New Job

[NDFan4Life]

I've been offered a new government job for which I'll have to have a top secret security clearance. I'll have to have a polygraph done and a drug test. I'm not worried about the drug test, but I'm rather concerned with the polygraph. I had one a long time ago and was fired from a job because of it.

I know they'll ask questions like if I've ever stolen from a former employer and things like that. I get the feeling that if I answer yes, I won't get the job. And if I answer no, it means that I'm being deceptive and won't get the job. As of now, I want to be totally open with the guy doing the polygraph, and tell him up front before the test the things that I've done.

Is this something I should be concerned about? Or should I just wait and see what questions the guy's going to ask?

 

[IHateMarkMay]

The more you worry about it, the more nervous you'll get. The more nervous you get the more it seems like you are lying. I know it's all based on the insides, but if you feel nervous, something has to be going on. Just go tell the truth and see how it goes. Good luck.

 

[NDFan4Life]

The more you worry about it, the more nervous you'll get. The more nervous you get the more it seems like you are lying. I know it's all based on the insides, but if you feel nervous, something has to be going on. Just go tell the truth and see how it goes. Good luck.

Yeah, I'm extremely apprehensive. I really want this job and I don't want to do anything to screw it up. The last polygraph I had was over 20 years ago. When they asked if I've ever stolen anything, I lied and said no. That's why I lost that job. I firmly believe that everyone's stolen something in their life. I've been pretty honest since then, and haven't stolen anything (even from employers). That's why I think being up front with the guy is the right way to deal with the situation.

 

[IHateMarkMay]

I would believe they'd rather see honesty than anything else really.

Where at in NC?

 

[NDFan4Life]

I would believe they'd rather see honesty than anything else really.

Where at in NC?

That's what I'm thinking too.

I'm on the east coast. The new job's in DC. I'm ready for a change.

 

[johnnykillz]

Relax.

Answer the questions truthfully.

The timid and truly evil folks will either:

A) Refuse to test.

B) Divulge all the evil things up front.

C) Be so ok with breaking norms, they have no conscience and therefore no change will occur when lying...

Put your self in an actor's role. Answer the questions fully knowing you already have a good job if that one doesn't pan out.

Chances are gven the context you speak of, they'll want someone cool under pressure anyways.

Lastly, know polygraphs are more formailty anyway - they aren't real accurate, nor can they serve as evidence for conviction. So ultimately, they can't serve as a means to not hire.

My guess: They want you to spill the beans.

Good luck. Relax.

"The truth shall set you free."

 

[NDFan4Life]

Relax.

Answer the questions truthfully.

The timid and truly evil folks will either:

A) Refuse to test.

B) Divulge all the evil things up front.

C) Be so ok with breaking norms, they have no conscience and therefore no change will occur when lying...

Put your self in an actor's role. Answer the questions fully knowing you already have a good job if that one doesn't pan out.

Chances are gven the context you speak of, they'll want someone cool under pressure anyways.

Lastly, know polygraphs are more formailty anyway - they aren't real accurate, nor can they serve as evidence for conviction. So ultimately, they can't serve as a means to not hire.

My guess: They want you to spill the beans.

Good luck. Relax.

"The truth shall set you free."

So being up front isn't a good idea, huh?

I guess I'll just take a wait and see attitude. Heck, I don't even know what questions they're going to ask.

 

[johnnykillz]

So being up front isn't a good idea, huh?

I guess I'll just take a wait and see attitude. Heck, I don't even know what questions they're going to ask.

I would have to disagree. Unless what you're being up front about is a dismissible response.

For example:

(Question) Have you ever taken anything from an employer, for which you weren't charged, without the company's/employer's knowledge?

(Answer) Why yes actually! I have two laptops and a digital camera from my last job I took from the company.

In other words, if it equates to meaningless price, such as a pen or pencil, I'm certain you're golden.

If you need a clearance, they want to make sure you aren't bribeable, and won't commit an offense that would jeopardize top secret information.

 

[johnnykillz]

I guess I'll just take a wait and see attitude.

I have a different attitude towards this, too.

I say prepare for the worst-case scenario: Have your close friend or wife ask you the most uncomfortable questions you aren't comfortable to answer about 1000 times. Or go over how you're going to react in your head, 1000x. (This is what I meant by an actor's approach.)

Then you'll be so cool, calm, and collected come interview - you'll blow their socks off.

 

[NDFan4Life]

I would have to disagree. Unless what you're being up front about is a dismissible response.

For example:

(Question) Have you ever taken anything from an employer, for which you weren't charged, without the company's/employer's knowledge?

(Answer) Why yes actually! I have two laptops and a digital camera from my last job I took from the company.

In other words, if it equates to meaningless price, such as a pen or pencil, I'm certain you're golden.

