Tips for Finding the Best CNA Jobs

Have you recently completed your CNA training and certification exam? Do you need help finding a great nursing assistant job? If you do, the following valuable tips will help place you on the right path.

Practice Selling Yourself

One of the most important things you need to do before going out and looking for a CNA job is practice "selling" yourself. What this means is practice answering questions that an interviewer or human resources manager may ask you during a meeting or interview. Keep in mind that the more you practice these questions, the more natural you will sound!

• Why do you want to work as a CNA?
• What can you bring to our company/facility?
• What did you like the most and least about your CNA training?
• Where do you see yourself in five or ten years?
• What are your future career goals?
• What was your greatest accomplishment in CNA school?

Obtain Practical Experience

Although CNA careers are in high demand all over the country today, some employers still prefer to hire candidates who possess some sort of practical experience. One of the best ways to obtain practical experience as a CNA candidate is to partake in an internship or externship.

Many colleges and universities will help you find a suitable internship or externship. However, if your school does not offer this service, ask around and see if any local nursing homes or hospitals offer these programs. Volunteer work is another terrific way to gain practical experience in the healthcare field.

Consider Earning Additional Credentials

One way to make yourself stand out from other CNA applicants is to earn additional CNA credentials. Go one or two steps beyond your structured CNA program and consider earning one or more specialty credentials. There are many of these types of credentials available to aspiring nursing assistants. Some popular ones include:

• Phlebotomy Training
• Restorative Nursing
• Nurse Aide Medication Administration
• Dementia and Alzheimer's Care
• Hospice Care
• End-of-Life Care

Prepare an Outstanding Resume

In many cases, your CNA resume will be the first thing that a potential employer sees. As such, you will want to take some extra time to make it outstanding. In short, a resume is a brief summary of your qualifications as a CNA. It should include such information as your education, credentials and experience.

Do not forget to add such information as your phone number and email address to your resume as well! Additionally, it is always a good idea to include a cover letter with a couple of short sentences stating why you want the position. If you are unsure of how to create a resume, you can find some great samples online.

Create an Effective Job Search Strategy

When you are ready to begin searching for a CNA job, you may be at a loss as to where to start. If this sounds like you, do not fret! There is a vast array of resources for prospective CNAs who are looking for work. While the list of these resources is quite lengthy, some of the best resources are as follows:

• Your School's Career Office
• Your Local Employment Office
• Online Job Search Portals
• Classified Sections of Your Local Newspapers
• Your Local Library's Bulletin Board
• Job Fairs
• LinkedIn and Other Social Media
• Direct Contact with Local Nursing Homes and Hospitals

Conclusion

There are many things you can do to find a great CNA job, including creating a great resume, obtaining practical experience, and earning additional credentials.