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

"Yes, I do understand the importance of a 'control/control group' in trials. I assisted with documentation for a clinical trial when I worked at XYZ. Part of my responsibilities included monitoring the differences in vital signs of the patients who were given a placebo as compared to those who were taking the trial drug."

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.

"I am familiar with a control/control group. It is my understanding that when a clinical trials is being conducted, some participants are given the trial drug while the 'control group' is given either the standard treatment or a placebo, but that only the person administering the drug knows who is receiving which."

Are you familiar with what 'expanded access' means?

"It is my understanding that 'expanded access' is granted, under certain circumstances, to patients who do not qualify to participate in a clinical trial of a regulatory drug. The drug used in expanded access cannot expose patients to unreasonable risks given the severity of the disease to be treated and the patient must not have any other satisfactory therapeutic options."

Expanded access is the term used to describe the means by which manufacturers make new drugs that are being investigated available, under certain circumstances, to treat a patient(s) with a serious disease or condition who cannot participate in a controlled clinical trial. If you have experience working with patients who have been given expanded access, share some details, as appropriate. If you don't have personal experience, share your knowledge.

"I do have some knowledge about 'expanded access' although I have not worked directly with patients who have been giveThe manufacturer must be willing to make the drug available for expanded access use. The primary intent of expanded access is to provide treatment for a patient's disease or condition, rather than to collect data about the study drug."

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?

"I understand that many patients prefer to not see multiple physicians. However, it is important for patients participating in clinical trials to be educated about the role of the staff conducting the trial. For example, the medication or therapy that is used for a clinical trial is usually focused on a specific illness/disease. It is important for patients to follow-up and have continued care with their primary physician. Additionally, providers who are conducting clinical trials find it beneficial to have communication with the primary physician so that we can work together for the best outcome for the patient."

Most clinical trials provide short-term treatments related to a designated illness or condition, but do not provide extended or complete primary health care. In addition, by having the health care provider work with the research team, the participant can ensure that other medications or treatments will not conflict with the protocol. The interviewer is not asking for 'facts,' but rather how you would relate directly with a patient who is making this request.

"I have always been taught that patients are advised to continue regular follow-ups and care for non-trial related medical issues with their primary care provider. Also, the research teams I have been a part of have always made it a priority to collaborate with the primary physician. First of all, it is a professional courtesy. Further, the open line of communication allows the healthcare team and patient to work together more effectively."

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

"I am very supportive of people who want to continue their education. For me, I feel like I have come to a place in career where I am happy with where I am. Notwithstanding, if Company ABC has courses or certifications that are encouraged for employees to take, I would definitely be willing. I just don't see myself going back to school for 3 or 4 years."

While Company ABC may be supportive of an employee who chooses to continue his/her education, that is not to say that you are required to say you want to return to school. This is simply one of those 'get to know you' questions. Share your thoughts with the interviewer.

"I have entertained the idea of continuing my education. However, circumstances have not ended with me in school. I love research and am very happy with my career at this point."

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

"Diagnostic trials are conducted to find better tests or procedures for diagnosing a particular disease or condition. Screening trials, on the test the best way to detect certain diseases or health conditions."

Knowing the differences of various types of trials is important for those working in research. Because there is such a variety of different trials, there is often opportunity to work on more than one. Many researchers have stated that they like this option as it gives them the chance to learn more and not experience 'burn out' as easily. If you know the difference in the trials in this question, elaborate on them briefly. If you are not sure, it's ok to say so and ask the interviewer to differentiate for you.

"Although I am rather new to the research industry, based on the names of the two trials you mentioned, I would think that diagnostic trials look for better ways to diagnose illness while screening trials are aimed at ways to diagnose disease."

What made you choose a career in research?

"When I was a child, one of my friends was diagnosed with leukemia. From the time she became ill I wanted to find a way to fix her. She eventually experienced remission and is still well today. I never lost my desire to find ways to help people and research has one of the broadest platforms I could think of."

There is no right or wrong answer to this question. The interviewer simply wants to get to know you. If something happened in your life that made you want to contribute to research, share it. Or maybe you have an inquisitive nature.

"Science was always intriguing to me. From the time I was a kid, I was always the one with the experimental labs and the nurse kits. Finding a career in research was a natural choice for me!"

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

"I believe that participants in clinical trials play a key role in drug development and discovery. Clinical trials contribute to knowledge and progress in treating and preventing diseases. Most importantly, participants can help others by contributing to medical knowledge and improving public health."

