Entry level CNA resume

MSofia · May 1, 2014

I would write a cover letter briefly stating why you are qualified stating some of the things you learned. CNA is one of those jobs where you don't need to be experienced some employers don't want you bring bad habits and they want to mold you. I wouldn't worry too much about the key word thing. And fax it! With Attn: (who ever). I've had a lot of luck by faxing. Good luck

Missingyou, CNA · May 1, 2014

I agree with MSofia above. CNA is one of those jobs where you don't necessarily need experience.

I had NO luck with faxing or emailing my resume but instead got 3 interviews from 3 different places where I had walked in and filled out an application or handed them my resume.

On my "cover letter" (which was actually more of a letter that I submitted with my hand written application)I wrote what I liked being a CNA. I made a point to say that I was a mature responsible adult and realized that people depend on my care which is why I was reliable..... When I was appying to nursing homes, I wrote why I wanted to work IN A NURSING HOME specifically.

Good luck in your search! I don't think you will have much trouble.

Siaryyy · May 1, 2014

I agree with MSofia above. CNA is one of those jobs where you don't necessarily need experience.
I had NO luck with faxing or emailing my resume but instead got 3 interviews from 3 different places where I had walked in and filled out an application or handed them my resume.
On my "cover letter" (which was actually more of a letter that I submitted with my hand written application)I wrote what I liked being a CNA. I made a point to say that I was a mature responsible adult and realized that people depend on my care which is why I was reliable..... When I was appying to nursing homes, I wrote why I wanted to work IN A NURSING HOME specifically.
Good luck in your search! I don't think you will have much trouble.

I did not think about this. That is a great idea, I will keep a simple resume outlining my experience and a cover letter on why sounds perfect to me. Cna is on high demand here in nyc so a lot online ads I've looked at ask for experience that is why I was concerned. Thank you so much you always share good advice.

Siaryyy · May 1, 2014

I would write a cover letter briefly stating why you are qualified stating some of the things you learned. CNA is one of those jobs where you don't need to be experienced some employers don't want you bring bad habits and they want to mold you. I wouldn't worry too much about the key word thing. And fax it! With Attn: (who ever). I've had a lot of luck by faxing. Good luck

Thank you so much I will do this. Most likely I will be walking in but this is great I feel weight lifted off my shoulders. My teacher had told me to hire someone to do my resume. I don't have that kind of money. :no:

Missingyou, CNA · May 1, 2014

Thank you so much I will do this. Most likely I will be walking in but this is great I feel weight lifted off my shoulders. My teacher had told me to hire someone to do my resume. I don't have that kind of money.

...yeah, I really don't think you need to hire anyone to do your resume, especially if you have little to no experience.

...and don't let those ads that are asking for "experienced only" scare you away. I believe that when a nursing home or other such facility is advertising for CNA's, they are also aware that the general public (potential family members of current/future residents) also see this ad. It is a good image for them if they advertise "experienced only". I have a friend and a sister who both had no experienced yet they were hired by 2 different facilities that advertised "experience only".

Don't let it scare ya. Go for it!

you have nothing to loose but a little time, some paper and some ink. :up:

MSofia · May 1, 2014

Please do NOT hire someone what kind of teacher??? In my state the department of labor has resume/job search classes for Free. I'm sure NY has to have something. Try googling sample cna resumes I'm sure they have resume outlines.

strawberryluv, BSN, RN · May 1, 2014

Heck no. Don't hire someone for this type of work. Its not worth it.

Just look up CNA resumes online and to get an idea of what yours could be.

CNAs are not paid so great so I don't think it warrants to spend a hundred or so

to hire a professional.

Also, try to go to CNA open houses. Thats how I got my job. Also, look up

facilities in your area on yellow pages and call them and ask around. I called and asked

a personnel from my current employer if they were hiring and they said they had a open house for

CNAs and I went in and got hired on the spot!

duskyjewel · May 1, 2014

Master's degreed and doctoral-level professionals trying to land jobs with six figure salaries hire resume writers, not beginning CNAs. Your teacher is either insane or shilling for someone who owns a business doing that. Jeez louise.

Siaryyy · May 1, 2014

Thank you so much. I really appreciate it.

Idk why she would say that. But I'm glad you guys came across my post and advised me before hand.

hegster · May 1, 2014

Did you do clinicals as a part of your CNA certification? If you did, that can be listed as experience.

I had a rough time trying to find a job with no experience. The job market is tough. Make your cover letter get the point across that you are looking for a long term career at their facility. A lot of people move around in healthcare, especially CNAs, and it's a pain to lose a CNA that you've hired and trained. So let them know you plan on staying for a good while.

If you have any education, highlight that on your resume. Around here, a GED/diploma is required, but having an associate or bachelor's degree may bring a higher starting salary.

Highlight all relevant certifications and include any certification/license numbers issued to you. Hospitals/facilities usually require that you are BLS certified, so put that on your resume. If you aren't already--sign up for a class immediately.

Lastly, I had very bad luck emailing my resume and applying for jobs online. There are simply too many applicants and I was just a face in the crowd. I would encourage you to look into local nursing career fairs--they usually allow allied health professionals to register. It's a great way to see what's available locally and meet the recruiters. While it's not always practical to walk into a facility to apply for a job--I encourage you to do that if possible, otherwise, make an appointment in their HR office with a recruiter. Once they put a face to your name you'll have half a chance.

Good luck!

Siaryyy · May 1, 2014

Yes we had 30 hrs of clinical but I saw some ads that say that clinical is not considered experience.

I know I need to get my bls but were I am going to go they're available everyday and they are approved by the American heart association. Because at the community college they are charging another $100 just for the cpr and I have to wait for an available date. But I am going to get that hopefully this week coming up.