Preparing for cna job interview questions and answers can feel daunting, but walking into the room with clear, practiced responses is one of the fastest ways to spark confidence and impress any hiring panel. As Florence Nightingale reminded us, “Preparation is the key to success.” The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) interview usually combines scenario-based challenges, values-driven prompts, and a chance to show your genuine passion for patient care. In this guide you’ll find everything you need—from definitions and context to 30 fully developed cna job interview questions and answers—so you can shine when it matters most. Verve AI’s Interview Copilot is your smartest prep partner—offering mock interviews tailored to CNA roles. Start for free at https://vervecopilot.com.
What Are cna job interview questions and answers?
cna job interview questions and answers are the structured prompts recruiters use to evaluate whether you possess the clinical knowledge, empathy, and resilience required for frontline patient care. They cover technical competencies like safe transfers, soft skills such as de-escalation, ethical duties like safeguarding, and reflective topics that show how you learn from experience. Mastering these cna job interview questions and answers helps you communicate your value clearly, reduce nerves, and align your stories with what employers truly need.
Why Do Interviewers Ask cna job interview questions and answers?
Hiring managers rely on cna job interview questions and answers to gauge four core areas: 1) patient-first mindset, 2) adherence to policies and safety standards, 3) teamwork and communication under pressure, and 4) growth potential. By probing real scenarios—falls, refusals, or aggressive behavior—they predict how you’ll act when supervising multiple vulnerable patients. Your responses reveal judgment, compassion, and commitment to continuous learning, all pivotal in fast-paced care environments.
Quick Preview: 30 CNA Job Interview Questions At A Glance
Tell me about yourself
Why do you want to be a CNA?
What do you know about our facility?
Why do you want to work for this hospital/healthcare trust?
What are your strengths and weaknesses as a CNA?
How do you handle difficult patients?
What would you do if a patient refused care?
How would you handle stress and pressure?
How would you transfer a patient from a bed to a wheelchair?
If you witnessed another healthcare professional mistreating a patient, what would you do?
What is your definition of compassionate care, and how would you deliver it?
Describe a time when you handled a high-pressure situation effectively
Why should we hire you as a CNA?
What are the six Cs of Nursing, and which is the most important in your opinion?
What are the values of this hospital, and can you give an example of when you demonstrated one at work?
Tell me about a time when your communication skills made a difference for a patient
How would you handle a situation with an aggressive patient?
What would you do if a patient under your supervision fell?
If you were working with a dementia patient who reported seeing something not there, how would you handle it?
Can you describe the various stages of a pressure sore?
Tell me about a time when you exceeded expectations at work
How do you prioritize patients when managing several at a time?
Tell me about a challenge you faced at work and how you overcame it
Give me an example of a time when you collaborated effectively with other medical staff members
Where do you see yourself in five years?
What are your biggest weaknesses?
Why did you leave your last job (if applicable)?
What is safeguarding, and how would you implement it in your daily work?
How would you handle a situation where you are asked to do something you feel uncomfortable doing?
Can you describe a time when you went above and beyond in your work?
1. Tell me about yourself
Why you might get asked this:
Interviewers open with this foundational query to gauge how well you summarize your background, spotlight relevant CNA credentials, and set a confident tone. They want to see self-awareness, communication clarity, and whether you naturally integrate themes tied to cna job interview questions and answers—like patient care passion or teamwork history. Demonstrating a balance of professional milestones and personal motivation helps recruiters visualize you on their unit.
How to answer:
Structure a concise three-part narrative: present (current role or education), past (key experiences that shaped your caregiving philosophy), future (why this facility is the perfect match). Weave measurable achievements—such as clinical-rotation hours or patient-satisfaction feedback—into human stories. Close by linking your journey to the organization’s mission, proving you’re more than a resume; you’re a cultural fit primed for impact.
Example answer:
“I’ve always gravitated toward hands-on service, so after volunteering at a hospice in high school I pursued my CNA certification, logging 120 clinical hours at Valley View Nursing Center. There I learned the art of calm communication during ADL assistance and earned praise for reducing call-light response times by 15%. Today I’m seeking a setting that values relationship-centered care, and your facility’s ‘Families First’ initiative aligns perfectly. Joining your team lets me deepen my skills while delivering the compassionate, efficient support residents deserve—exactly what strong cna job interview questions and answers probe for.”