This question is asking for your opinion, but it is important to remember when you are giving your opinion, make sure that it is supported by facts. This will show the interviewer you are knowledgeable about the topic of discussion.

"For many patients, participating in a clinical trial may be one of their last options for beneficial treatment for a disease."

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

"I believe in making sure that patients are educated regarding any time of care they are going to receive. For patients participating in trials, it is important to assure them that participants work with a research or clinical trial team, including doctors, nurses, social workers, and other health care professionals. Prior to the trial, the research team will check the health of the participant and review any special instructions for trial participation. As the trial begins and throughout its duration, the research team will administer treatment and monitor the participant on a regular basis to determine effectiveness and side-effects of the treatment."

It is important for patients to be well informed before beginning any treatment whether it is routine care by a physician or participation in a clinical trial. The interviewer wants to know that you have an understanding of what the patient's expectations of care should be and that you are comfortable with sharing that with the patient.

"The most important thing is to make sure that patients are aware of the objective of the trial. For example, if a new drug is being tested, the objective would be that the drug is effective in treating the disease it was designed for with little to no ill-effects. Also, assuring the participant that the research team will work closely with them throughout the duration of the trial. Many patients are also relieved to know that the research team will work closely with their primary physician throughout the trial."

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?

"One of my favorite pass-times is writing. After a busy day at work, I like to journal or write articles for a blog that I author. Both of these forms of writing allow me to release any feelings of frustration I may experience, especially after a stressful day or a difficult situation at work. The writings in my journal are private and my way of 'letting it all out.' The blog articles, on the other hand, are my way of using creative writing to share stories with my followers."

No matter what profession a person chooses, everyone needs some time to unwind and relax. Psychologists today say that a healthy balance in life allows a person to recharge and refocus which can result in better productivity at work. The interviewer simply wants to know what you do for you. Maybe you have a favorite pass-time or hobby. This is yet another way for the interviewer to get to know you as a person.

"I really enjoy working out at the gym and, I also take a kickboxing class twice weekly. After a good workout or class, I always feel like I can rest better and wake up energized and ready for the next day."

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?

"I have worked with clients internationally and understand the important of accurate scheduling. Before beginning any new project, I always like to verify the differences in time zones, what specific duties I will be expected to carry out and the deadline for each. I then create a schedule on computer with daily reminders that I check each morning and make sure I am on schedule."

Because CROs are contracted to work for other companies, details such as time zone differences can often play a big role in scheduling. The interviewer wants to know that you are able to juggle multiple tasks within an allotted time frame. Share some ways you keep yourself organized during a work day.

"I like to stay on track with projects. I am a visual learner and because of that, I make a schedule on paper and keep it in a place that is visible (desktop/bulletin board, etc). As I complete a task, I mark it off and move to the next."

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?

"I feel because CROs work with several pharmaceutical clients, there is more job stabilitiy. If one project is dropped unexpectedly, a CRO can place an employee on a new project with a different sponsor."

Just like choosing research as a career path, it is also an individual choice whether to seek employment with a CRO rather than a pharmaceutical company. This is another question that the interviewer will use to get to know you. It is important to know that you don't have to 'oversell' the CRO concept or 'downplay' a pharmaceutical company. Simply stating some of the reasons you prefer a CRO is sufficient.

"CROs are, to a certain extent, better shielded from the effects of economic decline than pharmaceutical companies. If one of their clients is forced to go under, they still have other companies to work with."

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

"One of the main risks that many participants and the healthcare team is concerned with is potential side-effects that are known and those that have not yet been identified."

Participation in a clinical trial may involve some risks. It is important for people specializing in research to understand those risks and be able to explain them (if that is part of your job description). Share your knowledge with the interviewer.

"One of the frustrating things about clinical trial risk is that participants may not know that they are receiving a placebo and, as a result, will not have the outcome they had hoped for."

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

"A protocol is the plan that the clinical trial is based upon. It describes the details regarding what people may participate in the trial as well as tests, medications, and length of the study."

Understanding common terminology used in research is important. It may seem like an interviewer is asking simple questions, but basic knowledge and understanding is crucial. Give your definition of 'protocol' to the interviewer.

"Yes, I am familiar with the term 'protocol.' With regard to clinical trials, it is the guide or plan that describes how a trial is to be carried out. It lists what types of patients may participate, what tests or procedures need to be done, the medications, dosages, etc. that need to be monitored."