If you need a clearance, they want to make sure you aren't bribeable, and won't commit an offense that would jeopardize top secret information.

Gotcha. As I said earlier, I'm extremely honest now. I haven't so much as taken a pen or piece of paper from any employer. I guess I'm just getting worked up over nothing. Thanks for the input.

 

[johnnykillz]

Gotcha. As I said earlier, I'm extremely honest now. I haven't so much as taken a pen or piece of paper from any employer. I guess I'm just getting worked up over nothing. Thanks for the input.

We're just watching you.

 

[NDFan4Life]

We're just watching you.

Lol!

 

[johnnykillz]

Lol!

No.

Seriously.

They are.

 

[RyCo1983]

I had a professor/former law enforcement officer tell my entire class to take a muscle relaxer during a polygraph test.

It essentially measures your heart rate. The heart is a muscle.
haha

Its dirty advice. not something I've ever done. But it came from someone who knows what they're talking about. I probably wouldn't recommend doing it.


Best of luck!

 

[johnnykillz]

I had a professor/former law enforcement officer tell my entire class to take a muscle relaxer during a polygraph test.

It essentially measures your heart rate. The heart is a muscle.
haha

Its dirty advice. not something I've ever done. But it came from someone who knows what they're talking about. I probably wouldn't recommend doing it.


Best of luck!

And the kicker: The drug test is after the polygraph.

You might want to make sure you have a prescription for that.

 

[NDFan4Life]

And the kicker: The drug test is after the polygraph.

You might want to make sure you have a prescription for that.

Knowing my luck... it is.

As a matter of fact... I do.

 

[johnnykillz]

If you really want the job, tell the interviewers, "You know, polygraph is so unreliable. Let's just go straight to water boarding."

It may be the worst 15 minutes of your life, and you may drown 6 or 7 times, medically speaking, but at least you'll get the job.

And then you won't just be the rookie. You'll be THE rookie. The FNG on the fast rack. The legitimate bad ***.

Can you imagine the department when you walk by...

 

[NDFan4Life]

If you really want the job, tell the interviewers, "You know, polygraph is so unreliable. Let's just go straight to water boarding."

It may be the worst 15 minutes of your life, and you may drown 6 or 7 times, medically speaking, but at least you'll get the job.

And then you won't just be the rookie. You'll be THE rookie. The FNG on the fast rack. The legitimate bad ***.

Can you imagine the department when you walk by...

That's an idea. Do you think they'd go for it?

 

[BeauBenken]

Now I'm starting to think...wasn't it said that Irish men were the only people impervious to this sorta stuff?

As for what I'd do...I'd qualify for one of the things Johnny listed a truly cynical person would do.

C) Be so ok with breaking norms, they have no conscience and therefore no change will occur when lying...

Not because I'm evil and have no conscience though. I'm just a good liar.

 

[IrishInFl]

I've been offered a new government job for which I'll have to have a top secret security clearance. I'll have to have a polygraph done and a drug test. I'm not worried about the drug test, but I'm rather concerned with the polygraph. I had one a long time ago and was fired from a job because of it.

I know they'll ask questions like if I've ever stolen from a former employer and things like that. I get the feeling that if I answer yes, I won't get the job. And if I answer no, it means that I'm being deceptive and won't get the job. As of now, I want to be totally open with the guy doing the polygraph, and tell him up front before the test the things that I've done.

Is this something I should be concerned about? Or should I just wait and see what questions the guy's going to ask?

THE POLYGRAPH IS A JOKE. YOU CAN BEAT IT BY CLENCHING YOUR SPHINCTER AND RELEASING DURING YOUR ANSWER. ALSO, IF YOU REMAIN TOTALLY CALM YOU CAN LIE ALL YOU WANT AND IT WON'T MATTER. WATCH SEASON 7 EPISODE 5 OF PENN AND TELLER BULLSH!T TO LEARN MORE.

 

[IrishInFl]

<iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/NsoI92BfmqY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[phgreek]

I've been offered a new government job for which I'll have to have a top secret security clearance. I'll have to have a polygraph done and a drug test. I'm not worried about the drug test, but I'm rather concerned with the polygraph. I had one a long time ago and was fired from a job because of it.

I know they'll ask questions like if I've ever stolen from a former employer and things like that. I get the feeling that if I answer yes, I won't get the job. And if I answer no, it means that I'm being deceptive and won't get the job. As of now, I want to be totally open with the guy doing the polygraph, and tell him up front before the test the things that I've done.

Is this something I should be concerned about? Or should I just wait and see what questions the guy's going to ask?

if its a job for the administration...don't tell them you know me...j/k.

I hold a secret clearance myself...TS is a whole other ball of wax. So my advice is simple...relax, and tell the truth...just don't be the guy that offers too many details on initial query...

The other thing to keep in mind here...

