What should I expect with my polygraph test?

Question

I have applied for a 911 dispatch job and never have had a polygraph test. What should I expect? Is nerves to be expected? Not sure what kind of questions they are going to ask me. Anyone know how this works?

Answer 1

I'll add that, if they're doing it properly, you will go over all the questions with the operator before the test. That's to make sure it's all understood and that you feel you can answer Yes or No. No surprises, except that the order of the questions may not be the same as in the pre-test interview.  

Answer 2

Just tell the truth. You will be nervous but they expect you to be. I am not sure about the questions. Good luck and I hope you get the job.

Answer 3

They are going to ask you about all of the information you put on your employment application, and whether or not you've ever stolen, been fired, done drugs, or have done anything that would embarass the department (if found out).

Being nervous is expected, they will advise you to be calm as possible, but nerves are expected.

Good luck.

Oh, and mine was a voice stress analyzer/polygraph...not the whole strap you to a chair and monitor your breathing and blood pressure as some dude mentioned.

Answer 4

The will basically go over your application answers and some morals questions.  They want to see if you tell the truth.  Nerves are to be expected, they set a baseline in the beginning with asking questions they know you will tell the truth on, like your name and address and age, etc.  If there is a problem with an answer (doesn't come up as being truthful) they may ask it a different way.  Sometimes, answers come up "questionable" because you have very strong beliefs in a subject (like drug use, for example).  Don't worry about it.  Just tell the truth and you'll be fine!

Answer 5

Oh no anything to do with the police your injected with Sodium Pentathol first

You'll be ok but you'll have to give your outlaws up  

Answer 6

Try and relax as much as possible.  It's a shame that polygraphs aren't reliable and are used by organizations.  They are not admitted as evidence in any court of law.

Again, try and relax.  Hopefully, you've got nothing to hide.  And, good luck with your job!

Answer 7

Yes -

First they strap you in with all the sensors and blood pressure monitor.

They'll first establish baselines by asking you you're name, age, etc.

Then they will ask you about any criminal activity, drug use, etc.

Each time they ask a question, they write the question number on the printout.

Then they're done - they won't tell you how you did or anything.

Just unhook you. and send you on your way.

Don't try and lie - it will pick it up.