Old Weird Ward
Unless otherwise noted, that which is posted here is opinion, which is protected by the First Amendment to the US Constitution. If you don't like my opinions, go somewhere else. Nobody is forcing you to actually read this drivel.
The presumption exists that you can read at all.
That may be a large assumption.
Blog Roll
|
Tuesday, July 08, 2003
- - - - - Lifestyle Polygraph - - - - -
Whilst continuing my job hunt on DICE.COM, I was looking over the requirements for a System Admin job, and saw that the job requires a satisfactory "lifestyle polygraph". WTH?
A Google search took me to this definition at searchSecurity.com:
"The purpose of the lifestyle polygraph is to determine, to the greatest extent possible, whether or not a given applicant can be trusted with sensitive information. Questioning is extensive and can involve all aspects of present and past behavior. Polygraph tests are considered reliable in detecting the truth or falsity of the answers to objective questions, especially those that can be answered with a "yes" or "no" in reference to specific acts. Subjective questions produce less reliable results. False positives and false negatives are rare (but still possible) when the proper questioning procedures are followed. The test process usually takes between one and three hours. In some instances, follow-up tests are conducted to verify the results of the first test or to clear up issues left in doubt after the first test. "
The definition raised some red flags with me by using the weasel-worded section that I have italicized above.
A bit of history and disclosure: In the far-distant past, back in the '70s, I held a Top Secret clearance. I "went on the box" once a year, during which the ONI (Office of Naval Investigation) guy asked about 30 questions - 10 to establish the "baseline" of my responses, 20 relating to the security practices I followed. Only two of those questions could possibly have been construed to be "lifestyle" related - one for drug use, and one about sexual orientation.
Since polygraphing isn't accepted as evidence in court, and is generally known to be unreliable unless very carefully done, why require this for a job? Why not just ask "Have you ever been arrested for anything more serious than a parking ticket?"
And no, I don't qualify for the job anyway - it's for Unix/AIX admin, which isn't my area.
|
|
