Training as a Clinical Research Associate (CRA) is an essential step in entering the clinical research sector. It enables you to acquire the technical and regulatory skills needed to monitor clinical trials. But once the training is complete, one question often arises :
How to land your first job ?
The job market is dynamic, but also demanding. Here are some practical and concrete tips to help you turn your skills into professional opportunities.
Promoting the skills acquired during training
An ARC must demonstrate its ability to guarantee data quality and patient safety.
During the training, you learned how to :
- Apply Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and ICH E6(R3) requirements,
- Organise and conduct monitoring visits,
- Verify source data and identify deviations,
- Communicate effectively with investigators and their teams,
- Write visit reports.
These skills should be explicitly highlighted in your CV and interviews. The aim is to show that you are immediately operational, even as a junior CRA.
Building a suitable CV and LinkedIn profile
Your CV is your ticket into the industry. It should be:
- Precise and technical : mention the regulations you are familiar with, the tools you have used (eCRF, CTMS, e-TMF, etc.), and the practical applications you have seen during your training.
- Structured and clear : a one-page CV with easy-to-read sections (training, skills, experience, languages).
- Clinical research-oriented : use keywords that recruiters are looking for (monitoring, GCP, vigilance, investigator, eCRF).
On LinkedIn, optimise your title with an explicit mention : « Junior Clinical Research Associate | Monitoring – GCP – eCRF ». Join specialised groups (e.g. Clinical Research Professionals), interact with posts and publish your own posts to gain visibility.
Actively developing your network
In clinical research, networking is a key resource. Here are some concrete actions you can take:
- Add your trainers and training providers to your LinkedIn contacts.
- Attend webinars, conferences, and industry events.
- Feel free to send personalised messages to ARCs or project managers in the field to ask for advice.
A strong network gives you access to opportunities that are not always advertised online.
Identify and target the right employers
There are many different career opportunities :
- CROs (Contract Research Organisations) : they recruit many junior ARCs for a variety of projects.
- Pharmaceutical companies : more selective positions, but offering excellent career prospects.
- Medical device manufacturers : a rapidly growing sector, often more accessible to juniors.
- Start-ups and consulting firms : more versatile environments where you can quickly gain responsibility.
Tip : don’t limit yourself to visible job advertisements. Unsolicited applications or follow-ups after a trade show are often effective.
Multiplier les expériences, même courtes
A first fixed-term contract, a temporary position, an extended internship : every experience counts and helps to flesh out your CV. A gradual career progression is common in this sector.
For example : start as an CRA assistant, then move on to a senior ARC position after 1 to 2 years.
Be flexible at the beginning : accepting a short assignment can open the door to a longer contract or a more senior position.
Succeeding in interviews: preparation is key
Recruiters are primarily looking for candidates who are motivated and aware of the realities of the job. Prepare concrete answers to standard questions :
- What is the role of a CRA in a clinical trial?
- How would you respond to a major deviation?
- How do you ensure communication with a difficult investigator?
Highlight your personal qualities: rigour, organisational skills, diplomacy, autonomy. These are assets that are just as important as your theoretical knowledge.
Going further: certifications and specialisation
Once you are in the job, continue to develop your skills. Recruiters appreciate candidates who keep their skills up to date.
Examples:
- Skills development towards a role as CRA Manager or Clinical Project Manager.
- Additional training in vigilance, data management or regulations.
This proactive approach demonstrates your commitment and increases your career prospects.
In conclusion
ARC training is an excellent gateway to clinical research. But to make the most of this opportunity, you need to adopt a clear strategy: highlight your skills, develop your network, target the right employers and carefully prepare for your interviews. With perseverance, there are many opportunities in this growing sector.
Formatis supports you
Beyond technical skills, we prepare our learners to succeed in their professional integration. Through our training courses and personalised support, we help each junior CRA to become a key player in clinical research.
