Identifying Your Resumé Keywords

If you are one who has a so-called "all purpose resumé" that you submit for any job, regardless of the job description and function, be prepared to change that. Continuing to do so will send your resumé right to the recycling bin! Relevant and targeted keywords to use on your resumé are found in the job posting description. A typical clinical research associate job description might include the following: 

• have great interpersonal skills

• have great communication skills

• be detail-oriented and extremely organized!

• be well-trained (pragmatically and theoretically) and familiar with the regulations (ICH, FDA, local and state regulations)

• be scientifically-oriented and knowledgeable to monitor trials
• two or more years of prior monitoring experience

• extremely familiar with clinical trial protocols and protocol ammendments

• be extremely familiar, proficient and knowlegeable with consent forms, sponsor SOPs, good clinical practice (ICH E6 5.18.2) and Investigator Brochure

...just to name a few.

Whatever the job description maybe for the job you're applying to, be sure to incorporate relevant keywords and phrases from that decription into your resumé. Scanning and tracking systems may pick up on those keywords and phrases and your resumé may be placed in the "second review" pile. Here is a sample entry level clinical research resumé template for you to donwload.

In summary, if you want to increase your chances of landing an interview for a clinical research associate or coordinator position, you need to make your resumé relevant by incorporating kewords and key phrases found in the job description. As with anything, you must do things in moderation. You don't want to overdo things here; you don't want to pack your resumé with too many keywords or phrases found on the job description, as doing so may label you as being "dishonest or disingenuous" or a "resumé spammer", which could land your resumé into the junk pile. If you find this article useful and relevant, please share a comment below or share it on your favorite social networking website. 

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