USPS 474 Sample Test

Describe Your Approach (4 Questions)

Choose the answer that best describes you.

(a) I am at my best in stressful situations.

(b) In stressful times, I have trouble keeping calm.

Answer:

The correct answer is B, somewhat like (a).

First, decide to which statement you relate more (a or b) and then to what extent (most or somewhat).

This question is designed to measure your ability to adapt and work efficiently in stressful environments, such as a postal office. Therefore, statement (a) is the preferred choice. Since it is a bit radical to claim that you are at your best in stressed environments, we recommend choosing the somewhat-like-me option.

NOTE💡: In the actual test, your answers to all questions are summed according to specific characteristics. You will be able to practice a similar test and receive a full report in our pack.

Choose the answer that best describes you.

(a) Sometimes I can be impolite to others.

(b) I am never impolite to other people.

Answer:

The correct answer is D, most like (b).

First, decide to which statement you relate more (a or b) and then to what extent (most or somewhat).

This question is designed to measure your behavior towards others since the job in a postal office requires daily interactions with people. Therefore, statement (b) is the preferred choice. Employers would prefer hiring polite and pleasant employees who will create a positive reputation for the office. Therefore, we recommend choosing the most-like-me option.

NOTE💡: In the actual test, your answers to all questions are summed according to specific characteristics. You will be able to practice a similar test and receive a full report in our pack.

Choose the answer that best describes you.

(a) I generally express my feelings openly.

(b) I usually keep my feelings to myself.

Answer:

The correct answer is B, somewhat like (a).

First, decide to which statement you relate more (a or b) and then to what extent (most or somewhat).

This question is designed to measure your openness, which is an essential characteristic when working with others in order to maintain pleasant communication. Therefore, statement (a) is the preferred choice. However, since this question deals with emotions, it is recommended to be portrayed as emotionally stable at your workplace. Therefore, we recommend choosing the somewhat-like-me option.

NOTE💡: In the actual test, your answers to all questions are summed according to specific characteristics. You will be able to practice a similar test and receive a full report in our pack.

Choose the answer that best describes you.

(a) Most people treat others honestly and fairly.

(b) Most people would tell a lie if they could gain by it.

Answer:

The correct answer is A, most like (a).

First, decide to which statement you relate more (a or b) and then to what extent (most or somewhat).

This question is designed to measure your honesty by testing your observation of relationships between yourself and others. Questions that are paraphrased in the third person (most people) serve an indirect purpose of measuring your own behavior since we tend to deduce about others from our own behavior. Honesty and integrity are essential traits to maintain positive relationships with colleagues and managers; therefore, statement (a) is the preferred choice. Since statement (a) is worded in a non-radical manner, we recommend choosing the most-like-me option.

NOTE💡: In the actual test, your answers to all questions are summed according to specific characteristics. You will be able to practice a similar test and receive a full report in our pack.

Tell Us Your Strory (2 Questions)

Choose the answer that best describes you.

If asked, how would your most recent supervisor rate your performance compared to others?

Answer:

The preferred answer is B, among the best. The answers presented create a scale from highest (answer A) to lowest (answer G). Thus, the answer is not ambiguous but has a range of possibilities.

This question measures the performance and quality of your job. Since you want to be portrayed as a professional employee whose work is appreciated, we recommend choosing an answer from the higher part of the scale. However, performance is measured subjectively; therefore, claiming you are the best might be interpreted as excessive self-confidence and lack of modesty. It also might look like an attempt to placate the validators which decreases the credibility of your answers.

NOTE💡: In the actual test, your answers to all questions are measured compared to each other and other candidates. Therefore, we recommend that you do not choose only extreme or only moderate answers, but both. Despite the above said, if you wish to emphasize this trait to the validators, you may choose answer A, the very best, provided you haven’t chosen too many other extreme answers.

Choose the answer that best describes you.

For how long were you employed by your previous employer?

