For some, looking for a job in Clinical Research can feel like a never-ending cycle of applications, interviews, and rejections—leaving them frustrated and unsure of their next steps. If this resonates with you and you are feeling stuck, it’s time to take a step back and evaluate your job search strategy.
Are you applying for the right roles? Is your resume optimized for Clinical Research and the role you seek? Are your salary expectations realistic? By asking the right questions and implementing a targeted approach, you can increase your chances of securing the interviews that lead to offers.
Let’s walk through key areas to focus on in your Clinical Research job search and how to position yourself for success.
1. Optimize Your Resume for Clinical Research
Your resume is your first impression—make sure it’s the right one!
Have you heard of the 30-second resume test? Employers spend an average of 30 seconds scanning your resume. If they don’t see what they’re looking for, they move on—fast.
To pass this test, you must make your resume stand out. Here are a few essentials for a Clinical Research resume:
- Format your resume specifically for Clinical Research roles. A generic resume* doesn’t work in our industry. Your resume needs to highlight your Clinical Research skills and experience.
*Most resume writers are not familiar with Clinical Research resumes. Keep this in mind before you pay someone to help you craft a resume that doesn’t translate well to our industry. - Tailor your resume for each job application. Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description.
- The first section of your resume after your contact information should be a strong Professional Summary.
- Highlight transferable skills, even if they’re from a different industry or a related field. If you managed a budget in a previous job, and that is one of the skills in the job description, make sure to include your experience.
- If you have never worked in Clinical Research previously, be sure to highlight the classes you have taken to learn about our industry on your resume. This is important to show potential employers – that you took the time to learn the foundation of Clinical Research!
- Keep it clean, concise, error-free, and easy to read. Remember to proofread!
A well-structured resume can help you stand out from other candidates, pass the 30-second resume test, and get noticed by employers.
You can find more resume writing tips in the ClinEssentials Clinical Research Job Search Guide. Plus, it includes a Clinical Research resume template and an example of a Professional Summary.
2. Apply to the Right Roles
You may aspire to be a Clinical Research Associate (CRA) or Clinical Trial Manager (CTM), but if you don’t meet the qualifications, you will continue to be overlooked by potential employers.
We highly encourage career goals, but to avoid getting dragged down by disappointment, we also encourage you to be realistic. Take an honest look at your experience and apply for roles where you meet at least 70% of the criteria.
Consider positions that align with your current skills and allow for an easy transition to your dream job within Clinical Research. If your goal is to be a CRA, focus on Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) and Research Assistant (RA) roles initially then transfer to CRA after gaining experience in the CRC or CRA roles. If you want to be a CTM, search for Clinical Trial Assistant (CTA) roles or start with a CRC job and progress to CRA before considering CTM.
Target roles where you can grow into your desired position rather than applying for jobs that require significantly more experience than you currently have.
Think of your Clinical Research career as a marathon—not a sprint. Reaching your goal requires training, persistence, and effort. Developing your skills, knowledge base, and experience does not happen overnight.
Apply strategically for jobs you’re genuinely qualified for. This will improve your chances of landing interviews and securing offers.
Want to discuss your specific career goals in confidence? Speak with a Clinical Research professional and map out a plan for your career.
Book a career session here!
3. Be Realistic About Salary Expectations
One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make is pricing themselves out of opportunities.
The Clinical Research job market is highly competitive—many qualified candidates look and apply for the same jobs. Things are different now than they were just two to three years ago. Hiring managers are looking for candidates with the most experience for the best value.
So, if you have two years of experience and request the same salary as someone with five years of experience, the employer will likely choose the more experienced candidate.
It’s widely known that there is potential to make a high salary as you work your way up the Clinical Research ladder. But entry-level jobs come with entry-level salaries. Six-figure salaries are not awarded to industry newcomers. That’s something you work toward and may receive after you build experience and demonstrate success.
Research current salary trends and set expectations based on your experience, industry standards, and job location.
Being flexible and informed about salary expectations can make you a more attractive candidate to employers.
4. Expand Your Job Search Beyond LinkedIn
It’s true—many companies, recruiters, and even employees post jobs on LinkedIn. While LinkedIn is a great resource, you are selling yourself short if you use it as your only job search tool.
Check out other job boards, such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and even apply directly on employers’ websites. Use multiple options.
If you have extensive Clinical Research experience, reach out to recruiters who specialize in Clinical Research roles. Recruiters typically like to work with seasoned Clinical Research professionals. LinkedIn is a very helpful resource for finding recruiters to connect with.
A job search takes time. Some people consider job searching as a second full-time job. This can be overwhelming, especially when you have other responsibilities. If finding time for your job search is a challenge for you, divide tasks throughout the week but stay persistent. A diverse job search strategy increases your visibility and exposes you to more job opportunities.
There is a lot more about focusing and expanding your job search in the ClinEssentials Clinical Research Job Search Guide. Not sure where to start? The Guide features a Clinical Research Career Worksheet to help you gain insight into what you want to do now and in the future.
5. Build and Nurture Your Network
Networking isn’t just about reaching out when you need a job—it’s about establishing and maintaining meaningful connections.
There are many ways to network, and you don’t have to do them all, but here are a few things that can make a difference in your job search and your future in Clinical Research:
- Connect with research professionals on LinkedIn. Engage with their content—like, comment, and share. Post articles and videos others in Clinical Research may find interesting or informative.
- Keep in touch with former colleagues and mentors who can provide job leads or referrals.
- Network through professional organizations like ACRP (Association of Clinical Research Professionals) or SOCRA (Society of Clinical Research Associates).
- Consider attending industry conferences, webinars, or networking events.
Building a strong network before you need a job makes it easier to identify opportunities when they arise.
6. Use the Right Job Search Resources
The right tools and expert guidance can significantly improve your timeliness and success in landing job interviews and offers.
In this job market, standing out with your resume, interview skills, knowledge base, and experience are crucial. You want to lead the pack—not fall in line (or lag behind).
To rise above and focus on your future, consider starting with the Clinical Research Job Search Guide, which provides a strategic four-prong approach for your job search. This small investment is the tool you need to rise above your peers, focus on your future, and lead you to job search success.
You are not alone in your job search struggles. But landing a job in Clinical Research requires more than just submitting applications—it requires a targeted and strategic approach.
By optimizing your resume, applying to the right roles, setting realistic salary expectations, diversifying your job search, networking effectively, and using the right resources, you can increase your chances of success.
If you’re serious about advancing your Clinical Research career, take action today.
Tiffany Ashton, MAS, CCRA, has nearly 25 years of experience as a Clinical Research Professional. Tiffany is the Director of Operations for ClinEssentials, a consultant in the Clinical Trial Manager role, and the expert instructor for the CTM Training Course.
thank you for this. the part about relevant keywords for each role and expanding my search is something ill apply. i appreciate it