Failed polygraph for communications position

[fbx2]

Yesterday morning I had a polygraph which was the last of a couple steps before hiring. I was presented with a contingent job offer depending on my panel Interview, drug screen and polygraph. So the gentleman who administered the test was very nice. During the "test" I could tell I was failing a particular question because I could hear him writing each time it was asked. That intensified my stress. The questions were simple- did I intend to answer the questions honestly, was I being honest about my drug use and have I ever committed a serious undetected crime. After the exam he said let's discuss the results and asked what was on my mind. I told him the truth, I was very nervous. He said I was having a problem with the question about a serious undetected crime. I expected this as I was thinking about a long time ago when I was mean to a pet cat. He asked how mean and I told him the truth..I spanked her and would smack her with a rolled up newspaper. He asked how old I was so I told him the truth, about 19. I explained that I'm an animal lover now and feel very bad for ever hitting an animal for making messes. In my mind, as stupid as it might seem to others, I feel that was a bad thing and I guess my guilty conscience caused a fail. So he told me he had to let the Communications supervisor know since they would see it. A few minutes later they walked in and she said "I'll have to get with the hiring board about this. You should hear something next week." So now what? Why do they ask such a subjective question? Do any of you think they will over look it? They haven't contacted any of my 12 references that can vouch for me. Why do they rely so heavily on a poly instead of a background investigation that they supposedly perform?

[Ex Member]

Why do they ask such a subjective question?

You are very perspicacious. Such a question is unrelated to a known specific event and, most people with some critical thinking skills, would accomplish mental work while trying to determine just what "serious" entails. This mental work would most likely result in some set of physiological responses.

[xenonman]

Communications supervisor

Is "Communications", as used here, a euphemism for NSA?   

[xenonman]

background investigation

Believe me, they also rely religiously on the BI, assuming that you are applying for a federal position involving security clearance.

Like pigs rooting for garbage, those BI'tors will attempt to unearth every bit of dirt that they can find on an applicant.  By sheer luck (and only luck) they won't find anyone willing to bad mouth the applicant.

[fbx2]

This is just for a dispatch position. I want them to do my background so they can see there's nothing there. I want then to talk to people who know me. I'm a boring person, 37yr old..married (ten year anniversary Tuesday yay), three kids and two dogs. Yawn. Nothing interesting here. They asked for ex spouse info. He is a leo and I don't think he would trash me. A couple of my references are in law enforcement and won't have negative to say. I have several years dispatch experience so if they don't want me based on the polygraph I guess it's their loss. This whole thing is so frustrating.

[xenonman]

This whole thing is so frustrating.

I absolutely agree with you there.   Since you're not applying for a federal position, your BI is likely to be much less intrusive and of less duration.  (Obviously local and state agencies just don't have the resources of the FBI or IC agencies).   

Good luck and keep us posted!   

I expected this as I was thinking about a long time ago when I was mean to a pet cat

Well, punishing the cat for not becoming housebroken is at least understandable.  The real cruelty to animals consists, for  example, of putting cats into microwaves to watch them implode or burning them.  8-)

[fbx2]

Well I just received a letter stating they have selected other candidates. Pretty disappointing but I kind of expected it. It just wasn't meant to be. Thanks for the kind responses to my question. Take care!

[Ex Member]

Well I just received a letter stating they have selected other candidates. Pretty disappointing but I kind of expected it. It just wasn't meant to be. Thanks for the kind responses to my question. Take care!              

Cheer up, only Caesar would be down today.

[Joe McCarthy]

There will be more chances, it's not the end of the world.  Dust off, reboot, acknowledge and move on to the next plan.

Don't let this add to the ball of stink.  There are other agencies and other chances

[fbx2]

Thanks guys. I talked to a friend yesterday. Another agency I applied for had a detective call her for a reference. But of course they do a polygraph too.  Seeing as how I'm extra wound up over this I doubt I can pass this one unless they ask the questions differently. Like "have you ever stolen money/raped/assaulted/murdered someone?" *sigh*

[xenonman]

There will be more chances, it's not the end of the world.  Dust off, reboot, acknowledge and move on to the next plan.

Don't let this add to the ball of stink.  There are other agencies and other chances

Just don't put all your hope into one particular opening.

Good luck to you!    8-)

[fbx2]

So I decided to apply again at another agency. If I make it to the polygraph it's likely I'll fail it again since this is on my mind now. This whole thing is so frustrating and I wish there was a good way to clear my mind so I wouldn't be anxious and show a reaction. The other problem is I wouldn't be surprised if it's the same guy administering the "test."

[Poly Exposer]

...He said I was having a problem with the question about a serious undetected crime. I expected this as I was thinking about a long time ago when I was mean to a pet cat. He asked how mean and I told him the truth..I spanked her and would smack her with a rolled up newspaper...

fbx2,

You fell for it. This is the standard polygraph ruse. EVERYONE GETS ACCUSED OF HIDING SOMETHING. It is the main part of the polygraph "test", which is nothing more than an interrogation. By confessing to spanking a cat, as inconsequential as it is, you gave the polygrapher the "admission" he needed to disqualify you. You told him something he NEVER would have found out about. The polygraph is just a fishing expedition for confessions. Next time, keep your mouth shut and do not tell them anything. That is Rule #1 when taking a poly.

[quickfix]

...He said I was having a problem with the question about a serious undetected crime. I expected this as I was thinking about a long time ago when I was mean to a pet cat. He asked how mean and I told him the truth..I spanked her and would smack her with a rolled up newspaper...

fbx2,

You fell for it. This is the standard polygraph ruse. EVERYONE GETS ACCUSED OF HIDING SOMETHING. It is the main part of the polygraph "test", which is nothing more than an interrogation. By confessing to spanking a cat, as inconsequential as it is, you gave the polygrapher the "admission" he needed to disqualify you. You told him something he NEVER would have found out about. The polygraph is just a fishing expedition for confessions. Next time, keep your mouth shut and do not tell them anything. That is Rule #1 when taking a poly.

And rule #2:  don't listen to imbeciles like "PolyExposer", who doesn't have a clue what he's talking about.  The only thing he's "exposed" is his own ignorance.

[George W. Maschke]

And rule #2:  don't listen to imbeciles like "PolyExposer", who doesn't have a clue what he's talking about.  The only thing he's "exposed" is his own ignorance.

Please elucidate.