USPS Mock Interview
Practice 30 USPS interview questions covering customer service, safety protocols, and federal employment standards.
Question 18 of 30
How will you handle unexpected situations that might cause you to be late for work?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Example Answer
How to Answer
Entry Level
Community Answers
Elisabeth Walter is an experienced Recruiting Consultant and Enrollment Advisor.
In work environments where production or other matters are held to a strict schedule, it is my experience that hiring managers need to be assured that their top candidate would have a swift plan in place for handling emergencies that would cause them to miss part or all of their shift. Since the United States Postal Service runs on these tight schedules daily, your interviewer wants to know that you would do what is necessary to notify the proper people immediately.
Elisabeth Walter is an experienced Recruiting Consultant and Enrollment Advisor.
"I always arrive to work at least 15 minutes before I am expected to be there to give me extra time in case something happens. When I am early, it also allows time for quick communication with my colleagues. I also make sure I have the numbers of my coworkers and my boss so that I can call to let them know if I'm stuck or might be running late. If this happened at the USPS, I would communicate with the appropriate person immediately."
Ryan Brunner has over ten years of experience recruiting, interviewing, and hiring candidates in the healthcare, public service, and private manufacturing/distribution industries.
Breakdowns, traffic jams, bad weather, illnesses... the possibilities that could interfere with your morning route to work are endless. You want to show that you can be counted on to show up for your shift every day, but your interviewer knows that the inevitable happens to everyone. Come to your interview with the USPS prepared to talk about a communication plan you would have and let them know you are ready to work through any specific procedures they have in place for these situations. If you can, talk about a time that shows you take the most responsible approach to these predicaments.
Ryan Brunner has over ten years of experience recruiting, interviewing, and hiring candidates in the healthcare, public service, and private manufacturing/distribution industries.
"My first action would be to contact my supervisor directly and then take their direction on any colleagues I need to be in communication with to find coverage. Does this department at the USPS have any procedures in place for staff that can't make the start of their shift for various reasons? If so, I would comply if I was ever in that situation."
Interview Coach
Jaymie
A real coach, not AI. I read every answer myself and write back with personalized feedback.
Typically responds within 24 hours.
0 - Character Count
Anonymous Answer
I always try to leave for work early so that I can reach there at least 10-15 min early than being late. I would inform the supervisor or boss that I am getting late and reason for it.
Rachelle's Feedback
Good reasoning in your answer. It's great that you always strive to be early for work.
Anonymous Answer
I always arrive 15 minutes earlier before my shift starts, especially during bad weather or traffic. Also, I would have on file phone numbers of my coworker and manager to let them know that there was a chance I could be late.
Rachelle's Feedback
These examples are wonderful, and show the interviewer that you are reliable and able to troubleshoot problems under pressure.
"I always arrive 15 minutes early for my shift, especially during bad weather or peak traffic times. I also have my managers phone number on hand, as well as some coworkers, so that I can contact someone if there is an emergency causing me to be late."
Unlock All 30 USPS Questions
Prepare for postal service interviews with answers from federal hiring experts.
Get StartedJump to Question