2. Why do you want to be a CNA?
Why you might get asked this:
This question reveals intrinsic motivation. Employers look for genuine service orientation, resilience for demanding shifts, and commitment to the role’s scope rather than seeing it merely as a stepping-stone. By testing your passion through cna job interview questions and answers, interviewers determine whether you’ll stay engaged during tough moments.
How to answer:
Highlight a personal story that sparked your caregiving drive, connect that story to concrete CNA duties, and outline long-term professional growth within patient care. Emphasize empathy, satisfaction from daily interactions, and appreciation for direct resident impact. Showing you understand both the emotional and technical sides of the job signals alignment.
Example answer:
“My grandmother’s stroke left her needing round-the-clock assistance, and watching her CNA help her regain independence showed me how transformative this role can be. I love that CNAs provide intimate, day-to-day support—from safe transfers to active listening—that directly shapes quality of life. The instant feedback of a thankful smile fuels me during long shifts, and I’m committed to mastering best practices so I become the coworker everyone trusts. That purpose keeps me energized when cna job interview questions and answers probe perseverance.”
3. What do you know about our facility?
Why you might get asked this:
Hiring managers measure your preparation level and genuine interest. Someone who researches infection-control awards or community-outreach programs is more likely to stay, advocate, and contribute ideas. Including these specifics links back to the SEO focus—strong candidates anticipate cna job interview questions and answers that test cultural alignment.
How to answer:
Reference at least two unique facts: perhaps the facility’s recent CMS five-star rating and its pioneering wound-care clinic. Explain how those facts match your skillset or ambitions. End with enthusiasm for learning more internally, showing you view the interview as a two-way exploration.
Example answer:
“I read your long-term care unit earned the state’s top safety score three years running, largely due to your zero-lift initiative. As a CNA who just completed Safe Patient Handling certification, I’m excited to uphold those protocols. I also admire your monthly ‘Memory Café’ for residents with dementia and their families. That holistic support mirrors my passion for empathetic communication—exactly the synergy I look for when preparing for cna job interview questions and answers.”
4. Why do you want to work for this hospital/healthcare trust?
Why you might get asked this:
Beyond facility basics, recruiters assess whether your values dovetail with their mission—be it patient-centric innovation or community inclusion. Robust answers to cna job interview questions and answers like this one suggest you’ll promote morale, respect policies, and grow roots rather than bounce to the next job.
How to answer:
Blend institutional knowledge with personal career aims. Mention signature programs—palliative care garden, staff tuition assistance, Magnet status—and explain how these offerings align with your ambitions to specialize, continue schooling, or join committees. Demonstrate you’ve pictured yourself thriving there long term.
Example answer:
“Your hospital’s ‘Better Together’ initiative—where CNAs join interdisciplinary huddles—really resonates with me. I thrive in collaborative settings that treat aides as vital voices in care planning. Plus, your scholarship for staff pursuing gerontology courses supports my goal of becoming a dementia-care champion. That alignment makes my enthusiasm authentic, and authenticity is what interviewers seek when posing cna job interview questions and answers.”
5. What are your strengths and weaknesses as a CNA?
Why you might get asked this:
Self-awareness predicts teachability. Interviewers want proof you leverage strengths and actively improve weaknesses. They frame such cna job interview questions and answers to gauge honesty, reflective thinking, and growth mindset—all vital in health care’s continuously evolving environment.
How to answer:
Choose one strength with evidence—perhaps time-management documented by shift reports—and one weakness framed as an active development goal, e.g., delegating tasks. Describe the concrete steps you’re taking: workshops, mentorship, or checklists. Avoid fatal flaws (chronic tardiness) and clichés (perfectionism) without context.
Example answer:
“My strongest asset is prioritization. During night shifts I map tasks by acuity and have reduced overdue vital-sign checks by 20%. A weakness I’m addressing is speaking up in multidisciplinary rounds; sometimes I defer to more senior staff. I now jot key observations beforehand and share at least one note each meeting. Small as it sounds, that habit already prompted an early UTI catch last month. Turning weaknesses into wins shows the reflective lens often explored in cna job interview questions and answers.”
