resume example for cna with no experience

CNA No Experience Resume Examples [+4 Samples]

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The vital work carried out every day by medical professionals has been spotlighted during the Covid-19 pandemic – we’ve all seen first-hand how important healthcare workers really are. Certified nursing assistants, or CNAs, are no exception. They work in a variety of settings to provide basic support to patients from all walks of life, improving their quality of life and supporting the doctors and nurses who deliver more advanced forms of care.

Even better, the job outlook for CNAs remains bright despite the state of the economy. The number of nursing assistant and orderly roles in the US is expected to grow by 8% over the coming decade, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Training and finding work as a CNA is a great way to build a stable career in a well-regarded field.

As a result, however, competition for CNA roles can be intense – particularly for those who have no experience in the field. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to building a competitive CNA resume, even without any relevant work experience behind you. Read on for advice and examples that will help you build your first resume!

What is a CNA?

A certified nursing assistant, or CNA, provides crucial support to the healthcare system. CNAs provide direct, hands-on care to patients, often attending to their basic day-to-day needs. They can be employed in a wide range of settings, including:

• Residential care facilities
• Nursing homes
• Private homes

The work carried out by CNAs may seem rudimentary, but it plays a vital role in the process of delivering care. From day to day, CNAs work to assist patients with the activities of daily living – that includes eating, toileting, moving, bathing, and grooming. That work could involve tasks ranging from taking trips to the grocery store to lifting patients into beds and wheelchairs as needed.

CNAs also need to be able to take vital signs, maintain awareness of any changes in patients’ health, and communicate on a regular basis with other members of a patient’s care team. They need to be responsible for maintaining a sanitary and safe living environment for patients, including cleaning any spills and changing soiled sheets. And most significantly, they typically provide companionship and comfort to patients – many of whom have been left lonely by the extent of the care they require.

In order to work as a CNA, you will need a high school diploma, and you will need to complete a certification in accordance with your state’s requirements before you can work. You may also need to be licensed, though licensing requirements vary between states. You should also keep in mind that working as a CNA is a physically demanding job involving a great deal of heavy lifting – the role will require you to achieve a certain standard of physical fitness.

Later in your career, you may wish to specialize by taking additional certifications. If you want to progress to become a licensed practical nurse, or LPN, you will need to complete a one- to two-year training program to earn the right license. You could also train as a RN, though this will require you to earn a two-year associate’s degree.

How to Write a CNA Resume

If you want to find work as a CNA without any prior experience, your resume needs to tell hiring managers two important things. The first is that you have the right qualifications, and thus can legally work as a CNA. The second is that you have all the skills you need – whether hard or soft – to succeed as a nursing assistant.

As a newly-trained CNA, you may not have much direct work experience. That won’t prevent you from finding work! Employers will be less concerned about your past experience than your education and training, so you should make sure your resume prioritizes the qualifications you worked so hard to earn.

However, depending on your circumstances, you may have built some relevant experience through volunteering or hobbies. If you have ever volunteered in an environment focused on providing care, for example, that could be a useful string to your bow. Any experience along those lines can and should feature on your resume.

In general, a CNA resume written by a candidate with no prior work experience should contain the following:

• Your education
• Your skills, including any certifications or licenses you have
• Any experience you have

The Best Format for a CNA Resume

Finding the right format for your resume is all about deciding what you want hiring managers to pay attention to. When you choose your professionally-designed CNA resume template from our selection, think carefully about what the job description is asking for from candidates. Because jobs in this field require a combination of qualifications, skills, and experience, you may not need a resume format that pulls focus to any particular element.

On the other hand, if you don’t have any prior experience, you should consider prioritizing your education and training on your resume. Look for a template that will let you showcase the greatest strengths you have to offer. Later in your career, when you have direct work experience behind you, you can consider switching to a format that balances all the elements of your resume more equally.

You should also remember that many hiring managers sort through resumes using an applicant tracking system, or ATS. This can be frustrating for applicants, as it means their resumes are never actually seen by a real person – if your resume doesn’t get past the ATS software, which filters resumes based on keywords drawn from the job description, your application will usually be removed from consideration.

Thankfully, all of VisualCV’s resume templates are built to get around ATS software. Our layouts won’t confuse the software, which will maximize your chances of making it through to the next stage of consideration. That means you can focus on building the strongest possible resume, without worrying about software requirements!

3 CNA Resume Examples

Your resume should usually begin with a summary – a short, concise explanation of your best qualities. The summary should always reflect the requirements of the job description, which means you’ll need to tailor it to the role you want every time you apply. This is the first thing a recruiter will see on your resume, so it’s important to get it right!

If you don’t have much experience, your summary should focus on your education and training. Once you’ve worked in a relevant job, you will be able to focus any subsequent summaries on your past experience and workplace achievements. 3 summary examples:

• Newly qualified Certified Nursing Assistant, licensed in the state of California. Extensive volunteer experience in residential care settings. Looking for the first step in my nursing career!
• CNA licensed in the state of Texas, with past work experience in medical administration. Proven ability to thrive under pressure, with great communication skills.
• CNA with three years of unpaid home care experience. Able to lift 150 pounds. Compassionate and dedicated to providing the highest standards of care.
• How Not to Write a CNA Resume Summary

Don’t write a wordy, overly-personal summary that could fit into your cover letter instead. Your cover letter should tell the story of why you want the job, but your resume summary needs to be shorter and more to the point. It should be a brief appraisal of why you fit the job description and what you can bring to the table.

In fact, some recruiters don’t believe that a resume summary is necessary. If you’re finding it too difficult to get the format right, don’t worry – you can always choose to leave it out. Don’t Do This:

• I have spent three years caring for my elderly mother in my home, and have discovered a passion for delivering home-based patient care as a result. This drove me to pursue my certification and license to become a CNA. I am now looking for my first role in this field.

Do You Need a Resume Objective?

When applying for non-entry level positions, you won’t normally need a resume objective. But if you have never worked in a particular field before, or if you don’t have much experience, you should consider including an objective alongside your resume summary.

Confused about the difference between the two? Remember, a summary is just a short description of what makes you suitable for the job you’re applying for. Your objective, meanwhile, is a one-sentence statement about your career goals – for example, the type of job you want to do. CNA Resume Objective Example:

• Licensed CNA in the state of New York, seeking to apply my training in a new career.

How to Describe Your Experience on Your CNA Resume

It’s easy to be intimidated by the Experience section on your resume when you don’t have much to fill it out! But even if you really don’t have anything that could fit the bill, don’t panic. You can leave out the Experience section entirely, and make sure that your education, skills and qualifications are listed comprehensively instead.

If you have volunteer experience, on the other hand, you can and should include that here.

• Describe Your Experience Effectively

Whatever the experience you’re writing about, make sure you describe it in a way that reflects the work you put into earning it. Don’t just list your regular tasks! Write about what you accomplished while carrying them out.

Recruiters want to see hard facts about your performance, even when you were just a volunteer. You need to show what you did to make your work stand out – that way, recruiters are more likely to believe that you can do it again in a new role. CNA Resume Experience Example: Volunteer Care Assistant, Green Cove Residential Home | 2017-2019

• Assisted home staff in providing enrichment activities for residents; led in delivering an art class which achieved record attendance rates
• Cleaned and maintained common areas, ensuring a comfortable and sanitary environment for residents
• Built strong and lasting relationships with residents, improving their quality of life and enriching their relationship to their care teams overall
• How Not to Describe Your Experience

You should never just list the tasks you performed without adding any further information. Based on your job title, hiring managers will be able to surmise what you did as part of a previous role! You have to prove to them that you were able to get good results when you did it. Don’t Do This: Volunteer Care Assistant, Green Cove Residential Home | 2017-2019

• Led enrichment activities
• Cleaned common areas
• Talked to residents

How to List Skills on Your CNA Resume

It can be tricky to figure out which skills to list on your resume. The job description can be a useful guide, but it may not include every skill you’ll be expected to have – there are some skills that recruiters will expect you to have as a matter of course.

For general information about skills on your resume, check out our resume skills guide here!

• Top CNA Resume Skills in Demand

Professional Certifications for CNAs

Having a certification on your resume shows hiring managers that you can take the initiative to give your career a boost. It also acts as proof of your skills and abilities. Remember, when trying to find work in the medical field, you need to give hiring managers confidence that you can perform all the necessary tasks that will help your patients – a certification can help you to make that point.

As a CNA, you will need to be certified as a matter of course. But if you want to aim for more specialized positions with higher salaries in future, here are some extra certifications that could help bolster your prospects!

• CNA II and CNA III

Once you’ve earned your initial CNA certification, you may be able to pursue additional training. Each level of CNA training comes with a slight pay bump, which could set you up for success right away! However, you’ll need to check whether your state offers these programs, as availability can be variable.

• Patient Care Technician

If you’re currently employed as a CNA, you may have the opportunity to participate in the patient care technician program, organized by the American Phlebotomy Association. You could learn how to perform phlebotomy on patients and take EKG readings, alongside your existing skills.

• Medication Aide Certification (MACE)

Taking the MACE can train you to give medications to patients – a skill not all CNAs have. This certification will make you much more employable! You may even be able to take it in coordination with your workplace, if you’re already employed as a CNA.

The Most Important Soft Skills for Your CNA Resume

Soft skills will help you complete your day-to-day tasks as a CNA. But more importantly, they will show a hiring manager that you can do the work that will be asked of you if you get the job. For applicants without prior work experience, soft skills are a great way to shore up your resume.

Here are some of the most important soft skills to include on your CNA resume!

• Communication

Working as a CNA will require you to communicate clearly with your patients about their needs – but also with the other members of their care team. If you can make yourself understood, even in stressful situations, you will have a real advantage in your role.

Many of the patients you will work with as a CNA will be scared, lonely and frustrated. You may be one of their most frequent points of contact – which means you will need to be able to provide comfort and compassion to them, regardless of the circumstances. If you’re capable of that, you could really thrive as a CNA.

• Organization

Your tasks as a CNA will vary from day to day, according to your patient’s needs. If you can keep on top of changing circumstances without compromising the quality of your work, hiring managers will be much more likely to take your application seriously.

CNA Salaries

Nursing, as a career path, has great earning potential. But as a newly-trained CNA, how much can you expect to make?

According to Indeed, CNAs can expect to make an average of $19.83 per hour. But check out how you can expect your salary to increase over time:

• 1 to 2 years: $19.23/hour
• 3 to 5 years: $20.25/hour
• 6 to 9 years: $20.76/hour
• 10 years or more: $22.88/hour

Final Thoughts

Working as a CNA is a great way to build experience in the field of nursing. You’ll learn about the patient care process from the ground up, and you’ll have opportunities to build the experience and skills that will allow you to progress in the future. Plus, you’ll be able to make a difference to your patients’ lives every day – what’s more rewarding than that?

VisualCV has you covered as you prepare to apply for your first CNA job. You can customize every aspect of your resume with a VisualCV Pro membership, which will help you to stand out from other applicants in your field. We’ll be behind you every step of the way as you forge the career of your dreams!

Copyright © 2024 Workstory Inc.

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No Experience Certified Nursing Assistant Resume Examples

Introduction.

When applying for a job as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) with no prior experience, it can be challenging to create a compelling resume . However, with the right approach and attention to detail, you can still showcase your skills and qualifications to impress potential employers. In this blog post, we will provide you with examples of no experience certified nursing assistant resumes to guide you in crafting your own.

Resume Examples

While you may not have previous work experience as a CNA, you can still highlight your relevant skills and achievements to make your resume stand out . Here are two resume examples for a no experience certified nursing assistant:

Resume Example 1:

• Objective Statement: Compassionate and dedicated individual seeking a CNA position to utilize strong caregiving and communication skills. Eager to contribute to the well-being and comfort of patients in a healthcare setting.
• Education: Completed state-approved CNA training program
• Certifications: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
• Patient care and monitoring
• Vital signs measurement
• Assistance with activities of daily living
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Experience: Volunteer work at a local nursing home, providing companionship and assisting elderly residents with daily tasks

Resume Example 2:

• Objective Statement: Detail-oriented and compassionate individual with a strong desire to contribute to patient care. Seeking a CNA position in a reputable healthcare facility to support the well-being and comfort of residents.
• Education: Completed CNA training program with excellent academic record
• Patient care and support
• Medication administration
• Assistance with daily living activities
• Effective communication and teamwork
• Experience: Clinical rotations during CNA training, where I provided direct patient care under the supervision of experienced nurses

FAQs about No Experience Certified Nursing Assistant Resume Examples

1. What should be included in a no experience CNA resume?

In a no experience CNA resume, include your objective statement, education (including any relevant certifications), skills, and any relevant volunteer work or clinical rotations.

2. How can I make my CNA resume stand out ?

To make your CNA resume stand out , focus on highlighting your skills, certifications, and relevant education. Be sure to tailor your resume to the specific job you are applying for.

3. What skills are important for a CNA?

Important skills for a CNA include patient care, monitoring, vital signs measurement, assistance with daily living activities, effective communication, and teamwork.

4. Should I include volunteer work in my CNA resume?

Yes, including volunteer work in your CNA resume can demonstrate your dedication to helping others and your ability to work in a healthcare setting.

5. Can I include my CNA training program in the education section?

Yes, you should include your CNA training program in the education section of your resume, along with any other relevant education or certifications.

6. How can I demonstrate my communication skills in my resume?

You can demonstrate your communication skills in your resume by including a skills section that specifically highlights your strong interpersonal and communication abilities.

7. Is it necessary to include a cover letter with my resume?

While not always necessary, including a cover letter with your resume can help provide additional context and showcase your enthusiasm for the position.

8. Should I include references on my CNA resume?

It is not necessary to include references on your CNA resume. However, be prepared to provide references upon request.

