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Preparing for a CNA Position Interview

Being a CNA, or Certified Nursing Assistant, is an important job and the career possibilities for these medical professionals are endless. Anyone who is preparing for an interview will need to gather as much information as possible in order to land a great CNA position. Besides the obvious — the location, date, and time of the interview — the prospective CNA hire must first find out if they are interviewing for a home, clinic, or hospital position.

Resumes and Interviewers

Before setting foot into the interviewer’s office, the prospective CNA should have their resume ready to hand over to the interviewer. Of course, it is vital to learn the interviewer’s name beforehand and address him or her by the correct name; this can make or break an interview before it gets off the ground.

Grooming and Dressing

The way the prospective CNA appears is also an important aspect of an interview. Hair should be styled neatly and conservatively in order to fit a professional atmosphere. Those who have body piercing or tattoos should remove the piercings, minus one earring in each ear for women, and cover the tattoos. Men should wear clean, pressed slacks paired with collared shirts and leather dress shoes. Women should dress in suit pants or skirts with a conservative blouse and heels or flats. Clean and formal is key.

Skills and Personality

Since CNAs interact closely with patients, they need to display certain personality qualities to the interviewer, such as professionalism, responsibility, and compassion. The way the CNA relates to their patients and coworkers is extremely important to the interviewer. Candidates should always highlight job-related skills to the interviewer.

What to Look For

Even if a candidate is offered a CNA position, they should only accept the position if they feel the workplace is a good fit. After the interview, evaluate the friendliness of the staff, the cleanliness and organization of the facility, and the satisfaction of the facility’s patients. By keeping the above tips in mind, a prospective CNA will be fully prepared for their interview and hopefully, receive an amazing job offer.