In an interview for a clinical trial assistant role, employers will want to know about your past experience with EDC systems, your organization and communication skills, as well as your approach to CTA work and dealing with trial team members.
The interview is an opportunity to detail your skills in a way that makes you stand out from the competition.
It’s also a chance to show that you are open to learning if future difficult situations arise, and more.
In this guide, we’ll be sharing with you key clinical trial assistant interview questions that you may get asked during your interview.
We’ve detailed the importance of these questions, as well as example answers to give you inspiration when it comes to making your own answer.
Keep reading as we detail the Q&As of CTA interviews.
Clinical Trial Assistant Interview Questions And Answers
While there are plenty of other questions you may be asked in a clinical trial assistant interview, the following are some commonly asked questions that you should prepare for:
1. Which EDC systems have you worked with and for how long?
Electronic data capture systems are essential in clinical trial assistant jobs, as they increase the efficiency of recording and storing patient data from trials.
You should be able to work with more than one kind of EDC system so that you can adapt to whatever system your trial makes use of.
Example answer:
I have worked extensively with Oracle RDC, as well as Rave, in my time working in clinical trials.
See also: Clinical Data Analyst Interview Questions
2. How do you stay organized?
A clinical trial assistant job requires the utmost organization in order to keep the study on track.
Employers want to know that organization is important to you and within your skill range.
Example answer:
Since my time in school, I have put an emphasis on my organizational skills so that I’m always as prepared as possible.
I always make sure to properly collect, label, and keep track of documents so that they don’t get misplaced.
Further, I make use of organizational tools, such as to-do lists, a work bag, file folders, and my Padfolio.
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3. How would you handle a difficult team member?
Other team members involved in a clinical study will have their own responsibilities to manage, just as you will.
When employers ask this question, they want to know that you’re capable of and willing to communicate with team members in order to create a cohesive system that is also efficient.
Example answer:
I find that most team-based difficulties are rooted in a lack of good communication.
So I always try to be assertive and clear when speaking to team members, making sure we are on the same page at all times.
If the difficulties stretched beyond communication, I would assess the situation according to the specific clinical trial handbook and go from there.
4. How would you deal with a difficult principal investigator?
Since the principal investigator will be working closely with you as a clinical trial assistant, it’s important for you to show in your interview that you can cooperate with one.
They will oversee your work in many ways, so being able to deal with stringent demands and other difficulties is important.
Example answer:
In my experience, a difficult principal investigator is merely one who has strict standards for conducting clinical trials in good practice.
Therefore, I keep this in mind when working with them.
I also find that it helps to put good communication at the forefront, asking clarifying questions when necessary, so that the principal investigator and I are always on the same page.
See also: Clinical Trial Manager Interview Questions
5. Describe a situation where you had to change your approach halfway through.
This interview question seeks to find out about your ability to adapt and react efficiently under pressure.
A firsthand experience will illustrate these abilities in the best way possible.
Example answer:
When working as a CTA in the past, I once had to change my method of document organization halfway through a study.
With the large number of files involved, the task was daunting.
But I first assessed the project carefully, came up with a game plan, and reorganized the files accordingly.
See also: Clinical Research Associate Interview Questions
6. What does a CTA job entail, in your opinion?
Your answer to this question reveals how prepared and comfortable you are with the job at stake.
You can use this opportunity to share some of your skills and experience, as well.
Example answer:
From my personal experience working as a CTA, as well as the tasks that are expected of me, I see clinical trial assistant work as a job deeply rooted in attention to detail.
A CTA is responsible for preparing and organizing files, archiving information, and adhering specifically to good clinical practice guidelines for clinical studies.
Additionally, the job requires the ability to communicate and work well within a clinical team.
7. How would you deal with a coworker if you knew they weren’t following protocol?
Employers will use this interview question to find out how committed you are to good clinical practice guidelines within their studies.
They want to know that, when presented with a potentially awkward situation with a coworker, you would value following protocol over anything else.
Example answer:
If I witnessed a coworker who wasn’t following clinical trial protocol, I would address the individual about the breach of the employee handbook first.
I would inform them that I need to share this information with authority figures in the workplace, according to the appropriate handbook rules.
See also: Healthcare Data Analyst Interview Questions
Clinical Trial Assistant Interview Questions and Answers PDF
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Conclusion: Interview Questions for Clinical Trial Assistants
Hopefully, our guide to common clinical trial assistant interview questions has given you an idea of some of the important topics you should be ready to speak on.
Interviewers want to know about your specific experience and skill sets so that they can decide if you stand out from other applicants.
Whether you’re asked about your experience with EDC systems or how well you work on a team, you should study these Q&As carefully.
Knowing how to respond could make a difference when it comes to a second interview.
Good luck with your upcoming CTA interview!
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