9. How should I format my CNA resume?

Use a clean and professional format for your CNA resume, with clear headings, bullet points, and appropriate spacing. Be sure to proofread for any errors or typos.

10. Can I include unrelated work experience on my CNA resume?

While it is generally best to focus on relevant experience, including unrelated work experience can still be beneficial, as it can demonstrate your work ethic and transferable skills.

Applying for a job as a certified nursing assistant with no prior experience can be challenging, but it is not impossible. By showcasing your skills, certifications, and any relevant experience or education, you can create a compelling resume that highlights your potential as a valuable CNA. Use the examples provided in this blog as a starting point, and tailor them to your own qualifications and the specific job you are applying for. Good luck!

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11 Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Resume Samples 2023

Entry-Level CNA Resume

Senior cna resume.

• Specialized CNA Resumes
• Writing Your CNA Resume

Pedro had plenty of CNA experience and an impressive set of skills he’d acquired over the years, and he was excited to find an organization with values that strongly aligned with his own. He knew that working here wouldn’t just make him proud—it would bring his parents joy as well!

After a glance at his old materials from 2019, Pedro knew it was time to make a new resume with fresh accomplishments that really demonstrated his connection with patients and staff members. His outlook brightened even more once he found our CNA resume examples, and he immediately began building a resume to remember. Next up, Pedro was so motivated that he started writing a stunning cover letter , too!

Take a look through our resources for your own job-hunting process, and learn how to impress a healthcare company that mirrors your personal values and passions as a CNA, too!

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Resume

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• Start by including the name of the company and the exact role you’re seeking, even if it’s just a general CNA job.
• Then find keywords mentioned in the  CNA job description  and include a few of those keywords if you can. Don’t cram in too many or you’ll sound suspicious.
• The certificate usually lasts two years, so ensure you include the year you were last certified on your resume.
• Similarly, most CNA jobs require that you’re certified in CPR and first aid, which also lasts for two years. Include the organization that certified you (like the American Red Cross or ACR) and the year.

• Even if you don’t have much nursing experience,  include whatever work experience you have  and focus on transferable skills, like communication, organization, and collaboration.
• Hobbies are great for demonstrating your leadership, and they can show off your personality. Plus, they give you something else to talk about during your interview!

• Your  skills list on your resume  should include both soft and hard skills, don’t forget to add technical skills like “electronic medical records,” “HIPAA regulations,” and “vital signs.”
• If you have other certifications, be sure to include those, too. Anything you’ve done to go above and beyond is a green flag for employers!

Nurse Aide Resume

• Take inspiration from Avery, who, during her stint at KentuckyOne Health Home Health, spearheaded initiatives that saved over $2,500 in pain management and administrative costs, optimized patient appointment management, and mastered tools like CARESCAPE Monitor B850.
• These kinds of career wins make a perfect launching pad for story-telling when it comes time to write a cover letter .

CNA Hospital Resume

• Be it a general CNA certification or a specialized one like CNA II or Medication Aide Certification, the credential adds a stroke of authority to your candidacy by proving your commitment to professional growth and adherence to set industry standards. That way, you establish credibility with the potential employer, increasing your chances with the role.

CNA GNA Resume

• Add a certifications section on your resume to draw attention to your geriatric specialization.

Acute Care CNA Resume

• You can enhance your acute care CNA resume by giving particular attention to ways you’ve successfully monitored and addressed medical emergencies in your past roles.

Hospital CNA Resume

• A list of 10+ skills raises a red flag for employers since it’s likely you’re not an expert in each one. Only include the skills you can demonstrate at a moment’s notice.
• The two most common skills we’ve seen for CNAs are Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and Vital Signs (both reading and measurement).
• If you don’t have a college degree, simply put the highest level of education you’ve obtained (usually a high school diploma or a GED).
• Also list any certification training programs you’ve attended.

Home Health Resume

• So when discussing your work history, highlight your experience with home-making tasks like meal prep, housekeeping, and transportation.
• Always check the  CNA job description  for relevant skills to focus your bullet points. You don’t need to include every skill in the job description, but you should use it as a general guide.

Travel CNA Resume

• Tailor your resume to the job with a  resume summary  that clearly demonstrates your aptitude for the job. This is a great opportunity to highlight some of your successes, especially if you can include metrics related to your accomplishments.
• You can drastically improve readability by limiting your work experience to three to four positions with individual bullet points starting with strong action verbs.

Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) Resume

• Don’t shy away from discussing patient satisfaction ratings, how you’ve reduced the risk of patient injury or depression, and how you’ve generally lifted the spirits of patients and colleagues on your floor. 
• We recommend limiting the number of work experiences you include to  three to four . To help with the process, use a  resume template  to keep your content organized and aesthetically pleasing.

Related resume guides

• Medical assistant
• Pharmacy Technician
• Physician Assistant

Formatting Your Certified Nursing Assistant Resume

You may think that all you need for your CNA resume is impressive content. While it’s true you need relevant skills, how you format your resume can determine whether or not you will land the job.

Therefore, it’s crucial your resume is readable, logical, and only a single page long (while also allowing for some white space for readability). Here are a few popular formats you can use for your resume:

Reverse-chronological format, functional format, and combination/hybrid format

There are  three popular formats  for your CNA resume in 2024:

Reverse-chronological format

• You may need to  choose a different format  if you’re changing careers or have large gaps in your work history.
• Most recruiters prefer this format because it’s easy to skim for pertinent information.
• It’s also the easiest for applicant tracking systems to read, so this format is the industry standard.

Functional format

• You may choose to omit your employment history or place it near the bottom of your resume.
• Functional formats are ideal for people who are changing careers or who have significant employment history gaps.
• However, many recruiters may not be as familiar with this format, so it’s not easy to pass through applicant tracking systems.

Combination/ hybrid format

• However, your work history is not the main focus and won’t take up much space.
• This format lets you highlight what makes you the best fit for the job while still giving the recruiter what they’re seeking.
• The challenge with the combination/hybrid format is that it’s more difficult to read, and the recruiter may have trouble getting it through the applicant tracking system.

Listing name, city, and how to contact

The header of your CNA resume must contain a few things for identification purposes:

• Your name should be at the very top to avoid making the busy recruiter scour for it. You can set it to size 18-22 font in bold, ideally in black.
• You don’t need to include your full address, but we’d recommend including your city and state. No need for anything else!
• Use your most current contact information, including your phone number, email address, and Linkedin profile.

Notice the larger font for the name compared to the job title.

Get through the ATS

Companies widely use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to check applicant qualifications. Therefore, reading the job description carefully and using the exact wording within your resume is advisable. Most ATS systems search for keywords, so avoid using acronyms.

Here are a few ways your CNA resume can pass the ATS:

• Overly-playful visuals can make your CNA resume hard to read.  Don’t use graphics or unusual fonts.
• Use Calibri, New Times Roman, or Arial fonts in either a 10 or 12 font size for your body font.
• Your margins should also be one inch around all the way.
• Arrange your resume contents in a logical order so that the ATS can find important information easily.
• The ATS scans for specific words, so you need to use industry-standard headers.
• Your choice of words is key to the ATS accepting your resumes. Use words mentioned in the job description or industry-specific terminologies, such as “patient care,” or “clinical research.”

Writing Your Certified Nursing Assistant Resume

Writing an effective CNA resume can be overwhelming, but there are plenty of tips we’ve got to help you out. Here are a few things you might need to include on your resume:

When do you need to include a resume objective or summary?

Adding a  resume objective  or a  resume summary  is a way to catch a recruiter’s attention and stand out from other applicants. But what exactly are these optional sections, and how do you use them?

A resume objective is a two-to-three-sentence statement highlighting significant aspects of your character, career goals, and skills. Having a compelling objective makes it easier for the hiring manager to glimpse who you are and your role-related strengths.

A resume summary is a two-to-three-sentence statement showcasing your most relevant accomplishments throughout your career. A good resume summary should include metrics relating to your successes and any specializations you have that could prove valuable to the organization.

Resume objectives can be useful if…

• If you’re considering a career change
• If you’re seeking an entry-level position
• If you’ve recently switched locations/areas of residence
• This is the most important!

In contrast, writing a vague objective statement can work against you.

• This objective defines generic. It lacks any customization for a certain job and is also missing any skills or specific information.

Appeal to potential employers by including detailed qualifications.

• Example:  Compassionate CNA nurse with 10+ years of experience working in three major hospitals. Having graduated from John Hopkins School of Nursing, I look forward to using my excellent communication, expertise, and empathy with all John Muir patients .
• Example:  As a member of the nursing community with six years of experience, I’m eager to collaborate with Kaiser Permanente in helping patients recover and victims heal .

Generally, keeping your resume objective/summary statements concise is best.

A well-crafted summary can be a useful tool in your CNA resume

A poor summary:

• I am a nurse looking for work. I can help your institution grow into a highly-esteemed medical center.

Such a summary statement is vague and fails to illustrate your strengths, lengthy work experience, or why you desire to work for the target business.

Compare the previous yawn-worthy summary with the following on-point examples:

• Three-time award-winning nurse specializing in childcare and emergency services. Highly computer savvy, I’m looking to hone my 12 years of expertise with San Francisco General Hospital. 
• Dedicated registered nurse looking to advance my 11-year labor and delivery career by joining a caring, patient-centered organization like Sutter Hospital.

Work experience

Your CNA resume should also always include a work experience section so employers can determine your abilities and qualifications.

How to write strong work experience bullet points

Before your write your work experience bullet points, take the time to research the work culture and other vital information. Learn about any relevant skills and future responsibilities your employer expects, and try to include some of that information on your resume.

To write a good work experience section, include any skills you cultivated, relevant accomplishments, and awards. We’d recommend only including  three to four bullet points per work experience  (unless you only have two past jobs on your CNA resume, in which case you should have four to five bullet points per job).

On a more detailed note, you should use active voice with consistent verb tenses and punctuation. Also avoid using personal pronouns.

Examples of poor work experience bullets include:

• Took care of patient needs
• Assessed patient conditions
• Assisted co-workers with additional services

Poor job description bullet points reduce your chances of securing employment. Employers can’t get a solid idea of your skills and can’t quantify your performance, which doesn’t bode well for your chances of getting an interview.

Compare the previous job description bullets with the following improvements:

• Assessed needs and implemented appropriate care, providing 17 daily terminal patients with bathing, fresh linens, making their beds, and engaging in conversation to help them live out fulfilling lives
• Assisted 6 doctors and 4 nurses, ensuring they were well-equipped with fresh, sterilized supplies and informed of individual patient progress more than 8 times per day
• Represented the care center’s ideals, morals, and commitment to quality for 20 patients daily

Tailoring bullet points to the job description remains an invaluable tool  for young entrants and experienced professionals. The last three job description bullets highlight why some applicants would succeed over others. The latter offers a detailed description of a CNA’s duties, gives tangible metrics, and implies what management can expect from them.

Add numbers to show your impact

Numbers can have a significant effect on your resume’s appearance and readability. Metrics make your resume easier to read by providing word breaks, making it more appealing to potential employers.

Include at least three to four numbers or statistics in your resume for a more professional touch. You can also use numbers to show data and improve credibility.

Here are some ideas for incorporating numbers within your resume:

• For instance: Attended 16 daily patients, 85% of whom had undergone a successful surgery
• For instance: Impacted team morale and productivity, resulting in a 25% increase in revenue, complemented by a 97% improvement in patient satisfaction ratings
• For instance: Built skills as a CNA specialist for 15 years, enhancing the workplace for a team of 11 other nurses and 60+ monthly patients

The best CNA skills to include

As a CNA, you need a combination of  soft and hard skills on your resume .

Soft skills relate to the interpersonal aspects of your job, such as communication, leadership, and empathy. In contrast, hard skills focus on the technical aspects of your job, such as knowledge of HIPAA regulations, EMR, and obtaining vital signs.

Include a blend of hard and soft skills to show your qualifications and personality traits.

Examples of skills you can include on your CNA resume

• Communication 
• Time management
• Microsoft Outlook, PowerPoint
• Knowledge of OSHA 
• Medication administration

Don’t forget to research job ad keywords to determine and include potential skills that qualify you with the recruiter and the ATS.

Education, awards, and certificates

Certifications are a definite means of ensuring credibility. Always include your relevant educational certificates in your CNA resume to show your potential employer that you have the necessary qualifications for the position.

Remember to include your CNA certificate, graduate/diploma certificates, and additional certifications from specialized courses that you may have undertaken.  

Build confidence in potential employers by listing your certs!

Adding projects, interests, hobbies, and activities

Adding hobbies, interests, and projects helps employers understand your traits and measure how you’ll fit into the organization’s working environment. Projects are not particularly important for experienced professionals but can be valuable for entry-level applicants.

Examples of  hobbies and interests to include on your resume  include:

• Led weekly CPR training club for local high school students
• College basketball team captain

Examples of projects include:

• Developed 6-month memory loss study and solutions for 12 aging volunteer patients
• Designed patient-centric care ideas by interviewing and assessing 18 volunteer patients who had undergone recent surgeries and short-term care through local hospitals

Remember to research the job descriptions for keywords that could help align your hobbies/interests and projects with those of your potential employer.

Customizing your resume for each job

If there’s one resume tip we hope you use, it’s  tailoring your certified nursing assistant resume for each job application . Customizing your AI resume  to each job shows the hiring manager that you cared enough to research the position and sincerely desire to work with  their  company.

Do someone online research to learn about the workplace culture and expectations. Then you can use that information to  write an enticing resume  with adjusted objectives/summaries, work experience bullet points, and skills to suit what recruiters want.

Notice how you can customize your objective to the target business.

Double-check for any errors

Spelling mistakes, formatting errors, and other minor mistakes can negatively impact the quality and desirability of your CNA resume. Therefore, it’s crucial to  check your resume  before uploading or sharing your resume with recruitment agencies. You can use a spellchecker to help improve punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure. 

