Do you have any concerns about passing the polygraph interview?
To be considered for a job at the CIA, you must meet these minimum requirements:
- Physically in the United States or one of its territories when you apply
- A U.S. citizen (dual U.S. citizens also eligible)
- At least 18 years of age
- Willing to move to the Washington, DC area
- Able to successfully complete security and medical evaluations, including a background investigation, a polygraph interview, and a physical and psychological examination
The interviewer asks this question to see if you will have difficulty passing the polygraph. If you have failed a polygraph before, you may have concerns about passing the CIA polygraph interview, which is understandable. Or, you may be nervous about taking a polygraph exam if you have never taken one before. Some people are not worried and feel they will pass because they are honest and have nothing to hide. Be truthful in your response and let the interviewer know if you have any concerns about passing the polygraph interview.
If you have failed a polygraph exam in the past, you want to avoid keeping that information from the interviewer. They will find out in your background investigation and wonder why you withheld that information. It is best to be honest and explain that while you have failed an exam in the past, you are confident that you will do better this time.
"No, I do not have concerns about passing the polygraph interview. I am an honest and truthful person and do not think I will have any issues passing the polygraph."
"I am a little nervous about taking the polygraph because I did not pass one three years ago. I was not given a reason why I did not pass, and I still do not understand how I failed. I was honest in the interview, but I think my nerves might have gotten the best of me since it was the first polygraph I had ever taken. I took a polygraph last year during the hiring process for a job and passed without any issues."
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