Building a CNA Resume – Tips and Advice

You diligently care for your patients/clients as a certified nursing assistant (CNA), but how well do you care for your resume? It’s true that some CNA jobs don’t require a resume, (employers will instead ask applicants to fill out a job application) but as your resume shows perspective employers that you’re seriously interested in the job, having one available and making sure it stands out is important.

 

Ask yourself these questions?

  • When was the last time I updated my resume?
  • Does my resume highlight and clearly communicate my qualifications?
  • Will my resume grab the attention of potential employers?
  • Does my resume show that I am a good match for the job I’m applying to?
  • Will my resume make a good first impression?
If you’re not able to answer yes to all (or most) of those questions, then it’s time to step back and take a hard look at what your resume says about you, and if it will help you stand out among the sea of other applicants, or send you packing.
Whether we admit it or not, first impressions are important. Your resume serves as your first impression to a potential employer. It is the first thing they see by which they form an impression about who you are, if you’re qualified, your experiences, and your skills. But writing a resume can be a gruesome task, and is rarely fun. Regardless, a great resume can get your foot in the door. And because your resume is the first impression a potential employer will have of you, it’s worth the time to get it right. Statistics show that employers, on average, only take a few minutes to breeze over a resume, so it’s vital that yours stands out among the countless other job seekers’ resumes vying for the same CNA position.

Of course, if resume writing is not in your skill-set, you may want to hire professional help. There are a number of experts and career sites1 that can be found on the Internet, but make sure the professional you hire has medical (better yet, CNA) resume experience or a background in nursing. Prices range from around $120.00 to more than $900.00.  For many people hiring a professional is well worth the cost, for others, the cost may be way too expensive. If so, you might also look for free resume templates2 and videos that will help kick-start the process.

Resumes have changed dramatically in recent years, and more and more it’s about marketing yourself to potential employers, and less about past accomplishments. Resumes can highlight education, job history or specific skills and knowledge.
Because most every CNA is in a different situation or has different levels of experience, having a resume that showcases your strengths is worth the time and effort you put into it. For the first time job seeker, a functional resume that highlights your level of training, internships, volunteering, skillset, etc., is best. Also, make sure your most important achievements are listed first. If you’re a seasoned pro, then a chronological approach is best; in which case you arrange your jobs chronologically with any skills you’ve acquired at each job. On your resume you will also communicate how your experience applies to this new position, any special strengths you bring to the table, and why you’re the best fit for the job. If you’ve held a lot of different positions, filter them out to include only those that are relevant to the job you’re applying to.
Remember, if you are applying to more than one position, then it is absolutely imperative to make your resume match each job. Too many people use one resume to blanket numerous jobs, and all too often details and requirements specific to this job or that position are left off, and missed completely. Read each job posting carefully and try to rework areas of your resume to match the facility or organization’s specific job requirements. The same can be said when writing a cover letter.
Maybe you have a friend, mentor, instructor or you’ve hired an agency to help you put together your resume, or maybe you prefer to write it yourself. Either way, here are a few tips to get you started:
  • Start with a one-sentence objective: An objective states who you are, what position you want, and what you hope to accomplish in that position.
  • Training: Highlight your training, including how you did on your CNA exam, and whether or not you’re certified, or are currently applying for your certification.
  • Experience: Include any internships or volunteering you’ve done, any extra-curricular activities you took part in, and/or any related experiences.
  • Relevant skills and knowledge: Highlight what specific skills and knowledge you bring to the job, and why you feel they are important for the position you are seeking.
  • Include professional references if requested.

A word about style:

Highlight your contact information (Name, Cell Number, Address, etc.) with a bold or different typeface than the body of your resume. Make sure you use the same typeface throughout the body of your resume, but make sections (Objectives, Training, etc.) larger/bold face or italics. But, keep in mind that too many fonts can confuse an employer and take his or her attention away from the important details.
Cover Letters –

Most job seekers do not take enough time to write a great cover letter. In fact, many employers don’t take the time to read cover letters. That said, showing how you can benefit the company in a cover letter may help get the job vs. your resume alone.

Cover letters can be sent electronically, handed to a prospective employer, or sent along with your resume. Most often, if a resume is filled out online, a cover letter can be included. Keep in mind that your resume highlights features and your cover letter highlights benefits, and what value you bring to the position. If you are truly interested in a company or position, then take the time in your cover letter to explain your understanding of the company and how you are able to help them meet their needs. Remember too, to keep it short and sweet, and to only one-page in length, sign it, date it and include your contact information.

References
  • About Jobs, Resume Writing and Job Search Assistance; How to choose a resume writing service
  • Live Career; Certified Nursing Assistant Resume Objectives Resume Sample