Secure That Position!

Congratulations! You’re now ready to share your certified nursing assistant resume with the world. Consider the essential aspects to include in your resume while making it as brief but detailed as you possibly can.

Here is what you need to remember:

• Pick a suitable format
• Include your name, city, and contact information
• Outsmart the ATS (applicant tracking system) by making your resume easy to read with relevant keywords
• Know when to use objectives/summaries
• Keep your work experience tailored toward the job description
• Include hard and soft CNA skills
• List education certifications and relevant hobbies/interests when appropriate
• Customize your resume  for each job to which you apply
• Check your resume  for errors before you submit it

Now that you’ve got these resume tips, don’t forget to use the  best AI resume builder  to create a stunning CNA resume with the help of our AI-powered tips.

After everything checks out, share your CNA resume proudly with hiring managers and ready yourself for the next exciting step in your career!

CNA Resume Example (W/ Full Guide & Resume Tips for 2024)

So, you’re a certified nurse assistant.

Like many professionals in the healthcare industry, you probably dream of making a difference by helping people.

And yet, you can’t seem to get a job where you can do that. 

Truth is, getting a CNA certification isn’t enough to land your dream job.

After all, to many aspiring nurses, the CNA position is a stepping stone towards a career in the healthcare industry. Yeah, you guessed it - the competition is tough.

For this reason, whether you’re a newly certified nursing assistant or an experienced professional, you need to stand out from your competitors—and what better way to do it than by writing an effective CNA resume?

So, let us lend you a helping hand and show you exactly how to write a CNA resume that will help you win the job.

In this article, we will cover:

CNA Resume Example

• 8-Step Guide to Build the Perfect CNA Resume
• 55+ Top CNA Skills in 2022

So, let’s dive right in.

Here are all the elements that make the CNA resume example at the top great:

• Reverse-chronological resume format. The CNA resume example above uses the reverse-chronological resume format to highlight the candidate’s work experience. Not to mention, this resume format is recruiters’ favorite!
• Contact information. This CNA resume example contains all the necessary contact details, including the candidate’s full name, email address, location, and phone number. 
• Attention-grabbing resume summary. This CNA resume example contains an impressive resume summary that emphasizes the candidate’s professional achievements.
• Focus on work achievements. The CNA resume example above highlights the candidate’s work achievements, which helps their resume to stand out.
• Concise education section. Higher education isn’t a requirement for CNAs, so this candidate kept their education short by only including their key education details.
• Good use of bullet points. This CNA resume example uses bullet points to structure and present information, making this resume easy to skim.
• Well-structured skills section. Instead of listing all of the candidate’s skills, this CNA resume example only includes the most relevant skills for the CNA position.
• Certifications. The CNA resume example above lists all of the candidate’s certifications in the reverse-chronological order.
• Additional sections. This CNA resume example includes relevant associations and language skills to help the candidate stand out from other candidates with similar certifications and work experience.

8-Step Guide to Build the Perfect CNA Resume 

Now that you know the elements of an outstanding CNA resume, you’re ready to start writing your own job-winning CNA resume.

So, here are the exact steps that will help you create the perfect CNA resume:

#1. Format Your CNA Resume the Right Way 

First things first - let’s address the formatting. 

Generally speaking, you have 3 resume format options:

• Reverse-chronological resume format
• Functional resume format
• Combination (hybrid) resume format

A well-formatted resume will present your information in the most effective way, and for this reason, you want to go with the reverse-chronological resume format .

Apart from being the most popular resume format worldwide and recruiters’ favorite, the reverse-chronological resume format helps you make the most out of your CNA resume by putting your work achievements at the center of attention.

Here’s an example of the reverse-chronological resume format:

This said, choosing the right resume format isn’t all there is to format your CNA resume - you also need to refine your resume layout . 

So, here are all the elements that make an effective resume layout:

• Set the right margins. You don’t want your resume to look cluttered, so the use of white space will increase the readability of your resume.
• Keep your resume short. Having a one-page resume increases the odds of the hiring manager actually reading your CNA resume - after all, recruiters go through hundreds of resumes every day.
• Choose a professional font. To make sure that your CNA resume is easy-to-read, choose a professional font that will look good on both PDF and paper.
• Use bullet points. Using bullet points to organize the information makes your CNA resume look neat and well-structured.
• Save your resume in the right format. Your best option is to save your CNA resume in PDF format . This will ensure your resume looks exactly as intended no matter the device or OS the hiring manager uses to open your resume.

Use a Resume Template (and Save Time) 

As a certified nursing assistant, you’re great at time management and prioritizing tasks.

So, you probably want to focus more of your time and energy on perfecting your resume contents than formatting.

Well, with our resume templates , you can jump straight into filling in your CNA resume contents without having to worry about your resume formatting!

Our resume templates are well-structured and look much more impressive than standard Word resumes - after all, they’re designed in collaboration with professional recruiters.

See for yourself how our free, tried-and-tested resume templates compare to the standard, black-and-white basic resumes:

#2. List the Relevant Contact Details 

Once you’re done formatting your CNA resume, you’re ready to start filling in the contents.

So, let’s start with the basics - first, list your contact information , including:

• Your full name
• Your title (optional)
• Your phone number
• Your email address
• Your location 

It’s really that simple!

Here’s an example of the contact information section in a CNA resume:

Certified Nursing Assistant

012-345-6789

[email protected]

Orlando, Florida

#3. Write a Memorable Resume Summary or Objective

You want to catch the hiring manager’s interest from the get-go - and there’s no better way to do it than by writing an impressive resume summary or objective.

In short, both the resume summary and the resume objective are 2-3 sentence paragraphs that provide recruiters a brief (but effective!) overview of your professional background, allowing them to quickly determine whether your CNA resume is worth taking a closer look at.

Luckily, you don’t need to write both a resume summary and a resume objective - here’s how to choose the right one for you:

• If you have relevant work experience , write a resume summary to show off your professional background, skills, and achievements.
• If you don’t have CNA experience , write a resume objective to highlight your skills and share your professional goals. 

Here’s what you need to include in your resume summary to make sure it impresses the hiring manager:

• Your position
• Years of experience
• Your most relevant CNA skills
• 1-2 top professional achievements

And here’s an example of an excellent CNA resume summary:

• Dependable and patient-focused Certified Nursing Assistant with 4+ years of experience in providing top-quality elderly patient care. Skilled and experienced in conflict management, bladder retraining, and denture care. Resolved a long-standing conflict between nurses, leading to a 7% increase in patient satisfaction in Nursing Home X.

Now, if you don’t have relevant work experience, write an eye-catching resume objective by mentioning the following:

• Your certifications, industry-related degrees, and licenses 
• Any nursing-related experience and skills that make you the right fit for the position
• Your motivation to work for the organization or company
• Compassionate, newly-certified Nurse Assistant looking to use interpersonal skills gained from volunteering in a developmental disability center to provide exceptional patient care at Organization X. Experienced in providing care for neurodivergent children and children with learning disabilities.

#4. Highlight Your Work Achievements 

Next, it’s time to focus on the most important section of your CNA resume, which is the work experience section. 

First things in order, start with your latest position and format your work experience section as such:

• Begin each entry with your job title. Make sure that your job title accurately reflects the role you had in your previous/current workplace.
• Include the company's information. Apart from the company name and location, you can also add a brief description (especially if the company isn’t well-known).
• Add the employment date. Use the mm/yyyy format to show the recruiter how long you’ve worked in each company.
• Use bullet points to list your achievements and responsibilities. Ideally, you want to use 5-6 bullet points for the most recent jobs and 2-3 bullet points for older roles.

Now, if you’re looking to maximize your chances of landing the job, follow these tips to make your CNA resume stand out from the rest: 

• Focus on your achievements and make them quantifiable. To show the recruiter exactly what you can bring to the table, make sure to emphasize your achievements over your responsibilities. Moreover, make the most out of your work experience section by backing up your achievements with numbers (e.g. ‘Aided 14 patients…’ instead of ‘Aided patients’).
• Tailor your work experience section. If you have relevant work experience, the hiring manager won’t care you were waiting tables in high school. As such, you’re best off only mentioning the work experience that’s most relevant to the CNA position.
• Make use of action verbs. Starting each entry with ‘Responsible for…’ can quickly get boring, so use action verbs to make your work experience section pop (e.g. assisted, provided, aided, helped, organized, etc.’).

And here’s an example of a work experience section that includes all of the elements mentioned above:

Nursing Home X

05/ 2019 - 04/2022

• Successfully managed 8 CNAs for over a month while the nurse manager was absent.
• Trained a team of 15+ nurses to effectively use a newly implemented EHR software.
• Provided high-quality patient care for 40+ patients monthly.
• Fed, bathed, groomed, and otherwise assisted bedridden patients. 
• Accurately measured and documented patient food and fluid intake as well as their vital signs, including blood pressure and heart rate.

What If I Don’t Have Work Experience? 

CNA is an entry-level position , which means that many CNAs start their career without any relevant work experience.

So, if you just got your certification and are looking to land your first CNA job, worry not - chances are, just like you, many of your competitors have little to no work experience .

However, this doesn’t mean that you should simply skip this section. On the contrary, here’s what you need to do to get a winning edge over your competitors (regardless of their work experience!):

• Add any work experience that helped you gain relevant soft skills (e.g. if you’ve worked in retail or customer service, make sure to write it down - these jobs require a ton of patience, teamwork, adaptability, and other skills that are highly valued in a CNA).
• Mention your volunteering experience to show you’re genuinely interested in assisting other people, projects, or organizations.
• List any other experience , such as internships, mentorships, and au pair experience, where you were helpful to others.

Here’s what this could look like on your CNA resume:

Activity Big Buddy

Buddy Program X

09/2020 - 10/2020

• Assisted and supported an 11-year-old Little Buddy with a non-verbal learning disability and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in participating in basketball and art classes twice a week. 
• Helped the Little Buddy to maintain focus, follow instructions, and improve hand-eye coordination through physical and creative activities.
• Taught the Little Buddy how to navigate the public transportation system, which significantly increased his independence.
• Helped the Little Buddy to meet new people, make friends, and interpret other people’s body language, thus improving his social skills.
• Won the “Outstanding Volunteer Award 2020.”

#5. Keep Your Education Section Concise 

Here’s some good news - writing the education section of your CNA resume doesn’t take nearly as much time and effort as your work experience section. 

That’s because you don’t actually need a college degree to become a CNA, unlike with other nursing jobs. In fact, you can even get CNA training in high school . 

And, speaking of high school, only list it on your CNA resume if you don’t have higher education.

So, keep your education section brief by starting with your latest degree and mentioning just the key education details, which include:

• Degree Name
• College, university, or other educational institution
• Location (optional)
• Attendance years

Additionally, if you don’t have any work experience, feel free to mention any CNA-related high school or college courses that you took (and were good at) in bullet points.

Here’s an example of a short and sweet education section:

BSc in Nursing Studies (Adult) Glasgow Caledonian University 09/2017 - 07/2020

#6. Add In-Demand CNA Skills 

The skills section is another highly important section of your CNA resume as it shows the recruiter your professional abilities. 

Generally speaking, as a CNA, you need a good mixture of soft skills and hard skills. 

Luckily, you’ve likely gained most, if not all, of the necessary skills as a CNA while training for your certification. 

So, all you need to do is simply list your hard skills separately from your soft skills to make your CNA well-organized. 

Other than that, you want to make sure your skills section is tailored to the position. 

As such, you want to only include CNA-related skills in your resume - in other words, if your advanced programming skills won’t be useful for your job, you don’t have to list them on your CNA resume’s skills section. 

Not sure which skills to put on your CNA resume?

Worry not! We’ve compiled a list of 55+ top CNA skills to get you started.

55+ Top CNA Skills in 2024

20 soft cna skills.

• Active listening
• Attention to detail
• Responsibility
• Communication skills
• Conflict resolution
• Interpersonal skills
• Dependability
• Emotional intelligence
• Helpfulness
• Stress management
• Adaptability
• Problem-solving
• Strong work ethic
• Prioritization
• Time management

35 Hard CNA Skills

• Patient positioning
• Perineal care
• Manual and electronic blood pressure recording
• Manual and electronic radial pulse recording
• Manual and electronic respiratory rate recording
• Measuring and recording height
• Measuring and recording weight
• Assisting using a bedpan
• Upper and lower denture care
• Feeding and serving paralyzed patients
• Partial bed baths
• Making unoccupied and occupied beds
• Proper handwashing
• Putting and removing clean and contaminated gowns and gloves
• Back massage
• Assisting in dressing
• Medical terminology knowledge
• Infection control
• Diabetes care
• Elderly care
• Disability care
• Bladder and bowel retraining
• Restraint and side rail usage
• Protective device attachment and management
• Serving supplements, vitamins, and medicine
• Meal and supplement intake recording
• Fluid intake and urinary output recording
• EHR software knowledge
• Indirect care
• Catheter care and maintenance
• Range of motion exercises
• Elastic support stocking application
• Ambulation using a gait belt

#7. Include Your CNA Certifications 

As the title implies, certifications are vital to landing a certified nursing assistant job.

For this reason, make sure to list all industry-related certifications you hold on your CNA resume.

If you have more than one certification, start with the latest one and go back in time to make your CNA resume consistent and well-organized.

Some of the most popular certifications for CNAs include the following:

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
• State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) certification (only in Ohio)
• Home Health Aide (HHA) certification
• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) certification

And here are all the details that you should mention:

• Certification name
• Name of agency
• Year of obtainment
• Location (if applicable)
• Expiration date (if applicable)
• Expected date of obtainment (if you’re still in training)

Here’s an example:

Certified Nursing Assistant (2021-2023) American Red Cross

#8. Take Advantage of These Optional Resume Sections 

Now, if you still have some free space on your CNA resume, don’t let it go to waste and include some additional sections to gain an advantage over your competitors.

