A career as a Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) will be both demanding and rewarding, and come with a variety of different kinds of opportunities. When you begin your job search, it will be important to keep in mind two essential questions:
- What kind of job are you best suited to?
- What kind of organization is best suited to you?
If you have a clear idea of what you want to do, then it will be easier to make sure you are making the most out of your applications. When you are called in for an interview, your targeted approach and enthusiasm will help you stand out. Here are a few types of questions to consider as you get ready to impress potential employers.
Why Should We Hire You?
One thing that clinical research interviews have in common with other professions is that employers will expect candidates to explain why they are the best choice for the job. How do you do this? Consider these questions:
- What makes you stand out?
- Why did you pursue this kind of career?
- What excites you about the position for which you applied?
- What is key to the position that you can offer?
Learn what makes you perfect for the job and present yourself with confidence
These are great questions to ask yourself before the interview because your answers will help structure your response to why should we hire you? By highlighting your unique qualities and drive, you will make a positive and noteworthy impression on your interviewers.
What Have You Learned From Your CCRP Training for This Job?
This question will not be asked in this way exactly, but it is likely that you will be expected to demonstrate CCRP training knowledge that is specific to the job requirements. The following types of questions may be included:
- What are the elements necessary to implement and manage a clinical trial?
- Tell us about your familiarity with regulations and regulatory bodies.
- Describe the product approval process and general conduct of a typical clinical trial.
Your training prepares you for a wide range of careers within the clinical research field, so you should be ready with specific answers. From textbook facts to hands-on experience, being able to recall this type of information will support your case for being the best candidate.
You can study for an interview the same way you would study for a test
Talk About a Challenging Situation and How You Handled It
When you are prompted this way in a job interview, it is known as a behavioural question. Employers ask candidates about difficult situations or challenges to get a sense of their soft skills. The skills that help you get along with a team are an important qualification because they might make the difference between two otherwise equally competent candidates. These are some ways to demonstrate your soft skills through a professional anecdote:
- Talk about a time you solved a problem by taking initiative or through teamwork
- Explain a situation in which your attention to detail and organization skills were key
- Describe a stressful professional situation in which you were able to adapt
Find ways to frame challenging experiences as learning opportunities
When you consider what kinds of situations you may present to employers, try to find ones that are relevant to the position. Reading the job description thoroughly and learning about the company should provide information about which soft skills you will want to highlight. Finally, don’t forget to practice your answers with a classmate or friend.
Do you want to know how to get CCRP certification?
Visit the Academy of Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences today!