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For my first FBI poly, I wore my regular business attire--a collared button-up shirt and khakis. I didn't have much choice since I had to leave from my job at the time and then return immediately after the poly (ahh, the irony--lying to my current employer in order to run off to a polygraph exam). I "failed" that exam.
For my second FBI poly, I came up with another lie for my boss so I could take the entire day off. But this time I wore my two-piece suit with nice tie and shoes. The examiner asked to take my coat, and while hanging it up, he slyly patted it down as if folding it over his arm (perhaps looking for a recording device or something).
In any case, I "failed" the second exam as well. Maybe next time I'll go in with flip-flops and a hawaiian shirt.
Mustbaliar
Posted by: NSAreject Posted on: Jul 28th, 2005 at 2:53am
Sorry, no problem, but I have been "flamed" before... . Even with my CIA and DoD clearances, I probably would not be able to return to the NSA, without going through their rectal exam. I know of one CIA full-scope poly defense contractor, who was told that NSA would make him sit for their poly. Our Government tax dollars hard at work !
Posted by: Matty Posted on: Jul 28th, 2005 at 2:50am
No, I have not and I did not know that you were already an employee when you took the test...I would wear jeans too.
It's an interesting question as to how to dress for a pre-employment interview....there does seem to be that fine line and some of those spooks will read into anything in order to justify failing an applicant they are suspicious of. I have read and been told that always wear a suit for every face to face interview for a leo application, but that could end up working against the applicant.
Posted by: NSAreject Posted on: Jul 28th, 2005 at 2:31am
Just to clarify, I did finally pass my NSA CI poly (5 year update) wearing jeans, but was put into adjudication limbo, because one adjudicator thought that I still had an issue. A couple of months later, I was cleared through another defense contractor, by the CIA. I think that over-dressing may be looked at as a possible sign of deception (not being one's self, or being open). Wearing casual clothing may look unprofessional, but at least one is not hiding behind a suit. And Brandon, yes, you are right. A lot of NSA'ers wear jeans (why not), but I would never show up in jeans for an interview with a private defense contractor. Matty, have you ever been a government employee going through 5-year poly updates ? Wouldn't it seem a bit silly, for NSA'ers to dress up for their 5-year poly updates, versus new hires ? Also, looking like one doesn't give a crap, especially, when one knows what is going on, probably looks a lot less suspicious, than going in looking concerned/serious. I told them that I read this site regularly, and how I felt about the polygraph (without debating it with them), but that didn't make any difference...
Posted by: polyscam - Ex Member Posted on: Jul 25th, 2005 at 10:22pm
Forget about polygraph for a moment. Any employer wants to know that those who are interviewing with them "Give a Crap" about working for them and will show up for the interview looking professional...That's just common sense. Showing up in jeans with a "I don't give a crap" attitude isn't going to help anyone get hired anywhere...
Posted by: Jeffery Posted on: Jul 25th, 2005 at 8:51pm
During my examination in January, I wore a shirt and tie with slacks and dress shoes. Not because I wanted to impress the man but because I had to go to work following the examination. The examiner had me remove my tie, lower my suspenders to my sides and empty every pocket from my slacks and shirt (his little method of demonstrating his control). Wear something comfortable. In my opinion what you wear is probably not of much importance as long as you don't dress like a bum.
Posted by: polyfool Posted on: Jul 20th, 2005 at 5:54pm
You should definitely dress nice, but keep in mind that the examining room will likely be VERY warm--you might want to forgo the jacket(or take it off) and tie for that matter.
Posted by: Sergeant1107 Posted on: Jul 20th, 2005 at 4:30pm
Hello, I was curious as to what kind of clothing I should wear to my polygraph. I really hate to overdress.
Would slacks, dress shoes, and a tie be too formal? Would nice jeans and a polo shirt be too casual? Thanks for your help.
The initial impression you make on the examiner may influence the “test.” Unfortunately, it is entirely subjective. If you dress too casually he may think you are not taking this seriously enough. If you overdress he may think you are trying too hard because you have something to hide. Or he may make no judgment whatsoever regardless of how you are dressed. Does the “science” of this “test” impress you yet?
That being said, use your own judgment. Since this is considered part of the application process it would almost certainly be a good idea to dress in appropriate business attire. A three-piece suit would probably be excessive, but jacket and tie are probably appropriate.
Posted by: maninflight Posted on: Jul 20th, 2005 at 8:42am