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Contract Research Organization Mock Interview

30 interview questions and answers to help you prepare for an interview in the contract research organization industry.

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Question 1 of 30

Do you have an understanding of what a 'control' or 'control group' is?

A control is the standard by which experimental observations are evaluated. In many clinical trials, one group of patients will be given an experimental drug or treatment, while the control group is given either a standard treatment for the illness or a placebo. If you have worked with clinical trials/observations, you will have a clear understanding of what the 'control' or 'control group' is. If you have not, say what you do know. In most cases, an interviewer will know if you already have clinical trial experience and will know where to guide you with a question like this.

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30 Contract Research Organization Interview Questions & Answers

Below is a list of our Contract Research Organization interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view six answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.

  • 1. Do you have an understanding of what a 'control' or 'control group' is?

  • 2. Are you familiar with what 'expanded access' means?

  • 3. If a patient wants to participate in a clinical trial but wants the physician conducting the experiment to provide all of his care during the time the trial is being conducted, what would be the most appropriate advice?

  • 4. Company ABC is supportive of our employee's continuing education efforts. Have you ever thought of going back to school?

  • 5. Are you familiar with the difference between diagnostic trials and screening trials?

  • 6. What made you choose a career in research?

  • 7. Why do you feel that participation in a clinical trial is a positive decision?

  • 8. What would you tell a patient who is asking some of the things he/she should expect while participating in a clinical trial?

  • 9. Company ABC likes to encourage a healthy work/life balance. What are some things you like to do make sure you have a healthy balance between work and your personal life?

  • 10. CROs work with multiple clients nationally and internationally, which means employees are often expected to juggle time zones and adhere to the sponsor's tight deadlines. What are some things you do to help manage your time efficiently?

  • 11. Knowing that both CROs and pharmaceutical companies conduct research and trials, what do you think would be an advantage working with a CRO rather than seeking employment with a large pharmaceutical company?

  • 12. What are some of the risks associated with being a participant in a clinical trial?

  • 13. Are you familiar with what a protocol is with regard to clinical research?

  • 14. At the end of the day, what makes you feel like you have done a good job or have been successful?

  • 15. What is something that causes you stress at work and how do you try to overcome it?

  • 16. If you had your choice of a research project to work with, what would you choose?

  • 17. Company ABC tries to accommodate employees with regard to scheduling preferences as much as possible. Is there a particular schedule that would a better fit with your personal/family responsibilities?

  • 18. With regard to salary, Company ABC tries to be fair to all employees. However, salary is often commensurate with experience. What are your thoughts regarding someone working the same job as you being paid a higher rate due to experience level?

  • 19. If you were the person responsible for hiring at Company ABC, what characteristics would you look for in a candidate, and do you feel that you possess those traits?

  • 20. If a trial participant asks you to explain what a placebo is and why it may be used, what would your answer be?

  • 21. While Company ABC likes to employ people who have plans to work for us long-term, it is understandable that sometimes plans change. Do you anticipate any significant changes in your life within the next 3-5 years?

  • 22. What is a 'controlled' clinical trial?

  • 23. Contract Research Organizations such as Company ABC employ people from many different backgrounds with a variety of skills. Have you ever worked with a very diverse group of people?

  • 24. Do you understand what a 'double-blind' trial is?

  • 25. Have you ever participated in efforts to secure funding for clinical research?

  • 26. Do you know what pharmacokinetic studies are?

  • 27. What are some things that you would like for others to notice about your personality?

  • 28. What are your thoughts regarding people who become participants in a clinical trial but leave before the trial ends?

  • 29. Can you think of a time you had a disagreement with a boss or co-worker, and if so, how was it resolved?

  • 30. What do you think your best and worst qualities are?