527 Certifying the Suitability Decision

The appointing official is responsible for making the preliminary decision on suitability and eligibility. The appointing official must make certain that the applicant meets Postal Service standards, with the following variations or exceptions:

1. Certain situations permit the hiring of relatives, if approved by the next level of management (see 513.3, Relatives).
2. If an applicant’s history indicates unsuitability, but the appointing official believes that special consideration must be given, the rationale must be documented on the interview sheet, and the preemployment file and recommendation must be sent to the district Human Resources manager for concurrence.

The district Human Resources manager, who may delegate the responsibility, certifies the overall determination by checking the appropriate box and signing on the bottom of page 1 of the Interview Sheet.