Ionut

When did you start working at Royal Mail?

I started working for Royal Mail about 7 months ago.  

What position do you hold at Royal Mail?

I am a delivery driver, like a courier I suppose you might call it. 

What does your job entail?

I drop off parcels to houses and businesses, sometimes I collect parcels too.

Tell me about a typical day at work?

I arrive at work and collect my van. I am then assigned my route. Next, I arrange the parcels on to the vehicle in the right order for the route. After that, I leave and start the route, meeting people, delivering parcels and making collections. I deliver as many as I can in my shift then I head back to the depot. 

What made you choose this job at Royal Mail?

I was a chef for 10 years and I hated that I had no social life, the hours were long and unsociable. So, I thought I would change jobs, I love driving and being out on the road so when I saw this I thought, yes! I can do that. 

What was your application process like?

It was really simple, I just had to answer the questions on the form and once they had done their checks I started. 

What were you most nervous about before you started? 

I was nervous because I didn’t really know the area very well, and also, I knew I had to learn to use the handheld device. Now though I know what to do and where to go. I remember what it was like for me, so I try to help other new people as much as possible.

Did you receive any training before you started?

Yes, but most of the help came from the other drivers, they made it easier for me to settle in because they were so helpful.  

Are you aware of any career progression or self development options?

Next year they might be taking drivers on permanently, my manager said it is really likely I will get offered this because I am doing well after just 7 months. 

What do you like most about your job?

I love that I get to drive and offer a great service to customers. If the customer is happy then it makes me happy. 

What do you dislike most about your job?

Nothing really, you have good days and bad days just like in any job, some days can be long but over all there is nothing I don’t like. 

What are your fellow team members like?

I have a good relationship with the other drivers, and the managers. They know I will always do my best no matter what. 

Do you get to interact with the public a lot? 

Yes, because the parcels are signed for I get to meet new people with every delivery. 

What are your main career goals?

I am just happy to be a driver, so as long as I can drive I don’t mind.

What would you tell someone who was considering applying for a role like yours?

You do have to know that you really like driving, it is totally different to just driving at home and in your own car. You need to be fit for lifting and carrying parcels, and don’t forget that you still deliver whatever the weather! 

Would you recommend your job to a friend?

Yes, I have recommended it already and I would again.