r/ClinicalPsychology • u/anon6789017 • 1d ago

Job interview: "technical questions"

I made it past round 1 for a clinical research coordinator job at a medical school. The questions in round 1 were the predictable ones (tell me about a challenge, are you better alone or on a team, why do you want to work here). The interviewer said round 2 would involve "more technical questions." What might this entail? What kinds of things should I prepare for? The job posting mentions desired proficiency in a few software programs and communication skills, and prior coordinator experience (which I don't have) would confer an advantage.

I'm thinking I will brush up on my knowledge of the software programs (REDCap, etc) and be able to speak to some of my data management skills. Anyone have other advice about what "technical questions" might mean? I'm mostly wondering how they will ask me about the skills listed below, and thus how I can prepare. Should I be ready for situational questions and the like?

Edit: here are some of the skills mentioned in the description:

Managing of databases and data analysis using SPSS, Excel, Freezerworks, and REDCap; attention to detail, good proofreading skills, strong computer skills

Also should mention I'm graduating with a BS in psych this May and have three years lab experience as a research assistant but no coordinator experience.

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u/Haldoldreams 1d ago

I'd be inclined to check the job description and see what technical skills they expect. Different research jobs very a lot I'm what technical skills are needed, so I'm not sure anyone here can tell you what this specific job requires. 

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u/anon6789017 1d ago

Good point, thanks. Added some skills to my post. I'm more curious about how they will ask me about these things.

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u/Haldoldreams 1d ago

That's helpful! Of those specific skills, I only asked about attention to detail when I did coordinator interviews - usually approached that by asking approaches people take to keeping track of tasks with several small, disparate steps or how they go about learning to complete a task that requires close attention to detail (looking for answers that focus on solid, specific organization strategies for the former, and for the latter, some learning approach that involves knowing and maintaining awareness of important details). For specific software, I'd ask what sort of tasks they'd used it for in previous jobs. 

Good luck with your interview! The time you are taking to carefully prepare suggests to me that you will do well. If they ask about a skill you don't have, you can always speak to other skills that might feed into it and your capacity for learning. 

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u/DrUnwindulaxPhD PhD, Clinical Psychology - Serious Persistent Mental Illness US 1d ago

Are you a clinical psychologist?

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u/anon6789017 1d ago

Aspiring. I'm graduating with a psych B.S. and looking at clinical psych CRC jobs to prepare for a PhD program.

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u/All_the_houseplants 1d ago

See if you can figure out what research studies the PIs are currently running, and aim to ask thoughtful questions that show you've read up on the topic/population of interest. This may also give you insight into what soft qualities (i.e. not like data management or concrete skills) they may be looking for. My former PIs really valued empathy and warmth for instance, since these things helped recruitment for an anxious/wary study population. Other examples: if the lab does a lot of neuroimaging, you could read up on the analytic methods. If the population is children, try to sell any related experiences you've had.