Job Seekers, should you work with Niched Clinical Recruiting Agencies?

Posted on by May 20, 2013

Clinical RecruitmentChoosing the right recruiter is critical while searching for new jobs. And, with such a wide array of staffing agencies to choose from, I am sure it may feel like finding the right firm may be harder than finding the right job!

In December of last year Angela wrote an article outlining 5 Tips to Identify a Great Recruitment Agency. It is a great article so if you haven’t read it, I would invite you to check it out; however, I felt we may have missed one important point.

As you know, there are basically two types of recruiting firms: recruiting firms that recruit across many industries and niched recruiting firms focusing in one specialized area. It is important to note why we believe you, as a job seeker, should select a recruiting partner which is constantly focused and immersed in your specialty. Here are a few benefits we believe you will enjoy while working with niched recruiters.

Knowledge of the Field

  • Niched recruiters work with industry professionals every day and because they are experts in your specialized field, they will have a broader network to leverage. Believe me when I tell you, that all job seekers want a recruiter with a large network!
  • If you are newer to the industry, a niched recruiter can help advise you on which jobs may best fit your work experience and education. Along the same lines, a niched recruiter may be able to provide guidance regarding additional education or certifications needed, or how to “break into” a certain position or role.

Industry Trends

  • Niched recruiters are more aware of developing trends, which can help you find new emerging job opportunities.
  • Knowledgeable industry recruiters can better prepare you for interviews with Hiring Managers by offering discipline specific information.
  • Recruiters specializing in your industry are more familiar with compensation trends and can provide better guidance on what salary or hourly rate you should be negotiating.

At the end of the day, because niched recruiters are focused solely on your specialized industry, they are engaged in the same things you are interested in. In return, they understand the language you speak and are able to have a more knowledgeable discussion with you regarding your desired position. For a more personalized relationship, working with niched recruiters with their specialized knowledge and dedication to the industry would be our recommendation.

Written by: Meghan Tooher

Investing in a Lifetime of Success,

Angela Roberts
www.craresources.com
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Is Your Remote Team Effective?

Posted on by May 16, 2013

Clinical RecruitmentWorried about how productive and efficient your telecommuting team members are?  I would be surprised if you actually stated that you are NOT concerned.

As a hiring manager, you probably already know there are many advantages to providing a telecommuting option to your team members.  Being able to work from home can provide better work/life balance and can reduce your team members stress levels.

But the disadvantages can be many.  So how do you help your team members be effective telecommuters?

Setting expectations right up front is crucial. These expectations can include things like hours of work, availability for meetings, response rate to emails and telephone calls, and other similar areas.  I actually recommend you put these expectations in writing and make it clear to your team member that the continuation of a telecommuting status depends on their successfully meeting your expectations.    If you would like a template for this, just let me know and I will be happy to email you one.

Jointly set performance goals.  I am hopeful you already have a personnel development process in place and consistently work with your team members to set targets and individual performance plans to meet their individual goals.   But did you know that challenging your team member to focus on continual improvement becomes even more important when your team member is remote.  Why?  Passionate people are switched on and focused.  You want your remote team members to be involved even though they don’t see your smiling face every day, and them having personal goals aligning with your company goals will do just that.

Establish clear performance metrics.  Distractions happen!  Laundry needs to be done, children get sick, and repair men have to be scheduled.  The old adage “Out of Sight, Out of Mind” is not going to be effective with your remote work force as holding your telecommuters accountable is critical.  Make it clear to your remote team member that their work-at-home results are expected to be as good or better than the results they achieved while in the office.

Ensure a firm communication plan is in place.  One if the largest disadvantages of telecommuting is that the team member loses the face time with you and the rest of the team.  Establishing a regularly scheduled daily huddle with all the team members (remote or in the office) will ensure everyone is on the same page.  Additionally, don’t make the assumption that because your remote team member isn’t asking questions or raising issues that everything is okay.  Be sure you are dedicating some one-on-one time with your telecommuter to ensure they are getting what they need to be effective.

In any type of work environment there will be disadvantages and advantages.  Having a plan of action can ensure your remote team is effective, with the hopeful outcome of keeping your team members happy while still meeting the needs of the business.

Written by Natalie Prigge

Dedicated to Every Client’s Success,

Angela Roberts
www.craresources.com
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How to Become a CRA

Posted on by March 27, 2013

Clinical RecruitmentAny Clinical Research Associate (CRA) will tell you that the path to get there was not easy! Many CRAs have a nursing or medical background and in many cases experienced a steady career progression from the Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) role.  While there is no definite career path to becoming a CRA, here are some good tips for CRCs wanting to transition into monitoring.