As a CNA, consider adding one or more of these optional resume sections:

• Associations and societies as well as your role in them.
• Conferences , such as Nursing World Conference and World Congress on Nursing Care and Healthcare.
• Awards , if any of them are related to nursing.
• Languages , including your language proficiency level.

And here’s an example of how you should organize these additional sections in your CNA resume:

Conferences

• 28th International Congress on Nursing and Primary Health Care (2021)
• World Nursing Congress (2020)

Associations

• National Association of Health Care Assistants (NAHCA) (2018 - Present)

#9. Attach a Cover Letter to Your CNA Resume 

At this point, you should have a better understanding of what it takes to write a truly impressive CNA resume. 

But, there’s one more step we need to address - writing a compelling cover letter to back up your CNA resume (and secure the job!).

Essentially, your cover letter should prove to the recruiter that you’re the perfect CNA for their company. 

Specifically, your cover letter gives you an opportunity to:

• Provide more detail on your professional background.
• Mention any important information that you’ve skipped in your CNA resume.
• Explain why you’re interested in working for this particular organization.

If this bit sounds a bit challenging, worry not - you don’t need to be a skilled writer to create a compelling cover letter.

Simply follow these steps and you’ll have a job-landing cover letter in no time:

• Start your cover letter by listing your contact information.
• Address the cover letter directly to the hiring manager (or, if not possible, the company or department).
• Write an attention-grabbing opening paragraph by focusing on your professional achievements.
• Use the body of your cover letter to highlight your skills, experience, and explain why you’d be a great asset to the company, thus proving you’re the perfect fit for the position.
• Effectively close the cover letter with a call to action.

Need more assistance writing your cover letter? Check out our guides on writing a cover letter , cover letter writing tips , and cover letter writing mistakes .

And here’s an impressive cover letter template example :

If you’re looking to leave a lasting impression on the hiring manager, use our cover letter templates to match your cover letter to your CNA resume and show off your attention to detail!

Key Takeaways 

Congrats - by now, you should be ready to write the perfect CNA resume and a convincing cover letter to help you secure your dream job!

Before you go, though, let’s quickly recap some of the key points of writing a job-landing CNA resume:

• Pick the reverse-chronological resume format to put a spotlight on your work experience and skills.
• To show the hiring manager you’re a relevant candidate for the position, write an engaging resume summary (if you have work experience) or objective (if you don’t have work experience).
• Make the most out of your work experience section by focusing on quantifiable achievements.
• Include all of your relevant certifications in reverse-chronological order to make your CNA resume easy to follow.
• To help you secure the job, attach a compelling cover letter to your CNA resume.

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Certified Nursing Assistant Resume Examples and Templates in 2024

• Resume Examples

How To Write a Certified Nursing Assistant Resume

• Resume Text Examples

You can write a strong certified nursing assistant (CNA) resume by showing how you help keep patients safe and comfortable at a hospital or other health care facility. The tips below will help you capture these skills , like monitoring patients’ pulse and blood pressure or helping nursing staff provide wound care in each section of your resume so it gets you interviews for your next CNA job.

• Entry-Level
• Senior-level

1. Write a brief summary of your certified nursing assistant qualifications

Your resume profile should catch hiring managers’ interest by giving the top reasons they can rely on you for daily patient care. Think about how you excel as a CNA and what you’ve been recognized for. For example, maybe you’ve stood out on your team for actively collaborating with nurse staff. Perhaps you’ve shown high efficiency in balancing patient requests in a large hospital environment. Or you have many years working in facilities like the ones you’re now applying to and offer rare expertise and leadership ability. Cite your top strengths as a CNA in your profile to show managers the impact you’d have on their patient population.

Entry-Level Profile Example

Patient-focused CNA with over three years of experience . Recognized for strong empathy, diligence, and efficiency in helping patients carry out various Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Naturally curious and committed to gaining and applying new health care expertise.

Senior-Level Profile Example

Lead CNA with over 10 years of experience delivering patient-centered care in high-volume surgical and intensive care units. Equally effective in a leadership or hands-on role. Recognized for treating patients with dignity and compassion while providing emotional support to family members. Adapt readily to new work challenges and conditions.

2. Showcase your certified nursing assistant experience

With the experience section, you can show you’re a great CNA by giving examples of your success supporting patients’ physical comfort and well-being. For each past CNA job, think of how you contributed to the health care team and how that supported patient outcomes. And when describing your work results, quantify them in terms of a specific number, ranking, or percentage. For instance, did you earn a high satisfaction rating from patients? Or assist a certain number of patients per day or week? Alternatively, did you rank high on your team for efficient or accurate health documentation? Through quantified examples like these, you can help hiring managers envision you as a valued CNA at their care facility.

Entry-Level Professional Experience Example

CNA , UC San Diego Health, San Diego, CA | September 2021 to present

• Deliver compassionate care to patients with acute conditions and injuries
• Ensure optimal patient comfort during bed rest and transport
• Help nursing staff provide wound care and change dressings as needed to improve circulation and reduce risk of infection
• Monitor patients’ pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation level

Highlights :

• Achieved patient satisfaction ratings of 90% to 95%
• Praised for diligent compliance with COVID-19 safety and infection prevention protocols

Mid-Career Professional Experience Example

CNA , Community Medical Center, Scranton, PA | March 2020 to present

• Deliver care to surgical patients in this 300-bed community hospital
• Reduce risk of infection by ensuring compliance with health and safety protocols
• Assist therapeutic exercises during rehab to improve patients’ range of motion following major orthopedic surgeries
• Provide mouth care to patients on life support, monitor vital signs, and alert registered nurses (RNs) and physicians of changes in patient condition

Highlight :

• Identified opportunities to enhance clinical operations and supported efforts to reduce patient wait times by 15%

3. Include education and certifications relevant to certified nursing assistants

Use the education and certifications sections to show your CNA work has a strong knowledge base. Include basic details on your highest school degree, your CNA education program, and any health care credentials you’ve earned. But also consider adding specific course names or topics you covered as part of your studies. This can be a great way to show knowledge of any areas you’d like to gain more experience in as part of your next CNA job.

Below, you’ll find templates and examples to help you format your education and certification details. Note: optional template areas appear in [brackets].

• Degree or Program Name, School Name, City, ST | [Year]
• [Select Coursework: Topic, Topic]
• Nurse Aide Training Program, Lackawanna College, Scranton, PA | 2017

Certification

• Certification Name, [Awarding Organization] | [Year]

Registered Nurse Aide, Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry

4. List key certified nursing assistant skills and proficiencies

Add a key skills section to show hiring managers the many ways you assist your patients and colleagues. Given the varied nature of most CNA positions, this can be a useful section to develop on your resume. The terms you include here can range from soft skills like collaboration to technical skills like EHR to patient age groups or demographics. Also, if your CNA work has advanced to include administering medications, you may want to feature those in this section. Ensure any term you include overlaps with your target job. Below are some common keywords for CNA resumes:

How To Pick the Best CNA Resume Template

For CNAs, a clear and straightforward resume template is usually best. Opt for a visual design that lets the hiring manager quickly review your best career details. Select a traditional resume font , and avoid any template with colorful or elaborate design. Also, make sure the template is compatible with applicant tracking systems (ATS) employers use to screen resumes.

CNA Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples

• Senior-Level

Sandra Mason (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | San Diego, CA 12345 | www.linkedin.com/example

Patient-focused CNA with over three years of experience. Recognized for strong empathy, diligence, and efficiency in helping patients carry out various ADLs. Naturally curious and committed to gaining and applying new health care expertise.

• Disease and infection prevention
• Patient and family relations
• Patient transportation
• Task prioritization
• Vital signs monitoring

Professional Experience

CNA, UC San Diego Health, San Diego, CA | September 2021 to present

• Achieved patient satisfaction ratings of 90 to 95%

CNA, Maple Grove Nursing Home, San Diego, CA | March 2020 to September 2021

• Assisted patients with ADLs (such as eating, bathing, and toileting) in this long-term care facility with 130 beds
• Monitored patients’ condition and symptoms and reported changes to RN as needed
• Supported medical procedures by providing equipment and positioning patients
• Ensured safe transfer of patients between beds and wheelchairs

Nursing Assistant Training Program , San Diego Medical College, San Diego, CA | 2020

CNA, California Department of Health

Amy Lovett (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | Scranton, PA 12345 | www.linkedin.com/example

CNA with over six years of experience delivering quality health care services to diverse patients. Ready collaborator who builds positive relationships with RNs, LPNs, hospitalists, and other members of the health care team. Bilingual: Fluent in English and Spanish.

• Disease prevention
• Patient-centered care
• Patient mobility
• Team collaboration
• Time management

CNA, Community Medical Center, Scranton, PA | March 2020 to present

• Provide mouth care to patients on life support, monitor vital signs, and alert RNs and physicians of changes in patient condition

CNA, Geisinger Medical Center, Wilkes-Barre, PA | January 2017 to February 2020

• Assisted oncology and orthopedic patients with various ADLs while offering emotional support
• Retrieved and organized supplies to help nurses dress wounds caused by radiation treatment
• Supported physicians during bone-marrow biopsies by safely repositioning patients and setting up medical equipment

Nurse Aide Training Program , Lackawanna College, Scranton, PA | 2017

Fluency in Spanish

Ashley Brooks (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | Atlanta, GA 12345 | www.linkedin.com/example

• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Health care safety protocols
• Team leadership

Lead CNA, Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, GA | March 2018 to present

• Assist surgical ICU patients with ADLs such as bathing, eating, mouth care, and foot care
• Carefully sanitize surfaces and handle hazardous materials to ensure compliance with disease prevention regulations
• Coordinated with RN to supervise and train over 15 CNAs on standard procedures, COVID-19 safety protocols, and patient-centered care standards

CNA, Select Specialty Hospital, Atlanta, GA | January 2013 to February 2018

• Provided compassionate care to patients undergoing hemodialysis and other treatments for chronic renal failure
• Measured and recorded patients’ vital signs in EMR system
• Monitored patients on restricted fluid intake for edema and signs of fluid retention

Nurse Aide Certificate, Atlanta Technical College, Atlanta, GA | 2013

Registered Nurse Aide, Georgia Nurse Aide Registry

Frequently Asked Questions: CNA Resume Examples and Advice

What are common action verbs for cna resumes -.

For CNAs, the best resume verbs pertain to hands-on patient care – for example, “delivered,” “provided,” or “supported.” But there are various others you might use to describe your duties and contributions in this field. The following list can help you find a good mix of action verbs for your CNA resume:

How do you align your resume with a job posting? -

The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that jobs for nursing assistants and orderlies will increase by about 5% between 2021 and 2031. This growth rate is roughly the same as the average for all U.S. vocations.

You can get more interviews in this growing field if you tailor your resume for each job application. For example, if the health care facility is seeking a CNA with a strong collaborative streak, you may want to highlight that aspect of your experience in your profile and experience sections. Detail any success you’ve had working with various RNs, LPNs, hospitalists, and other health care professionals. Or say the facility has many ESL patients. You could highlight your foreign language skills both in your profile and as a separate section farther down the document. With adjustments like these, you can make your resume more relevant to each new job opportunity.

What is the best CNA resume format? -

In nearly all cases, use a Combination (or Hybrid) resume, because it’s simplest for hiring managers to learn about your pertinent skills and experience – it’s also easiest for you to align with your job goals.

With the Combination format, you highlight your most relevant skills and experience in your experience or work history section, and an intro section. (This combination of work history and intro content is where the format gets its name.) Your resume intro should usually include a profile summary and key skills section, but you may also add a career highlights or awards section. By carefully choosing the details for these sections, you can (a) position yourself for your target job and (b) give hiring managers a clear, quick view of what you offer.

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To increase your chances of an interview, write and submit a strong cover letter. The key to an effective letter is customizing it based on each job opening. Read our CNA cover letter guide to learn how. For other related examples, see our licensed vocational nurse ( LVN ) and nursing cover letter guides.

Jacob Meade

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, ACRW)

Jacob Meade is a resume writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience. His writing method centers on understanding and then expressing each person’s unique work history and strengths toward their career goal. Jacob has enjoyed working with jobseekers of all ages and career levels, finding that a clear and focused resume can help people from any walk of life. He is an Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW) with the Resume Writing Academy, and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.

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10 No Experience CNA Resume Objective Examples

Embarking on a healthcare career demands a balance of passion, dedication, and the right credentials.

For new Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) entering the field without direct experience, the resume objective becomes a critical platform to convey potential and promise.

This page offers expertly crafted resume objectives tailored for CNAs who are at the starting point of their careers.

These examples are designed to help you highlight your certification, showcase your innate skills, and express your eagerness to contribute to patient care.

By aligning your personal attributes with the needs of potential employers, you can make a compelling introduction that sets the stage for a successful career in healthcare.

CNA Resume Objective No Experience Examples

How to Write a Perfect CNA Resume Objective With No Experience?

Writing a perfect resume objective as an entry-level Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) without experience can be a challenge, but it’s all about emphasizing your skills, education, and the qualities that make you a great fit for the job. Here’s how to craft one:

1. Start with Clarity and Focus:

Begin your resume objective with a clear goal. State your professional title and express a strong interest in the CNA position. Make sure to tailor this to the specific job and facility you’re applying for.

2. Highlight Certification and Education:

Directly after your introduction, reference your CNA certification to establish your qualifications. Include any relevant coursework or training that has equipped you with knowledge and skills.

3. Showcase Soft Skills:

Reflect on the personal attributes that make you an excellent fit for a caregiving role, such as compassion, patience, attention to detail, and a strong ethic of care. Even without direct experience, these qualities can be very compelling to employers.

