You finished your CNA classes and passed your examinations! Now it is time to find CNA jobs near you and start your new career. Here are some tips and tricks to help you move forward in your career:
Tip #: Practice and Be Prepared
Review common job interview questions employers ask and practice your answers. Strong answers are specific but concise, drawing on examples that highlight your skills and back up your resume.
Another good idea is to have a list of questions to ask the employer. In almost every interview, you’ll be asked if you have any questions for the interviewer. You should have at least one or two questions prepared to demonstrate your interest. Otherwise, you might come across as uninterested, which is a major turnoff for hiring managers.
Tip #2: Dress For Success
This is arguably one of the most important interview tips. The way people dress says a lot about them. In the case of a CNA jobs interview, you want to present yourself as someone the employer wants to hire. Appear neat and professional for the interviewer. Many people have heard the adage “Dress for the job you want.” In the case of CNA interviews, this may not always be the best idea, since CNAs typically wear scrubs. It is better to dress in business attire.
Another important but often overlooked aspect of dressing for a job interview is the color of your clothing. The right colors can express self-confidence and a professional appearance. Solid colors look professional without being distracting. Neutral colors should be the base, with bright colors added in small amounts. Popular color choices for interview attire include brown, blue, gray, black, white, and khaki. Brighter colors such as red, yellow, or gold can be great accents. Knowing the environment of the facility you are interviewing for can provide valuable insight into their dress code
Tip #3: Be Early
This cannot be stressed enough: always arrive early for a job interview. Ideally, you should arrive between 10 and 15 minutes early. This shows the potential employer that you are serious, eager, and punctual, all positive traits to show the interviewer.
Arriving more than 15 minutes early is not recommended, as the long wait time can cause anxiety before the interview. Arriving too early can also make the interviewer feel rushed.
The worst thing you can do is to arrive at an interview late. This says to a potential employer that you may be irresponsible or undependable, which is not a good first impression. Even if there was bad traffic or you had a flat tire, employers have heard it all. Excuses usually do not go far. Many interviewers will cancel the interview if you are late. The best thing to do is to leave your house early, giving yourself plenty of time for traffic or other delays. If you arrive at the facility too early to go in, wait in the car or drive around the block to pass some time.
Tip #4: Say Thank You
Saying thank you may seem somewhat old-fashioned or unnecessary, but it can be a huge gesture towards the interviewer. It shows good interview etiquette and reiterates your interest in the job. If necessary, you can also use a thank you note to address any issues that may have arisen during the interview.
Keep the note short, and be sure to state that you are very interested in the position. You can handwrite your note or send it through email.
If you want to see if any CNA jobs are available near you, visit CynaMed.com and search your area.