Answer:

All answers are correct since there is no right answer! Like this one, some questions in the test intend to verify your CV. therefore, it is essential to answer them truthfully and according to your CV.

This question measures your stability at work recently. An employer aspires to hire employees for the long term, and your past experience indicates your seriousness regarding that.

We recommend you choose the answer that corresponds best with your CV, but we will elaborate on the meaning of each of the options:

Answers A and B indicate insignificant stability, while answer C indicates slight stability. Answers D, E, and F prove that you are an employee who will most likely keep the job for a while. Answer F might even mean you are a bit overqualified for the position but will not harm your rate.

Although some positions require previous experience, if you have never worked before, choose answer G. This must correspond with your CV.

NOTE💡: In the actual test, your answers to all questions are measured compared to each other and other candidates.

Work Scenarios (2 Questions)

Recently, the postmistress instructed your whole team regarding a policy change that caused a difference in your usual workflow. You notice that one of your colleagues struggles to follow the procedure, which causes low productivity and mistakes.

Think about what you would be most likely to take and the action you would be least likely to take in response to the described situation.

Answer:

Competency: Teamwork; Productivity; Problem Solving, Communication Skills

Most Likely: C

Least Likely: A

Let's review each response separately.

Response A: This response shows poor teamwork and communication skills. You fail to communicate the problem to your fellow employee and do not offer any assistance. Instead, you immediately turn to your supervisor. In doing so, not only do you not alert your coworker to the situation or give her a chance to adapt to the recent changes made, but you also undermine your postmaster's choices regarding work procedures.

Response B: You respect that your work colleague may need time to adjust to the new procedures introduced. However, a better response would be to offer your help in her adjustment, to ease the process, and make both yours and her work more productive.

Response C: This response provides help and guidance to your work colleague. Pointing out her mistakes and demonstrating the best way to work accurately with the new procedures ensures both her progress and your work productivity.

Response D: In this response, you offer your help to your coworker in a covert manner by suggesting that she come to you with any questions she may have. Though this shows your willingness to help your coworker in a sensitive manner, it does not guarantee that she will seek your help, and thus the issue of work productivity may remain unresolved.

One of your coworkers seems distracted today and checks on his phone frequently. Customers keep coming, and the line becomes longer. You are doing your best, but while you serve three people, he serves only one.

Think about what you would be most likely to take and the action you would be least likely to take in response to the described situation.

Answer:

Competency: Communication Skills; Teamwork; Problem Solving; Resilience

Most Likely: A

Least Likely: B

Let's review each response separately.

Response A: This is a good response that shows communication and problem-solving skills. You are trying to communicate directly to your colleague effectively and respectfully. In doing so, you are trying to solve the problem.

Response B: This response is very passive. You don't take action to reach a solution but rather hope that things will work out by themselves. This passive response does not solve the problem as you are not making your colleague aware of the situation, nor are you taking any action to change it.

Response C: Although this response may sound like a good option, it is unlikely to be enough for you to work faster. There is a reason you do not work alone, and your colleague should be made aware of her much-needed contribution to the task force.

Response D: This response may solve the problem as the postmaster is most likely to address the situation. However, this response fails to demonstrate teamwork and communication skills. It would have been better to communicate directly with your colleague rather than escalate the situation by going to your supervisor.

What Drives You? (1 Question)

I'd like to work where:

Answer:

The answer you provide will reflect where you stand on one of two traits that are assessed by this section of the test:

Every day, I take part in many different positions - VERSATILITY

I have a clear set of responsibilities that I follow - INFLEXIBILITY

VERSATILITY and FLEXIBILITY are both values that USPS appreciates. This question is an easy one – one statement expresses VERSATILITY, and the other expresses INFLEXIBILITY. Therefore the VERSATILITY statement is the preferred choice.

If you're trying to become a postal worker, assure your success by practicing for the 474 Exam with our comprehensive pack. Take advantage of mock tests, drills, and guides written by our experienced experts.

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