Starting as Postie next week: advice please

[Loopylau89]

Hi all, I am starting as a postwomen next week, I have my induction on Tuesday, then first day on Wednesday, i would just like to know what to expect, will i be out with another postie or be thrown in the deep end and be on my own. How easy did you find it to learn a round, and also will i be on the same round or a different on each day? Thanks in Advance

[thefemalepostie]

Your induction will be about the company and security. It will teach you nothing about being a postie.

Your first day you will normally shadow the workplace coach. The second day you will do half that round and the third day do the whole round. (The workplace coach will obviously be with you these days)

Unless you are very very lucky you will start as a reserve and be put on different walks most days. Officially you should be on the same walk for 6 weeks to help you settle in but again this is very unlikely.

Don't come in early, don't run around and do not under any circumstances use your own car ever!

[fb1969]

Agreed, you will learn nothing about the job at the induction - other than maybe how to pick up a pouch (mail bag) and push a York (upright metal trolley).

I was fortunate and got a regular route for my first 3 months or so, then a week as a reserve and now another regular route again. Don't even try to keep up with everyone else when you start, it will gradually fall into place. Don't be afraid to take a few notes, especially when it comes to putting the mail into bundles ready for delivery. Take a couple of pens and a good sense of humour with you, and don't be scared to stand your ground if you feel the need. And make sure you wear something with decent pockets.

[delboy1969]

and don't forget a pen and a few spare ones!!! I did hear Royal Mail do provide them but I have never seen one in our office in 15 months in the job!!!

[crazyshrew]

remember to bring pens, a water bottle and something to eat and make sure to wear comfy clothes suitable to the weather + sensible shoes.

here's hoping your your not the poor sod joining my office next week, (s)he has one day with our worst runner/doorstepper/always leaves loads behind-er, then they are on their own .

Always remember that this forum is here, I was six months in before I found it and only really learned how to do the job properly after reading all the great advice on here

[harrybass]

Hi all, I am starting as a postwomen next week, I have my induction on Tuesday, then first day on Wednesday, i would just like to know what to expect, will i be out with another postie or be thrown in the deep end and be on my own. How easy did you find it to learn a round, and also will i be on the same round or a different on each day? Thanks in Advance

Somebody will put you right, you should be goin out with another postie who is normally a work placed coach, for the rest of that week. As for learning the round, he will teach you that round but all walks are different. It will be a bit daunting to start with but after a couple of weeks you'll be well into it, and you'll know as much as somebody that's been there years. It's not an easy job anymore but it's better than a lot of jobs out there. Most of the guys your gonna be working with are sound and will help you if you get stuck so don't be afraid to ask. You will struggle at first but if your young and fit enough you'll shouldn't have a problem. I must admit I wouldn't like to be starting now but thats mainly because I can remember how it was and im to old, but good luck and im sure you'll be fine, like I said, don't be afraid to ask. PS make sure you join the union. Jim

[Loopylau89]

Thanks for the advice everyone :) im sure ill be fine this jobs very different from any job ive done before! Ive got some comfy shoes and a decent pair of trousers with pockets for pens! :) im just worried about different walks as i dont know my town all that well!

[clashcityrocker]

Thanks for the advice everyone :) im sure ill be fine this jobs very different from any job ive done before! Ive got some comfy shoes and a decent pair of trousers with pockets for pens! :) im just worried about different walks as i dont know my town all that well!

Unless someone has got s**t for brains, the walks should be planned so you start at the first house and finish at the last house.
As long as you find the first one, the rest is easy.

[Loopylau89]

Lol ok thanks! Its all a bit daunting!!

[fb1969]

You'll be fine. The fact that you are on here and asking questions shows that you want to be switched on doing it, and that is a lot of the battle. I find that the difficult side of the job is the inside bit, but get that cracked and go out with the mail in the right order and the outside bit will be a lot easier.

If you are worried about not knowing your town print a town map off the internet or street map book (as you could be anywhere in the area), I did and I've lived here all my life! In no time you'll not only know more of your town, you'll also be remembering the surnames at each house - whether you want to, or not!

[crazyshrew]

im just worried about different walks as i dont know my town all that well!

I wouldn't worry about that too much, your route is all set out for you on a large sorting frame with each address having its own slot for it's mail so for the most part you just need to follow the house numbers (although most walks has at least one house looking to claim the hide and seek champion title, or the letter box is round the back and up the stairs )

I'd only lived in my town a couple of years before getting the job but as long as you can have a quick look at a map and find your way to your first delivery point you'll be fine

[TrueBlueTerrier]

google maps and google street view are your friend when you are on new duties.

[Loopylau89]

Thanks for all the advice i really do appriciate it :) ill be sure to look at maps so i have a rough idea i do also have google maps on my phone,as for houses playing hide and seek i did wonder about that, hopefully it will all run smoothly! Will i know my walk the day before or just on the morning of the walk?

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Thanks for all the advice i really do appriciate it :) ill be sure to look at maps so i have a rough idea i do also have google maps on my phone,as for houses playing hide and seek i did wonder about that, hopefully it will all run smoothly! Will i know my walk the day before or just on the morning of the walk?

usually you'll know - but occasionally they change peoples duties at the last minute if someone goes sick or has an accident.

[Loopylau89]

Ah be handy if ido know then i can look in advance :)