Polygraph in IT companies. 5 stories of IT specialists about lie detector checks

How much do computer engineers make

In most countries of the world, polygraph examinations of employees are not prohibited by law ( except for Germany, Austria, Australia). In this way, managers want to identify "unreliable" employees or candidates. Judging by the  discussion at the forum , Ukrainian IT specialists have a sharply negative attitude to this practice.

We decided to find those who were not against the polygraph test and agreed to pass it. Several IT specialists on condition of anonymity told us about how this happened, what they asked about, and how much the polygraph influenced their attitude toward the company.

Illustration by Alina Samolyuk

How to check on a polygraph. Special sensors are fixed on the human body, which record changes in its condition. For example, pneumographs are attached to the chest. They are responsible for recording changes in respiration. A tonometer is needed to record changes in pressure, and sensors that attach to the arms and legs are responsible for recording muscle contraction. In addition, the polygraph examiner fixes galvanometers on his fingers. If a person becomes nervous, the body will sweat and the sensors will detect a change in the electrical resistance of the skin.

Refusing a polygraph was tantamount to dismissal

I was a Senior Developer at that company. Mandatory polygraph examination was introduced a few months after the opening of the new office as mandatory. All employees and candidates of that time had to pass it.

When we were told about the lie detector test, I was loyal to it. However, many colleagues were extremely negative - it is clear why. First, the atmosphere itself is tense. Secondly, it is intrusion into personal life. At that time, probably 30% of employees perceived it negatively, 30% - without much enthusiasm, and another 30% - pofigistichno. The rest were not against such an inspection.

For example, I was interested in such an experience. Refusal of a polygraph was tantamount to dismissal. I had no fundamental reasons for refusing, so I agreed.

Everyone was told in general terms about the process. The inspection took place directly in the meeting room. There was a nice polygraph specialist sitting there, who also told me about the nuances of the process and connected me to the equipment.

I was absolutely calm. The questions they asked were directly or indirectly related to the sale of leads, the disclosure of corporate secrets and everything that could lead to it. They were formulated in such a way that it was possible to give a confident and unambiguous answer. For example, the company was interested in the question: "Have you ever disclosed the NDA?". It was rebuilt as follows: "Have you ever disclosed the NDA, which led to financial or other losses of the company?".

I no longer remember exactly how long the inspection lasted. I think about an hour and a half. In general, if it influenced my attitude to the company, it is minimal. In fact, I always expect something similar from Israeli customers.

I have not seen another polygraph test in any company. But if I come across this, this factor will not be decisive when I make a decision about the offer.

I am convinced that the polygraph gives many false results - both positive and negative. And checking it is not worth complicating the recruitment process so much, unequivocally.