Frequently Asked Questions
Frontline
How do I apply for a Postie role? What is the application process?
You will need apply via our Careers page and upload a CV. Within 24 hours of submitting your application you will receive an invite to an online assessment, which must be completed within 24 hours. Your application and test results will be considered when we reach the shortlisting stage (normally within a week of the advert closing). Once the shortlisting exercise is complete, you will receive an update via email advising you on your outcome. We will notify you on your progress by email so please ensure you check this regularly after submitting an application.
When will I receive an update on my application?
We will update you accordingly as soon as we are able to. Please check your emails regularly including your junk/spam.
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 would be invited to a competency based interview which lasts around one hour.
I do not have a driving licence can I still apply for a Postie role?
All of our Postie roles require the successful candidate to hold a current UK 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 a Mail Sorter role instead based at one of our Mail Centres.
I failed an interview recently, 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 the area in which you fell short. After the 6 months has passed you are eligble to apply and be considered once again.
If I see a vacancy at an office closer to home after I have joined am I able to transfer to this?
You are eligible to apply for a transfer once you have completed 6 months in your current office, subject to meeting the eligibility criteria.
Christmas recruitment
What does the application process look like and how long will it take?
Our Christmas Seasonal Worker application is really quick and easy. Once you’ve completed our online application form, you’ll be invited to upload some documents and a passport style photograph. We’ll then ask you to visit a Post Office to have your documents verified. 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 and our Royal Mail Family.
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). As a member of our Royal Mail Family, you will be a key member of our team, helping to deliver Christmas to the nation.
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.
Apprenticeship programmes
How long would my apprenticeship last?
Our apprentice programmes vary in length:
Project Management Higher Apprenticeship – 2 years
Advanced Engineering Apprenticeship - 3-4 years depending on experience
Finance – 3-4 years
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?
Yes. Royal Mail is a committed equal opportunities employer.
What qualifications do I need to get onto the Apprenticeship programme?
For our Advanced Engineering Apprenticeship you will be required to achieve 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade C/4 or higher (including Maths, English and Science)
For the Project Management Higher Apprenticeship you will be required to achieve 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade C/4 or higher (including Maths, English and Science) and you will be required to achieve 2 A-Levels (or equivalent) in any subject
For our Finance AAT Apprenticeship you will be required to achieve 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade C/4 or higher (including Maths and English)
What are the acceptable equivalent qualifications to GCSE's?
Key Skills Communications at Level 2 in Numeracy & Literacy is one acceptable alternative to cover the Maths and English subjects but you would then also need 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 are accepted.
The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) sets out the level at which a qualification can be recognised. GCSE's grades A* - C are Level 2 qualifications, in order to find out more about other Level 2 qualifications.
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 in a classroom during the assessment day).
If you are short-listed you will be invited to attend an Assessment Centre. Some programmes will have a separate interview and if successful at assessment centre you will be invited back for an interview on a different date. We will also check all your original documents that you will be asked to bring with you to the assessment/interview.
What documentation will I need to bring with me?
You will need to bring originals and a copy of each of the following:
- Proof of Right to Work/Identification e.g. Passport or Birth Certificate
- Proof of Address e.g. Bank Statement or Driving Licence
- Proof of National Insurance Number e.g. National Insurance Number Card or P60
- Proof of Qualifications
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 overview section on the recruitment portal 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 22.5 days' 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 are 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, as long as 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 in a position 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 at the assessment centre.
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. As long as 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.
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?
When you get to the assessment centre stage, we'll provide reimbursement for reasonable travel expenses; with proof of travel (travel tickets, for example).
How do I contact the graduate recruitment team for more information?
If your question hasn't been answered here, or on our graduate website, please email the graduate recruitment team at graduaterecruitment@royalmail.com
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.
Management
What jobs do you have available?
We have a huge range of managerial roles available, across a variety of different business units. You will be able to search by selecting different criteria such as the business function and location that you are interested in.
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.
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 Recruitment Team and the Hiring Manager 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 in order 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 check regularly the e-mail account that you used when applying to ensure that you have not missed any communication from us.
What will the assessment process be?
This will depend on which role you have applied for, and there may be specifics outlined on the advert. If you are shortlisted for a role we may ask you to complete online tests including a psychometric evaluation, verbal reasoning, numerical and logical tests. There may also be a screening call to review your CV, motivations and your relevant skills and experiences. A formal assessment centre will consist of a competency based interview, and may include an additional exercise such as a case study analysis or presentation. We will give you all the information you require to be able to prepare for the assessment. During your interview we will expect you to know the key facts about Royal Mail Group, and you should prepare by reviewing our website and news sources. This is a two-way process and you will be given plenty of opportunities to ask us questions that will help you decide whether Royal Mail Group and the role is right for you.
