Question:

How should I handle an applicant who previously received a Not Suitable (NS) recommendation due to a reported history of mental health issues, including depression, manic episodes, and anger, but who now vehemently denies these issues and provides inconsistent information compared to the prior evaluation?

Answer:

Given the applicant's significant discrepancies between his current statements and prior reported history, here's how to approach the situation:

1. Integrity Issues: The fact that the applicant is denying previously-reported information, particularly concerning mental health, raises serious integrity concerns. His denial of a history that was previously documented suggests he may be attempting to present a more favorable image to improve his chances of being hired. This is problematic, as it undermines trust and suggests potential issues with transparency.

2. Assessment of Current Psychological Functioning: Even though the applicant does not present active symptoms during your current evaluation, the inconsistency with past reports leaves a gap in understanding his true psychological state. The applicant’s refusal to acknowledge previous issues means you cannot accurately gauge whether he has adequately addressed or resolved those concerns.

3. Recommendation Based on Integrity: Given the integrity issue, it would be prudent to recommend "NS" (Not Suitable). The discrepancies between his current statements and the prior report suggest he is either hiding information or has not fully addressed his past psychological issues. The lack of honesty about his mental health history, combined with the potential for undisclosed ongoing issues, makes it challenging to trust his current self-assessment.

4. Referencing the Prior Report: In your report, you can refer to the previous evaluation's content to highlight the discrepancies without naming the previous author, employer, or explicitly stating the past NS recommendation. Focus on how the current applicant's statements contradict documented information to substantiate your concerns.

In summary, the recommendation of "NS" is supported by the applicant's lack of integrity and the unresolved concerns from the prior evaluation. Addressing discrepancies between past and present statements strengthens the position that his suitability for the position is questionable.