If an employer submits an ad for a job in his co. that states it requires a lie detector test, is this legal?

Question

And wouldn't this send a strong message that you are going to be working for a paranoid phsycho??

Answer 1

In the US a pre-employment lie detector test requirement is illegal in the private sector. In the public sector, especially for security jobs, (FBI, CIA ) lie detector tests can be, and are, given.

Answer 2

This is legal and some companies and most government aganecies require it. However, if it does bother you then try other companies because there are plenty that don't require lie detector tests. Also, all the places that do use them are doing it because of a company policy not because of a "paranoid psycho".
I know someone who had to take a lie detector test for a job at 7-11 (a convenience cashier position) many years ago which he has since left for a new career. He told me that he was lying on the test but still passed anyway so it may be just a fake test to try to weed out people who may be too scared to apply.

Answer 3

Yes, it is legal. I know that some federal government agencies require a lie detector test. Most of the companies require background checks before you are hired.

Answer 4

It's not legal to require a lie detector test as a condition of employment. They will ask you to sign a waiver and if you don't then they won't interview you. You can raise hell if you want, but to what end? To force them to hire you? Who would want to work there after that? It happened to me before. I refused the test and found a different job.

Answer 5

Most employers require drug screen & background check. Never heard of the lie detector thing...Call Better Business Bureau & ask about this company!

Answer 6

Yes this is legal, most Fire Departments and Police Departments require this, and so do a lot of government agencies. Best of Luck , why are you worried about it, if you are trying to hide something then I would keep looking!

Answer 7

its their policy if you want the job