4. Emphasize Eagerness to Learn and Grow:

Emphasize your willingness to learn and adapt. Show your enthusiasm for continuing education and describe how you plan to contribute to and grow within the healthcare team.

5. Focus on the Employer’s Needs:

Do some research on the facility to which you’re applying and tailor your objective to reflect how you can meet its specific needs or contribute to its mission and values.

6. Keep it Concise and Compelling:

A resume objective should be a brief but powerful statement. Aim for no more than three sentences that pack a punch and capture the employer’s attention.

By following these guidelines, you’ll construct a resume objective that showcases your potential and aligns with the employer’s needs, improving your chances of getting that first CNA job.

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Certified Nursing Assistant Resume Examples: Proven To Get You Hired In 2024

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Certified Nursing Assistant Resume Template

Download in google doc, word or pdf for free. designed to pass resume screening software in 2022., certified nursing assistant resume sample.

As a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), you're likely familiar with the critical role you play in patient care. While your daily tasks might involve things like personal care, taking vitals, and assisting with mobility, your resume needs to do more than just list these duties. Recently, employers have been valuing CNAs who can demonstrate empathy and effective communication, in addition to technical skills. When crafting your resume, remember to weave in how you've made genuine connections with patients and supported their wellbeing. Moreover, in light of the pandemic and the changing healthcare landscape, it's impressive if you can show adaptability and willingness to learn new protocols and technologies. This isn't just a list of your tasks - it's a narrative about how you've used your skills and traits to make an impact in your past roles.

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Recruiter Insight: Why this resume works in 2022

Tips to help you write your certified nursing assistant resume in 2024,    include relevant certifications.

As a CNA, you should include any specialized certifications, like CPR or dementia care, on your resume. This isn't just about meeting the job description requirements - it shows potential employers that you're committed to professional development and maintaining high standards in patient care.

   Demonstrate emotional intelligence

Aside from technical skills, you should reflect your emotional intelligence on your resume. Try to describe how you've managed sensitive situations, provided emotional support to patients, or how you've communicated effectively with patients' loved ones.

As a certified nursing assistant, you’ll work closely with patients under the supervision of registered nurses. Your nursing assistant resume should emphasize the hard skills you’ll need to do the job, including performing routine medical procedures like taking blood samples, monitoring vital signs, cleaning and sterilizing equipment, and assisting patients with eating, dressing, and bathing. You’ll also need a solid understanding of relevant policies and legislation, including HIPAA.

   Use a relevant resume title

One of the easiest ways to bypass resume screeners and ensure your resume lands on the desk of a hiring manager is to include the exact title of the job you’re applying for on your resume. Including a resume title not only does this, it also clearly shows that you’ve customized your resume for this particular job — always a necessity.

   Include volunteer work where you used your nursing skills

If you don’t have a lot of traditional work experience, consider including volunteer work on your resume. You can create a separate volunteer work section, or simply list it alongside paid work experience. If you do this, you should list it in the same way, with an employer heading, dates of employment, and action-oriented bullet points.

Licensed Practical Nurse Resume Sample

Patient care technician resume sample.

As a hiring manager who has recruited for Certified Nursing Assistant roles at companies like Brookdale Senior Living, Sunrise Senior Living, and HCR ManorCare, I've reviewed hundreds of resumes. The best resumes that caught my attention and led to interviews had a few things in common. In this article, we'll cover what those are with examples, so you can create a strong resume that gets you hired.

   Highlight your patient care experience

Hiring managers want to see that you have hands-on experience providing patient care. Instead of simply listing your responsibilities, give specific examples of how you cared for patients:

• Assisted with daily living activities for 10-12 residents per shift, including bathing, dressing, and feeding
• Monitored and recorded vital signs for 20+ patients daily, reporting any changes to nursing staff
• Provided compassionate end-of-life care for terminally ill patients and supported family members

Quantifying your experience with numbers, like how many patients you cared for, makes your resume more impactful. Avoid vague statements that don't give a clear picture of your experience, such as:

• Helped patients with daily needs
• Checked vital signs

   Show your knowledge of medical terminology

CNAs need to be familiar with medical terms to communicate effectively with nurses and doctors. Show that you have this knowledge by including relevant terms in your resume. For example:

• Familiar with medical terminology related to diabetes, including hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, and insulin therapy
• Knowledge of common medical abbreviations, such as PRN, BID, and NPO

However, be careful not to overdo it with too much jargon that a hiring manager outside of nursing may not understand. Strike a balance, like this:

Experienced in wound care, including dressing changes, wound assessment, and documentation. Familiar with medical terminology related to pressure ulcers, such as eschar and tunneling.

   Emphasize your communication skills

CNAs must have excellent communication skills to interact with patients, families, and the medical team. Highlight how you've used your communication abilities in previous roles:

• Clearly explained care plans and medication schedules to patients and families, answering questions and addressing concerns
• Collaborated with 10-member nursing team to ensure seamless patient care, providing detailed shift reports
• Developed trusting relationships with 20+ long-term care residents through daily conversation and active listening

Communication skills are best shown through examples rather than simply listing "excellent communication skills" on your resume. Compare that to:

• Good communicator
• Able to explain things to patients

   Include any certifications or training

In addition to your CNA certification, list any other relevant certifications or specialized training you have, such as:

• Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP)
• BLS (Basic Life Support) Certification
• Completed 10-hour training in safe patient handling techniques

These additional qualifications can help you stand out from other candidates and show your commitment to professional development. Just be sure they are current and truly relevant to the CNA role. Don't include things like:

• CPR certification from 8 years ago
• Food safety training for a previous restaurant job

   Showcase your flexibility and dependability

Healthcare facilities operate 24/7, so they need CNAs who are flexible and reliable. Show that you're willing to work various shifts and step in when needed:

• Worked 12-hour day and night shifts, including weekends and holidays
• Filled in for absent team members on short notice to maintain appropriate staffing levels
• Never missed a scheduled shift in 2 years

Avoid general statements that don't provide evidence of your flexibility or reliability, like:

• Willing to work anytime
• Reliable team player

The more specific you can be, the stronger your resume will be.

   Tailor your resume to the job description

Every CNA job is a bit different, so it's important to customize your resume for each application. Carefully review the job posting and look for key qualifications and skills the employer wants. Then, adjust your resume to highlight your most relevant experience.

For example, if a job description emphasizes experience with dementia patients, you could include:

Provided specialized care for residents with Alzheimer's and dementia, using validation therapy and other techniques to manage challenging behaviors. Completed 20 hours of continuing education on dementia care best practices.

If a position requires a lot of charting and documentation, you might say:

Accurately documented all patient care tasks, vital signs, and intake/output using PointClickCare EHR system. Consistently praised by nurses for detailed and timely charting.

Tailoring your resume shows the hiring manager you're a strong match for their specific needs.

Writing Your Certified Nursing Assistant Resume: Section By Section

  summary.

A resume summary is an optional section that highlights your most relevant experience, skills, and accomplishments. While it's not a requirement, a well-written summary can grab the attention of hiring managers and provide context for your career goals. It's particularly useful if you're changing careers or have a diverse background that doesn't directly align with the certified nursing assistant role you're targeting.

When writing your summary, focus on the value you can bring to the organization and the key skills that make you a strong candidate. Avoid using generic statements or repeating information that's already covered in other sections of your resume. Remember, your goal is to provide a snapshot of your qualifications and entice the reader to learn more about you.

To learn how to write an effective resume summary for your Certified Nursing Assistant resume, or figure out if you need one, please read Certified Nursing Assistant Resume Summary Examples , or Certified Nursing Assistant Resume Objective Examples .

1. Tailor your summary to the CNA role

When crafting your resume summary, it's essential to tailor it to the specific certified nursing assistant position you're applying for. Research the facility and the job description to identify the key skills and qualities they're looking for in a candidate.

For example, if the job emphasizes patient care and communication, highlight your experience in providing compassionate care and your ability to effectively communicate with patients and their families. On the other hand, if the position focuses on technical skills, such as taking vital signs or assisting with medical procedures, emphasize your training and proficiency in these areas.

Compassionate and skilled certified nursing assistant with 3+ years of experience providing patient-centered care in a fast-paced hospital setting. Adept at taking vital signs, assisting with medical procedures, and ensuring patient comfort. Seeking to leverage my expertise in patient care and communication to contribute to the mission of [Facility Name].

2. Highlight your CNA certifications and training

As a certified nursing assistant, your education and training are crucial to your success in the role. Make sure to prominently feature your CNA certification and any additional training or certifications you've completed in your resume summary.

This not only demonstrates your qualifications but also shows your commitment to professional development and staying current in your field. If you have specialized training, such as in dementia care or wound care, be sure to mention it.

• Hardworking and dedicated CNA with a passion for helping others.

While this summary expresses positive qualities, it doesn't provide any concrete information about the candidate's qualifications or experience. Instead, try something like:

• State-certified nursing assistant with specialized training in dementia care, skilled in providing compassionate and individualized care to elderly patients.

  Experience

The work experience section is the heart of your resume. It's where you show hiring managers what you've accomplished in previous roles, and how that translates to the certified nursing assistant position you're applying for. Here are some key tips to make sure your work experience section stands out:

1. Use strong CNA-related action verbs

When describing your previous roles, use strong action verbs that are relevant to the certified nursing assistant position, such as:

• Assisted with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, and grooming
• Monitored vital signs and reported changes to nursing staff
• Provided compassionate care to patients and their families
• Documented patient care activities in electronic health records

Avoid generic verbs like "helped" or "worked on." Instead, choose verbs that showcase your specific contributions and skills.

2. Highlight relevant certifications and training

As a certified nursing assistant, your certifications and specialized training are key selling points. Make sure to highlight them in your work experience section, in addition to listing them in a separate certifications section.

For example:

• Completed 120-hour CNA training program at XYZ Community College
• Earned BLS certification from the American Heart Association
• Trained in using Hoyer lifts and other patient transfer equipment

This shows employers that you have the qualifications and skills necessary to excel in the role.

3. Quantify your accomplishments with metrics

Whenever possible, use numbers and metrics to quantify your achievements in previous roles. This helps hiring managers understand the scope and impact of your work.

For example, instead of saying:

Assisted with patient care activities

Provided daily care to 15+ patients, ensuring timely assistance with feeding, bathing, and mobility

Other metrics to consider include patient satisfaction scores, efficiency improvements, or number of team members trained.

4. Show career growth and leadership skills

Hiring managers love to see candidates who have progressed and taken on more responsibility in their careers. If you've been promoted or taken on leadership roles, make sure to highlight that in your work experience section.

• Promoted to CNA Team Leader after just 6 months, overseeing a team of 5 CNAs
• Mentored and trained 3 new CNA hires, ensuring they met all facility standards

Even if you haven't had a formal promotion, think about ways you've gone above and beyond your basic job duties or taken on additional responsibilities.

  Education

The education section in your certified nursing assistant resume should be short and sweet. It tells hiring managers you have the required training. You don't need to include your high school diploma unless you're a recent graduate or have no college experience.

1. Put your CNA certification first

Your CNA certification shows employers you're qualified for the job. It should be the first thing in your education section.

Include the following details:

• Name of the certification (e.g., Certified Nursing Assistant, CNA)
• Name of the certifying organization
• Date earned or renewed

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Virginia Board of Nursing, June 2021

2. List your nursing assistant training

Include the post-secondary school or program where you completed your CNA training. This is important if you don't have a college degree. It shows you learned the skills to succeed on the job.

Add the following info:

• Name of the school or program
• Completion date

Certificate in Nursing Assistance, Tidewater Community College, Norfolk, VA, May 2021

3. Keep college experience short

If you earned a college degree, include it after your CNA certification and training. List your degree, major, school name, and graduation year. For example:

• Associate of Science in Healthcare Administration, Norfolk State University, 2020

But if you took classes without earning a degree, just list the relevant coursework. For example:

• Relevant Coursework: Anatomy and Physiology, Medical Terminology, Gerontology

4. Senior CNAs: Focus on key qualifications

If you're a senior-level CNA, the education section should just be a small part of your resume. Sum up your credentials in 1-2 lines, like this:

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Virginia Board of Nursing Associate of Science, Norfolk State University

In contrast, here's what not to do as an experienced CNA:

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Virginia Board of Nursing, 2005
• Associate of Science in Healthcare Administration, Norfolk State University, 2007
• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Training, Tidewater Community College, 2010-2011

While the extra details show your progression, they take up too much space. At this stage, your work achievements matter more.

  Skills

The skills section is a critical part of your certified nursing assistant resume. It's where you highlight your top abilities that are relevant to the job you're applying for. Hiring managers and recruiters often scan this section first to quickly assess if you have the right qualifications. Here are some key tips to keep in mind when writing your skills section:

1. Tailor your skills to the job description

Before you start listing your skills, carefully review the job description for the certified nursing assistant role you're applying for. Look for the key skills and qualifications the employer is seeking. Then, make sure to include those same skills on your resume, using the same terminology when possible.

For example, if the job description mentions "patient care" and "vital signs monitoring", your skills section might look like this:

Patient care Vital signs monitoring Medication administration Wound care

By tailoring your skills to the job, you'll show the employer that you're a good fit for the role and increase your chances of getting called for an interview.

2. Categorize your CNA skills

To make your skills section easy to read, consider grouping your skills into relevant categories. This is especially helpful if you have a lot of skills to showcase. Some common categories for a certified nursing assistant might include:

• Patient Care : Bathing, grooming, feeding, transferring, ambulation assistance
• Clinical Skills : Vital signs, phlebotomy, EKG, wound care, medication administration
• Administrative : Charting, medical records, scheduling, inventory management

By categorizing your skills, you make it easy for the hiring manager to quickly see the breadth of your abilities and how they relate to the role.

