Interview process: prior drug use?

Specialties Correctional

Published

Alright so here it is.. about 8 years ago I tried something bad ONE TIME as a dumb drunk decision- never bought or sold. Anyway my application had very specific questions about selling, possession or buying drugs and they said it would be backed up by a polygraph so I didn't lie. Anyway, I'm wondering if this will affect my application- a dumb choice 8 years ago and again it was ONE time. I don't even smoke or drink now so this is ironic in a way.:(

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First off. The Employment Polygraph Protection Act of 1988 prevents employers from using a polygraph as a pre-employment screen... unless they are in a securities industry (Guards, armored trucks, defense contracting, etc.) The Federal Government has different rules to cover them though. If this is not a Law Enforcement, Federal(as in military, FBI, Treasury, a prison or security type firm ask them why they give the polygraph and make sure you check with a labor lawyer to see if it is valid.

Be honest. I had a Top Secret clearance for the Army and one thing they said has stayed in my mind. During my interview with the DIA agent (now part of Homeland Security) he said, 'We do not want perfect people. We want honest people.' My past makes yours look like Jesus' better behaved sibling. I told them everything AND I was polygraphed. I still got the clearance.

When they see those answers they WILL move to questions about current drug use. If what you say is true and you only did it that one time, they will find out and it will not look bad for you. If you are lying, they will find out to and that will be that.

Honesty is always the best policy.

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Specializes in MICU, ER, SICU, Home Health, Corrections.

Ditto with Stanley... had a top secret in the Army, and they said it this way: "We don't care that you got stoned or how it happened, we just want to know if you're willing to lie about it."

That has stuck with me for 20+ years...

You indeed did the right thing.

rb

PS: BTW, It wasn't a stupid mistake, it was a learning experience. Stupid mistakes are what drunks, junkies and potheads make.

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hello

I recently posted a question just like this. I believe the same people gave me the same responses as you are recieving. I took their advice and was honest and up front. I am happy to inform you that I have been working in between 2 county jails for the last 5 months and wouldn't want to work anywhere else.

Good luck

Clint

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