Share
Security Clearance Careers Podcast
The Polygraph Files: Myths, Mishaps, and Must-Knows
•
Myth vs. Reality: What You Need to Know About Polygraphs
Reality: Polygraphs are not “lie detectors.” They measure physiological responses such as heart rate, blood pressure, and sweat gland activity—signals that may indicate stress or anxiety. Trained examiners interpret these results, but several factors can influence the outcome:
- False positives and false negatives happen.
- Anxiety, medical conditions, or medications can affect readings.
- Polygraphs are investigative tools, not final proof of truthfulness.
- In the clearance process, a failed or inconclusive test often just means further review or a retest.
Reality: A polygraph is only one piece of the broader adjudication puzzle. Even if you “fail” a test, you may still move forward in the process. The full review includes:
- Background checks
- Interviews
- SF-86 form review
- Corroborating evidence from multiple sources
Many applicants are given another chance to take the polygraph or explain their answers before any decision is made.
Reality: The internet is full of “tips” for beating the polygraph. Examiners are well aware of these tactics, and attempting them can:
- Raise red flags and trigger suspicion
- Lead to invalidated results
- Damage your credibility more than a poor showing on the test itself
Trying to game the polygraph can backfire badly—often worse than just answering honestly.
Polygraphs can be stressful, but they’re not the final word in your clearance journey. The most important thing you can bring into the exam is honesty—both with the examiner and yourself. Understanding how polygraphs work, and knowing that a single test doesn’t determine your fate, can go a long way toward reducing the anxiety that comes with this infamous step in the process.
If you’re heading into a polygraph soon, take a deep breath, skip the internet “hacks,” and focus on telling the truth. The rest is just part of the process.
More episodes
View all episodes
Quantum Is Coming for National Security: What Cleared Professionals Need to Know
28:14|Quantum technology is no longer just the stuff of science fiction. From cybersecurity and advanced sensing to communications and navigation, quantum innovations are rapidly moving from the laboratory into real-world applications that could reshape both industry and national security. On a recent episode of the ClearanceJobs podcast, we sat down with Chris Muldrow, Executive Director of the Colorado Quantum Incubator (COQI), to discuss the evolution of quantum technology, where the industry is headed, and what it all means for the cleared workforce.
Behind the Files: How Secret Squirrel Files Brings True Crime to National Security
19:39|What happens when a true crime podcaster and two national security professionals team up to explore espionage, insider threats, terrorism, and military mysteries?In this episode of ClearedCast, Lindy Kyzer sits down with ClearanceJobs' Phoebe Wells and Katie Helbling to discuss the origins of The Secret Squirrel Files, a podcast that blends true crime storytelling with real-world lessons for the cleared community. From Aldrich Ames and Operation Bojinka to the Oklahoma City bombing and unsolved military cases, they discuss how history, security policy, and storytelling intersect—and why these cases still matter today.
The Government Needs 400 Experts Fast—It's Willing to Pay Wall Street Salaries
21:53|The White House is taking an aggressive step to address one of the federal government's biggest workforce challenges: competing with the private sector for highly specialized talent. Katie Helbling and Jill Hamilton discuss what job seekers should pay attention to on our most recent episode of the security clearance careers podcast.Mental Health, Security Clearances, and Why Getting Help Isn't a Career Killer
10:22|Let's clear something up right away: having a mental health condition doesn't automatically put your security clearance on life support. Despite what your buddy's cousin's former coworker swears happened to "a guy he knew," the government isn't out here revoking clearances simply because someone sought therapy, took medication, or admitted they weren't feeling their best. One of the biggest myths in the cleared community is that getting mental health treatment is somehow worse than ignoring a problem and hoping it magically disappears. Spoiler alert: it isn't. Federal adjudicators care far more about judgment, reliability, and trustworthiness than they do about whether you've had a conversation with a therapist. Seeking treatment is often viewed as a sign of good judgment, not a red flag. John Berry and Lindy Kyzer frequently collaborate to demystify complex security clearance and federal employment laws. Kyzer is the Director of Content at ClearanceJobs, while Berry is a founding partner at the security clearance law firm Berry & Berry, PLLC. They talk this week about mental health issues, degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer's, and other cognitive health matters.The State of the FSO: Why Security Officers Are Reaching a Breaking Point
19:18|Facility Security Officers are navigating an increasingly complex security landscape.In this episode, Lindy Kyzer and Ike Rivers, NISPAC representative and advisory board member for TechnoMile Security Information Management, break down findings from the latest ClearanceJobs and TechnoMile State of the Facility Security Officer Survey, covering CUI compliance, clearance reciprocity, security modernization, Trusted Workforce 2.0, and the growing responsibilities facing FSOs across the Defense Industrial Base.Access the report here: https://about.clearancejobs.com/employers/recruiting-resources/2026-fso
What the Public Doesn’t Understand About the FBI, INTERPOL & National Security
44:10|The public often views organizations like the State Department, FBI, DHS, and INTERPOL through the lens of movies and headlines. In reality, their work is far less about dramatic operations and far more about building relationships, sharing information, and preventing crises before they happen. At their core, these organizations are people-focused, relying on collaboration and trust to protect national and global security. On this episode of the Security Clearance Careers Podcast, we sit down with Dexter Ingram to discuss his remarkable journey, from serving in the U.S. Navy to leadership roles within the FBI and INTERPOL, helping shape public understanding of intelligence and espionage at the International Spy Museum, and inspiring the next generation through his nonprofit work and podcast, Dexter Ingram: Declassified.
Federal vs. Contractor Clearance Issues: What You Need to Know
08:34|What happens when a federal employee loses access to their security clearance — and why is the process so different from the contractor world? On this episode, security clearance attorney John Berry joins Lindy Kyzer to break down the difficult reality facing cleared federal employees dealing with suspended clearances, indefinite suspensions without pay, and lengthy appeals processes.The discussion explores how agencies handle clearance suspensions, why federal employees often have fewer options than contractors, and what role the Merit Systems Protection Board actually plays in these cases. Berry explains why many employees face months — or even years — without pay while waiting for their clearance issues to be resolved, and shares practical advice on navigating appeals, outside employment, and long-term career recovery.If you work in the cleared community or federal workforce, this episode offers an honest look at one of the most stressful scenarios a national security professional can face — along with insight into how some employees successfully rebuild their careers after a suspension.
How Veterans Can Get Thousands in Technical Certifications at No Cost
27:39|At a time when military recruitment numbers continue to face historic challenges, the national conversation often focuses on incentives, advertising campaigns, and policy debates. But after a conversation with Navy officer, nonprofit founder, and transition advocate Jai Salters, we've found the answer may be far simpler. If we truly support our service members during and after their military careers, recruitment will take care of itself.Salters knows firsthand what military service can provide, and what can happen when transitioning veterans are left to navigate civilian life without the right tools. From growing up in foster care to surviving the emotional aftermath of 9/11 as a New Yorker, to eventually becoming both an enlisted sailor and Navy officer, his journey has become the foundation for a mission that is now changing thousands of lives through ACT Now Education.
Cleared & Compensated: What the 2026 Data Reveals
20:14|Average compensation for cleared professionals has hit a record high of $126,125 — but what's driving that number, and what does it mean for you? ClearanceJobs Content Director Jill Hamilton breaks down the 2026 Compensation Report, covering why pay jumped 6% year over year, which clearance levels and certifications move the needle most, and how location, education, and experience combine into what she calls the "triple threat" for top earners.Download the full report here.Whether you're heading into a performance review, considering a move from federal to private sector, or just trying to stay ahead in an uncertain market, this episode gives you the data you need to navigate it.