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

"At the end of the day, I am happy knowing I have participated in a job/study that made a difference for someone. For instance, monitoring a clinical trial for a new medication that had great results for the participants. That makes me feel fulfilled."

Everyone wants to have a sense of fulfillment or accomplishment. The interviewer wants to know what makes you have that feeling. Knowing what makes you feel accomplished tells the interviewer a lot about you and the kind of work ethic you have. Be open about the things that make you feel like you have done a job well.

"I feel like any day that I can go to work and give my best to my co-workers, patients, and anyone I meet is a day that I have been successful. Clinical trials happen every day. Life happens one day at a time. I try to live my life to the best of my ability each day."

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

"I think we all experience stress in different ways. One of the most experienced work-related stress, for me, is not being able to give everyone the results that they want in a clinical trial. Although it is frustrating, I am also mature enough to know that if we don't succeed at something today, tomorrow we can try again."

Stress is inevitable no matter what profession one chooses. It's how we deal with it that makes a difference. The interviewer, therefore, is not looking for you to answer saying that nothing stresses you, but rather to show that you are able to control stress and work through it.

"I think I cause myself more stress than any external event or situation. I say that because I put a great deal of pressure on myself to be successful and see things through to the end. As researchers we don't always get the results we are hoping for. I have to remind myself that that is why we do research. We search, and then we re-search."

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

"Research is such an exciting industry. If I had a choice, I would love to work on any project that has to do with cancer research. Cancer is a dreadful diagnosis and I would love to have some part in helping to find better ways to treat and hopefully cure it."

The world of research is very broad which gives those wanting to experience different areas of specialty great opportunities. CROs work with several different sponsors/companies on various projects. Knowing what interests you will help the interviewer try to find placement for you that best your skills or interest.

"I have always wanted to work in research, but I really don't know if I have a favorite or preferred area. Things change so quickly within our industry that I feel like any area I work in would be exciting.

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?

"I am not married and have no children at this time. So, I am pretty flexible with my schedule. If I had a choice, I would prefer the late shift, as I am a bit of a night owl. However, I am excited about the opportunity to become a part of this team and am willing to work where I'm needed."

Many people work more than one job or have a one parent home which requires them to have a flexible schedule. Others simply prefer to work one shift rather than another. Being up front with the interviewer about what schedule suits your preference could help prevent conflict later on. It is easier to plan a schedule you can agree on than it is to fix problems that arise due to fear of being rejected. Be honest and direct.

"I am a single mom with two school-aged children. Ideally, the day shift would be a better fit for me. This would allow me to fulfill both my work and home responsibilities without a conflict."

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?

"I understand that years of experience are often rewarded with higher earning. I feel, given the chance to demonstrate my knowledge and skills, you will find that I am capable of doing the job as well as some of the more experienced employees. Having said that, I will not turn down an offer of employment because of a difference in pay based on my present lack of experience. With that in mind, what benefits are available for someone coming on board with your company with my resume?"

Most employers do offer higher salary incentives to get more seasoned employees. This is not meant to devalue a person's knowledge or experience, but rather paying for more experience. It is important to note that the interviewer is not saying you will definitely make less than someone with more experience. Many times this question is to see how you respond and how badly you want a position. If an employee is willing to put in the work and earn the pay increase, employers often see them as someone worth investing in. This is a good time to ask what the beginning salary is and discuss options that are negotiable such as benefits and paid time off.

"While I have no doubt that my education and skills are comparable to those of employees at Company ABC in the same position, I understand and appreciate the fact that Company ABC likes to acknowledge and reward employees for their years of experience. With that in mind, I am willing to accept a position at a lower beginning rate and proving myself as worthy for a higher rate later."

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?

"I believe that honesty is important no matter what job title a person holds. I have found that being honest with people creates an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect. Those qualities, I feel, are essential when building rapport with patients and co-workers. In the field of research, I feel we have to hold one another to a high standard of accountability. We are responsible for reporting vital information to sponsors/companies and for caring for the candidates involved in our research. Also, yes, I do believe I possess these qualities. I strive very hard to make sure that I don't ask something of others that I am not willing to give in return."

There is more than one reason for asking this question. First, the interviewer wants to know what qualities you think are important to perform this job. Second, and most importantly, your answer will tell the interviewer if you hold yourself to the same standard as you do others. If you want to see certain characteristics in your peers, you should be able to tell the interviewer with confidence that you possess those traits, as well. This question is one that interviewers often use to distinguish sincerity on the part of the candidate.

