CNA interview questions are designed by recruiters and hiring managers to examine your skills and experience in the healthcare industry. Your answers give interviewers insight into your ability to interact with patients, support nurses, and provide adequate medical care, as well as help them decide if you’re a good fit for the role.
In this article, we’ll explore the most common nursing interview questions to help you prepare in advance. We’ll explain what the reasoning behind these questions is, what you should say, and what not to talk about.
Let’s get started!
How to Answer Interview Questions as a CNA
One of the best ways to answer interview questions as a CNA is to use the STAR method. This is a structured approach that’s optimal when responding to behavioral interview questions. It involves creating an engaging narrative through which you’re demonstrating your competence.
STAR stands for:
STAR Method
Situation. You should start by describing the scenario that required you to perform as a professional.
Task. Follow up by outlining what your objective was.
Action. Proceed by explaining which actions you took to address the issue.
Result. Capitalize on the answer by disclosing the exact result of your actions and their positive impact on patients or colleagues.
However, not every question can be answered using this method. For questions that don’t revolve around behavior (e.g., “Tell me about yourself”), you want to focus on the skills, characteristics, and experiences relevant to the role you’re applying for. For instance, your answers can emphasize your empathy, attention to detail, reliability, job-related knowledge, etc.
13 CNA Interview Questions & Answers
Let’s examine some of the most common CNA interview questions and answers to give you a better idea of what to expect when applying for a job.
#1. Tell me about yourself.
“Tell me about yourself” is a common first question recruiters ask. You can look at it as your introduction to a CNA interview, where you should briefly explain your background to help the other party get to know you. Interviewers ask this to gauge your professionalism and communication skills and get a broad idea of who you are as a candidate.
Your answer should be concise and relevant, summarizing your work history, skills, and motivation. Avoid mentioning unrelated past jobs or bringing up unimportant personal details.
Here’s an example of a good answer:
Good Example
“I’ve always been passionate about helping others, which led me to pursue a career in healthcare. After completing my CNA certification three years ago, I interned at [clinic name], after which I was offered a job. I garnered plenty of hands-on experience in patient care and was commended for being detail-oriented and empathetic.”
#2. Why do you want to be a CNA?
Recruiters ask this CNA interview question to understand what drives you. They don’t only want to find a candidate who went through complete CNA training; they are looking for compassionate professionals who are genuinely motivated to help others.
When responding, you should demonstrate authenticity and inspiration beyond simple job hunting. You shouldn’t talk about salary or benefits or state how you’re just looking for work.
Let’s see that in an example:
Good Example
“Ever since I helped care for my grandparents in early high school, I’ve realized the importance of supporting people through challenging periods. I’ve always been drawn to a career in caregiving, and the job of a CNA allows me to directly affect patients’ lives, improve them, and help people feel comfortable and respected.”
#3. Why do you want to work with us?
This CNA interview question is designed to gauge your interest in the organization you want to join. One of the best ways of demonstrating that is by showing that you researched the company for an interview. To achieve that, you can discuss specific aspects of the company, such as the facility, patient care standards, work culture, team, and more.
Conversely, you should avoid generic answers, such as that the salary is good or the location suits you.
Here’s a good example:
Good Example
“I’ve been following the work of your organization for a while, and your commitment to patient-centered care aligns with my personal values. Moreover, I would be thrilled to become a part of your staff because you have a reputation for exceptional teamwork. I am confident I can contribute to your goals while growing as a CNA professional.”
#4. What types of equipment and software are you comfortable using?
Recruiters ask this CNA interview question to examine your technical skills. They want to see whether you’re familiar with the hardware and software they are using or if you can learn it quickly enough.
Your answer should focus on all the CNA tools you’re proficient in that allow you to fulfill your duties efficiently. What you shouldn’t do is overexaggerate your familiarity with equipment and software, as recruiters can check that fairly easily.
Let’s see that in a good example:
Good Example
“For patient monitoring and management, I am proficient in various equipment, including Electronic Health Records systems, vital sign monitors, and medication administration software. I’ve also used multiple telehealth platforms and team collaboration software, including secure messaging apps. Finally, I’m adept at using shift and appointment scheduling systems.”
