Interviewing for research position

[cookielady,rn]

Hello! I am going to be interviewing for a position that deals with clinical trials. Back in school I did some work with collecting and analyzing data, but nothing on a high level. I did get to present posters at conferences, and that's the extent of my experience. I'm nervous it may not be enough. Does anyone have any advice? Any idea of questions I might be asked realted to the specialty?

Thank you.

[Wren]

CookieLady,

A lot depends on where you are interviewing at. Pharmaceutical companies may be the pickiest....academic settings may be more interested in your expertise with their therapeutic focus, etc. Ideally you will stress your interest in clinical research, your ability to be detail oriented, precise and rigorous in following a study protocol. Many places will train you to do research if you have other qualities they value. Check out the websites (below) for the Association for Clinical Research (ACRP) and the Society of Clinical Research Associations (SoCra). Both will give you a good idea of the responsibilities of a research nurse or study coordinator.

http://www.acrpnet.org/

http://www.socra.org/

Good luck!

[Fonenurse]

CookieLady

Make sure you take your enthusiasm with you - when interviewing, I like people who are enthusiastic, have researched the organisation and are honest - if you have some areas where you feel you are weak, admitting this and saying this is where you believe you need developing shows a great self-awareness which is good in a research nurse.

It sounds like this is a post to which you might be suited - is it a junior or senior post? If it is a junior post, then you can't be expected to have large amounts of experience, but from what you have told us, you do have some insight into research which is worth using when you are at interview.

Good luck and please let us know how you get on!