6. How do you handle difficult patients?
Why you might get asked this:
Patient agitation, confusion, or pain is inevitable. Employers test your de-escalation skill, empathy, and adherence to safety policies through cna job interview questions and answers like this. Proper management preserves resident dignity and limits incidents.
How to answer:
Cite a real situation, outline the ABC approach (Assess, Breathe, Communicate), note collaboration with nurses, and highlight a positive outcome. Stress patience, active listening, non-threatening body language, and safety measures.
Example answer:
“A post-op patient once refused vitals, insisting everyone was ‘trying to hurt him.’ I crouched to eye level, used his name, and validated his fear. After explaining each step and inviting him to hold the thermometer first, he complied. I also alerted the RN so we could assess pain meds. By staying calm and transparent I diffused tension without restraint—skills that sit at the core of strong cna job interview questions and answers.”
7. What would you do if a patient refused care?
Why you might get asked this:
Refusal challenges your respect for autonomy and regulatory compliance. Interviewers use this staple in cna job interview questions and answers to ensure you understand consent, documentation, and escalation pathways.
How to answer:
Explain the importance of patient rights, attempt gentle persuasion through education, note when you’d notify the nurse, and document accurately. Mention safety checks if refusal endangers health.
Example answer:
“When Mrs. Lee declined her morning bath, I asked open-ended questions to uncover fears—she felt cold. I offered extra warm towels and reassured her privacy. She accepted. Had she still declined, I’d have respected her choice, recorded the refusal, and informed the charge nurse to reassess. Protecting autonomy while safeguarding well-being is a nuanced balance emphasized by cna job interview questions and answers.”
8. How would you handle stress and pressure?
Why you might get asked this:
CNA shifts can be emotionally and physically intense. Employers evaluate coping mechanisms to prevent burnout, turnover, and errors. Crafting thoughtful responses to cna job interview questions and answers like this proves resilience.
How to answer:
Detail proactive habits—organized task lists, mindful breathing, collegial support, and post-shift reflection. Share a brief scenario illustrating successful stress management without compromising care quality.
Example answer:
“On a particularly heavy evening we were short-staffed and three alarms rang simultaneously. I paused for a two-second grounding breath, triaged by acuity, and called for backup via the Vocera system. After shift I debriefed with peers and did a quick stretch routine before heading home. These small rituals keep me centered, which is exactly what cna job interview questions and answers aim to verify.”
9. How would you transfer a patient from a bed to a wheelchair?
Why you might get asked this:
Safe transfers prevent injuries to both patient and staff. Interviewers use technical cna job interview questions and answers to test knowledge of gait belts, locking wheels, and body mechanics.
How to answer:
Walk through step-by-step: hand hygiene, explain process, lock brakes, lower bed, secure gait belt, feet flat, count to three, pivot with straight back, ensure patient comfort, document. Stress use of transfer aides when needed.
Example answer:
“I sanitize, lock bed and chair, place the wheelchair at 45 degrees on the patient’s strong side, and fit a gait belt snugly. After cueing ‘On three,’ I pivot with knees bent and back straight, guiding the patient to sit safely. Once seated, I adjust footrests and check for dizziness. This systematic approach reflects the precision employers probe through cna job interview questions and answers.”
10. If you witnessed another healthcare professional mistreating a patient, what would you do?
Why you might get asked this:
Facilities must ensure ethical conduct. This cna job interview questions and answers favorite reveals your courage, policy knowledge, and patient advocacy.
How to answer:
State you’d intervene if safe, ensure patient safety, document facts, and report to the charge nurse or compliance hotline. Emphasize non-retaliatory culture and respect for chain of command.
Example answer:
“If I saw verbal aggression, I’d calmly redirect the staff member away, stay with the patient to provide comfort, then immediately inform the charge nurse and file an incident report. Upholding dignity is non-negotiable, a stance closely examined through cna job interview questions and answers.”
11. What is your definition of compassionate care, and how would you deliver it?
Why you might get asked this:
Compassion shapes patient satisfaction and outcomes. By including empathy-centric cna job interview questions and answers, interviewers judge emotional intelligence.
How to answer:
Define compassion as empathy plus action, give practical examples—remembering preferences, gentle tone, timely response. Show you individualize care plans.
