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Has anybody here lied and passed a polygraph?

They actually ARE scientific tests. They aren’t admissible in American courts as evidence, which may be what you meant.

...in a court of law. Not for employment. And given that polys have been used in certain hiring contexts for decades, it’s unlikely any constitutional war could be waged.

They have been shown repeatedly that they are unreliable, and of, at best, dubious evidentiary value, which is why courts do not allow them. The "science" behind them was debunked many decades ago. I agree it's best not to lie - I was speaking about the test itself.
 
Honor and integrity are words bandied about carelessly, and often, by people who don't really understand what they mean. (not trying to cast aspersions - just not into internet strangers preaching morality to other internet strangers)

Polygraph tests are BS and any employer who uses one deserves to be lied to. I would go in there and spin some serious yarns.
 
My cousin once tried to pass a drug test by using advice she got over the internet. She ended up in the hospital. Didn’t get that job, obviously.

Despite our legendary willingness to chime in on things we’re pretty sure we totally understand in theory, the unfortunate truth is that people who freely admit to being bass players probably don’t hold the secrets to passing a lie detector test.

Whatever happens, remember that you can always find a way to be happy. If this specific venture does crash and burn, you’re still a brilliant, talented and qualified person who is absolutely capable of finding a position that suits your skills and passions. You’ll be ok.

Alternatively, have your name legally changed before you start so when they ask you your basic info to get a baseline, everything you say will have been a lie anyway. Also make sure you ask them if they’re cops three times, as on the third instance, they owe you a wish.

--^@
 
Honor and integrity are words bandied about carelessly, and often, by people who don't really understand what they mean. (not trying to cast aspersions - just not into internet strangers preaching morality to other internet strangers)

Polygraph tests are BS and any employer who uses one deserves to be lied to. I would go in there and spin some serious yarns.

In this case, the employer is the Federal Government, and lying on a job application which involves security clearance is a felony.

I’ll pass on the “honor and integrity” lecture. ;)
 
There is nothing listed on the "qualifications" page of the job posting about past drug use or behavior.
You know what brother, I admire How concerned you are about wanting to get a good job with the government. I think at the end of the day though some of the sentiments being expressed here are pointing you in the right direction. I mean you know what, substance use is a very common thing for a variety of reasons both personal and social, and I would just own it if I were you. Tons of people have done all kinds of drugs, and I would just be honest about it if you're asked. I wouldn't volunteer the information but if they ask you if you've ever used certain substances I would just tell them yes, when, how much, and why. Honesty shows confidence and integrity ; not that we're all honest every time, but in this situation it's probably the best road to take. They may have a blanket policy about hiring people that have used certain substances but on the other hand there may be discretion and if they feel that a candidate is being upfront in owning their behavior I think that says a lot about the character of a person. Anyways buddy, good luck and I hope you are able to do the interview with confidence, and that they hire you for the position! :thumbsup:
 
Nope! She catches me every time!

an-angry-redheaded-woman-with-a-wooden-rolling-pin-holing-it-in-a-B9RNN6.jpg
 
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You know what brother, I admire How concerned you are about wanting to get a good job with the government. I think at the end of the day though some of the sentiments being expressed here are pointing you in the right direction. I mean you know what, substance use is a very common thing for a variety of reasons both personal and social, and I would just own it if I were you. Tons of people have done all kinds of drugs, and I would just be honest about it if you're asked. I wouldn't volunteer the information but if they ask you if you've ever used certain substances I would just tell them yes, when, how much, and why. Honesty shows confidence and integrity ; not that we're all honest every time, but in this situation it's probably the best road to take. They may have a blanket policy about hiring people that have used certain substances but on the other hand there may be discretion and if they feel that a candidate is being upfront in owning their behavior I think that says a lot about the character of a person. Anyways buddy, good luck and I hope you are able to do the interview with confidence, and that they hire you for the position! :thumbsup:

This. It's all about 1/your integrity and 2/ making sure you are not a liability, for example susceptible to blackmail or coercion. The more the 'employer' knows about you the better placed they are to manage your risk and ultimately protect you...
 
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I think @Killed_by_Death has it right.

Not only will you not get the job if you get caught lying, but you could be facing some consequences. I suggest honesty. If there was no mention of past issues being an immediate disqualification before you knowingly applied, just be honest about that as well.

"Look, I'm not going to lie about this. I've used illegal substances in the past, many years ago, at a different time in my life. I've since wised up and moved on. At the time of my application, I didn't know it that would disqualify me. If that's a problem, I apologize for any time I've wasted."

Simple enough. If you've had any help with drugs in the past from any types of programs, or mentors, a letter of recommendation might help as well.

Worst case scenario, you don't get the job. There are plenty of jobs out there, bud.