CNA Resume Tips/Job Hunting

Missingyou, CNA · Feb 28, 2014

I would use every single job you have listed here on your resume.

Restaurant server/assistant manager = management skills, which can show a level of professionalism and maturity, time management and organizational skills.

Animal Shelter - Supervising Kennel Assistant. ok so it's for animals and not humans. however, the title "supervisor" indicates a maturity level required for taking on the responsibility of care giving.

Naturalist/Environmental Educator (Program coordinator for disadvantaged youth)+ again, shows the ability to take on responibility and use good judgement and being a positive role model for others.

volunteer (6 months so far) at the local hospital where my responsibilities coincide with some CNA duties. Shows that you do have some experience in a health care field and that you are serious about learning and being a part of this field.

Some places such as nursing homes/rehab. facilites won't hire you unless you are certified. Others (depending on how desperate they are to hire a "body") will hire you after you complete the class with the understanding that you must be certified(pass the state test) within a short time after hire.

Then there are places like home care and assisted living facilities that don't usually pay as much, but you can work for them without certification as a nurse aide.

Home care/assisted living will give you some experience and a nudge above the others when you apply for a CNA position as a newly certified aide.

Generally, CNA positions are not too difficult to find. ...the tough part is surviving the first few weeks as a CNA especially in a nursing home!! It will be tough on your body and your mind for a while, but you will adapt.

Good luck!

Proton · Feb 28, 2014

@missingyou Thank you for your help. I will be using all of your tips while creating a CNA resume.

I wasn't sure what the job market was like aside from a short, preliminary search so thanks for information :-)

Paws2people · Feb 28, 2014

It's all useful! You'd be surprised how many similarities there are between animals and people. In a way animals are more difficult because when they are sick, they can't tell you what hurts. The same goes for their needs. The volunteering is even better. It shows you have some experience and have caring, selfless qualities. I'd try the hospital first for employment when you are ready. Best of luck.

Dani2389 · Mar 1, 2014

Hey I also am someone who went transitioned careers and my advice is to include all of the following that you listed on your resume. I took my CNA class and then was able to get a CNA job at a hospital without any previous medical experience.

I had worked in sales before and had only had two previous jobs, but I think my manager liked that I had worked with people and seemed to have great people skills. I think that all your previous experience is relevant to being a CNA and would look great on your resume.

And as far as looking for a job, I started looking for one as soon as I passed my written and skills test.

Hope that helps and good luck!

Proton · Mar 1, 2014

@paws2people and @dani2389, thank you for responding. I agree some of my animal related experiences may help with CNA skills.

Applying after skills/written is a good tip. Since there will be quite a few of us applying for some of the same positions, we each have to find ways to set ourselves apart I suppose?

yblehsspot · Mar 5, 2014

I would put the volunteer experience in a hospital first on your resume. It lets the reader know right away that you have experience in the field and that you donate your time, which looks freaking amazing.

Proton · Mar 6, 2014

I would put the volunteer experience in a hospital first on your resume. It lets the reader know right away that you have experience in the field and that you donate your time which looks freaking amazing.[/quote']
Great idea. I really appreciate your input. It helps to hear from those who have gone through the experience already.

Proton · Jun 17, 2014

*Update*

I have finished my CNA program and passed my state test.

Thank you to everyone for your resume/job hunting tips! I finally get to put them to use and it feels great!

Carol Austin · Jun 17, 2014

Congratulations on passing!! and good luck in your job search!

*Update*
I have finished my CNA program and passed my state test.
Thank you to everyone for your resume/job hunting tips! I finally get to put them to use and it feels great!

Proton · Jun 18, 2014

Congratulations on passing!! and good luck in your job search!

Thank you! I appreciate that!