Messenger

Job overview
Messengers deliver letters, packages, telegrams, messages, documents etc.

They may travel on foot, by bicycle, motor bike or by car.

What do people do in this job?
The efficient management of a business or organisation relies on effective communication, both internally and externally.

Certain essential duties such as carrying files from one office to another, delivery of urgent local letters instead of posting them, collection and distribution of mail and other routine tasks have to be done.

After messengers have collected the post from the post office, the letters are opened and sorted to be taken to the relevant people or sections within the organisation.

At the same time documents for filing, typing or photo-copying, as well as outgoing mail, are collected and taken to the appropriate destination.

In general, the work requires a great deal of walking, but messengers may have their own desk when they are expected to do clerical work.

In small businesses where only one or two messengers are employed, they may also be expected to make tea, wash cups and keep the office tidy.

What kinds of people are suitable for this job?
Reliability is a prime requirement, since messengers are often entrusted with very important documents.

Punctuality is essential too and orders have to be executed promptly and efficiently.

Finally a neat appearance is important since messengers are viewed as representatives of their company.

What qualifications are needed?
Messengers should have a reading knowledge of their country's main languages.