Frequently Asked Questions
Frontline
How do I apply for a Postie role? What is the application process?
Please apply via our Careers page, where you can search to find the role that’s most suitable for you.
On submission of your application, you’ll be invited to complete an online assessment, which we would ask you to complete as soon as possible and within 24 hours. For those successful at this stage, we’ll then be in touch to complete a telephone screening call and guide you through next steps.
When will I receive an update on my application?
We will update you as soon as possible. We might be in touch via email or telephone, so please ensure you check your emails regularly including your junk/spam folders.
What is the assessment process?
The assessment process varies depending on the role you apply for. In most instances you will be required to complete an online assessment and then if selected to progress, you may be invited to a telephone screening call and/or interview.
If you are invited to attend an interview, it’s a great opportunity for you to meet the team but also get a further understanding of the role and our business. As part of the interview, we’ll also collect your Right to Work and ID documentation.
I do not have a driving licence can I still apply for a Postie role?
All our Postie roles require the successful candidate to hold a current UK-issued manual driving licence (with no more than 6 points) to ensure you can support with the driving requirements as part of your delivery round.
If you do not currently have this, you may wish to consider one of our other roles such as our Mail Sorter roles based at one of our Mail Centres/Plants.
I was recently unsuccessful at an interview; can I apply again?
If you were unsuccessful at interview, you are ineligible to re-apply for similar roles for a period of 6 months. This allows you time to develop in the area in which you fell short. After the 6 months has passed you are eligible to re-apply.
If I see a vacancy at an office closer to home after I have started, am I able to transfer to this?
You are eligible to apply to transfer once you have completed 6 months in your current office, subject to you meeting the relevant eligibility criteria.
Management
What jobs do you have available?
With a scale of almost 125,000 employees working across c.182 business departments, we have career opportunities in a variety of roles including Head Office roles in HR, Finance, IT, Sales & Marketing, and Operational Management careers in Logistics and Engineering.
How do I know when something will be advertised?
We are constantly adding new roles to our careers site in order to meet the needs of the business. You may wish to sign up to our Talent Community which will allow you to create job alerts; this way you will be notified when something matching your search criteria is posted. To set up job alerts, simply click on ‘View Profile’ from the careers site Home page. From there, you will need to either log in to your existing profile or click on ‘Create an account’ to register your details.
Once logged in to your new or existing profile, you will need to click on ‘Options’ and select ‘Job Alerts’. From here you can set up multiple job alerts based on key words and/or locations. You can also review existing job alerts and delete any that are no longer relevant.
How long do you advertise for?
We usually advertise for one week. The closing date will be detailed on the advert; however an advert could close before this if we receive a high volume of quality applications. We would therefore recommend that you submit your application as soon as possible.
How do I apply for a role with Royal Mail?
You will need to submit your application online via the Careers site. For all managerial roles you will need to upload a copy of your CV and this will be reviewed by the Talent Acquisition Team in order to match your skills, knowledge and experience against the key criteria of the role you are applying for. We recommend that you tailor your CV accordingly to demonstrate how your skills, knowledge and experience match the requirements of the role.
How long will it take to receive a response to my application?
While we make every effort to reply to each candidate as soon as possible, the response time may vary depending on when you applied, which position you applied for and how many applications we have received.
How can I track my application?
You can see how your application is progressing by logging in to your Royal Mail Careers account using your e-mail address and password. If you have not received an update by email, your application is under review, and we will be in touch with you as soon as possible. Please also regularly check the e-mail account that you used when applying to ensure that you have not missed any communication from us, including your junk mail.
What will the assessment process be?
This will depend on which role you have applied for and there will be specifics outlined on the advert. A typical selection process will involve: if you are longlisted for a role, you will be invited to a screening call to review your CV, motivations and your relevant skills and experiences with one of our Talent Acquisition Team. If your skills are a great fit for the role, your CV will be reviewed by the Hiring Manager. If you are shortlisted for the position, you will be invited to an interview comprising of competency and skills-based questions.
Trust forms the foundation of everything we do in Royal Mail. We want to be transparent about what kind of qualities we are looking for and build trust from the very beginning of your journey with us. We want to give you the opportunity to shine. To enable you to do this, we will provide you with your interview questions ahead of the interview taking place. This will allow you time to prepare, and ensure you have your best examples in mind.
Christmas recruitment
What does the application process look like and how long will it take?
Our Christmas Seasonal Worker application is quick, easy and fully digitalised. Once you’ve completed our online application form, you’ll be invited to upload some documents and a passport style photograph. Assuming all is in order you’ll then receive a job offer which you can accept online before getting exclusive access to our online Welcome Hub.
Don’t forget to keep your original uploaded documents safe and to hand, as you will need to bring these with you on your fist day to be verified.
What opportunities are there for advancement?
We’re always looking for talented individuals to join our team. Our Seasonal Mail Sorters are always encouraged to apply for any roles that may become available.
What hours will I work?
This depends on what role you apply for; our shifts range from part-time to full-time hours of work. Flexibility is key and you may be asked to work different times and days within your chosen shift pattern, but this will be confirmed on a site-by-site basis.
Where would my role fit within the organisation?
The vast majority of our roles are based at our Mail Centres and Regional Distribution Centres, sorting both inbound and outbound mail (letters & parcels). You will be a key member of our team, helping to deliver the magic of Christmas to our customers.
What will I receive when I join?
As soon as you accept your job offer, you’ll get access to our Welcome Hub, which will give you exclusive access to lots of information, which will help you prepare for your first day. On Day 1, you’ll also receive your ID badge and a high visibility vest, if required.