3. Use the right terminology for CNA skills

When listing your skills, be as specific as possible and use industry-standard terminology. This shows that you know the field and makes it easy for the employer to understand your level of expertise.

Senior care Documentation

It's better to say:

Geriatric patient care Electronic medical records (EMR) charting

The more specific and targeted your skills are to the certified nursing assistant role and the healthcare industry, the more effective your resume will be.

4. Provide context for key CNA skills

In some cases, it can be helpful to provide a bit of context or additional detail to describe the depth of your skills. You can do this by adding parentheses after the skill with a brief description.

• Phlebotomy (100+ successful venipunctures)
• Patient transfer techniques (Hoyer lift, gait belt, pivot transfer)

By providing context, you give the employer a better sense of your level of experience and the specific techniques you're familiar with. Just be sure to keep your descriptions concise, as you'll have room to elaborate in other sections of your resume.

Skills For Certified Nursing Assistant Resumes

Here are examples of popular skills from Certified Nursing Assistant job descriptions that you can include on your resume.

• Customer Service
• Public Health
• Medical Terminology
• Healthcare Management
• Critical Care Nursing
• Patient Care

Skills Word Cloud For Certified Nursing Assistant Resumes

This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on Certified Nursing Assistant job descriptions and resumes. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more likely you should include it in your resume.

How to use these skills?

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Certified Nursing Assistant Resumes

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• Template #5: Patient Care Technician
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• Other Medical Resumes
• Certified Nursing Assistant Interview Guide
• Certified Nursing Assistant Sample Cover Letters
• Alternative Careers to a Certified Nursing Assistant
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Nursing Career Tips

August 28, 2019 by Catherine Leave a Comment

CNA Resume with no experience Example

Did you know that you don’t necessarily need professional experience to apply for a job? If you’re writing a resume for a CNA job and you have no previous experience, you can even write a resume with any kind of previous work experience and get you the job!

You must keep a few key points in mind in order to get the job:

Your resume must stand out . Be sure to make it as unique and true as possible so that the employer is convinced and won’t have any second thoughts. A resume might be your only chance to show the employer what you’re truly capable of so make it the best and get yourself noticed!

Your resume must be to the point . You need to make sure you cover most parts of the resume, if not all, and each part must be relevant to what is required. In a resume, you are required to fill out name details, key qualifications, work experiences, education and additional skills. Some may also include certification and major strengths.

Focus greatly on your achievements and strengths . Mentioning your achievements in the resume will attract the employer and he/she will be able to recognize your potential and what you are actually made of.

Re-read your resume at least three times before submission . This is one of the most essential points to keep in mind to get you the job you’re seeking. Proof-reading will help you see what needs to be removed from the resume and what you can add to make it stand out. It is also a good idea to ask one or two people, friends or family to take a look at your resume before you send it in.

Now, you may not have any previous experience as a nurse or healthcare professional but in your resume, fill out the experience portion with any other relevant work experience that you may have. You may have volunteered at a nursing home or a healthcare facility or even at a non-medical centre. Think of all the work experience you have and include the skills learned in your resume!

A resume without any experiences written is incomplete! It is important to include casual jobs like lawn mowing, babysitting or assisting at a small shop. All experience counts and your skills matter. You can include any extracurricular activities that you previously participated in. Most employers take volunteer experiences into consideration so if you don’t have professional experience, you still stand a chance to get the job you want!

Adding your hobbies and talent is also a great idea because some hobbies may equip you with certain skills required for the job that you’re applying for and that would be useful to your employer.

RESUME SAMPLE:

Contact Information. Your contact details will appear first on your resume cover page. You must ensure you provide accurate and current information.

You must include;

 Full name (name, father’s name and last name).

Your current address (street, house number and city).

Phone numbers

Email address.

Objective . This is where you write down what you aim to accomplish as a CNA.

For example, I wish to expand upon my skills and knowledge in this career.

Skills & Qualifications . Here is where you can add your certifications and any skills that you possess. You must include tasks that show relevant capabilities and dates that you obtained them.

Example: CNA Certification obtained on May 15 th 2015

CPR and First Aid Certification obtained on April 11 th 2015

   Practised in basic skills including bathing, feeding and bed making.

   Willing to expand on my skills.

Education. This is where you may list the education levels that you have completed that could help you in your employment.

You can add the school that you attended and other basic courses that you may have completed.

Experience . Here you can include employment that is non-medical related and some skills that you obtained when you were in school. You can also pen down some volunteering services that you may have assisted with.

Example: Cared for the elderly at Heritage Place 8 hours a day. Assisted with feeding, bathing, simple wound care etc.

References . Here you can add names of previous employers, instructors and supervisors. Just make sure to ask for their permission before you refer them.

Example: Sarah Adams, BSN, CNA Instructor.

(Add phone number and email address)

Once you have filled out your resume, you can expect to be called for an interview in a few weeks.

CNA Resume with no experience examples

Catherine Smith

1 Main Street, New Cityland, CA 90100

Cell: (555) 332 3774

Email: smithexample[at]outlook.com

Science teacher with over 3 years of experience, teaching at an elementary school in CA. Hard-working and compassionate with children and the elderly too, I wish to avail my services at a small-town hospital.

Skills and Qualifications : – Compassionate with children and elderly

• Friendly and outgoing by nature
• Excellent multi-tasking ability
• Effectiveness and efficiency
• Outstanding communication skills.

CPR and First Aid Certified – June 19 th 2015

Skilled in basic patient care

Bravo Medical Magnet School

Graduation: August 2014

American Career College

Graduation: June 2015

Relevant Coursework: CPR and First Aid Training

Experience : Apprentice at Los Angeles elementary school.

Science teacher for 3 years at Los Angeles elementary school.

References : Principal at Los Angeles elementary school

Phone: (555) 334 2808

Email: [email protected]

We wish you all the best in filling out your resume and getting your job! We hope this guide has helped you too.

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Certified Nursing Assistant Resume (CNA) | Examples, Tips & Templates

If you are a candidate with a soft heart, a good memory, and the ability to learn hands-on patient care skills fast, you would be an excellent nursing assistant.

All resume examples in this guide

CNA Resume Example for Experienced Candidates

Joseph Steve

CNA [email protected] (245)365-1254

Professional summary

A dedicated CNA with over 10 years of experience in children and elderly healthcare settings seeks to take professional patient care to the next level at San Diego Senior Nursing Home. In my previous role, I led a team of 4 CNAs to treat 30 senior patients providing daily medication and healthcare guidance.

Aug 2015 to Present

• Educated the patients and communicated to their families about the physiological disorders, treatments, and consequences
• Assisted elderly patients to bathe, dress, and feed – fed patients with Nasogastric feeding tubes and Gastronomy tubes
• Checked blood pressure and drew blood for tests on doctor prescriptions
• Read and understood electronic medical records and assisted the patients to meet the relevant doctors ‍

June 2013 to Aug 2015 Best Care Children Clinic, NM CNA

• Recorded patient vital signs such as body temperature and blood pressure as a routine procedure for new admits
• Developed positive first impressions with the children and their parents
• Set up medical equipment to assist the doctors in medical procedures and carried out simple medical procedures such as drawing blood and checking blood pressure
• Carried out basic patient care such as serving meals, making beds, and keeping the rooms clean ‍

Nursing Assistant Certification Program Howard Community College, Columbia 2009-2013

Certified Nursing Assistant (2013) University of Wisconsin Bachelor’s degree in Biology 2006-2009

• Emergency care
• Preventive care
• Operations management
• People skill
• Detail-oriented
• Customer service
• Stress-resilience ‍

Certificates

Certified Nursing Assistant (2013)

To communicate all these in a single page, you need a perfect Certified Nursing Assistant Resume – a winning resume that gets you more interviews and makes you confident to apply for the highest-paid CNA jobs.

That’s where we can help you. Perfect resumes do not come by accident – they’re a result of understanding the current HR practices, following the guidelines, and targeted writing of each section.

This article will guide you:

• To pick the perfect resume format, layout, and template.
• With tons of examples to write each section of the resume.
• With DOs and DON’Ts in writing your CNA resume.

Read to the end to learn how to write a CNA resume better than 95% of the other candidates.

If time is a constraint for you, we have created the finest ready-to-fill resume templates on the internet – with our resume builder, you can create a perfect CNA resume in less than 10 minutes. Still, we recommend you to read through the guide👇

New Graduate CNA Resume Example

Olivia Jonathan

(245)365-1254

A passionate CNA with 12 months of internship experience in elderly care and ETU seeks to join an assisted living facility to provide my service and expand my expertise in elderly care. In my internship at City Hospital, treated patients recovering from accidents, injuries, and surgeries for faster recovery

Aug 2021 to Present

ETU, City Hospital, Nebraska

Certified Nursing Assistant (intern)

• Took patient’s vital signs such as blood pressure and temperature
• Gave first aid in emergencies – CPR, saline, oxygen – under the supervision of the nurses
• Created patient records for new admits and maintained them
• Helped elderly patients to bathe, dress, and feed themselves with extra care

Certified Nursing Assistant

Jefferson College, Philadelphia (2020)

High School Diploma

South Philadelphia High School

• General care
• Elderly care
• health testing
• Diagnosis and treatment planning
• Communication skill
• Attention to detail
• Team player

Volunteer for Elderly Care foundation

If you need further inspiration, examples, and keywords to fill up your CNA resume, refer to these other medical professional resumes:

• Dentist resume
• Physician assistant resume
• Dental assistant resume
• Medical assistant resume

Certified Nursing Assistant's Salary & Employment Rates

The average Certified Nursing Assistant salary is $30,000/ year 💰 ( Payscale.com ). However, many CNA professionals get overtime and bonuses for their service.

There are about 1.5 million CNAs working in the USA in 2020 and the numbers are expected to increase by 8% over the next 10 years according to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics . The certification is having high demand as a result of the expansion of healthcare in the USA and many regions in the world.

How to Make a Certified Nursing Assistant Resume?

Writing a resume is just like admitting a patient to the hospital – you can’t skip the set procedures. The hiring manager reading your resume is a professional in their trade and they expect the same professionalism from you.

Writing a certified nursing assistant’s resume would initially look like a complex surgery for you, but when we break down the process into simple digestible pieces, you’ll see it so simple like checking the vital signs of a patient – a defined process with simple steps.

To start with, we should define the layout of your resume followed by the resume format and the template.

The Layout of a Certified Nursing Assistant Resume

The layout of your resume defines the sections you’re going to include and their order – the headings as well as subheadings.

Having your resume layout defined at the beginning helps you create the resume faster without missing any important sections.

In defining your resume layout, give priority to the information your recruiter is looking for.

We recommend the following layout for a Certified Nursing Assistant resume:

• Header: name and contact information.
• Professional summary/ Objective summary
• Work experience.
• CNA skills.
• Additional sections (certifications, interests, and achievements).

Certified Nursing Assistant Resume Format

In your CNA resume or any medical professional resume, there’s an order in which you should write your experience section so that it's easy for the recruiter to read and understand the information.

Simply put, the format defines the order you should follow in writing your professional experience section.

There are three standard resume formats:

• The functional format: priority is given to the related skills and the experience is ordered based on them
• Reverse chronological format : most recent experience is listed first and the rest follows the reverse chronological order
• Hybrid format: a combination of the functional and reverse chronological formats

For Certified Nursing Assistants and other medical professionals, we suggest using reverse chronological order to write your experience sections. Because your recent experience would be the deciding factor in making hiring decisions in healthcare-related jobs.

Resume Template for Certified Nursing Assistants

A resume template is about the overall look and feel of the CV. In this, you’ll think about the colors, fonts, font sizes, document margins, and such details.

The right resume template would create an exceptional first impression for the hiring managers. Resume writing standards have changed from boring biodata-type documents to more compressed, well-designed, and attractive pages.

We have created a ton of awesome resume templates for CNAs and other medical professionals saving you hours of valuable time. Pick the template that suits your personality and tailor it to create your resume within 10 minutes.

Let's discuss how to write each section with examples and tips.

Start Your Certified Nursing Assistant Resume with a Header

The header of your CNA resume should include your name and contact information. As this is the first thing on your resume, recruiters often spend their first second reading your name.

The mistake most candidates make in this section is making it cluttered with unnecessary information.

Here's what to include in your header and what to leave out 👇

A good & a bad header

(276)254-8654

11, main street, apt 56,

Washington DC

A good header is a clean and concise one with limited information enough to find out the candidate and their contact information. Put your first name and last name. Include the basic contact information such as your email and the contact number. If you have an updated personal website or a LinkedIn profile, include that at the end.

Professional Summary

In the professional summary, you should highlight the reasons why the recruiter should consider your application. This summarizes your key skills, expertise, and experience into two sentences.

A great resume summary is a sales pitch about the candidate – it's the cover letter on your resume. Ideally, you should tailor the summary to each job you apply for – a customized statement that fit the context of your potential employer would attract them to read your resume further.

Writing a great professional summary is not difficult if you follow the right steps. In your first sentence, state the level of experience you have, your key skills, and your interest to join the organization – the second sentence should highlight your previous achievements, the problems you solved, the challenges you faced, the solution you gave, and the results you achieved as a CNA.

Professional summary for an Experienced CNA

A compassionate caregiver with 7 years of experience in diverse healthcare settings seeks to join MK Elderly Nursing Home to extend my expertise. In my previous job, I led a team of 12 CNAs to manage an elderly home of 50+ providing exceptional service and care. CNA, CPR, BLS.

Certified nursing assistant with elderly home experience seeks to join a similar position that pays better.

The correct example highlights the candidate’s achievements with numbers – demonstrates the key skills – and provides specifics of the work carried out.

