Polygraph Testing During Employment Screening

During the recruitment process, employers assess not only professional experience but also a candidate’s personal qualities and potential risks they may pose to the team and business processes. It is known that some applicants may exaggerate their achievements or conceal important facts from their background.

One of the additional verification tools is polygraph testing, which can be offered to a candidate on a voluntary basis during the hiring process. This provides a more complete picture for making a well-informed recruitment decision.

A polygraph is a specialized device with sensors that record a person’s psychophysiological indicators, including breathing (chest and diaphragmatic), pulse, sweating levels, and blood pressure. The sensors are attached to the body and the upper part of the clothing.

Before the procedure begins, the polygraph examiner conducts a preliminary interview with the person, explains the purpose of the examination, and agrees on the list of questions. Only after this stage does the testing begin.

The actual procedure usually takes 1.5–2 hours, with short breaks if necessary. After completion, a final interview is conducted, and the specialist additionally analyzes the results and prepares a conclusion for the client.

During testing, the list of questions is developed individually depending on the purpose of the examination and is agreed upon with both the client and the person being tested.

The most common areas include:

use of drugs or prohibited substances;
criminal records or previous legal responsibility;
cases of document forgery, theft, bribery, and other violations;
financial obligations (loans, alimony, etc.) that may affect potential risks;
possible criminal connections;
reasons for applying for a new position or leaving a previous job.

Before testing begins, the polygraph examiner conducts a preliminary interview, during which the wording of the questions is carefully discussed. This helps avoid ambiguous interpretations and ensures the accuracy of the procedure.

For example, the concept of “theft” is clearly defined within the specific context of the examination to prevent different interpretations of the same situation by different people.

This approach ensures more accurate results and a shared understanding of the questions among all participants in the procedure.

Polygraph testing during the hiring process is legal provided that participation is voluntary and the candidate gives written consent to the procedure. Testing is not mandatory and may be refused by the person without providing a reason.

At the same time, it is important to consider that the scope of questions during the examination must comply with legal and ethical standards. In particular, questions related to private life, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, or political views are not permitted.

Thus, a polygraph is used exclusively within agreed and legally acceptable topics related to professional activity and potential risks for the employer.

• Feeling nervous during the examination is normal and does not prevent the procedure from being conducted. An experienced polygraph examiner takes the person’s overall emotional state into account when preparing and conducting the test.
• Before the examination, it is not recommended to consume alcohol, sedatives, or other medications, or to lack sleep. The best results are achieved through proper rest and a stable physical condition.
• It is important to be open during the preliminary interview and inform the specialist about any significant past circumstances if they relate to the subject of the examination. This helps formulate questions correctly and ensures more accurate results.
• The optimal approach is calm, consistent, and honest communication with the polygraph examiner. Attempts to influence the results or conceal information can complicate the process and affect the final conclusion.
• Polygraph testing is a personnel assessment tool that helps employers make more informed hiring decisions.

Employment polygraph testing has only two main limitations — its cost and the need to obtain the candidate’s consent. In return, the employer receives an opportunity to significantly reduce hiring risks, build an honest and competent team, and identify unsuitable candidates at an early stage.

For more than 10 years, certified polygraph experts at Lie Detection Group have been conducting personnel and other types of examinations. Contact us to learn more about advantageous package offers for employee screening.