What Does Offer Phase EXT Mean?
If you’ve recently applied for a job with the United States Postal Service, you might have run across the words “Offer Phase (EXT)” on your application status. If so, it probably looked something like this…
But what does it all mean?
Basically, Offer Phase (EXT) means that you’re being offered the position you applied for, even if you haven’t been contacted directly yet. You should receive an official job offer via email after seeing the Offer Phase (EXT) code show up on your applications status. However, this process can take weeks or months.
If you haven’t received your job offer, check your email spam folders first. In some cases, your job offer might be extended to you over the phone, so keep a close eye on your calls and voicemails.
Most importantly, keep in mind that this process often takes quite a while, so try to practice patience. If you see Offer Phase (EXT), this means that you will receive an offer–you might just have to wait a while for USPS to reach out to you with the details.
To break it down even further, Offer Phase (EXT) means that your application is in the “offer phase” (meaning that you’re being offered the job) and that you are an “external hire” (hence the EXT code). People often assume that the EXT means “extended,” but this is not true. If you were already a USPS employee applying for a different position within the organization, you would see Offer Phase (INT) instead.
The USPS Hiring Process
The USPS application system is called eCareers and can be found here. This is the only way to apply for positions with the United States Postal Service. If you attempt to apply for a job in person, you will be directed to the eCareers online portal.
Here’s a basic overview of the USPS application and hiring process…
- Search for jobs here using keywords or location
- Create a “candidate profile”
- Apply for a job and wait for a confirmation email
- Depending on the position you applied for, you will be contacted by USPS regarding various pre-hiring steps, including screenings, exams, etc.
- If you are offered a position, you will see “Offer Phase (EXT)” appear on your application status and be contacted by USPS to complete the hiring process
It’s important to note that not all USPS positions require standard interviews. So, it’s possible that you could be offered a position without ever being interviewed.
Offer Phase Ext Waiting Time
Unfortunately, the waiting period to receive your offer once Offer Phase (EXT) shows up on your application status can be quite long.
According to accounts from current USPS employees, it can take anywhere from six weeks to two months to receive your formal offer.
What Comes After Offer Phase Ext?
After Offer Phase (EXT) appears on your application status, you can expect the following to happen…
- You will be contacted by email or phone with your formal job offer (it’s typical for several weeks or even months to pass before you’re contacted)
- You will be asked to complete a background check, including fingerprints* and an assessment of your driving record (results can take up to 3-5 weeks)
- You will be asked to complete an I-9 employment eligibility form
- You will go through an orientation process for your position
- Finally, you will be contacted with the details about starting your job
* If you do not receive an email asking you to come in to provide fingerprints, it’s a good idea to visit the post office in person to offer up your fingerprints proactively. This can help speed up the process.
Unfortunately, this process can take a very long time from start to finish. If you’re feeling stuck in the process, try to be as patient as possible. Two to three months is considered a standard waiting time from the date you submit your application to when you start working, but the process can sometimes take even longer.
FAQs
Does USPS offer phase EXT mean you got the job?
Not quite. It means that you have received or will soon receive a job offer. However, you must still accept the offer and go through the pre-hire process before you’re officially considered a USPS employee. If you don’t pass your background check, exams, etc., you won’t get the job despite having received an offer.
Can you accept two job offers from USPS?
No. While you can apply for as many positions as you want, you can only accept one job offer.
What is the difference between the pre-hire list and offer phase ext?
While they are both statuses found in the USPS application portal, “pre-hire list” comes before “offer phase (ext).” If you see “pre-hire list” on your application status, that just means that you’re being considered for the position, but USPS has not decided whether or not to offer you the job yet. “Offer phase (ext)” means that you are being offered the position.
