There is a massive disconnect in modern public safety recruiting. We use digital ads to attract a generation that spends much of its time indoors online, and then we are surprised when 50% of them fail the initial physical agility test (PAT).
Agencies often grumble that applicants are “soft” or unprepared. While individual responsibility plays a role, agencies must take ownership of this friction point. If you aren’t actively helping candidates prepare for the test, you are setting them up to fail—and wasting your own marketing dollars.
Bridge the Gap with Automated Prep Content
The time between application and the PAT is a critical window for engagement. Don’t just send a date and time.
Use your recruiting automation software to enter applicants into a “Fitness Prep” drip campaign.
- Send a video walk-through of the exact course.
- Provide a downloadable PDF 4-week workout plan tailored to passing your specific test.
- Send nutrition and hydration tips in the days leading up to the test.
This content doesn’t just help them physically; it builds psychological confidence and shows that the agency wants them to succeed.
Host Voluntary “Pre-Test” Clinics
If possible, host voluntary weekend sessions where applicants can try the course without pressure. This demystifies the event and allows your recruiters to build rapport and act as coaches rather than just judges.
By shifting from a “weeding out” mentality to a “coaching up” mentality during the pre-hire phase, you increase your pass rates and build stronger loyalty with future recruits.
Safeguard Recruiting’s software makes it easy to automatically deliver fitness prep content to keep candidates engaged and prepared.
Schedule a demo to see how we help increase test-day turnout and pass rates.
