November 27, 2009
By Biospace.com
Overview
Preparation is vital before an interview for a clinical research position. With the biological sciences in a rapid growth state, prime jobs are very competitive. Candidates who come prepared with pertinent questions and answers will have a better chance at making a lasting impression on an interviewer.
Relevance
Candidates should research the company at which they are interviewing and prepare to frame answers that are relevant to that organization. For example, if the setting is in a private clinical laboratory that contracts with hospitals and universities to run trials, there may be weekend and late night hours required of workers. In the interview, knowing this, an interviewee can look for an opportunity to talk about his flexibility or point out previous positions that required him to move from one project to another with ease.
Previous Experience
A job candidate should never disparage a previous employer but may talk about the conclusion of a big project and the need to find another challenge. She may discuss her desire for an opportunity to take part in exciting new research such as the kind performed at this company. Job candidates should prepare specific examples of successful research projects with details of the candidate’s role played in the outcome. If the available position is in management, the candidate should reference the number of staff previously managed, how conflicts were successfully avoided and what new protocols or communication vehicles she put in place.
Markets
Preparation for a job interview should include research on the company’s competitors. A prepared job candidate comes ready to talk about the market and how his skills can put the company ahead of its competitors. By referencing specific skills and talents, the candidate can frame his experience in the context of how he will be an asset to the company and work on popular industry research projects.
Strengths
While research experience and capabilities are important facts for interviewers to possess, they also need to know about the candidate’s character to decide whether the person will fit in with the culture at the facility. Interviewees should be able to point out strengths that provide clues to their character, such as strong attention to detail, flexibility to work long hours when required and ability to work independently as well as with a team. Candidates should be ready with examples of successful team projects and difficult deadlines that were met. It also helps to include one or two personal notes that further strengthen the candidate’s character, such as volunteer involvements and sports activities.
Accomplishments
Job interviewees should be prepared to describe a number of specific experiences that resulted in important discoveries or new protocols, such as development and implementation of new data management systems or projects in which the candidate was the lead researcher. A candidate needs to highlight accomplishments and results rather than focusing on duties performed.
References
Biospace.com: Biotech and Pharmaceutical News & Jobs
On Assignment Clinical Research
SAS
Kriger Research Center
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