Have to take my first polygraph...

[shaskell]

I've recently been offered a position with pharmaceutical company. Imagine my surprise when I was told that they require a polygraph test as a condition of employment!

I've never taken a polygraph before, so I'm a bit anxious for this. Does anyone have any idea what would be on this polygraph? Most people's polygraphs on this site seem to relate to law enforcement, so it's making me more anxious considering I don't know what to expect. I was told that confidentiality is a huge thing for them, so I'm assuming it will have a lot to do with that.

I have little to hide- I tried pot in college, and my mother used to give me her prescription anxiety medications if I had insomnia, or if we were flying. Those are the two things I'm worried about- drug use, and using meds that aren't prescribed to me (albeit given to me by my mother!). I've never stolen anything in my life, never been arrested, etc, so I should be pretty much okay.

Anyone have any idea what a polygraph for a pharmaceutical company would be like? Thanks for any help.

[Twoblock]

shaskell

It is not legal for private companies to require pre-employment polygraphs. They can be heavily fined. EPPA cancelled polygraph requirements in the private sector. I believe a private company can only require a polygraph if that company is a subcontractor to a government entity that requires a security clearance.

[shaskell]

Actually, from the research I've done, if the company distributes controlled substances, they are permitted to conduct pre-employment polygraph tests. Unfortunately they are the exception to the rule.

[Twoblock]

shaskell

That is probably true. I forgot about controlled substances. Someone with first hand knowledge will have to address this.

Not knowing what goes on in a pre-employment polygraph these days, except what I read here, I'll bet the relivant questions aims at the drug issue.

[retcopper]

Shaskell:

Be careful of the arm chair lawyer's advise in this forum.  You seem like a  good candidiate for the job so you shouldn't worrry.  

[Twoblock]

shaskell

Be careful of polygoofer's "advice" in this forum.

retcopper

What statements made here do you consider worthy of "be careful consideration"?

[Sergeant1107]

Shaskell:

Be careful of the arm chair lawyer's advise in this forum.  You seem like a  good candidiate for the job so you shouldn't worrry.  

If the writer chooses to come to this message board for advice, isn't that his or her choice to make?  If a person wants the standard (but useless and deceiving) "tell the truth and everything will be fine" advice I'm sure they would go to PolygraphPlace.com, not AntiPolygraph.org.

And I am curious as to what part of their rather brief post caused you to conclude that they seem like a good candidate for a job they have not described in a company they have not named?

[Twoblock]

Sargeant

retcopper and nonombre are two of a kind. They ask questions, but never answer questions. They spurt their little zingers, tuck their tails between their legs and slink off. They don't debate because they don't have the ammunition. So don't expect anything of substance.

[nonombre]

Sargeant

retcopper and nonombre are two of a kind. They ask questions, but never answer questions. They spurt their little zingers, tuck their tails between their legs and slink off. They don't debate because they don't have the ammunition. So don't expect anything of substance.

I disagree.  I believe I have had several "debates of substance" with Sergeant, EosJupiter, and several others on this website...

But you can call me names if you like.  I am used to that...

Regards...

Nonombre

[EosJupiter]

Sargeant

retcopper and nonombre are two of a kind. They ask questions, but never answer questions. They spurt their little zingers, tuck their tails between their legs and slink off. They don't debate because they don't have the ammunition. So don't expect anything of substance.

TwoBlock,

Even though NoNombre is pro-polygraph, he has,  as of late been debating with substance and vigor. I have to respect that fact, and must support that position. As long as they post valid worthy discussion points then we at least have to listen and evaluate them honestly.

retcopper is just a hit and run poster like our other friendly neighborhood polygrapher Eastwood. I would be more inclined to say its retcopper and Eastwood (at this current point in time) as the more likely candidates.

Regards ...  

[Twoblock]

Eosjupitor

A few week ago nonombre was asked some pointed questions and the last time I checked that thread, don't remember which one now, those questions had gone unanswered. I'll have to check but, i think Dr. Richardson ask him some questions that were never answered.

Nonombre did I call you a name in my above post? It doesn't appear that I did. Looks like I just made a statement.

[Bill Crider]

I think the responsible advice is simply to say that the polygraph is a "procedure" without any scientific merit. THe people on this board are in large part, mightily against the polygraph because they have had careers ruined and been accused of all sorts of tings they didnt do.

Its quite possible you may pass with flying colors, many people do. However, it is also quite likely that a high % of people also fail for a variety of reasons not related to lying.

Good luck with your test. I would hazard a guess that your poly will deal with your drug history since you will be around controlled substances.