Not to get too picky, but I wouldn't say that at all. Being in the pool means that you have successfully interviewed...that's all.

You're not hired when they call you for the physical. Passing the physical is a condition of employment. And you're not hired when your background check is complete. You're not hired until the first day of class...period.

The pool at UPS (as most know, but for the benefit of the original poster) is not first-in-first-out. It what UPS refers to as a "competitive" pool. There is some kind of score attached to your file and apparently (one of the great mysteries in life) your score is fluid...meaning if you update your resume while you're in the pool, you could raise your score...or theoretically lower it. And if someone enters the pool with a higher score after you're already swimming, you're effectively pushed back.

That being said, I've only heard folklore of pool-swimmers who entered the pool and ultimately never heard from UPS again. I've heard the "I know a guy who..." stories about getting in the pool and never getting out, but no one has ever told me first-hand this has happened.

For all intents and purposes, getting into the pool means you will one day get out of the pool. But take it from someone who swam in excess of 3 years...you're not hired until you're in class!

EDPM