#5. How do you handle difficult patients?
Handling difficult patients is a common occurrence for healthcare professionals. This CNA interview question assesses your ability to approach these patients with patience and empathy, and recruiters ask this to examine your problem-solving skills.
Your answer should highlight your understanding and communication skills. Avoid blaming patients or coworkers or talking negatively in any way.
Here’s an example:
Good Example
“I approach difficult patients by taking the time to listen and address their concerns. By responding emphatically and understanding how they feel, I help reduce their frustrations. For instance, I once had an exasperated patient upset about their appointment delay. I briefly reassured them and kept providing regular updates, easing their frustration.”
#6. Have you ever had a conflict with a colleague? How did you resolve the situation?
Recruiters ask this question to examine your conflict resolution skills. Being able to handle conflict in the workplace professionally allows you to foster a healthy environment and maintain efficiency during periods of increased stress or disagreement.
That’s why you want to highlight your ability to work well in a team, communicate, and resolve issues calmly and constructively. Focus on the positive and avoid blaming others or talking negatively about your interactions with former colleagues.
This is a behavioral question, so you can use the STAR method to answer it. Here’s what that looks like in an example:
Good Example
“I once had a disagreement with a colleague regarding patient transfer. We had to come to an agreement to proceed with the treatment. I called for a brief meeting with the supervising nurse to discuss our options and find the safest approach. By focusing on patient safety, we weighed the pros and the cons, resolving the issue without further arguing or tension.”
#7. Tell me about a situation where you collaborated with other staff members.
This is one of the common CNA interview questions designed to evaluate your collaboration skills. This is a crucial skill in healthcare since multiple professionals from different lines of work often need to collaborate to ensure patient well-being.
When giving a response, you should avoid focusing solely on yourself or taking all the credit. Instead, the best way to answer is to give an example of when you collaborated with others to help patients or staff.
Let’s see that in an example of a good answer:
Good Example
“During my internship, my team needed to create a robust plan for a patient who was at risk of falling. I was tasked with helping nurses develop and implement a solution. We coordinated so that someone was always nearby, ensuring round-the-clock monitoring. The patient was attentively taken care of and discharged after recovering fully.”
#8. What has been your greatest accomplishment?
The question about your greatest accomplishment is designed to uncover what you value in yourself as a professional or consider a success. Some of the best ways to answer it would be to focus on your accomplishments in caring for patients and demonstrating your passion and commitment to the profession.
You should avoid achievements unrelated to the profession. Moreover, you don’t want to sound boastful, especially if no evidence supports your claims.
Here’s how you can answer this CNA interview question:
Good Example
“I consider my greatest accomplishment to be helping a patient regain mobility after a stroke. I spent five months assisting them with exercises, ensuring they remained motivated by seeing progress each week. Seeing them overcome such hardship and gain their independence back is the highlight of my career so far.”
#9. What techniques do you use for self-care?
Recruiters ask candidates questions about self-care to assess their ability to manage stress and maintain optimal work-life balance. The CNA profession can be mentally taxing, and knowing how to recharge and recover is essential to avoid burnout and remain efficient.
A good answer can highlight hobbies, exercises, and mindfulness practices that help you handle stress. Avoid implying that you struggle with stress or that you have unhealthy habits to cope with it.
Here’s a solid answer:
Good Example
“I make time for daily thirty-minute walks and go to the gym three times a week. Physical exercise helps me maintain strength and physical and mental health while allowing me to unwind, manage stress, and stay energized.”
#10. What do you believe are your biggest strengths?
The question about your greatest strengths simultaneously probes your key qualities and self-awareness. Recruiters ask this question to see whether your abilities and experience match their requirements. While you should avoid bragging, you don’t want to be overly modest.
Here’s an example:
Good Example
“I believe my biggest strengths are attention to detail and empathy. I always put patients first, ensuring they feel seen and understood. Furthermore, I strictly follow protocols to maintain maximum safety and comfort.”
There’s a similar CNA interview question about your weakness, which recruiters ask to see whether you’re self-aware of your shortcomings and are working on overcoming them.
#11. Describe a time you faced a challenge at work and how you overcame it.
