What to Consider When Searching for Nursing Assistant Jobs

Posted: 6/18/2020 8:00 AM by Interim HealthCare
Job opportunities for CNAs was already on the rise before we entered a world where "COVID" became a household word. In fact, CNA jobs were projected to grow 9% between 2018 and 2028, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics -- that's significantly faster than the average. 

With a push for safer healthcare alternatives to treat patients, especially high risk patients, in a post-COVID world, CNAs will continue to be in demand for the foreseeable future. 

That means there are many great opportunities out there for you!

But, it also means you need to tread carefully. Not all CNA job postings are created equally, that's for sure. It can be difficult to know what opportunities are a fit and which are best left to someone else. Here are some criteria you'll want to consider when searching for CNA jobs:

Competitive Pay

You can't have a post about jobs and not talk about pay -- it's always going to be at or near the top, regardless of your job! What constitutes "competitive pay" will vary based on your location and experience, so there isn't a hard and fast rule to consider here.

That being said, you should absolutely go into any interview or job application with an understanding of competitive salaries in your area. Check out Salary.com for salary range data in your area, and go into any interviews prepared with that information. Know your worth!

Benefits

Depending on the specific opportunity, including hours and terms of employment, benefits may be something that are on your radar. Specifically, these are the benefits most people consider when choosing between CNA job opportunities:
  • Health insurance (what kind, how much is paid by the employer, etc)
  • Vision coverage
  • Dental coverage
  • Insurance coverage for family
  • Maternity/paternity leave
  • Vacation/PTO
  • Paid holidays
  • 401k
These are just some of the benefits you may want to consider -- what's most important is that you determine which benefits are a priority for you and your family!

Flexibility

This is an especially big one for CNAs who work in home care! A big reason many CNAs choose to work for Interim HealthCare locations across the country is their desire for flexibility. There is a tremendous sense of freedom that accompanies working from different locations throughout the day. 

Flexibility also expands beyond location to include available shifts, number of hours and more. Employers who highlight their flexibility will welcome conversations about what will work for you. Don't be afraid to ask and have a conversation with potential employers to ensure that any role is the right fit for you. 

Preparation

While it's important to understand what an employer has to offer, it's equally important for you to be prepared for interviewing with potential employers. Here are some core areas you'll want to prioritize:
  • Resume. A clean, one-page resume is ideal in a majority of circumstances. Include certification and education information, as well as your most recent employers (up to 3). Don't include your photo or references on the resume. Recruiters will request references if and when you get to that point in the process.
  • Social media. Be sure to change the privacy settings on your personal social media accounts so that photos and posts that should be private, are private. Recruiters will absolutely be looking at your social media profiles, and you want to be sure they are focusing on your professional background only. This also includes optimizing your LinkedIn profile and ensuring it's up to date (or if you don't have one, creating one!). 
  • Research. Before an interview, research the company and recruiter so that you are prepared to talk about how you fit into the organization. Pay attention to any recent press releases or news stories to help demonstrate your interest in the company. 

Now that you're ready, it's time to find your next CNA job!

You know what you want and you've prepared to look for CNA jobs. Now it's time to find the right opportunity! Here at Interim HealthCare, our locations across the United States are looking for compassionate, professional CNAs like you. To search for and apply to jobs in your area, visit our Careers page.