Five tips for success as a CRNA applicant

Interviewing for any job is an exciting but often stressful experience. Wherever you are in your career—from a new graduate to a seasoned professional—being prepared for an interview can help you relax and enjoy the process. It can also increase your likelihood of getting the job. For an insider look at some secrets to success for the certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) application and interview process, we asked two of our Regional Directors of Advanced Practice Anesthesia: Heather Kartchner, CRNA, and Kevin M. Smith, CRNA.

Before you apply for a CRNA role, do a social media check
Anesthesiology is a public-facing profession, so what you post online matters. "We are respected professionals and are accountable for people's lives," says Kevin. "If you wouldn't be proud to share a photo or post with your grandmother, you probably don't want to make it public."

Most employers will look at a candidate's social media profiles before or after the interview. Social media is a personal space, but it's important to remember that the way you portray yourself online may inform an employer about your integrity and how you interact with others.
"Your brand is communicated on social media," says Heather. "We're always being evaluated based on the way we communicate, whether it's professionally or personally." Before you start your job search, review all of your social media pages; most platforms even let you view your page as others see it.

Make the most of your CV
"Your CV is your chance to showcase yourself," says Kevin. In addition to listing your education and past experiences, use your CV to highlight awards, leadership roles, and other accomplishments. For new graduates and student registered nurse anesthetists, a one-page CV is common and should typically include your GPA. For more experienced clinicians, your CV will likely be longer; however, focus on meaningful details and substance rather than the page count.

And while your career is in healthcare, do not overlook spelling and grammar on your CV and cover letter, says Heather. "Clean and proofed documents can provide insights for an interviewer," she points out. "It means you pay attention to details, and that is extremely important for a practicing CRNA."

Don't leave your interview to chance
"I've learned that preparation is essential, and it adds to your strengths as a CRNA," says Kevin. The better prepared you are for positional questions, the better you'll do in the interview.

Heather agrees on the importance of being overprepared. "When I interview someone for a position, my goal is to determine whether this candidate is a good fit for the role and the team, or if I should direct the person to another opportunity on my radar," she says. Common themes on her question list include:

o What attracted the candidate to the organization and/or specific anesthesia group?
o What does the candidate value or need for the position to be a positive fit, such as case mix, location, culture, or compensation?
o How does the candidate solve problems and articulate thoughts?
o What are the candidate's short-term and long-term goals?

Be honest with your "greatest weakness" response
"Expect interviewers to ask about your strengths and weaknesses," Kevin advises. "Know what yours are and be prepared to talk about a weakness and a balancing strength, or a time when you learned from a mistake." There is nothing wrong with being vulnerable and honest about a weakness. "Employers are looking to see how you used your strengths to learn from and correct it," he says. The ability to admit you have a weakness shows your strength.

"If I ask a candidate the 'weakness' question, it's with the understanding that we can't help you grow if we don't know where you need support," says Heather. As a candidate, the ability to describe a learning moment highlights you are adaptable, which is critical at any point in a career.

Dress for success and always say thank you
For a video interview, be mindful of your screen appearance. Once you land that in-person interview, err on the side of caution and dress professionally, but with purpose. "While making a good impression is important, keep comfort and practicality in mind," says Heather. "If you know you will be touring a facility, wear an outfit and shoes that won't slow you down."

And after each stage of an interview, always send a follow-up thank you note or email. "If you completed a phone interview, let the interviewer know you'd like the opportunity to meet in person and tour the facility," says Kevin. "If you completed an in-person interview, provide a brief recap summary in writing of how your strengths are applicable to the role." Every touchpoint keeps you at the forefront of an interviewer's mind.

Get to know NAPA and explore our CRNA opportunities.

Heather Kartchner, CRNA, is NAPA's Advanced Practice Anesthesia Director for the Virginia region. She has been with the organization for more than five years and has more than a decade of experience as a CRNA.

Kevin M. Smith, CRNA, is NAPA's Advanced Practice Anesthesia Director for the Mid-South region. He practiced as a CRNA for eight years before assuming his first CRNA leadership role.