Job Interview

[SingDanceRunLife]

I'm interested in being a nurse, and from what I've read, being a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a really good first step.

I was planning on taking a CNA course at the local vocational/tech school next year, but then, I saw an ad in the paper.

One of the nursing homes here where I live is hiring current CNAs as well as people to be trained as CNAs and get paid for it! I see this as a great opportunity because it would allow me to become certified now rather than a year from now allowing me to have more experience sooner, would give me a job and money for the summer, and, free up 3 periods in my schedule next year. The ad says apply in person...And I'm planning on going either tomorrow or Wednesday.

Anyway, I have some questions:

1) How should I dress?

2) Should I bring a resume or anything? The ad doesn't mention that.

3) I'm only 17 and I'm not sure if they hire that young, how do I bring that up?

4) Should I ask questions, if so, what?

5) Anything else?

Thanks in advance!

I've never interviewed for a job before (I've only had 2...the first was handed to me as in "Do you want to work here?" and the second I was just like "Can I do this?") so this is completely new territory for me. I also really want to get this job because I think that it would be a really good experience for me, and, I need some money!

[loriangel14, RN]

1) how should i dress?

present a neat and tidy appearance, minimum jewelry, short clean nails, and hair tidy.

2) should i bring a resume or anything? the ad doesn't mention that.

i would bring one anyways.

3) i'm only 17 and i'm not sure if they hire that young, how do i bring that up?

i would wait for them to ask your age. they will tell you up front if you are too young.

4) should i ask questions, if so, what?

i would ask details about the length of the training, orientation, pay rate, and commitment required and working conditions. if you could it would be a good idea to talk to a cna that works there.

5) anything else?

can't think of anything.

good luck

[SingDanceRunLife]

Thanks for the response!

On another message board that I posted the same question, as for what to wear, I was told black dress pants and a nice shirt. Well, I don't own any nice black dress pants. My only pair is pretty faded. I do however have a really nice pair of dark wash, wide leg jeans. Would those be OK?

[TazziRN, RN]

No jeans. Do you have a skirt or a dress?

See if you can get a tour of the facility. Pay close attention to the residents: do they look happy and comfortable? Do the staff treat them kindly?

[SingDanceRunLife]

I have lots of skirts and a couple of dresses...But I thought pants were better?

[SingDanceRunLife]

I just found my choir pants...They're black palazzos. Would they work?

[TazziRN, RN]

What are palazzos?

As long as they don't look like jeans you should be fine.

And they don't have to be black, sweetie. Black is safe but any dark color will work. Even red would work as long as it's tasteful and the top compliments it.

[SingDanceRunLife]

Palazzos are like the ones seen here: http://www.amazon.com/JTB-Womens-Solid-Palazzo-Pant/dp/B000E791UO and here: http://www.amazon.com/Metrostyle-Palazzo-Style-Pants/dp/B00112QKYQ/ref=pd_sbs_a_img_4

And I know they don't have to be black, but I'm looking at what I have, and my only dress pants are black, and the palazzos are black as well. If what I have would work, why would I go out and buy something different?

[SingDanceRunLife]

Well, I went, and I can't be hired because I'm not yet 18.

[TazziRN, RN]

Awww, bummer, Sing. Hang in there, you're almost 18.

[SingDanceRunLife]

Yeah, it sucks though.

[caliotter3]

If you can take the course at the vocational school before you turn 18 you might want to try that. Then you can go to any place that will hire you and don't have to be tied down to the facility where you received your free training. Just a thought while you are waiting to reach that magic age.