Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Controlling Machines and Processes Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

The Work

A postroom clerk distributes mail (letters and parcels) around an organisation. They often start work earlier than other office staff because they need to deal with the morning mail.  
 
The postroom clerk may be responsible for collecting, opening and date stamping mail, and sorting the contents to be sent to departments or individuals.  
 
Clerks need to record the arrival of cheques or important documents. They may photocopy letters and send them to a number of departments. Clerks distribute the post around the company.  
 
The postroom clerk also collects internal mail and distributes it to the correct departments. Towards the end of the day, they collect the afternoon post, stamp or frank it.  
 
The end of the day is usually as hectic as the beginning. Clerks sort outgoing mail. They need to learn the different procedures for dealing with special types of correspondence such as registered letters or overseas mail.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Wrap packages or bundles by hand, or by using tying machines.
• Verify that items are addressed correctly, marked with the proper postage, and in suitable condition for processing.
• Remove containers of sorted mail or parcels and transfer them to designated areas according to established procedures.
• Sort and route incoming mail, and collect outgoing mail, using carts as necessary.
• Affix postage to packages or letters by hand, or stamp materials, using postage meters.
• Determine manner in which mail is to be sent, and prepare it for delivery to mailing facilities.
• Accept and check containers of mail or parcels from large volume mailers, couriers, and contractors.
• Seal or open envelopes, by hand or by using machines.
• Weigh packages or letters to determine postage needed, using weighing scales and rate charts.
• Operate embossing machines or typewriters to make corrections, additions, and changes to address plates.

Further Information

• Postroom Clerk - from: An Post
• Postroom Clerk - from: An Post

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Training is mainly on the job though some knowledge of office skills will be of benefit. Many Further Education Colleges throughout the country run relevant courses in office, administration and reception.

Experience, Knowledge & Skills

Successful candidates will meet the following criteria:

• Ideally you have meaningful work experience or experience in a customer-focused environment.
• You are a hardworking and committed individual
• You have good organisational skills
• You are flexible, efficient and effective in your work practices
• You must be at least 18 years of age 

How to Apply:

Last Updated: March, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €25k - €36k

Salaries Vary by employer, location, role, duties, shift pattern, and experience.

Data Source(s):
An Post.ie/ Indeed.ie/ Talent.com

Last Updated: February, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The strong employment growth rate is in part related to changes in the Labour Force Survey in 2017; although employment increased marginally between 2020 and 2021, it remained unchanged in 2022. Most are employed in the transport sector. Automation may reduce the future demand for some roles in this occupation, although increased online shopping since the onset of COVID-19 has seen demand for couriers and postal services persist.

• An Post

  • Post Offices Division, G.P.O., Dublin 1
  • (01) 705 7000
  • Click Here