Job interview

SeattleJess · Jun 12, 2014

I think it's good to make a connection with the interviewer. Ask her what she enjoys most about her job and what she finds most challenging. What does she think is the most important ability a CNA can have? (My interviewer said "the ability to prioritize.") Next, you should have researched your organization so that you know enough to ask about its current developments and goals. What kind of volunteer programs does the organization have? If not, ask what she sees as the current and long-term issues facing the organization.

Then you can use the answers to all these questions to emphasize how your skills and values will contribute to the organization's needs. Keep coming back to that. Have your top three skills and your top three values in mind. Remember just these six true words and you'll be having a conversation and it will be easy to be authentic.

Another important things: don't tell yourself you're nervous; tell yourself you're energized. Get some exercise before your interview so you'll be riding on endorphins.

I'm sure you'll get other great suggestions here and do well on your interview. Best of luck!

crossfitnurse · Jun 12, 2014

What kind of questions did you ask during job interview? I am always speechless when the interviewer ask me if I have any questions in mind. I only ask if I can see the facility or when I will know if I got the job.

If i legitimately do not have any questions because they have been answered already, I say "ya know, I don't think I have any! You guys (I had two interviewers) do a fantastic job of explaining everything! :)"

Haha;) if you are a smiler - that works for me. I got the job using that response :)

Some may tell you different but at the same time, I know they are busy - so I don't feel bad using that.

mineSgold · Jun 12, 2014

Thank you everyone for your good input.

lub dub · Jun 13, 2014

If i legitimately do not have any questions because they have been answered already, I say "ya know, I don't think I have any! You guys (I had two interviewers) do a fantastic job of explaining everything! :)"
Haha;) if you are a smiler - that works for me. I got the job using that response :)
Some may tell you different but at the same time, I know they are busy - so I don't feel bad using that.

I'm going to respectfully disagree here. As someone who has been in an interviewer position, the interviewee really should ask at least something at the end of the interview. Otherwise, they are looked upon as someone who was not paying attention, and has little interest. That may not be true, but that is what the perception is.

crossfitnurse · Jun 13, 2014

I'm going to respectfully disagree here. As someone who has been in an interviewer position, the interviewee really should ask at least something at the end of the interview. Otherwise, they are looked upon as someone who was not paying attention, and has little interest. That may not be true, but that is what the perception is.

I think it's aaaaaaaall in the delivery depends how you come across. Also depends how the rest of the interview went.

SweetSouthernLove, ASN, BSN · Jun 14, 2014

Ah, I love the ability to ask my NM or interviewer questions at the end of my interview. As a CNA I always have a few questions I ask:

1. What is the CNA to patient ratio? What is the nurse to patient ratio?

2. What is a typical CNA assignment like? How many patients will I normally be assigned to on a shift?

3. What is your patient population?

4. How long is the orientation process for this position and if I do not feel comfortable at the end of my orientation will you allow additional time with my preceptor?

5. Finally, what are the goals for your unit?

I am usually full of other questions and these questions usually open up a Nurse Manager's excitement when you can understand how you would make an impact on their unit. I normally think people whom do not have ANY questions on an interview are either extremely nervous or have difficulty in the interview process. I think it is extremely important to interview well and I would definitely practice your responses. Also, I would search on this site for behavioral types of questions, thankfully my NM did not ask me these but my HR recruiter did when I first did my phone interview, so it would be something I would look into. Good luck!