Example answer:
“To me, compassion is seeing the person before the task. I learn residents’ life stories, which lets me turn a routine bath into a chance to play their favorite 60s music. Last month Mr. Ortiz, normally withdrawn, sang along and later told therapy he felt ‘human again.’ That ripple effect demonstrates the power behind compassionate care—and why it features so prominently in cna job interview questions and answers.”
12. Describe a time when you handled a high-pressure situation effectively
Why you might get asked this:
Proves poise under fire. These situational cna job interview questions and answers predict performance during codes or staffing shortages.
How to answer:
Use STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Detail vital signs, delegation, or collaboration. Quantify outcomes—response time, error reduction.
Example answer:
“During flu season we had six call-ins. I reorganized rounds, enlisted volunteers for meal delivery, and tracked vitals on a whiteboard. We finished all ADLs, and resident satisfaction remained at 96%. Remaining organized turned potential chaos into controlled care—exactly what robust cna job interview questions and answers are designed to surface.”
13. Why should we hire you as a CNA?
Why you might get asked this:
Employers invite you to summarize value prop. Strong answers to cna job interview questions and answers like this blend skills, attitude, and culture fit.
How to answer:
Link top strengths to facility needs, cite metrics, and express long-term commitment. Show unique extras—language skills, wound-care passion.
Example answer:
“You should hire me because I combine a 98% attendance record with specialized dementia-communication training, reducing sundowning incidents by 30% at my last post. I’m fluent in Spanish, which helps your growing Latino resident base. Most importantly, I view caregiving as a career, not a pit stop—conviction interviewers hunt for in cna job interview questions and answers.”
14. What are the six Cs of Nursing, and which is the most important in your opinion?
Why you might get asked this:
Tests foundational knowledge and critical reasoning. Through value-based cna job interview questions and answers, hiring teams learn how you prioritize care.
How to answer:
List care, compassion, competence, communication, courage, commitment. Choose one—perhaps communication—and justify with experience.
Example answer:
“I believe communication tops the list because it knits the other Cs together. When I clearly explain procedures, patients feel cared for and compassionate exchange flourishes. Competence shows through accurate info sharing, courage emerges when I speak up, and commitment is reinforced by collaborative plans. Choosing communication reflects insight recruiters seek when evaluating cna job interview questions and answers.”
15. What are the values of this hospital, and can you give an example of when you demonstrated one at work?
Why you might get asked this:
Aligning personal actions with institutional values is crucial. This cna job interview questions and answers prompt tests research and real-life alignment.
How to answer:
State a core value—e.g., “integrity”—then share an experience showing it, including results.
Example answer:
“One of your core values is integrity. At my last facility, supply counts didn’t match. I reported the discrepancy, helped audit inventory, and we discovered a shipment error that saved $2,000 in reorders. Acting with honesty echoes the integrity spotlighted in many cna job interview questions and answers.”
16. Tell me about a time when your communication skills made a difference for a patient
Why you might get asked this:
Communication affects safety and comfort. Interviewers pose such cna job interview questions and answers to verify you can tailor messages to patient needs.
How to answer:
Provide context (language barrier, hearing impairment), your strategy (visual aids, teach-back), and outcome (reduced anxiety, compliance).
Example answer:
“Mr. Kim, post-stroke, struggled with speech. I used picture cards for pain scales and simple yes/no boards. His ability to indicate discomfort allowed a med adjustment that cut grimacing episodes by half. Effective communication transforms care, which is why it’s a staple in cna job interview questions and answers.”
17. How would you handle a situation with an aggressive patient?
Why you might get asked this:
Safety is paramount. Employers assess de-escalation mastery through high-stakes cna job interview questions and answers.
How to answer:
Describe staying calm, keeping safe distance, using low voice, calling security or nurse, and documenting.
Example answer:
“When a dementia resident swung a cane, I kept a chair between us, spoke softly, and validated his fear of ‘strangers.’ I signaled the nurse, who assessed for UTI pain. Within minutes he calmed. Preventing harm while preserving dignity is critical—principles drilled into cna job interview questions and answers.”
18. What would you do if a patient under your supervision fell?
Why you might get asked this:
Tests emergency protocol. Such cna job interview questions and answers ensure you know assessment sequence.
How to answer:
Explain staying with patient, not lifting immediately, calling nurse, checking vitals, documenting incident, notifying family.