"There are many characteristics that I feel are important when considering to hire someone. Personal accountability and a willingness to learn from and contribute to a team are extremely important, in my opinion. I do believe I possess these qualities."

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

"I would explain to the participant that a placebo is an inactive pill, liquid or powder that has no treatment value. I will further explain that in a placebo controlled trial, some portion of the participants will receive placebo instead of an active drug or experimental treatment and that this is done to assess the experimental treatment's effectiveness and safety versus no treatment at all."

As mentioned before, understanding terminology is very important, especially when dealing with medical issues/patients. This is another question that the interviewer will use to test your knowledge and ability to express that knowledge to someone else in a manner that they can understand.

"I will tell the participant that a placebo is a liquid, powder, or pill that has no treatment value and that is used in clinical trials to help determine the difference between the active drug or experiment compared to no treatment at all."

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?

"I recently became engaged. Although we have not set a date yet, we have agreed to wait twelve months before the marriage. My fiance' just passed the Bar exam here and has been offered an opportunity to join an existing law firm. Presently, our plans are to stay where we are and build a career, not just work a job. Also, we do not plan on having children for at least two years after our marriage. We both feel that being able to become established in our careers and save for our future would be the responsible thing to do before starting a family."

One of the good things about working for a CRO like Company ABC is that there are usually several different projects for different sponsors being conducted at the same time. Knowing what goals you have and any changes you anticipate in your life will give the interviewer an opportunity to evaluate two things: 1. what positions are available that won't disrupt your plans and, 2. are you interested in having a long-term relationship within the company? With a CRO, if you anticipate a move or other significant change, you may still be offered employment but within a project that fits your time frame. Either way, be honest with the interviewer. This will be beneficial to both you and Company ABC.

"My spouse is in the military and, although I would like to say with certainty that I will be living in the same place three years from now, there is no guarantee. I am glad you asked this question because I wanted to discuss any opportunities within Company ABC where I could be useful but may not be obligated for several years until we know if he is going to be able to stay in one place."

What is a 'controlled' clinical trial?

"In a controlled trial, one group of patients will be given an experimental drug or treatment, while a second group is given either a standard treatment for the illness or a placebo. It helps us to determine the differences in the response of patients to the trial drug in comparison to a standard treatment or no treatment."

There are different types of clinical trials. Working in a research company that conducts trials, it is important to know and understand the differences. Share your knowledge with the interviewer.

"A controlled clinical trial occurs when one group of patients is given a placebo or a commonly used treatment and another group is given the experimental treatment/drug. In this study, the workers conducting the trial are aware which patients received the experimental drug and those who did not."

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?

"The largest diverse group I worked with was probably when I did my clinical rotation at University Medical Center. I was afforded the opportunity to meet people from different cultures, religions, and professional backgrounds. It gave me an eye-opening experience of how many wonderful people there are!"

When working for a CRO, diversity among peers and clients should be expected. Some people are intimidated when faced with learning new cultures and beliefs, but in the healthcare industry, it is crucial to provide effective care. The interviewer wants to know that you are open to meeting and learning about new people and becoming an integral part of the team. Be positive with your response.

"I think diversity in the healthcare industry is essential. People from all over the world now call our country their home. I believe learning about and showing an appreciation for people from different walks of life only makes us stronger as we build upon the common bond of caring for others."

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

"A 'double-blind' trial is a clinical trial in which neither patients nor the study staff knows which participants are receiving the experimental drug and which are receiving a placebo or standard treatment."

Understanding the differences the different types of clinical trials is important when working in research. Any time you can answer an interviewer's question with confidence and correct knowledge, you increase your chances of being offered employment.

"Yes, I do understand 'double-blind' trials. In this type of trial, like a controlled trial, one group of participants receives the experimental drug or treatment while another group receives a placebo or standard treatment. The difference is, in a 'double-blind', neither the staff working the trial nor the participants is aware which group is receiving which treatment."

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

"I have some experience, but not a lot, with regard to grant-writing. I worked with someone previously who did some grant-writing for a long-term care facility. I tried to learn as much as I could from her and would love the opportunity to learn more."