Resume objective for an entry-level CNA

If you’re an entry-level CNA or someone looking for a career transition, you should write an objective summary. This is similar to writing a professional summary – the only difference being that in the objective summary, you should highlight your enthusiasm for the profession and your interest to join the company.

A dedicated CNA who was recently certified (2021) seeks to join a hospital CNA team to advance my expertise in all types of patient care. I have extensive 200+ hours of clinical training which included children's care, elderly care, general medical, and ETU.

Freshly graduated CNA looking for a job in a hospital or an elderly care facility

Prove Your Experience as a Nursing Assistant

Whether you’re applying for a senior certified nursing assistant position or an entry-level CNA job, your work experience would be the most critical component the recruiter would make judgments about your profile – everything else including your skills, education, and extracurricular activities come next.

The good news is you can write a compelling experience section with any level of work experience to convince the hiring manager that you’ve what it takes to be successful on the job – and we should say, that you don’t have to be a great writer to do that.

Follow these guidelines and our comprehensive examples to write your experience section.

• Write clear and concise sentences.
• Focus on your achievements and accomplishments in your career rather than writing job roles and responsibilities.
• Numbers in sentences attract the hiring manager’s eyeballs – in addition, numbers add credibility to your statements.
• Start your experience sentences with power verbs. Eg: Carried out, Managed, Led, Provided, Assisted, and Collected.

You need a specific set of skills to become successful as a CNA – each patient and scenario you face would be different and challenging. A great CNA experience section answers these questions:

• Can you manage such challenging situations?
• Have you already done that in your previous job? If so, how?

Example Work Experience Section for a Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Resume

Cleveland Clinic Cleveland, OH

• Helped the nursing staff to carry out their tasks
• Provided medical assistance to patients
• Assisted nurses in patient care and reporting
• Recorded patient information
• Led a team of CNAs to carry out the daily patient care – achieved a customer satisfaction of 94% in 2018 which was an all-time high
• Delegated the patient care, documentation, and administration work among the team
• Introduced a distant patient communication system for patients with virus infections to reduce spreading to healthcare staff
• Educated patients and their family members on their physiological disorders, treatments, and side effects
• Provided social and emotional support to those in need

Your senior CNA experience section should focus on demonstrating your leadership, communication, administration, as well as technical skills.

Example Work Experience for an Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant

Jan 2020 to Present

Assistant Certified Nursing Assistant - apprenticeship

• Assisted patients in admission
• Cleaned patient rooms
• Patient stability measures were taken
• Checked patient vital signs

Jan 2020 to present

• Worked collaboratively with registered nurses, specialist doctors, and other medical professionals to provide an exceptional patient care
• Valued patient advocacy and helped patients with the information required to make medical-related decisions from choosing doctors to financing, legal, and social support
• Assisted patients in admittance to filling the documents and record vital signs such as temperature and blood pressure
• Treated 10+ elderly patients a daily to bathe, dress, and feed themselves

Entry-level Certified Nursing Assistants should demonstrate their key technical knowledge of patient care and medical procedures.

Now, the question is if you do not possess the required experience to write, would you have a disadvantage over other candidates?

The answer is relative. While having solid CNA experience does not guarantee you the job, not having experience does not make your resume dismissed. The hiring manager only sees what you write on your resume – not what you did on the job.

Even if you’re applying for your first job as a Certified Nursing Assistant, don’t leave your experience section empty – consider your training sessions and apprentice work as your professional work experience.

Reinforce Your Resume with Your Education

In your CNA resume, though education is not a priority section the recruiter checks, your academic background is noteworthy – the more educated you’re, the better chance you have of getting hired.

The nursing assistant program – academic studies, and relevant clinical training sessions would be the only critical component of your education section. However, you could also list your high school diploma or bachelor’s degree.

The education section should be a short section with only relevant information – you could list the key learning outcomes of your education, GPA, the institution, and the years of graduation.

Certified Nursing Assistant Program

• General patient care
• Medication administration

CNA Resume Skills

In the job advertisement or job description, the recruiter would mention the type of skills they’re looking for in a nursing assistant – pick the skills that match your profile.

A CNA should possess a specific set of soft and hard skills. Hard skills are the technical skills required to perform the tasks – soft skills are the personality traits required to become exceptional at work. Aim to write about 4 to 7 skills.

Soft skills:

• Empathy and compassion
• Patience and flexibility
• Interpersonal skills
• Communication skills
• Problem-solving
• Willingness to learn
• Decision making
• Time management

Hard skills:

• Knowledge of medical terminology
• Infection control
• Administrative skills
• Measuring and recording vital signs
• Patient care
• Assisting patients to walk using gait belts
• Brushing dentures
• Mouth care for unconscious patients
• Giving partial bed baths
• Perineal care for female patients
• Shaving – cleaning, and trimming fingernails
• Feeding paralyzed patients
• Feeding patients using G tubes and NG tubes

There’s a massive list of hard skills that a CNA should possess. You could read more about CNA skills in this comprehensive guide .

Additional Sections for a Certified Nursing Assistant Resume

You’ll realize every applicant applying for a CNA job has the same qualification: The Nursing Assistant Certification. So, how would the recruiter pick 10 resumes out of 200 resumes they get?

It is the additional qualifications that get you the interview – the basic computer and system certificate you acquired – the Red Cross volunteer program you took part in – your bi-lingual skills would add value eventually to stand out from the rest.

In addition, these smaller resume sections attract the eyeballs of the recruiter – making additional sections a great place to showcase your key strengths.

The type of additional sections you should put on your resume would depend upon your personal profile. Here we have highlighted the typical sections used by CNA applicants👇

Computing Skills

Basic computer literacy would be valuable to carry out your job duties. As a CNA, you will get to work with different computer systems and software. Most hospitals use Hospital Management Systems (HMS) to report, store, and manage patient information.

Also, basic data entry in Excel and understanding of using mobile applications would be added advantages.

Skill Certifications

Skill certifications are a great way to stand out and get into the highest-paid positions. The best way to find out the relevant skill certifications for CNAs would be to refer to CNA job advertisements.

Here’re some certifications relevant to CNAs:

• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification
• CPR, First Aid, AED Certification

Your bi-lingual skills would look impressive on your resume – as a CNA, you’ll get to work with patients who speak different languages – having proficiency in English would help you manage most cases, however, more languages the better.

When you’re listing your language skills, consider including the level of proficiency in each of them so that the hiring manager would have a clear idea.

We got some awesome resume templates where you can list the languages you speak with the level of fluency in each.

Hobbies and Interests

Put your hobbies and interests on your resume as an additional section if and only if they add value to your profile – do not use this as a filler.

Read our hobbies and interests guide to have a complete understanding of what to include in your interests section and how to write them.

Tips for Improving Your Certified Nursing Assistant Resume

If you followed the guide to this point, you would have already created an exceptional CNA resume. Use these final tips to further improve it:

• Modern resumes follow the ONE PAGE standard – remove unnecessary sections and non-value-adding information to optimize the resume length.
• Identify the most demanding skills and certifications recruiters are looking for – make an effort to acquire some of them – you can mention a skill certification on your resume as soon as you get official admission to the course – put in parentheses that you’re still following the course.
• Pick a modern resume template – the first impression is a powerful weapon.
• Use a tool such as Grammarly to proofread your resume for grammar and other mistakes.
• Limit your header to your name and contact information.
• Write a professional summary if you’re an experienced candidate and an objective summary if you’re an entry-level candidate.
• Make a list of achievements and accomplishments for your experience section – do not limit the experience section to the roles and responsibilities.
• Use a consistent format to present your education.
• Write a combination of relevant soft skills and hard skills.
• Use a couple of additional sections to make a pleasant surprise to the hiring manager.

Complement Your resume with a Cover letter

A cover letter is a one-page document that highlights the applicant's specific interest in the job. In this, you should demonstrate your key skills, expertise, and experience that is relevant to performing the duties as a CNA.

Keep your cover letter to 3 to 4 short paragraphs.

Our resume builder has a cover letter builder that helps you create stunning cover letters within 10 minutes.

The cover letter is a critical component of your entry-level job application. Make it your sales pitch to communicate to the hiring manager why you’re so interested in the job.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the highest-paid specialties for cnas.

According to payscale.com , the following specialties pay the highest salaries for CNAs:

• Long term care $14
• Rehabilitation $14
• Geriatrics $14
• Elderly care $13
• Home health care $12

Can I become a CNA without a degree?

To become a certified nursing assistant, you need to complete the nursing assistant certification (CNA certification) course. At the completion of the course and the relevant clinical hours, you’ll get the certification to practice as a CNA.

Having a degree in a relevant field such as biomedical or biology would surely help you to get a job, however, you do not need to have a degree to become a CNA.

Create your resume with the best templates

What’s a Rich Text element?

The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.

Static and dynamic content editing

A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!

How to customize formatting for each rich text

Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

Create your resume in 15 minutes

Our free collection of expertly designed cover letter templates will help you stand out from the crowd and get one step closer to your dream job.

Sample letters to download

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CNA Training Tips

June 22, 2011 by Catherine 1 Comment

CNA Resume sample for someone with no experience

A resume is very important as it is the first glimpse an employer will have of a potential employee.   As a C.N.A. you must know that the field of health care is a highly competitive and challenging line of work.  Therefore, you must ensure that your resume is a proper reflection of your capabilities.  Here is a sample resumes for a C.N.A.,this sample resume is geared toward the entry level C.N.A.

You have finally completed the C.N.A. program and you should now have your certification.  It makes sense that you are ready to seek employment.  A well put together resume can help you achieve your goals as an employee.  If you are fresh out of school, then this first sample resume is for you. The second one is for those who have some experience working as a cna and it can be found here:

CNA Resume for those who have work Experience

How to write a successful resume

The following is what you include in your resume if this is your first time:

Customers Interviewed by:

When you’re diving into the job market with limited experience, writing a strong resume is key to landing your dream job. A well-written resume starts with a resume summary —the elevator pitch that shows the reader your greatest accomplishments, skills, and passions. A beginner summary for your resume is the starting point to wow-ing the hiring team and proving you’re the best candidate for the job.

An entry-level or beginner resume isn’t about listing everything you’ve accomplished or can do. Instead, it’s a strategic dance of weaving together your enthusiasm, soft skills, and unique experience. Then, you connect it to the job description and what the hiring manager is looking for.

• What a resume summary is.
• The critical components of a resume summary.
• Step-by-step instructions on how to write an entry-level or beginner summary for resumes.
• Examples and templates of successful resume summaries.

Understanding the resume summary for beginners

Your resume summary is a snapshot of your professional life—only 3 to 5 sentences—curated with each job description in mind. Job seekers include their professional title, years of experience, skills , and measurable achievements to entice the recruiter to read the rest of the resume.

As you navigate the job search, you’ll see how your resume summary is one of the most valuable sections of your resume.

What is an entry-level resume summary?

When you’re an entry-level applicant, the snapshot summary likely isn’t full of accolades, impactful accomplishments, or advanced skills. Rather, an effective resume summary for a beginning job seeker highlights an eagerness to learn, adaptability, and growth potential.

For entry-level applicants, “It’s not just about bullet points and job titles; it’s about weaving together the threads of your journey, painting a picture of resilience, ambition, and growth,” says Harleny Vasquez , a visionary Career Coach and CEO of yourEVOLVEDmind. “It’s a chance to showcase not just what you’ve done, but who you are and where you’re headed. Each section is a story, each accomplishment a milestone on the path you’ve forged with passion and purpose.”

The purpose of an entry-level summary

A professional summary is the attention-grabbing highlight reel. A successful summary keeps the hiring team reading your resume to learn more about you. In a hot job market where standing out is critical, resume summaries can be a positive differentiator.

Resume summaries provide key context to your resume. It helps the hiring manager frame your candidacy in their mind—they learn why you’re applying, how your skill set translates to the job, and key accomplishments that show you off in the best light. Many other applicants are jumping from the resume headline into the work experience, losing out on the opportunity to capture the hiring team right away.

Want to see examples of resume summaries for any stage of your career? Read 86+ Resume Summary Examples to Inspire You

Resume summary vs. objective

Resume summary and resume objective are often used interchangeably, but the two are very different. They serve different purposes and are used to convey different types of information.

Resume objective

A resume objective states your career goals and the type of position you are seeking. It is forward-looking and focuses on what you want to achieve in your career.

Primarily, it includes your career aspirations and what you aim to contribute to the employer.

For example, a resume objective could say something like:

Seeking a position as a Marketing Coordinator to utilize my skills in digital marketing and content creation in a dynamic, growth-oriented company.

Recruiters and career coaches argue against the resume objective because it’s more focused on the applicant, rather than the company you’re applying to.

Kelli Hrivnak , Founder of the boutique recruitment firm, Knack Digital shares, “I never like to see a resume objective on a resume. An employer is seeking an employee who will solve their problem, as opposed to prioritizing the wants and needs of the applicant.”

Jazlyn Unbedacht , Resume Writer and LinkedIn Optimizer argues we should just get rid of resume objectives altogether. “I’m not sure why they ever were a thing to begin with. Harness expertise from other experiences in your life, like education, volunteer work, hobby pursuits, and more and use that to create a short summary of what you can bring to the table as an employee.”

Resume summary

A resume summary provides a brief overview of your professional background, highlighting your key achievements and skills. It is backward-looking, summarizing what you have already accomplished in your career.

The short paragraph includes your key qualifications, experience, and major achievements. A summary is designed to quickly give employers an idea of your expertise and the value you can bring to their organization.

Many entry-level applicants and those writing beginner summaries for their resumes tend to default to objectives. They worry they have nothing impressive to highlight in their summary.

But Kelli Hrivnak urges you to think outside the box. “For job seekers who don’t have relevant work experience, can you include other experience or skills acquired in your project work instead?”

