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Acing Job Interviews After Your Clinical Research Degree

clinical research course

A job search can be a frustrating experience until you spot an exciting vacancy. Reading through the work requirements, you may instantly recognize that they are looking for the skills and experience that you can offer. Meeting those needs is a great start, but the real challenge comes when you attend a job interview.

Interviews are all about preparation, whether it’s getting enough sleep, printing up-to-date resumes or making sure that your clothing for the big day is clean and well chosen. However, interviewing for a position in a specialized area like clinical research can require even more specific planning. Employers want candidates with a passion for healthcare who will become an asset to their company, and who can display knowledge of both general research practices and their organization’s specific setup.

Here are a few considerations which will help you make an excellent impression during clinical research job interviews.

Research Your Potential Employer Before the Interview

Doing background research on employers has been made much easier in the digital age. Most companies have websites which offer details on their establishments, mission statement and services offered.

When preparing for a job interview after completing a clinical research course, make the effort to learn about the company. If you know who the interviewers will be, check whether you can learn more about their business background on LinkedIn. Research the latest developments in clinical research too, and employers will be impressed by your passion for the industry.

clinical research diploma

 Research the company before you walk into an interview

Make a Good First Impression with a Well Written Resume

This is one of the basics of interview preparation, but don’t underestimate its value. Attention to detail is essential during a clinical research career, as professionals carry out comprehensive studies which influence healthcare policies and product development. As a result, sloppy resumes will concern interviewers, so make sure that all your relevant qualifications and experience are outlined in a concise and factual manner. In addition, resist the temptation to embellish your resume with dishonest or misleading information, because the job opportunity may quickly disappear if the interviewer spots inconsistencies.

Previous Research is a Great Asset for Professionals with a Clinical Research Degree

Previous experience is always valued during the candidate selection process, so be prepared to speak about it during an interview. Those trying to secure their first clinical research job will be able to refer to the practical work and projects they completed during their clinical research degree studies.

Employers are likely to ask questions about your previous work, including any challenges or problems you may have faced along the way. This is also an opportunity to prove you can thrive while working in a team environment.

Prove You Can Meet Clinical Research Job Requirements

Employers expect candidates to meet the minimum job requirements, so be prepared to explain why you are able to do so. They may also be looking for specialization in a particular area of clinical research, so prepare a few examples which outline the relevant experience you hold. It’s a tremendous confidence boost to walk into the interview room safe in the knowledge that you can offer exactly what the organization is looking for.

Use Mock Interviews to Prepare Answers to Likely Questions

Leading up to the interview, it might be a good idea to ask a friend or family member to help you out by staging a mock interview. This is a good opportunity to prepare responses to some of the most common questions you’ll face on the day.

clinical research degree

Ask friends to help out during interview preparation

It’s likely the interviewer will ask why you want the job, what mistakes you have learned from, or what your biggest weakness is. Focus on a few points that you want to mention, but avoid trying to memorize rote responses. Interviewers may interrupt you during your answer, thus disrupting your rhythm. It’s much easier to get back on track when speaking with spontaneity.

Open up a wide range of job prospects with a clinical research diploma.

Find out more about the postgraduate program at Oxford College.

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