The first thing you need to do when looking for and finding CNA work is to make sure you are certified, well prepared and have a polished resume. Having all your proper paperwork in order will go a long ways in showing a potential employer that you are a professional who is serious about a career as a CNA. This article will help you get all your ducks in a row for preparing a polished and professional looking resume to help you in finding CNA work.
Certificates
After you have completed your CNA training, you will receive a certificate. Gather together all your credentials, i.e. certifications and any other paperwork you may have that is relevant to this career and put it all in a folder. Some other things that may be important are a certificate showing you have completed first aid training and maybe even an appreciation certificate from a nursing home acknowledging that you have volunteered there.
Having everything in one spot is essential to being organized. For each resume that you will be sending out, you should make a copy of your CNA certificate to send along as an addendum.
References
The next thing you need to do to prepare your resume for CNA work is to begin thinking about references. Types of references that will be important are from those people who can a.) attest to your character e,g,.strengths and b.) attest to your work ethic and abilities. People who can attest to your character can be friends of yours or aquaintances like co-workers, and neighbours. People who can attest to your work ethic and ability could be teachers, co-workers and also a manager from a previous job.
Before putting someone down as a reference on your resume, you must contact them for permission first. It is only polite to do this. You want to give them a head’s up to let them know they may be receiving a phone call. Also, let them know the reason for the reference. i.e. the type of job you are applying for. You can also tell them why you want to go into this career and why you would be a good fit. Speaking with your references first will help them to be prepared for a phone call and will make their answers sound more professional and thought out.
Professional Photo
** Note – this is optional and in some areas goes against certain state requirements.
Get a professional business-style photograph taken of yourself. Have several wallet sized prints made and include one in each resume package that you send out. This is optional, but in doing this you will help the potential employer put a name to the face and it will help you stand out from the crowd. You will be more likely remembered than someone else who hasn’t put that much work into their resume package. It will up the competition level for everyone else and give you an edge.
Resume
The main thing you will need to help you in finding and securing CNA work is a resume. There are many templates and formats available online that you can use to create your own. Find one that you like and that looks professional. It is not advisable to pick a cutesy theme or something to fancy as this will end up detracting from your professionalism. CNA work is not a creative career so these type of resume templates are not suitable for this career.
Things that you will need to state in your resume is a record of your schooling including any certificates and professional designations. Be sure and add the dates you completed the education. Also, you will need to put in your work history. In this area, you should include the following: dates you worked there, job title, job role/description of tasks, Your resume should also include a list of your references. Include the person’s name, title, releationship to you and their telephone number and email address. The top of your resume should include your full name, title, any designations, mailing address, email address, and telephone number.
Cover Letter
The cover letter should be tailored specifically to the job you are applying for. A cover letter is a formal letter written to a potential employer which states who you are, the job you are applying for and briefly sums up your qualifications for the job. It finishes up with your name, email address and telephone number. Don’t forget to include the date and your signature. Again, there are many templates and samples available online that will help you in creating one of your own.
When setting up a resume package to a potential employer attach together all the information in the following order: the cover letter with your photo clipped to the top, the resume, a copy of your CNA certificate, and finally the references. If you are mailing the package to the potential employer, rather than faxing it, you have an opportunity to make it look great! Put it in a small folder or professional looking binder and mail it directly.
Following the steps listed above should help you gain success in finding CNA work. Do your homework carefully and you will no doubt be rewarded with a new job!
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The advice to include a photo is bad advice because it would be an EEO violation for a company to hire someone based upon a photograph. Usually organizations will throw out these types of resumes because it ensures that their hiring decisions are not in violation of federal hiring practicies.
Thanks, Manda. This is not the case everywhere, but we have edited it to remind people that it could be a consideration they should think about. Thanks for your comments!