is it too early to apply for jobs?

U.S.A. Arizona

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I won't have a CNA license until November 23 but there's a job posting that I really want to apply to. Is it too early to apply?

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I don't think so.

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Specializes in CNA.

I was in your boat a few months ago. I still haven't found a CNA job, but then again I stopped being persistent for the last month or so.

I would apply right now and just tell them when you expect to get your certificate.

I think being persistent is the key. I have prior CNA experience so I thought it was going to be easier to get a job... but my friend with no prior experience just got hired at a hospital!! She never gave up.

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I'm really wanting to work at Scottsdale Health Care. I don't have any prior health care experience so I'm totoally unfamiliar with how things work. Is there a way to get in touch with an HR rep or find out who the hiring manager is? I feel so lost!

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Specializes in Telemetry & PCU.

It isn't too early. In a past life I was an HR guy and have hired thousands of people. This is what I do when I want a job:

  1. Polish up my resume. Even if you don't have any medical experience, HR will still want to see one.
  2. Craft a good cover letter. Don't go more than 2 paragraphs. Research the company and state why you want to work there. Make sure that your phone number and email are on the letter and resume.
  3. In your case get a letter from your CNA program stating that you are in school, doing good work, and are expected to graduate on X date.
  4. Stick all of it in a priority mail envelope and send it off. Priority mail gets read where a regular stamp does not. Make sure the letter and the whole package is addressed to the right person by name; don't do a "to whom it may concern"
  5. I would send 2 packages, one to HR and the other to the charge nurse on the floor you want to work, i.e. if you want to work peds, send it to the peds charge nurse.
  6. Follow up (if they don't contact you within a week) with a phone call to the charge nurse and HR. Many times I have been contacted before the week is out by email or phone asking me to go online and fill out their app.
  7. Before an interview go to the library and check out some books on interview questions; there are a ton of them.
  8. If you want to go into nursing make sure you ask about education benefits during the interview, i.e. do they have a tuition reimbursement plan, etc. Also find out what schools they will pay for; Scottsdale won't pay for Ethel Bauer/IIA college.
  9. Don't ask about pay, vacations, time off, etc during the interview.
  10. After the interview make sure to send a thank you card to the person.
  11. If you don't hear anything within 7 days, call the person who interviewed you and inquire if the job has been filled. If not tell them that you would really like to work for them and ask them to hire you,

The idea is to stand out from all of the competition.

I would advise you to look at the big picture as well. Scottsdale might be close but will they pay for your education? Will they be flexible when it comes to work and school?

One last thing (this is the Dad in me coming out) where ever you go to work, if they have a 401K plan get into it. Most places will match you up to 3-4% and it will add up. Put it in the riskiest fund they have and don't ever touch it. Right now that money is buying your retirement at some real cheap prices and 20 years from now will be worth thousands and thousands of $$$. Alot of people think that they can't afford to do that but if you make 3 less trips to Starbucks it will pay hugh dividends down the road. If they take it out of your check right at the begining, you will never miss it.

Good Luck!!:D

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Specializes in RETIRED Cath Lab/Cardiology/Radiology.

Great post, groovy! :yelclap:

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thanks so much, Jeff! im going to have to figure out how to get in touch with HR and how to find out who the nurse in charge of the unit is. I put in an application online for the heck of it because I couldnt locate any of that information. Im sure that its out there, though, so I just need to look harder/better

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Specializes in Telemetry & PCU.
im going to have to figure out how to get in touch with HR and how to find out who the nurse in charge of the unit is.

I always just call and ask the switchboard who handles recruiting for RNs, or in your case CNA/Techs, and who is the charge nurse on such-and -such a unit. If they don't give you the information call into the unit at night or on the weekends; those folks are more laid back and usually more forthcoming.

Go Cardinals! :bowingpur

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thank you very much!!!

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thanks for all of your help, everyone. i have a phone interview with shc today. wish me luck!

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Congrats!

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