  1. Create a LinkedIn Profile: There are literally thousands of CRAs, Clinical Managers and Clinical Recruiters on LinkedIn and you should connect with them to build your network. If you want to change roles, you have to be found, and building a quality LinkedIn Profile is a great first step.
  2. Network with companies and groups on LinkedIn:  There are hundreds of targeted Clinical Research LinkedIn groups as well as groups for CROs, Pharmas, Medical Device and Biotech companies.  All of these groups have active discussions and job boards.  Join these groups and participate!  But be careful; if you aren’t perfectly professional in every interaction, your bad impression will cost you.
  3. Network with other CRAs:  If you are currently a CRC, you have valuable insider knowledge as to what CRAs are specifically looking for when they come to your site. Be sure to network with the CRAs who monitor your clinical sites so you can leverage who they know and what they know.
  4. Do Your Homework: Understand the main differences between being a CRA versus being a CRC.  For example, patient interaction is a primary focus for a CRC and it is your number one concern to ensure patient safety.  A CRA, however, typically doesn’t have that direct patient contact and while the CRA also cares about patient safety, the role is mostly focused on the adherence to the Sponsor’s protocol and FDA regulations. So if having that patient contact is important to you, becoming a CRA may not be the best fit for you.
  5. Take Classes: You can become a certified clinical research professional through ACRP and SoCRA. Are you weighing if becoming certified it is worth it?  We have a blog post outlining the pros and cons of holding a CRA certification, but you should visit (www.acrp.org) and (www.socra.org) for more information. 
  6. Apply to CROs: The “big 5” are currently Quintiles, PPD, PAREXEL, PRA International, and ICON. These companies are well known for their training programs and after working with them for a couple of years you will be incredibly competitive.  You should apply as an entry level CRA and try your luck!

We do realize how difficult it is to “break” into the CRA role, but it isn’t impossible!

Written by: Jessica Nguyen 

Investing in a Lifetime of Success,

Angela Roberts
www.craresources.com
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5 Common LinkedIn Mistakes

Posted on by March 27, 2013

Clinical RecruitmentLinkedIn is powerful.  We highly recommend LinkedIn as this social media platform is an incredible outlet for finding new career or consulting opportunities.  In October of 2011 we published a blog post titled “How to use your Network when Job Hunting”, and LinkedIn took center stage.

However, one thing we didn’t address involved what we call the “LinkedIn Use Protocol”.  Be advised that LinkedIn has different etiquette rules than Facebook or Twitter because the purpose of LinkedIn is to make professional connections rather than social ones. The most common LinkedIn mistakes we see people make include the following:

1.)   You are selfish:  When was the last time you selflessly endorsed someone on LinkedIn?  You just worked with a great project manager or an incredible Study Coordinator; so why haven’t you given them a recommendation on LinkedIn without requesting anything in return?

2.)   You are lazy:  Don’t fall into the trap of only making connections when you need something.  If you wait until you need a job and then send mass invitations, your effectiveness will be compromised and you will reek of desperation.  Your professional colleagues want to help those who help themselves, so continually work on building and nurturing your network.

3.)   You don’t have a strategy:  Building a good network means hand-selecting people who can benefit you professionally (and you them). It isn’t about the size of your network, but the quality of your connections and you should continually be taking advantage of developing your network through referrals, colleagues, and team members.  Don’t forget to leverage your existing network by sending invitations or introduction requests to 2nd or 3rd LinkedIn connections.

4.)   You are inappropriate: LinkedIn is not YouTube, Twitter, or Facebook. As a professional network building platform, LinkedIn is used to connect people to potential hiring managers, employers, customers, or clientele. You are building your personal brand in every interaction and once you put something in writing, it is in stone.  Always maintain your professionalism.  Always check your spelling.  Always check your grammar.  Always use your brain.

5.)   You aren’t paying attention to the details:  There are two areas where we see individuals consistently missing opportunities to build their brand on LinkedIn.

First:  Have you overlooked LinkedIn Today?  Are you overlooking discussions going on in your current network?  Participating in ongoing discussions and sharing articles is a great way to connect to thought leaders and to join their networks. This type of quality activity will drive traffic to your page and can bring hundreds of new connections!

Second:  Are you using the generic connection request? How special do your future colleagues or hiring managers feel when they get the standard “I’d like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn.” invitation? Personalize your request, and make that prospective client or boss appreciate the value you bring to the table and therefore be incented to accept!

Written by Jessica Nguyen

Investing in a Lifetime of Success,

Angela Roberts
www.craresources.com
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