Employers Increasingly Use Polygraphs and Tarot Cards to Screen Candidates

Despite the challenges of finding new employees, employers have shown a growing interest in alternative methods of assessing applicants — such as polygraph testing and consulting astrologers or numerologists.

More than a third (36%) of employers find it useful to screen potential employees using a polygraph. In cases where this isn’t possible, they may request recommendations from a tarot reader, according to a JobSearch survey. However, only 6% of respondents reported actually using a polygraph at any stage of the hiring process.

Experts suggest that the reason lies in the fear of making a hiring mistake. Unsure employers hedge any decision with extensive evaluations, countless interviews, psychological profiling, and polygraph tests. Some even take candidates to numerologists and create horoscopes for them.

Candidates generally view these checks favourably. 67% are willing to take a lie detector test. Only one in five (21%) are against such tests. However, more unusual assessment methods tend to elicit greater distrust among candidates.

Have you encountered similar screening methods in your job search? Share the strangest experiences you’ve had!