Published May 6, 2014
Rodrinka
34 Posts
I just became a certified CNA last month I'm just wondering how long did it take before you landed your first job??? I've been doing apps like crazy I'm just hoping someone gives me a call. I live in Michigan
Meaganfn
28 Posts
I got my certification in late March of this year. I accepted my a job offer mid April. Someone will call. Just keep putting in your apps, and follow up with some phone calls.
GL on your search
Ok thank you
vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN
2,717 Posts
I started applying before I received my certification.
Walking into SNFs in person and applying on craigslist are how I secured CNA jobs. 1 full time noc and 2 per diem jobs are what I landed within about 2 weeks of receiving my official test results.
I came dressed professionally in scrubs, watch, hair pulled back and was personable with whomever I could see in person. One time it was a nurse and later she told me she asked the DSD to hire me because I presented myself well. Another time, the lady I was making small talk with just so happened to be the person who interviewed and recommended who to hire to the DSD.
For my in person apps, I didn't care whether they were hiring, I just walked in.
Thank you for the tips and I never would have thought to look on craigslist
Everyone is shocked that craigslist works for me. I'm now an LVN and found 2 jobs through craigslist.
I do have a decent resume which beefs up and sells my (limited) experience.
I also use a cover letter that sells my skills. I put the cover letter into the body of the email and set the email up the same way you'd format a business letter ie return address, 3 paragraph body, date, closing, etc.
EP, RN
19 Posts
Also in MI...it took about two months, but that's b/c I spent a month applying to nothing but hospital jobs and then didn't apply anywhere for a couple of weeks b/c we had company in from out of the country. Applied at an assisted living place and got a job in less than a week. Don't be afraid of LTC. I still work there b/c I have a good thing and it works for me, but I know plenty of people that worked in LTC for a few or six months and then went to a PCT gig.
Ok thanks I'm going to add some of these ideas into my approach on job searching.