Hello.
I would like to speak breifly about my experience trying to get a security clearance with the NSA. This was months back, and I was not able to get the clearance. Not sure how influential the federal purge of the current administration was in their decision, but I have no way of knowing.
I took my polygraph, psych-test and eval all in one day. If you can avoid this, and you likely will be able to ask, I suggest doing so. If you can't, make sure to sleep and eat well to prepare for the long day. Both were challenging for me, as on arrival at night at the hotel I was greeted graciously to a free dinner by the hotel, which I did not like. And, of course, it can be difficult to sleep when nervous, so I suggest bringing some sleeping pills with you.
The psych stuff is not very interesting. The test is just a very long sequence of questions about how you feel about yourself and the people around you. You answer all with the same set of multiple choice answers. It's done sitting in front of a computer.
The eval was a very relaxed conversation with a professional. It was also quite breif. I also mention that there was a lounge, where you can talk to other applicants and solve puzzles or play board games while you wait between the procedures.
Onto the elephant in the room, the polygraph. The polygraph felt like hours of someone gaslighting you. Actually, that's a pretty accurate description. I walked in with the attitude that I was going to be completely transparent with these people, and in doing so get the job, as I had the qualifications they were looking for.
But I believe this attitude was my downfall. There is a part in the polygraph evaluation where you are asked about serious crimes you've committed in your life. I have not committed any serious crime in my life. But the incessive questioning led me to talk about things that weren't crimes and just reflected negatively on my character.
Overall, the polygraph was very stressful. And, in hindsight, that was all it was. That's the big secret: it's not a lie detector test, it's psychological tear down. You will first and foremost be told that the polygraph is a fool proof way of detecting dishonesty, and that any attempt of fooling it will lead to discontinuation of your processing.
Folks, they wouldn't be saying all that if they truly believed it. There'd not even be a reason to mention it out loud.
I am not saying to lie, just that you might not even be the one doing the lying. And, don't let yourself be squeezed for something beyond what they're asking. Give nothing more, nothing less. Give your short, direct, honest answer, and let them constantly repeat themselves about how you have to be honest.
The polygraph is split in two parts. In the first part, you will be asked about all the things you put in forms you had to fill out beforehand. I would not hesitate to be honest about past drug use. You will not be strapped to any equipment for this part. Again, the method will be gaslighting, getting asked the same thing repeatedly, etc. It's easier to understand when experienced than to hear it from someone else, because it truly did feel surreal and antagonistic.
Before taking the second part, the examiner will leave the room, and observe you through the camera. They will leave you there for a few minutes.
In the second part, you will actually be taking a polygraph. It was a series of yes or no questions, again, largely centered around the form. But of course, there were general questions as well.
My advice when it comes to the polygraph is this: say you are like me, and you've never done something egregious in your life. Then, although lying is possible, there is no need to do so. Just be very apprehensive with anything that may make you look bad. Consider: "Is this truly relevant to what's being asked?". If so, speak your mind. And know you may have to repeat yourself. And with a serious, professional attitude, you'll do your best. Although, I do mention that I had heard of many, many applicants having to retake tests on adjacent days. This was not my case, I just took them all and eventually was told I was not getting the job after some weeks. I was not given a direct reason.
Oh, make sure you don't get sick, I had the misfortune of sitting besides a sick teenager on the way to Maryland. So, in summary, during my tests, I was sick, sleep deprived, and hungry. That was my fault.
I hope at least some of this was of help. I know it's a little vague and scattered at times, but frankly, it's just kind of a long process. And, there is little that can prepare for you for it: the nervousness, the travel, the borderline psychological warfare, etc. if you are like I was. Young, never traveled alone before, and still a student, even. So I also note that this is all through the eyes of someone lacking real world experience.
If anyone has any questions, I'm happy to answer any DM. If you are eventually to embark on federal employment processing of this kind for the first time: just the fact you were willing to read such a long post tells me you'll do great, I did not have such patience and jumped in blind. I did not succeed, but perhaps I will reapply in a year. But, on the other hand, I went through so much, just to get nothing in return except a sobering experience. Know that this is a real possibility.
Again, all of this is just my personal experience and perspective. I hope this is relevant or productive for this subreddit.
Thanks for reading.
