How To Look for Jobs in Clinical Research
A lot has been said and written about job opportunities in healthcare; specifically in clinical research. While knowing this is good, it is not enough.
If you are currently looking for a job, or are in your final graduation year, chances are you are already scouring the market for suitable jobs for you. But where do you look? How do you conduct your job search?
Below are some tips and sources that might help you in your search.
- Online Job sites: Looking up online on various job sites for openings is like a double-edged sword. Sure, you get a feel of the market and what’s out there, but it can be frustrating, if not done strategically. Job-boards like Monster and Dice are very popular, which make their candidate base equally competitive. We recommend a strategic selection of a few, top job websites that you will continously refer for applying for jobs or getting tips or information about the clinical research industry. BioJobs, Biospace, The Careerist Journal, CRA Jobs, Clinical Research Crossing etc are all specialized industry job-search sites for jobs or career tips, other than general sites like Indeed, Monster and Dice. In addition, clinical research industry association sites like SoCRA, ACRP and CenterWatch also provide for great career resources for new professionals.
- Networking: If you have not already, we strongly recommend using LinkedIn group and connections for networking. Let’s face it, networking is what gives most candidates an edge over the rest, and increases their chances of getting jobs. Look up LinkedIn groups like Clinical Research Professionals, CRA Lounge, Clinical Research Jobs, Lifesciences Opportunities in USA, etc. These groups have great tips, advice or information on clinical research jobs, as well as have regular open positions. Connect with your connections, meet them up, have a call, do “informational interviews” with key industry professionals, participate in group discussions, comment, argue, contribute on these forums – these are some great ways to network!
- Blogs and other resources: Do you follow blogs and read articles related to the industry you’re looking jobs for? Do you read atleast one newspaper daily and are updates about industry news? In today’s world when communications has become real-time and new candidates are expected to gain newer skills everyday, it’s important that you are aware of the industry trends. The New York times and The Wall Street Journal have some great tips and practical advice on career (everything from how to write a resume to interview tips). Also, not many know about this, but there’s a great source which provides detailed information about FDA registered trials, sponsors, therapeutic areas, locations etc. As a job-seeker, could you ask for a better source? Also, look up for industry blogs to know what others are saying about your field. Our blog contains many career tips and advice like questions asked in CRA interview, what are your career options, how to get experience or simply understanding the big picture. Some of the blogs that we follow are Healthcare Voice, Pharm Strategy blog, Healthcare Careers, and other healthcare blogs by leading newspapers. We all know about Facebook, but did you know there’s a social network just for Biosciences professionals? It’s called BioCrowd and is a great place to share ideas and connect with other bioscience professionals.
So, while job-search in itself is a full-time job, the chances of success increase if it is done strategically. Do you have anything to add that we missed out in the above? How has your experience been so far? Leave your comments below to keep the discussion going.
Also, if you like what you’ve read so far, join us for our upcoming information session on Jobs in Clinical Research on April 25.
