How to Prepare for Your Pre-Employment Medical
Pre-employment medicals can feel stressful and intimidating. Maybe you’re applying for a new job or attending a routine medical assessment, and you’re worried you’re not in peak shape — or concerned a health condition might hold you back. The truth is, these assessments aren’t designed to ‘catch you out’ or punish you for not hitting the gym every Saturday morning. They exist to make sure you’re safe at work, and if needed, to put plans in place that prevent injury or illness on the job. High-risk industries like mining, construction, transport, and healthcare often require pre-employment medicals, but with the right preparation, the process is usually simple and straightforward.
Knowledge combats fear. In this blog post we’ll explain exactly how to prepare for your assessment (and why you shouldn’t be worried)!
1. Understand What’s Involved
Each industry has unique requirements, and the type of pre-employment medical you’ll face depends on the role. For example:
Mining & construction: drug and alcohol testing, physical fitness checks
Driving & transport: vision, hearing, and cardiovascular assessments
Office-based roles: ergonomic or general health review
Many companies have tailored medicals for their workforce, and HR can clarify exactly what assessments apply to your role.
2. Look After Your Body in the Lead-Up
How you care for yourself in the days before your appointment makes a real difference. Simple steps like these help you feel your best on the day:
Get a good night’s sleep beforehand
Stay hydrated
Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs
Eat a balanced meal before your appointment
3. Be Honest About Your Health
A pre-employment medical isn’t designed to exclude you, it’s about making sure you’re fit for the role. Being upfront about existing conditions or past injuries allows the clinic and your employer to support you properly. Concealing health issues could put you and your team at risk later.
It’s not as black and white as pass or fail—you can pass a pre-employment medical with limitations. For example, if you have asthma and are applying for a physically demanding role, it doesn’t automatically mean you’ll fail. Instead, it means your manager may need to have an asthma action plan in place to keep you safe at work. These assessments exist to plan for emergencies and ensure you and your team stay protected on the job.
4. Dress Appropriately
Comfort is key. Wear clothing that allows easy movement, as you may be asked to complete physical tasks like lifting, squatting, or treadmill walking. Closed-in shoes are also important for safety.
5. Common Tests You Might Encounter
Every role is different, but here are some of the most common pre-employment medical tests:
General physical examination (height, weight, blood pressure, vision, hearing)
Urine drug and alcohol screen
Spirometry (lung function)
Musculoskeletal assessment (strength, flexibility, movement)
Cardiovascular checks (heart rate, ECG if required)
Preparation Checklist
☑️ Avoid drugs, alcohol, and strenuous activity beforehand
☑️ Get a good nights sleep
☑️ Check for an email or text from the clinic with specific instructions
☑️ Bring ID and paperwork
☑️ Arrive 5-10 minutes early
☑️ Wear comfortable clothing and closed-in shoes
☑️ Stay calm and follow instructions
☑️ Ask questions if you’re unsure
A pre-employment medical might feel daunting at first, but with the right preparation it’s a straightforward process designed to protect you, not punish you. It’s not as black and white as pass or fail; the goal is to make sure you’re fit for the role and supported if you have any health considerations. By following a simple checklist and being honest about your health, you’ll walk into your assessment feeling calm, confident, and ready to start your new job safely.