For example, Kelli suggests writing something like:

Google-certified Marketing graduate with 4 months of experience as an Audience Development intern at a nationally recognized publication firm. Grew audience engagement on Facebook by 30% by developing social strategy and initiatives.

Key pieces of a beginner resume summary

Think of your resume summary like a formula. Just like a math equation has values that you need to solve the problem, your resume summary has critical components that make it impactful to the hiring team.

Follow the formula below to write a standout summary:

Versatile [Your Professional Title] with over [X Years] of experience in [Field/Role]. Skilled in [Skill 1], [Skill 2], and [Skill 3]. Proven success in [Measurable Accomplishment 1] and [Measurable Accomplishment 2].

Tailor your resume summary

You can’t write your resume summary once and use it for every application. Your resume—including the summary—should be tailored to each job description.

To tailor your resume summary, you should read the job description closely and pick out keywords and skills to integrate into your resume. This process can take a few hours per job posting, but you can do it quickly with Jobscan’s resume optimization tools.

If you don’t have a resume and are starting from scratch, the Resume Builder tool can help you create a base resume, then you can move directly into Power Edit to tailor your resume to the job description.

Quantify your achievements

Numbers and percentages showing time or money saved, revenue generated, or team members managed can show the hiring team how you help an organization thrive, rather than telling them what you’ve done.

For example, you can write:

Boosted sales by 30% through innovative product displays and promotions, and successfully managed inventory turnover, reducing excess stock by 20%.

Use Power Words and Action Verbs

Boring word choices make it easy for the hiring team to gloss over your resume. Inspire emotion and paint a picture with the words you use. Ditch common resume words and use more powerful words instead.

Discover the best power words and action verbs to integrate into your resume: 500 Action Verbs to Use on Your Resume Today

Step-by-step guide to writing an entry-level resume summary

Even if you know the resume summary formula, how can you ensure you’re making a successful impact on the hiring team? There are a handful of steps you can follow to knock your resume summary out of the park every time.

Step 1: Do a self-assessment

Before you write your resume summary, you first have to have a firm understanding of your strengths, skill set, and achievements. Take time to think about a few dimensions of your professional journey.

Using education in your resume summary

Consider your degrees or certifications and any projects and coursework. If you’re short on hands-on experience, using experience from school or other learning can show off your experience and professional growth.

Draw on untraditional experience for your resume summary

When you’re writing a beginner summary for your resume, your experience is limited. But you can draw on volunteer work, part-time jobs, clubs, or even hobbies to link to skills the hiring manager is looking for.

Highlight your transferable skills in your summary

At the start of your career, highlight your transferable skills —or soft skills . These skills are interpersonal skills or behavioral traits you bring to every workplace. Unlike hard skills —job-specific technical skills—transferable skills are difficult to measure, but they’re still incredibly valuable at work.

Add metrics to your resume summary

Numbers and figures show concrete impact and quantify your contributions to an organization. You can use time-based metrics, efficiency metrics, growth comparisons, and more. If you’re a new grad or entering employment for the first time, draw on your other experiences of clubs, school, or volunteering to make an impact.

Increased readership by 15% during tenure as Editor-in-Chief of university magazine.

For more insights about adding metrics to your resume, read 67 Resume Accomplishments Examples to Show Your Value

Step 2: Conduct your research

To create an effectively optimized resume, you need to conduct research about the role, company, and industry.

• Dive deep into the job description : The job description always has insights into the responsibilities and qualities of the role. Often, there are details about the company’s values.
• Add the right keywords: By integrating keywords in your resume summary tailored to the company’s mission and values, you can make a powerful impression on the hiring team.
• Familiarize yourself with industry keywords, skills, and tools : Stay up to date on evolving trends and tools in your field to position yourself as the strongest candidate.

Power Edit features AI technology that not only scans your resume for keywords and skills, but provides ideas you can use to integrate them into your resume seamlessly.

Step 3: Draft your entry-level resume summary

Writing your beginner resume summary for an entry-level role can feel daunting, but you have more to offer an employer beyond traditional work experience. Think beyond your past roles and draw on other experiences to show off your value as a candidate.

Remember, you can use the following template to guide your writing:

Start with a strong introduction sentence

The first sentence needs to capture attention, so choose strong power verbs and open with the information you need the hiring manager to know.

Some examples of powerful resume summary openers include:

Recent graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from XYZ University, where I maintained a 3.8 GPA. Proven leadership skills as the President of the Business Club, organizing events attended by over 200 students. Passionate about project management, I completed a capstone project that improved campus event efficiency by 25%. Seeking an entry-level role in business operations.

Enthusiastic computer science graduate with hands-on experience in developing mobile apps as a hobby, resulting in over 10,000 downloads on the Google Play Store. Skilled in Java, Python, and Swift, with a keen interest in UI/UX design. Looking to leverage my self-taught programming skills and creativity in an entry-level software development position.

Dedicated environmental science graduate with a strong background in community service, having volunteered over 300 hours with the Green Earth Initiative. Led a tree-planting campaign that resulted in 1,000 new trees being planted in urban areas. Highly organized and committed to sustainability, seeking to start a career in environmental consulting.

Diligent Marketing graduate with over two years of part-time retail experience at ABC Store, where I consistently exceeded sales targets by 15%. Recognized for excellent customer service and awarded ‘Employee of the Month’ twice. Eager to apply my sales and marketing skills in an entry-level marketing role.

Versatile communications graduate with a strong foundation in public speaking and writing, honed through coursework and as a volunteer tutor at the local literacy center. Part-time experience as a social media coordinator, where I increased engagement by 40% across platforms. Adept at content creation and community engagement, seeking a role in public relations.

Recent graduate with a Bachelor’s in Kinesiology, combining academic excellence with leadership as the captain of the university soccer team. Coordinated training schedules and team-building activities, leading to a 30% improvement in team performance. Passionate about health and fitness, aiming to start a career in sports management.

Ambitious psychology graduate with hands-on research experience, having assisted in a faculty-led study on cognitive behavior that was published in a peer-reviewed journal. Strong analytical and statistical skills, with proficiency in SPSS. Seeking an entry-level research assistant role to further develop my expertise in psychological research.

Integrate keywords from the job description

A keyword-rich resume summary boosts your chances of showing up in ATS search results. The ATS , or applicant tracking system, houses every submitted resume for a job listing. When the hiring team looks for candidates to interview, the ATS helps them rank applicants based on keywords and skills from the job description.

“A professional summary is an amazing resource to optimize your resume with keywords and catch an employer’s attention,” claims Professional Resume Writer, Jazlyn Unbedacht .

Jobscan’s Power Edit can find keywords in the job description and help you find places to naturally integrate keywords. Below you can find an example of a keyword-rich resume summary example for inspiration.

Creative marketing graduate with strong skills in social media management and content creation . Successfully managed a university campaign that boosted social media engagement by 30%. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and familiar with SEO strategies . Seeking an entry-level marketing position to leverage creativity and analytical skills to support brand growth.

Avoid keyword stuffing. Adding keywords for the sake of having them can have a negative impact. If your summary isn’t authentic or personal and feels forced, your summary can be difficult to read. Strike a balance by finding other resume sections to integrate keywords.

Highlight your strengths

Your resume summary is the ideal place to humbly brag about your accomplishments . Stay honest and avoid embellishing, but put your best foot forward to make it impossible for the hiring manager not to invite you for an interview.

For example, include projects, assignments, or internships to make your beginner resume summary shine.

Natural leader and recent graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Management, achieving a 3.8 GPA. Led a student project team to complete a market analysis that was presented to local businesses, resulting in increased partnerships. Proficient in project management and team coordination. Seeking an entry-level management position to apply leadership and strategic planning skills to contribute to organizational success.

Use a resume summary generator

Include a resume summary, even when you have writer’s block. The resume summary generator in premium Power Edit can write the perfect resume summary, using content from your resume and keywords from the job description.

Here’s how it works.

If you don’t have a resume summary, you can go into the Editor and click “Generate Summary.” Using AI, the tool will write a customized resume summary highlighting all your key skills and accomplishments for the job. The AI draws on your education, skills, work experience, and certifications to create a tailored resume summary in seconds.

You can use the generated summary, or rephrase the summary until you find the variation you like best.

By the end, you’ll have an optimized resume to impress the hiring team and boost your chances of getting an interview invite.

Generate your resume summary in seconds with Power Edit and create a perfectly tailored resume for each job application.

Beginner summary for resume: Examples

Resume summary based on education

Recent high school graduate with a 3.8 GPA and a passion for technology. Completed a capstone project in computer science, developing an app that improved classroom attendance tracking by 20%. Seeking to apply technical skills and problem-solving abilities in a software development role.

Resume summaries based on volunteering

Enthusiastic volunteer with over 150 hours dedicated to community service at local food banks and shelters. Organized weekly meal distributions, aiding over 500 families. Passionate about social work and eager to contribute to a supportive team environment.

Multilingual individual fluent in English, Spanish, and French, with experience volunteering as a translator at community events. Assisted over 100 individuals in accessing services. Seeking to leverage language skills in a customer service or administrative role.

Community-focused graduate with a 3.9 GPA and extensive volunteer experience at local non-profits. Organized community clean-up events, improving local park conditions by 15%. Eager to bring organizational and community engagement skills to a professional setting.

Resume summaries based on certifications

Certified in Basic First Aid and CPR, with hands-on experience from part-time babysitting jobs. Known for reliability and excellent communication with parents. Managed schedules and provided educational activities for children, seeking to bring caregiving skills to a full-time position.

Certified in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript through online courses. Developed a personal website showcasing photography projects, increasing online portfolio traffic by 40%. Seeking to apply web development skills in a tech-related role.

Resume summary focused on extracurricular activities

Team-oriented individual with leadership experience as captain of the high school soccer team. Led the team to two state championships and organized weekly training sessions. Seeking to leverage leadership and teamwork skills in a dynamic work environment.

Learn how to incorporate extracurricular activities into your resume and read: Top Extracurricular Activities to Add to Your Resume (Samples)

Resume summary based on a mix of experience

Motivated recent graduate with a 4.0 GPA and a strong foundation in customer service from part-time work at a retail store. Volunteered at local animal shelter, managing 2 adoption events per month, increasing adoption rate by 15%. Eager to apply multitasking abilities and customer service skills to a professional role.

Resume summaries based on creative projects

Creative content creator with experience in managing a personal blog, growing its readership to 1,000 monthly visitors. Developed strong writing and content creation skills. Seeking to bring creativity and attention to detail to a marketing or content creation role.

Artistic graduate with experience in graphic design, having completed online courses in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Designed promotional materials for school events, increasing attendance by 25%. Excited to bring artistic skills to a design or marketing team.

Resume summary based on sports activities

Dedicated and disciplined athlete with experience in competitive swimming. Managed rigorous training schedules while maintaining a 3.8 GPA. Developed time management and resilience, aiming to apply these skills in a professional setting.

Resume summaries based on academics

Recent graduate with honors in Mathematics, achieving top marks in advanced calculus and statistics courses. Participated in math competitions, placing in the top 10 regionally. Seeking to apply analytical and quantitative skills in a data analysis role.

STEM enthusiast with a strong academic background in physics and chemistry. Completed a science fair project on renewable energy, earning first place at the district level. Seeking to apply analytical and research skills in a scientific or engineering role.

Resume summary based on part-time work

Passionate about fitness and health, with part-time experience as a gym assistant. Assisted with client schedules and maintained equipment, enhancing customer satisfaction survey results to a 4.7 star average rating. Looking to bring organizational skills and passion for health to a fitness-related role.

Resume summary based on leadership in clubs

Active member of the debate club with strong public speaking and research skills. Led the team to win regional championships and mentored new members. Looking to utilize leadership and communication skills in a challenging work environment.

A summary statement for a resume is a brief introduction that highlights your key skills, experiences, and what you aim to achieve in your career. For a beginner, this statement should focus on your education, any relevant skills, internships, volunteer work, and a clear career goal. It provides a snapshot of who you are and what you bring to the table, making it easier for hiring managers to quickly see your potential. Example: “Recent Marketing graduate with a strong foundation in social media management, content creation, and data analysis. Proven ability to increase engagement and brand visibility through innovative strategies, increasing social media followers by 30% in six months. Seeking to leverage skills and knowledge to contribute to a dynamic marketing team.”

The beginning of your resume summary should immediately grab the reader’s attention. Start with a strong descriptor followed by your job title, relevant experience, or education. Mention a few key skills or achievements that align with the job you’re applying for. Example: “Highly motivated and results-oriented Computer Science graduate with hands-on experience in software development and database management. Skilled in Java, Python, and SQL, with a passion for developing efficient and scalable solutions. Developed a web application that improved process efficiency by 25%.”

A good resume profile summary is concise, focused, and tailored to the job description. It should clearly state your professional identity, highlight your key strengths and achievements, and convey your career aspirations. Use action words and quantify achievements whenever possible to make a stronger impact. Example: “Certified Project Manager with over 5 years of experience in leading cross-functional teams to deliver complex projects on time and within budget. Expert in Agile methodologies, risk management, and process optimization. Successfully managed a project portfolio worth $2 million, achieving a 95% on-time delivery rate.”

Introducing yourself in a resume summary involves providing a brief yet comprehensive overview of who you are professionally. Start with your current role or recent educational achievement, followed by your most relevant skills and a statement of your career goals. Example: “Enthusiastic and creative Graphic Designer with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and 2 years of experience in creating visually compelling digital and print media. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, with a keen eye for detail and a strong commitment to delivering high-quality work. Designed marketing materials that boosted client sales by 15%. Looking to contribute my design expertise to a forward-thinking company.”

Kelsey is a Content Writer with a background in content creation, bouncing between industries to educate readers everywhere.

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