Clinical trials can be sponsored or funded by a variety of organizations or individuals including physicians, medical institutions, foundations, voluntary groups, and pharmaceutical companies. Additionally, government agencies such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Department of Defense (DOD), Human Health and Services (HHS), and the Department of Veteran's Affairs (VA) support some clinical trials. If you have experience grant writing or using other experience to secure funding, this could be a plus. Share any knowledge or experience you have.

"Unfortunately, the finance side of trials has never been a place where I've had an opportunity to work. I understand that funding comes from various places and I am not opposed to learning about ways to secure funding and offer assistance in any way I can."

Do you know what pharmacokinetic studies are?

"Yes, I am familiar with pharmakokinetic studies. We always called them 'clinical pharmacology studies.' These trials are used to test the methods of administration for a drug/treatment, it's frequency and safety."

Being able to identify different areas of study within clinical research is essential for researchers. When an interviewer asks a question like, 'do you know....,' or 'are you familiar...,' share the knowledge you have, but be careful not to try to embellish your knowledge with facts that are not sure of.

"I do know about pharmakokinetic studies. They are sometimes referred to as or clinical pharmacology studies. They usually involve between 20-80 healthy participants and are designed to test methods of administering the treatment (e.g. by mouth, injection, etc.) and how often, as well as the safety of the treatment."

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

"I think one thing that people notice about me rather quickly is that I am light-hearted and easy to get along with. Life, in general, has enough tensions. I like to try to have a positive attitude and be the type of person that others feel they can easily approach."

When working with large groups of people, there will be a diversity of personalities and beliefs. This question is giving the interviewer an opportunity to get to know you. Remember, you want them to know the good qualities about you, but don't try to 'over-sell' yourself.

"Once people get to know me, I would like to think that they consider me to be a genuine person. Anyone can fake their way through a day, week, or even months, but I want to be considered genuine, dedicated and kind."

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

"Without knowing why a participant chooses to leave a trial, it would be difficult for me to say exactly how I feel about their exiting the trial. Some people become ill or cannot take the effects of the treatment and are forced to leave while others simply change their minds."

Although this could be mistaken as a trick question, it is not. However, when being asked a question like this, it is important to remember to withhold judgment. Stating your thoughts is ok as long as you think them through.

"I imagine that people who have worked with clinical trials longer than me may be a bit more opinionated concerning the matter. My thoughts are that each person should to weigh the risks and benefits prior to agreeing to a trial. However, it is understandable that some circumstances cannot be predicted."

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

"I believe if we think about it, each of us could remember at least one disagreement with a friend or co-worker. Although I consider myself to be pretty easy-going, I am also very passionate about my patients and the care that they receive. I have been aware of disagreements between other co-workers, but really like to think of myself as more of a peacekeeper. I feel like professional people should be able to discuss things logically and come to an agreement that is satisfactory for everyone involved."

Any time you work with someone else, there is a chance of having a disagreement about something at one time or another. The interviewer knows this. It's human nature for people to have their own opinions. What is important to the interviewer in this question is whether or not you are willing to compromise and work through difficult situations with your co-workers. Being unwilling to compromise or find alternative solutions to a dispute can affect everyone on the team, even if it is indirectly. Sharing a personal experience is OK, but do not embellish it to 'be the hero.'

"I think the most common disagreement between myself and others have involved our personal feelings about how healthcare should be carried out. However, I have learned, as have most of the people that I have worked with, that while our opinions are important, plans of care are designated by strict guidelines and with the input of everyone on the care team as well as the patient. Learning to respect those guidelines and patient wishes usually resolves issues that arise."

What do you think your best and worst qualities are?

"I would have to say that one of the things I'd like to improve about myself and that most people recognize about me is I always want to be the 'fixer.' While I know that this is not always a negative thing, for me, I have often let the fact that I couldn't fix a certain situation be something that troubled me. On a lighter note, I believe I have a positive, out-going personality. I enjoy getting to know others and like to make them feel comfortable."

No one wants to share anything negative about themselves. However, any honest person will admit that he has both good and bad characteristics. The important thing is recognizing the things that may need to be improved and being willing to address them. Share some things about your personal qualities with the interviewer and remember, when sharing any quality that could be improved, tell how you are working to make a change.

"My best quality, I believe, is that I am willing to work on any project I am asked to take on. My worst quality is that I am willing to take on too many projects at once. I've had to learn to pace myself and prioritize things that need to be done so that am not overwhelmed and so that my quality of work does not suffer because I am too busy."

Contract Research Organization Interview Questions

Go Back

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?

Contract Research Organization Interview Questions

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?