Polygraph test

[brendell2005]

What does this test invole and what are some of the questions they ask?

[chingon]

the polygraph test involves a "trained" examiner hooking you up to a series of devices designed to measure your stress reponse usually through pulse, respiration and perspiration.
they will be asking you questions which will run the gamut from your personal drug-use history, to your credit situation, to your past job history.
it is a pass/fail exam.
here's the trick, places that use ploygraphs have different criteria for what failure is. for instance, some may have a 2-year moritorium on drug use, or a 5-year for "hard drug" use. some may automatically disqualify you for having stole from a previous employer, some may simply compare your results to other applicants, some may only disqualify you for failing the polygraph, and hire you regardless of your answers if they are deemed 'truthful'.
google 'polygraph', read extensively, and if you have concerns, there are a variety of techniques for 'beating' the polygraph available online.
i, personally, would suggest withdrawing your application and telling the nosey bastards you don't want to work for fascists.

[CaptBob]

I believe in preparing for every step of the hiring process before you get there.

I talked to a candidate the other night who just took a polygraph and failed. The evaluator kept hammering him about reactions he was receiving. The questions surrounded him of not only being a drug dealer but a pimp. He said nothing could be farther from the truth.

I asked him if he had checked out www.polygraph.com before his interview. He said he had been to the site but thought it was too much of a sales pitch trying to sell something. I asked him what he thought now. He said it would have been more than worth it to know how to prepare.

A candidate wrote:

One of the questions on many (if not most/all) polygraph tests is "have you read or sought out information on 'how to beat a polygraph'?"....

Well, not always.

FF/PM1 Wrote:

Yes, I was asked if I had researched polygraphs in my pre-interview, but not in the actual polygraph exam. The examiner asked me why I researched polygraphs? Was I going to manipulate it? I said of course not, but I always study before going into a test, I knew nothing about polygraphs prior to my hiring process and wanted to know what they are about.


While I am a big advocate of honesty in the hiring process, I am also an advocate on RESEARCH prior to entering into a new portion of the hiring process.

This does not make you a "cheater" or "dishonest" for wanting to know what you are getting yourself into, just thorough.

I researched every step of my hiring process. I learned everything I could about interviews, medicals, psych exams, polygraphs, backgrounds...not because I was trying to manipulate the system with deception or dishonesty, but I wanted to know what is next.

Honesty was the foundation of everything during my hiring process. I used this formula.....

If asked, a truthful answer was always given.

If asked a question, I would answer the question honestly then be quiet.

All other times I sat there with my mouth shut.

I have had friends fail polygraphs, not because they were dishonest, but they were not educated for what they were getting into. They sat down and were honest, but when answering one of the polygrpaher's questions, they would answer the question and then ADD additional info not even asked for. This ultimately led to their demise.

Learning about a polygraph does not mean I am trying to cheat it. Were you trying to cheat by going to fire stations and finding out what types of questions may be asked on the oral interview? No, you just wanted to be prepared.

Be honest, be prepared and be consistent.

You can find more on testing secrets in the Career Article section from the Jobs drop down menu just above this posting.

"Nothing counts 'til you have the badge . . . Nothing!"

Fire "Captain Bob" Author,
Becoming A Firefighter,
Conquer Fire Department Oral Boards, and
It’s Your Turn in the Hot Seat!

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