Do you know that some federal jobs require no specific qualifications to candidates except for self-care and good habits? You may ask how it comes that the ideal physical fit is the best way to break a unique hiring path with no experience. With the rise of pandemic measures and teleworking the listing of entry-level government jobs shows an explosion in the demand for couriers. Looking through the enumerated vacancies and physical requirements for candidates can help understand how running skills come in handy to be fit as a fiddle and get an ideal job without any experience.
Physical requirements for Courier
The data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics reflect that the total number of vacancies for couriers has changed from 690,000 to 850,000 during the last two years. Federal career for a courier may include same-day delivery of important legal or financial documents, packages, passports, airline tickets, medical specimens, and nuclear material occasionally donated organs, usually within local areas.
Here is the list of physical requirements, taken from several job description, which the candidates should meet:
- Mobility;
- Running;
- Strength;
- Torso Flexibility;
- Physical & Mental Endurance.
As you can see, the essential functions of Courier, either Delivery Agent, Court Messenger, or Diplomatic Courier, have a physically demanding component. Couriers and delivery agents need to be physically fit and healthy to be able to walk up to 15 kilometers, cycle up to 25 km and handle heavy parcels, from time to time weighing up to 30 kilograms. It is a perfect job for young people with their ability to cope well with pressure and for those who are healthy and strong but have no experience.
Why Running Is Good
The coronavirus pandemic leaves no chances for fitness centers in 2020. The best and most affordable habit to develop all qualities you need is running, this activity is always available. It makes you better equipped to handle anything that may come your way later. The benefits you get with the aerobic exercise are obvious; 1. Running significantly improves physical, mental, and heart health. 2. Running reduces stress and helps alleviate symptoms of depression. 3. Running is good for us because it’s something we evolved to do. 4. Running improves body composition, stamina, and physical strength.
What You Need to Start
You can take any timing device to manage the training – a watch, Fitbit, iPhone. All you need for a good start is a great training plan and the right pair of sneakers. The basic formula of your training at a convenient pace may include: 1. Running workouts three days a week; 2. 20-30 minutes of run/walk twice a week; 3. 40-60 minutes of a long run with regular walk-breaks on the weekend. 4. Rest or cross-training on the off days.
Choose Footwear
Choose several most comfortable running shoes in the store. Try them on and jog to let your feet decide which one to pick. Ignore high arches to avoid injuries and never be swayed by famous brands. Comfort is all you need to feel good.
Focus on Socks
The bunched and suffocating socks can cause painful blisters. Not to get sidelined for a week you should pick breathable, snug, low-cut socks made of a special sport sweat-wicking material. They are designed to draw moisture away to prevent bacteria that accumulate between the toes, to get rid of foot odor.
Compile Your Favorite Playlist
Running shouldn’t be torture, feel it like a reward. If you prefer the quiet and solitude of running, it’s better to pick a bucolic path for it. Most runners choose a combination of upbeat music, audiobooks, or short podcasts to accompany them. You can train with the books by comedians that leave you laughing to forget the pains.
Tips for Beginners
When you first start running, try to focus on getting into the exercise habit:
- You may run or walk but it should be a regular part of each day.
- Find a time and place to exercise that feels convenient and comfortable.
- It’s easy to start slow, trying to make it through one mile at a light jogging pace to get the muscles moving and walking the rest.
- Walk for 5 minutes to warm up. Your pace can be pretty slow, try not to get in a rush, choosing to enjoy the scenery or music.
After you feel more comfortable, you can add more miles. Once the miles get easier, you will find yourself actually kind of enjoying it, like a moving meditation. You can start working on speed now. It will make you uncomfortable, forcing you to change your breath, stride, and effort. Speed training transforms your body, supplying oxygen to the muscles in a more efficient way, which will make a runner improve at any distance.
Sometimes all of us are full of hesitation about any new activities. We are frightened not to be immediately good at something like running. Sure, you will be far from being a serious marathoner, but it’s a cool chance to improve your body, way of thinking and get an attractive position from the list of those entry-level government jobs. You must make a choice to take a chance or your life will never change.
About The Author
Daniella Epstein
Daniella knows all ins and outs of the federal hiring process. She is excellent at job hunting strategies, starting from federal resume writing to the final stage of interview conduction.