I doubt very seriously they will use the results. Why? Well, remember, the government is an incestuous mess...Many, Many times the hiring manager knew who he wanted before the Req. went out...yes, even on outside hires....and ESPECIALLY in DC. Many times everyone else but the chosen one is making it look official.

...gonna go out on a limb here and say you didn't get overlooked because of an abnormality on your poly last time around, but rather it was an easy excuse to pass on you...to get to the guy/gal they had in mind from the beginning...its the game my friend.

...not saying lie...just giving you info to set your mind at ease...

 

[IrishLax]

I've been offered a new government job for which I'll have to have a top secret security clearance. I'll have to have a polygraph done and a drug test. I'm not worried about the drug test, but I'm rather concerned with the polygraph. I had one a long time ago and was fired from a job because of it.

I know they'll ask questions like if I've ever stolen from a former employer and things like that. I get the feeling that if I answer yes, I won't get the job. And if I answer no, it means that I'm being deceptive and won't get the job. As of now, I want to be totally open with the guy doing the polygraph, and tell him up front before the test the things that I've done.

Is this something I should be concerned about? Or should I just wait and see what questions the guy's going to ask?

I've done this. Depends on what "level" of poly you're taking whether you should be concerned. Is it a TS/SCI? PM me if you want some pointers.

 

[IrishLax]

Btw.... the polygraph is no joke. And if you fail you lose all of your clearances. I know people who have quit their jobs rather than take a poly to keep their TS.

 

[phgreek]

Btw.... the polygraph is no joke. And if you fail you lose all of your clearances. I know people who have quit their jobs rather than take a poly to keep their TS.

I've seen enough on the clearance front to make me think you'd need to fail on a certain class of question for it to imapct an S or NAC...say, "have you been to China lately?" if you lied about that...and they confirmed...you are sizzling bacon for life.

If you said no to a theft question that was a yes...I don't believe they are going to cascade that down w/o asking more questions...it puts them in front of a legal issue...Fed hates legal issues...which is why govies can never be fired for anything...well excpet watching porn on their govy computer...or where I'm from, putting a thumb drive in a machine.


In the end I guess he should listen to you, since you seem to have the most current TS experience.

 

[NDFan4Life]

if its a job for the administration...don't tell them you know me...j/k.

I hold a secret clearance myself...TS is a whole other ball of wax. So my advice is simple...relax, and tell the truth...just don't be the guy that offers too many details on initial query...

The other thing to keep in mind here...

I doubt very seriously they will use the results. Why? Well, remember, the government is an incestuous mess...Many, Many times the hiring manager knew who he wanted before the Req. went out...yes, even on outside hires....and ESPECIALLY in DC. Many times everyone else but the chosen one is making it look official.

...gonna go out on a limb here and say you didn't get overlooked because of an abnormality on your poly last time around, but rather it was an easy excuse to pass on you...to get to the guy/gal they had in mind from the beginning...its the game my friend.

...not saying lie...just giving you info to set your mind at ease...

I hold a secret clearance now, but the agency I'm going to work for wants to do their own background investigation. I really don't have a problem with it. I'm just going to go by "honesty is the best policy". I've never done anything major and have never been to jail, so I'm just going to be completely honest with them.

 

[ACamp1900]

just be honest... In all honesty these G whatever jobs are one of the few growth industries in the country right now... lol... I don't think they are being as selcetive as they used to be... I know two people who have done hard time who just recently got TS clearence, I don't think they'll flip out if you helped yourself to a stapler before.

 

[phgreek]

I hold a secret clearance now, but the agency I'm going to work for wants to do their own background investigation. I really don't have a problem with it. I'm just going to go by "honesty is the best policy". I've never done anything major and have never been to jail, so I'm just going to be completely honest with them.

Sounds to me like you have the right outlook...I think you will be fine.

Agencies doing their own stuff...I've seen it. I had a guy leave us to go work for the IRS...they did their own, and he was an S in DoD...go figure.

Good luck...maybe I'll run into you in DC...I'm scared though you'll be my customer...hehehe!

 

[IrishLax]

just be honest... In all honesty these G whatever jobs are one of the few growth industries in the country right now... lol... I don't think they are being as selcetive as they used to be... I know two people who have done hard time who just recently got TS clearence, I don't think they'll flip out if you helped yourself to a stapler before.

There's a big difference between a TS and, for instance, a TS/SCI w/ poly. But yeah... rule of thumb is don't lie and let the chips fall where they do.

One guy I know over at General Dynamics says that he purposely hires Mormons because he knows they don't have any concerns taking a poly lol. When you don't drink, do drugs or party... really the only thing that could screw you over are financial history issues. Most people that fail do so because they have bad credit and tons of debt.

 

[GreatGolson]

im not sure you should be telling us this in the first place hahaha