Unexpected and challenging situations frequently occur in a healthcare environment, so recruiters ask this question to examine how you handle them. They are looking for a constructive and proactive approach to managing difficult situations, so you should avoid pointing fingers or focusing on the negative.
Here’s one way to answer this CNA interview question:
Good Example
“During one of my shifts at a previous clinic, we encountered more patients than usual while being understaffed for the day. I worked closely with the nurse on duty and coordinated with two other CNAs to ensure everyone received quality care. At the same time, we kept track of everything, even managing to take regular breaks.”
#12. Tell me about a time you exceeded expectations at work.
This question aims to examine your dedication and willingness to go the extra mile. You want to provide a specific situation where you went above and beyond without sounding too pretentious or downplaying your efforts.
Here’s an example:
Good Example
“I had one patient who was feeling isolated, which affected their mood and morale. I set aside some time each day to talk to them and assist in their recreational activities, improving their mood and helping them feel comfortable until they recovered.”
#13. Do you have any questions for us?
Recruiters will often ask if you have any questions for them toward the end of the interview. They do this to give you the opportunity to find out what you’re interested in while assessing whether you’re genuinely interested in the role. That’s why CNA questions to ask employers or recruiters should be meaningful and not something you can answer with a simple online search.
Let’s see that in an example:
Good Example
“Can you tell me about the onboarding process for new CNAs and whether you have programs for continuous professional development? Moreover, I am curious about how you foster teamwork and a positive environment?”
15 More CNA Interview Questions
You can encounter many more CNA interview questions when applying for a job. Some are universal and asked to gauge a candidate’s general competence, while others are more specific and tailored toward examining hard skills and workplace behavior.
Let’s start with five general questions recruiters often ask during job interviews:
General CNA Interview Questions
Where do you see yourself in five years?
What are your biggest weaknesses?
Why did you leave your last job?
Why should we hire you?
What do you know about our organization?
Now, here are five CNA interview questions about your background and experience:
CNA Interview Questions on Your Experience
What is a CNA responsible for?
What prior experience do you have as a CNA?
What is your area of expertise?
What do you enjoy the most about being a CNA?
What skills or qualities do you believe are essential for CNAs?
Finally, here are five in-depth CNA interview questions designed to assess your behavior and work style:
CNA Interview Questions on Behavior and Work Style
What do you do to manage high-pressure situations at work?
How do you prioritize when taking care of multiple patients at the same time?
Describe a time when you disagreed with a supervisor.
Tell me about a time when you successfully collaborated with another healthcare professional.
What do you do when you first enter a patient’s room?
4 Must-Know Strategies for Succeeding in Your CNA Interview
Having optimal answers to common CNA interview questions is important, but you can do more to succeed in your interview.
Must-Know CNA Interview Strategies
Research the company. By knowing as much as you can about the healthcare organization you want to join, you can construct your answers to highlight your most relevant CNA skills and experiences. Plus, showing knowledge of the company demonstrates genuine interest and willingness to go the extra mile.
Conduct a mock interview. Practice makes perfect, and a no-stakes mock interview can help you prepare for the real meeting. You should approach this practice interview as if it’s real, focusing on your answers and body language. A friend or mentor helping interview you can help point out areas for improvement.
Follow up with an email. A short and polite thank-you note sent soon after an interview can help you leave a memorable impression. Furthermore, you can send a follow-up email if you haven’t heard from the recruiter or hiring manager in a few days or weeks. This can bring you back on their radar and help you get a favorable response.
Dress appropriately and bring your resume. It’s vital to wear an appropriate outfit to convey seriousness and professionalism. Also, it’s important to know what to bring to a CNA interview. If the interviewer or job ad doesn’t specify otherwise, you should at least have a few copies of your resume for reference or if there are multiple interviewers.
Final Thoughts
Nursing assistants have a projected job outlook of 4% between 2023 and 2033. This amounts to about 216,200 new openings each year. To maximize your chances of grabbing one of those spots, you need a spotless CNA resume, an engaging cover letter, and exceptional answers to CNA interview questions.
Remember to be honest and authentic when conversing with recruiters while focusing on your skills and experiences relevant to the role you’re after. That will help you leave a lasting impression on them and get ahead of the competition.
