Interview Q&As
Explore expert tips and resources to be more confident in your next interview.
Behavioral
Common
Phone
Tough
Leadership
All Interview Topics
All Career Q&As
More Interviews
People who visit Clinical Research, also visit the following
Amazon
Cleveland Clinic
Covance, Inc.
CTI Clinical Trial and Consulting Services, Inc.
ICON plc
IQVIA
Kaiser Permanente
Novartis
PPD
UnitedHealth Group
Wal-Mart
Biomedical Technician
Clinical Laboratory Technician
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Clinical Research Coordinator
Data Analyst
Health Information Technician
Laboratory Assistant
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technician
Medical Receptionist
Medical School
Mental Health Counselor
Pharmacist
Physician Assistant
Psychologist
Top 30 Clinical Research Interview Questions with Full Content
1.
What is your strongest skill as a Clinical Researcher?
The interviewer would like to know what you consider your greatest strength as a clinical researcher. This helps them to understand where you would best fit, should you be given the opportunity.
Yes, you can brag about yourself! It's tough to do sometimes, so you may want to create and memorize a definite answer before your interview. Be sure to reinforce that others have endorsed your best skills.
Yes, you can brag about yourself! It's tough to do sometimes, so you may want to create and memorize a definite answer before your interview. Be sure to reinforce that others have endorsed your best skills.
Rachelle's Answer #1
"In the past, I have received regular positive feedback on my ability to manage multiple projects while keeping consistent and accurate data. If I had to choose my strongest skill as a clinical researcher, I would choose my ability to multitask."
Rachelle's Answer #2
"As my career in clinical research is new, I would say my strongest skill is my blend of education and willingness to learn. I am a sponge for information at this point in my career and truly want to learn. I am excellent with accepting, and implementing, feedback."
2.
What is the most fascinating experience you have had during a clinical trial?
The interviewer would like to know about a clinical trial that has excited you. The best way to answer this question is to tell an exciting story from a previous study. Be prepared to lay out the setting, the goal, what the findings were and why you found it so fascinating. The primary goal here is to show the interviewer that you have a passion for what you do.
Rachelle's Answer #1
"In my previous position I was working a clinical trial for a new sleep aid drug. Our trial group was to determine the level of the drugs of effectiveness in assisting adult insomnia. About halfway through the trial, we found that our subjects were not only experiencing better sleep patterns but their skin problems were also clearing up. It's always fascinating when you discover an alternate use or solution during a clinical trial."
Rachelle's Answer #2
"As a grad student, I was asked to participate in a cancer research program that was on the brink of discovering a new treatment in pediatric oncology. In this role, I was able to partner with some of the most advanced and recognized professionals in research. It was thrilling to be a part of the team that advanced the study, which is now in trial across the country."
3.
Are you more interested in the statistics in research or do you prefer to get straight to the answer?
It is important that the interviewer see that your work style is a good fit for their clinic's management style. Are you one to dive into the details or do you prefer the gratification of getting straight to the answer?
If you tend to be the type to get straight to the answer, you could say: "Although I have a strong appreciation for statistical analysis and the amount of work that comes with gathering that data - I crave the feeling of accomplishment that comes with getting to the conclusion."
If you tend to be the type to get straight to the answer, you could say: "Although I have a strong appreciation for statistical analysis and the amount of work that comes with gathering that data - I crave the feeling of accomplishment that comes with getting to the conclusion."
Rachelle's Answer #1
"Although I have a strong appreciation for statistical analysis and the amount of work that comes with gathering that data - I crave the feeling of accomplishment that comes with getting to the conclusion."
Rachelle's Answer #2
"If you get more excited about statistics, you could say: "I have always leaned towards statistical analysis. I love the challenge that comes with taking the data and working it in a variety of ways."
4.
In your opinion, what is the most important factor in each phase of a clinical trial?
The interviewer is going to gauge your level of expertise in clinical trials based on the knowledge and confidence you display when answering this question. Keep your answer fact-related and easy to understand.
Rachelle's Answer #1
"Firstly, I believe it is important to not move onto the next phase of a clinical trial until the objectives of the current stage are met. In Phase 0, the most critical factor is to determine that the effect of the drug on the participant is as expected. In Phase I, evaluating the safety and proper dose is the most important factor. For Phase II..."
Rachelle's Answer #2
"I have been taught that the most important factor in any phase of a clinical trial is the safety of your test subjects. Without a strong base of safety, no trial can be published without question."
5.
Which industry related current event interests you the most?
The way in which you answer this will be an indicator of your engagement level when it comes to this industry and your career. This is where it is beneficial to research the organization before your interview. Tie your answer into the current activities of this organization. You can elaborate from there. Asking a question in return is a great way to start an engaging conversation with your interviewer about current events in your industry.
Rachelle's Answer #1
"I am so happy you asked me that! I was recently reading an article on how some hospital academic departments are starting to employ clinical research associates in clinical trial units and I would love to know what your thoughts were on this?"
Rachelle's Answer #2
"I have been very interested in and closely following the medical advancements happening in regards to malaria in Africa. As a student, I did a study abroad semester in this region of the world and worked in a clinic that taught malaria prevention strategies. It was such an eye-opening experience for me, and I have been researching this topic ever since."
View All 30 Clinical Research Questions and Answers
Sign up to access our library of 50,000+ Q&As,
plus coaches for one-on-one support, so you can interview more confidently.
plus coaches for one-on-one support, so you can interview more confidently.
More Interview Q&As
Explore expert tips and resources to be more confident in your next interview.
Behavioral
Common
Phone
Tough
Leadership
All Interview Topics
All Career Q&As
Biomedical Technician
Clinical Laboratory Technician
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Clinical Research Coordinator
Data Analyst
Health Information Technician
Laboratory Assistant
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technician
Medical Receptionist
Medical School
Mental Health Counselor
Pharmacist
Physician Assistant
Psychologist
About Our Interview Q&As
Our interview questions and answers are created by experienced recruiters and interviewers. These questions and answers do not represent any organization, school, or company on our site. We do not claim they will be asked in any interview you may have. Our goal is to create interview questions and answers that will best prepare you for your interview, and that means we do not want you to memorize our answers. You must create your own answers, and be prepared for any interview question in any interview.