My issue and two questions

[Indiana73]

My issue is that I failed a polygraph last year, and am scheduled for another (different agency) next week.

My first question is, if I recall, they are going to ask if I have formed any opinions about the test.  How should I answer?  "It's hard for me not to be just the least bit skeptical because I failed one a year ago and never lied once during the exam?"  That's the honest answer.

My second question:  I have been considering taking Ativan before the polygraph.  I emailed a question to my HR contact in the agency and her view was to "have a doctor's note with you."  Are there any other experiences where someone has taken anti-anxiety meds before the exam?

[nopolycop]

My issue is that I failed a polygraph last year, and am scheduled for another (different agency) next week.

My first question is, if I recall, they are going to ask if I have formed any opinions about the test.  How should I answer?  "It's hard for me not to be just the least bit skeptical because I failed one a year ago and never lied once during the exam?"  That's the honest answer.

My second question:  I have been considering taking Ativan before the polygraph.  I emailed a question to my HR contact in the agency and her view was to "have a doctor's note with you."  Are there any other experiences where someone has taken anti-anxiety meds before the exam?

If it were me, I would answer honestly, stating that you had no confidence that the polygraph can detect deception, because you failed a previous one where you did not lie.  

I would then tell the examiner that despite this belief, you are willing to take this polygraph because getting the job means more to you than the possibility of being branded a liar.

I would then take the test, and answer the questions honestly.  Whether you choose to use any counter measures, is your business.

BTW, this is what I did on my last test, and the examiner passed me.  Whether or not I used countermeasures, is, as discussed, my business.

Be prepared to fail though, because the test cannot detect deception, nor can it verify honesty.  (See my signature line).

[T.M. Cullen]

I failed one a year ago and never lied once during the exam?"

THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE!!!  

The test is 95% accurate. +/- 1.2354% with a std of 1.234895796

Indiana,

Just kidding.  You now know from FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE that you can fail the test YET TELL THE TRUTH.

The polygraphers on this board would have you believe that you must be consciously or unconsciously omitting something if you "react".

Just answer the relevant questions truthfully, and ignore their repeated claims that you must be "holding back".

The purpose of the intel agency tests is to get you talking, and keep you talking, to see what they can get you to admit.

DON'T PLAY THEIR GAME!

You sound a lot like me before my second test.  Don't take drugs, just go in there and know it for what it is, a "con job".  Make NO ADMISSIONS concerning a relevant question, no matter how insignificant you might think of it.  If they have a "reaction" that they must account for, they will take your admission and blow it out of all proportion.

TC

[T.M. Cullen]

Whoops!

[TheNoLieGuy4U]

         Indiana73,

  I have been waiting for you to show up, and do want you to report back after your next test experience.  First, I understand you do want this job, and have time invested in getting to this stage.  You also know that the agency you are applying to, as with many other agencies, have a shortage of personnel.  At this point, you have had one dissapointment with your first exam.  You are now at what is known as the fork in the road.  There are those here who will tell you to try and cheat and boost your reactions to some questions.  Consider the source.  Most of them don't have the very job you want.  I will tell you that if you tell the truth, and don't try to rationalize your way on answers, you will know you are telling the truth, and the questions will seem easy.  If you choose to try and cheat then don't be surprised at another outcome which does not move you forward in the process.  Be proud of who you are, demonstrate from your life experience and habits that you are a low risk hiring decision, and you should get a shot at it. There are no perfect human beings, and don't hold yourself to an artificially high standard.  The currency of commitment is Truth, and you can tell that, and still have a shot at your dream.  Come in wearing your Sunday best (Book: Dress for Success by Malloy), be well spoken and concise, and don't gloss over historical truth, or elaborate where it is not needed.  The Examiner has probably done many interviews and tests prior to you, and let him take the lead and no doubt you'll do well.  If it does happen to be the same examiner as before, let him know that you are career driven, want and need the job, and will answer any question to clear up any prior issues on the day of your test.  Remember, that Examiner, whether in house for that department, or an outside contrtactor; wants to assist his/her agency in meeting their hiring goals.  There are no real magic shortcuts other than using your best business sense.  Your test is an extention of your background, so get it right for your own sake.  

Best of Luck, and please do report back !!!  The choice is yours !  

[notguilty1]

  Indiana73,

  I have been waiting for you to show up, and do want you to report back after your next test experience.  First, I understand you do want this job, and have time invested in getting to this stage.  You also know that the agency you are applying to, as with many other agencies, have a shortage of personnel.  At this point, you have had one dissapointment with your first exam.  You are now at what is known as the fork in the road.  There are those here who will tell you to try and cheat and boost your reactions to some questions.  Consider the source.  Most of them don't have the very job you want.  I will tell you that if you tell the truth, and don't try to rationalize your way on answers, you will know you are telling the truth, and the questions will seem easy.  If you choose to try and cheat then don't be surprised at another outcome which does not move you forward in the process.  Be proud of who you are, demonstrate from your life experience and habits that you are a low risk hiring decision, and you should get a shot at it. There are no perfect human beings, and don't hold yourself to an artificially high standard.  The currency of commitment is Truth, and you can tell that, and still have a shot at your dream.  Come in wearing your Sunday best (Book: Dress for Success by Malloy), be well spoken and concise, and don't gloss over historical truth, or elaborate where it is not needed.  The Examiner has probably done many interviews and tests prior to you, and let him take the lead and no doubt you'll do well.  If it does happen to be the same examiner as before, let him know that you are career driven, want and need the job, and will answer any question to clear up any prior issues on the day of your test.  Remember, that Examiner, whether in house for that department, or an outside contrtactor; wants to assist his/her agency in meeting their hiring goals.  There are no real magic shortcuts other than using your best business sense.  Your test is an extention of your background, so get it right for your own sake.  

Best of Luck, and please do report back !!!  The choice is yours !  

Wow this looks like it came from hallmark!!
However it skims over the reason why indiana first came here.
HE FAILED A POLY LAST YEAR DESPITE BEING TRUTHFULL.
Now you sit there and tell him that it was just a disapointment and that he should go in there and be truthfull.
I do agree but ......... he was truthfull last time and FAILED.
There is a better chance that he will react to questions this time around based on his previous experinece, not to mention that his new examiner will most likely assume that he lies based on the previous results.
I feel for you indiana, but it seems that your a victim of the Poly.
Here you are a good candidate denied a dream job because of a stupid unscientific test.
And this poster wants to make sense of it.   WOW  Good luck to you.