Why Can't I Get a Job?

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Hello;

I finished my CNA class late last year and became state certified earlier this year. Since then, I've been applying at a variety of places and so far, I haven't even gotten an interview! I don't know what I'm doing wrong, or if the job market is just really 'bad' right now, but I have to say, it's pretty discouraging. I've applied at nursing homes, rehab facilities, hospitals, doctor's offices, etc...no luck at all. There aren't any "black marks" on my record at all...the only thing I can think of is that I've only had one job previously, not related to nursing (I'm only 18...it was an assistant teaching position for a kids' music class).

Did this happen to anybody else? Any tips? Thank you!

PS: I live near Milwaukee, WI. if that matters.

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Specializes in ALF, Medical, ER.

Have you done online applications or in-person applications? Either way you need to follow up on those applications. They may get lost in the shuffle and a follow-up call would be a good way for the potential employer to know that you are professional and very interested in the position. Take a look at your resume. Does it sound professional? Do you sound like an interesting person and a good worker in your resume? HR may read tons of resumes and yours needs to stick out (in a good way). See if maybe a friend or maybe a student advisor at school could read it and give you some feedback. Good luck

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Another good thing would be is to volunteer as a sitter or at the VA in your area as a CNA. So you can add this to your experience as applying for jobs in your area. I just got certified this week as a CNA but I have been out of a job for 4 months. So I'm a bit afriad I will have this problem as well. My plans are to work anywhere to get my foot in the door. More than likely the pay will be low for a entry level CNA and in a nursing home. These are both things I'm not really happy with but it will be an good way to get experience. Then after 6 months of taking anything I can move on to something with better pay and in the hospital setting. Also another thing is to maybe see if you can get into agency work in your area. Look in the local phone book under nursing and check out all the listing they have for CNA's. I did this today and came across alot of places I had never heard of. You never see all the openings online as you do in a phone book. Also many people see the same job listings you see online making it harder for you to get hired. So go through the list and call each one asking about positions. I wish you luck and hope we both land a job soon!

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Specializes in CNA - starting LPN school January 2009!!.

I have found in my experience in trying to find work in a ALF that they are so swamped and understaffed, it is very easy for a resume or an application submitted by a good candidate to get "lost in the cracks" and never resurface.

My suggestion would be to physically go to each place you'd like to work, turn in an application, and don't leave until to have spoken to the ADON, or staffing coordinator. If you are as sweet as pie, and don't mind waiting, as long as you can get a chance to meet them in person, you will greatly improve your chances of geting hired!

The place I just got hired at, I had to wait in the lobby for almost an hour to speak witht he ADON. But, when I finally did meet with her, she hired me no the spot, and marched me right down to HR to fill out my paperwork. And, I haven't even taken my exam yet (just finished the class at the end of May) Keep trying, and be persistent! You will find something :)

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Specializes in Acute Mental Health.

I'm close to Milwaukee and I can't believe you can't land a job! Are you applying in Milwaukee? There are tons of spots open, but you may need to apply online and always follow up with a phone call. Smile when you call (it shows through your voice). Are you looking for something specific, such as hospital? Try Columbia/ St Mary's, St. Joes, Community Mem, the VA, Childrens and Froedert. Each has many openings. If you just need experience, try any of the LTC facilities in the area. Your sure to get a job. Good Luck!!:loveya:

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Chevyv, I'm actually in Waukesha co. Milwaukee is a bit of a drive for me, but if all else fails, I'll do it. That said, Children's hires CNAs? I didn't know that...I suspect there's not much of a chance I'd get in w/o prior experience, but in time I'll definitely apply there if they do (I want to get into pediatrics after I get my R.N.)

I'm also going to try volunteering like some of you suggested, as I keep applying for jobs (can't hurt, right?) I've only been applying online so far; I didn't know it even made a difference, but I'll see if I have any luck applying in person.

Thank you everyone for your replys! They were really encouraging and I'll definitely try out all of your suggestions.

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Specializes in Acute Mental Health.

I'm not as familiar with Wauk. but I did work at the hospital there as a sitter CNA through an external pool.

I don't care for the online application process. Even though it tells me that the app was received, I have not heard a peep from any of the places. I thought that next week, I'm going to do follow up phone calls (hopefully, a bit more personal). I wish us both luck in our quests. Keep me posted on your progress. :wink2:

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I second the suggestions to go in in person. Some places aren't set up to accomodate that and will simply tell you to go apply online, but with some places showing up in person can lead to an immediate job offer - as someone here already noted. So you just take your chances, bring a resume and other pertinent documents and show up dressed appropriately for a possible on-the-spot interview. And don't give up if the first one or two places don't yield any results. At the very least, you'll have a chance to get a first hand look at the facility while you're there!

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