Why can I not find any seasonal roles in Northern Ireland?
This year Angard are exclusively managing the recruitment of our Seasonal Mail Sorters in Northern Ireland. Please click this link to apply.
Apprenticeship programmes
How long would my apprenticeship last?
Our apprentice programmes vary in length depending on the subject they can range from just over 12 months up to 4 years. The length of the programme will be shown on each job advert.
How old do I have to be to apply for an apprentice position?
There is no age restriction to applying for an apprentice position. The scheme is open to everyone over 16 years of age.
I have a disability, can I apply?
Of course. We're an equal opportunities employer and are positive about disability, so welcome applications from all candidates. We are happy to support your need for any adjustments during the application and hiring process. Please share the details within your application as required.
What qualifications do I need to get onto the Apprenticeship programme?
Entry requirements differ for each apprenticeship subject and level. Some apprenticeships will require you to have English and Maths qualifications at level 2 or equivalent whilst others will require you to have additional qualifications. Entry requirements will be detailed on each advert.
If an apprenticeship requires me to have GCSE’s or equivalent on entry what are acceptable equivalent qualifications?
Key Skills Communications at Level 2 in Numeracy & Literacy is one acceptable alternative to cover Maths and English GCSE’s (Level 4 and above). Some apprenticeships may also require an acceptable level 2 qualification as an equivalent to GCSE Science (Level 4 and above). Other common examples are GNVQ and NVQ level 2 qualifications in appropriate subjects.
The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) sets out the level at which a qualification can be recognised.
When is the closing date for applications?
The closing date for applications varies and will be shown on the job advert upon application.
What will the assessment process look like?
First of all, you may be invited to take some online tests after you have completed your application. (These tests may be repeated during an assessment day).
If you are short-listed, you will be invited to attend an assessment centre and interview.
Are you having an Open Day?
If you are successful for one of our programmes after your assessment centre, you will be invited to attend an Open Day to find out more about Royal Mail and the apprenticeship programme
I can't make the assessment centre and interview dates - will I be able to attend on a different day?
The actual dates will be advised as you reach each step of the process but unfortunately the dates are set and cannot be changed. However, if you are unable to attend for reasons outside of your control, please notify us immediately upon receipt of your dates.
What do I need to wear for the assessment centre and interview?
The dress code is smart for the assessment and interview.
When will I know if I have been successful?
We will inform you as soon as possible after both the assessment centre and Interview (if applicable) stages (hopefully within 2 weeks).
How much will I get paid?
Please have a look at the specific advert relevant to the scheme you are interested in.
What holiday can I take during the course?
For most of our apprenticeships your leave has already been planned and built into your training programme, in the first year and you will not be able to take normal holiday outside these periods. During your second and third years, you will be able to take your leave like any Royal Mail employee, as long as it does not clash with training courses that have been planned for you.
What happens at the end of my programme?
The aim of our apprenticeship programmes is to prepare you for your end point assessment, so that you can successfully complete the apprenticeship standard and your qualification (if you are taking one). You will learn all the skills you need to further your career and the opportunities are there for you to progress once the programme is completed.
Graduates programmes
Can I apply with a professional qualification?
Of course, if you also have a degree that meets our minimum requirements too.
Can I apply if I don’t have a permit to work in the UK?
Royal Mail is not a sponsoring organisation and is not able to sponsor any applicants or existing employees. All candidates therefore must have the right to work full time in the UK.
All candidates' right to work documents showing they have been granted the right to work in the UK, will be checked if you’re successful
NB. It is your responsibility to maintain your Right to Work, if at any point you lose this right your employment will be terminated with RMG.
I currently have a student visa, am I eligible to apply?
If you currently have a student visa you are not eligible to apply as all applicants starting the scheme must have the right to work full time in the UK. All candidates' right to work documents’ showing they have been granted the right to work in the UK, will be checked at the assessment centre.
Are there any age restrictions?
There aren't. If you have the necessary qualifications, we'd love to hear from you.
Can I apply if I have a disability?
Of course. We're an equal opportunities employer and are positive about disability, so welcome applications from all candidates. We are happy to support your need for any adjustments during the application and hiring process. Please share the details within your application as required.
Do I have to be a recent graduate?
No you don't. Anyone who has graduated with necessary grades can apply. However, we will need to see proof of your qualifications.
Can I apply if I have applied to Royal Mail or the Royal Mail graduate programme before?
Yes, you can, but we can't re-use any information that we've gathered at previous assessments. This is because our selection criteria are constantly being reviewed and updated to meet our business's changing needs, so past data may not be relevant now.
What are the key stages of the recruitment process?
Stage one: The online application
Stage two: Online tests & online assessment
Stage three: Assessment centre
How will I be notified of my performance results at each stage?
You will always receive a response as quickly as possible. You will know the outcome of your application/tests as soon as possible after the advert closing date. After that, you'll be told about your results following each stage by email. If you've been successful, you'll also be given instructions for progressing to the next stage.
Will travel expenses be reimbursed?
Some of our assessment centres will be on-line and require no travel. Where assessment centres are in person, we unfortunately will not be able to re-imburse you with travel expenses
Where can I find out more about Royal Mail?
For more general information about Royal Mail, visit www.myroyalmail.com or www.royalmailgroup.com
What happens after I’ve completed the graduate programme?
Whichever programme you’re on, we’ll support your preparation to secure a permanent role. During your final months on programme, you’ll be provided with career management guidance, individual career planning sessions and development assessments to help build your confidence when applying for a suitable role within the business.