Example answer:
“I’d secure the area, ask the patient to remain still, call the RN, and monitor for bleeding or pain until help arrives. After vitals, we’d use a mechanical lift if needed and file a full report. Quick, protocol-driven action is a recurrent theme across cna job interview questions and answers.”
19. If you were working with a dementia patient who reported seeing something not there, how would you handle it?
Why you might get asked this:
Evaluates empathy and cognitive-health knowledge. Dementia-centric cna job interview questions and answers identify patience.
How to answer:
Validate feelings, avoid arguing, redirect attention, ensure safety. Collaborate with nurses on possible triggers.
Example answer:
“Rather than saying, ‘That’s not real,’ I’d acknowledge the fear—‘That must feel scary’—then suggest we ‘go to the garden for fresh air.’ Redirecting lowers anxiety and preserves trust, competencies highlighted by dementia-oriented cna job interview questions and answers.”
20. Can you describe the various stages of a pressure sore?
Why you might get asked this:
Shows clinical knowledge vital for prevention. Technical cna job interview questions and answers verify competent skin checks.
How to answer:
Outline Stage 1 (non-blanchable redness) through Stage 4 (exposed bone/tendon), plus unstageable and deep tissue injuries. Stress reporting early signs.
Example answer:
“Stage 1 is intact skin with persistent redness; Stage 2, partial-thickness blister; Stage 3, full-thickness fat exposure; Stage 4, muscle or bone exposure; unstageable when slough covers wound; and deep tissue injury when skin is intact but dark purple. I document any Stage 1 immediately, enabling swift interventions—a proactive stance examined in cna job interview questions and answers.”
21. Tell me about a time when you exceeded expectations at work
Why you might get asked this:
Spotlights initiative. Through behavioral cna job interview questions and answers, recruiters note extra-mile mentality.
How to answer:
Describe challenge, your above-and-beyond action, and quantifiable result.
Example answer:
“During lockdown families couldn’t visit, so I organized daily virtual calls, troubleshooting tablets after hours. Resident mood scores improved 18% in two weeks. Anticipating emotional needs beyond job description is the excellence employers assess in cna job interview questions and answers.”
22. How do you prioritize patients when managing several at a time?
Why you might get asked this:
Time management keeps units safe. Task-triage cna job interview questions and answers test critical thinking.
How to answer:
Explain acuity-based prioritization: ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation), safety risks, scheduled treatments, documentation.
Example answer:
“I scan alerts, address unstable vitals first, then high-fall-risk toileting, followed by routine grooming. I also cluster care to minimize room traffic and always update nurses. Structured prioritization prevents missed care, aligning with the logical approach evaluated by cna job interview questions and answers.”
23. Tell me about a challenge you faced at work and how you overcame it
Why you might get asked this:
Shows problem-solving and perseverance. Reflective cna job interview questions and answers highlight adaptability.
How to answer:
Present a real obstacle, steps taken, resources used, and positive outcome. Emphasize lessons gained.
Example answer:
“We switched to electronic charting mid-pandemic with little training. I stayed late to study tutorials, created a quick-guide cheat sheet, and shared it with teammates, cutting documentation time by 25%. Turning challenge into collaboration demonstrates resilience recruiters pursue via cna job interview questions and answers.”
24. Give me an example of a time when you collaborated effectively with other medical staff members
Why you might get asked this:
Team synergy improves outcomes. Collaboration-based cna job interview questions and answers reveal interpersonal skills.
How to answer:
Describe joint goal, your contributions, communication methods, and results.
Example answer:
“During a complex wound-vac dressing, I gathered supplies, updated the LPN on pain level, and assisted PT with positioning. The procedure finished 10 minutes early and the wound closed a week ahead of projection. Seamless collaboration like this is why teamwork surfaces in countless cna job interview questions and answers.”
25. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Why you might get asked this:
Assesses ambition and retention. Future-focused cna job interview questions and answers test realistic career mapping.
How to answer:
Outline professional development—advanced CNA certifications, possible LPN schooling—while stressing loyalty to bedside care and intention to remain within the organization.
Example answer:
“In five years I’d like to be a senior CNA mentor and complete my geriatric-care specialization, ideally still at this facility. Guiding new aides while deepening resident connections keeps me motivated, and that long-term vision resonates with cna job interview questions and answers assessing growth potential.”
