date.
Degrees means nothing unless it's related to a position advertised internally; not sure if only permanent employees can apply for other positions. As an employer they're very supportive of people doing further training.

Rigid license may be of use although I'm not sure what the current arrangement is. Last I heard the plan was to retain the mail sorting service and open the actual delivery of mail to tender. Ask at the interview but temp positions are usually just for delivery.

Working in an post can be an institutionalising experience but at least you get out for fresh air and you realise when out in it that the Irish climate isn't as bad as when viewed from indoors.

Also if you get a bicycle or walking route you'll be as fit as any gym bunny although some of my former colleagues diets completely nullified that positive aspect.

Usually fresh starts get put on split shifts. They help sort the mail early morning, then do delivery for a few hours. Then break for a few hours and do the mail collections in the afternoon.

The most important thing, after literacy and numeracy, is to be affable. You deal with the public a lot so it's not a job people can hide in.

Downsides are as the newby you get the last option for holiday leave. This can be great of you're young and single and can avail of cheap flights etc in the off season but it's really tough on families, I know some guys who for years didn't get a week off when their kids were out of school.

If you like going out a lot the early starts can put a dint in that. Overall I had a good few years in it but i felt it was too institutionalising for me. I do miss the outdoors and chatting with customers.

thisNthat

Thanks for the info, nice to hear from someone who's been there.

catbear wrote: »

I worked there a good few years ago so my help may be out of date.
Degrees means nothing unless it's related to a position advertised internally; not sure if only permanent employees can apply for other positions. As an employer they're very supportive of people doing further training.

Rigid license may be of use although I'm not sure what the current arrangement is. Last I heard the plan was to retain the mail sorting service and open the actual delivery of mail to tender. Ask at the interview but temp positions are usually just for delivery.

Working in an post can be an institutionalising experience but at least you get out for fresh air and you realise when out in it that the Irish climate isn't as bad as when viewed from indoors.

Also if you get a bicycle or walking route you'll be as fit as any gym bunny although some of my former colleagues diets completely nullified that positive aspect.

Usually fresh starts get put on split shifts. They help sort the mail early morning, then do delivery for a few hours. Then break for a few hours and do the mail collections in the afternoon.

The most important thing, after literacy and numeracy, is to be affable. You deal with the public a lot so it's not a job people can hide in.

Downsides are as the newby you get the last option for holiday leave. This can be great of you're young and single and can avail of cheap flights etc in the off season but it's really tough on families, I know some guys who for years didn't get a week off when their kids were out of school.

If you like going out a lot the early starts can put a dint in that. Overall I had a good few years in it but i felt it was too institutionalising for me. I do miss the outdoors and chatting with customers.

armadillo86

thisNthat wrote: »

Forster Street, Galway

Cheers for that. I posted my CV to them today... Might be too late but sure if you're not in ya can't win!

Lacko1987

Hello im going on test tomorrow can sombody tell me what is it like ... questions ,time ... Thank you

Julabo

Lacko1987 wrote: »

Hello im going on test tomorrow can sombody tell me what is it like ... questions ,time ... Thank you

I was sent out a sheet of practise questions with the letter that detailed time / date / location of exam.

Did you recieve one of them? As the questions in the exam are very similar in style.

Lacko1987

yes i get it but you know im in stress ...

Julabo

Cannot remember the number of questions asked.

But like in most of these exams, they want you to have to work under stress so generally put alot of questions for the time alloacted.

Just go as quick as you can and do not worry if you do not finish, as they are designed that way.

Good luck with it.

catbear

Just do your best and don't worry about it. In a lot of these just basic numeracy and literacy counts for a lot.

Lacko1987

Thank you