26. What are your biggest weaknesses?
Why you might get asked this:
Evaluates honesty and self-improvement strategies. Common cna job interview questions and answers dissect vulnerability.
How to answer:
Pick a real, non-critical weakness plus concrete remedy. Show metrics or milestones proving progress.
Example answer:
“I used to struggle with electronic documentation speed. I enrolled in a typing class and set a target of 45 WPM; I’m now at 50, and charting accuracy remains 99%. Continuous improvement turns weaknesses into success stories—an angle frequently explored in cna job interview questions and answers.”
27. Why did you leave your last job (if applicable)?
Why you might get asked this:
Clarifies reliability and professionalism. Exit-reason cna job interview questions and answers must be framed positively.
How to answer:
Avoid negativity. Cite growth pursuits, relocation, or layout changes. Highlight lessons learned.
Example answer:
“My previous facility closed its rehab wing, limiting my exposure to complex transfers, which are my passion. Seeking broader experience, I decided to move. I left on good terms and still volunteer there monthly. Presenting a forward-looking attitude satisfies the intent of these cna job interview questions and answers.”
28. What is safeguarding, and how would you implement it in your daily work?
Why you might get asked this:
Safety and abuse prevention are legal imperatives. Knowledge-based cna job interview questions and answers measure your duty-of-care awareness.
How to answer:
Define safeguarding: protecting vulnerable adults from abuse or neglect. Outline vigilance for bruises, unusual behavior, proper documentation, and immediate reporting.
Example answer:
“Safeguarding means actively preventing and addressing any harm to residents. I perform head-to-toe skin checks, note mood changes, and report concerns within the hour. Once I noticed unexplained bruises on Mrs. Parker and triggered an investigation that uncovered a faulty lift sling, ultimately making the unit safer. Implementation focus is exactly why safeguarding features in critical cna job interview questions and answers.”
29. How would you handle a situation where you are asked to do something you feel uncomfortable doing?
Why you might get asked this:
Tests ethical judgment and assertiveness. Scenario-based cna job interview questions and answers identify boundaries.
How to answer:
State you’d clarify orders, reference policy, escalate to supervisor, and refuse unsafe tasks while remaining respectful.
Example answer:
“If asked to administer a med outside my scope, I’d politely decline, citing CNA regulations, and alert the charge nurse. Protecting patients—and my license—matters more than avoiding conflict. Standing by ethics underpins many cna job interview questions and answers.”
30. Can you describe a time when you went above and beyond in your work?
Why you might get asked this:
Highlights initiative and care excellence. Through capstone cna job interview questions and answers, interviewers picture your extra effort.
How to answer:
Share context, extra steps, and measurable benefit.
Example answer:
“During a power outage, I hand-charted vitals for 18 residents, used my phone flashlight to assist nurses, and organized a sing-along to ease anxiety. The DON later credited our wing for zero fall incidents that night. Going the extra mile epitomizes the spirit behind advanced cna job interview questions and answers.”
Other tips to prepare for a cna job interview questions and answers
Benjamin Franklin said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Bolster your readiness by scheduling mock interviews with peers, recording yourself to refine pacing, and reviewing policy manuals so terminology rolls off your tongue. You’ve seen the top questions—now it’s time to practice them live. Verve AI gives you instant coaching based on real company formats. Start free: https://vervecopilot.com. Create flashcards for procedures, track your keyword stories in a notebook, and rest well the night before. Finally, visualize success; confidence is contagious.
Thousands of job seekers use Verve AI to land their dream roles. With role-specific mock interviews, resume help, and smart coaching, your CNA interview just got easier. Start now for free at https://vervecopilot.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How long should my answers to cna job interview questions and answers be?
Aim for 60–90 seconds; long enough to show depth, short enough to keep attention.
Q2: Can I bring notes to a CNA interview?
Yes, a concise folder with bullet points shows preparation, but avoid reading verbatim.
Q3: What attire is best for a CNA interview?
Business casual—pressed slacks or skirt and a neat blouse/shirt—demonstrates professionalism.
Q4: How can I calm nerves before answering tough cna job interview questions and answers?
Practice deep breathing, rehearse with Verve AI Interview Copilot, and remind yourself the panel wants you to succeed.
Q5: Should I follow up after the interview?
Absolutely. Send a thank-you email within 24 hours highlighting one discussion point and reaffirming enthusiasm.