Secrets of a CRA Recruiter

craresources

Welcome to the CRA Resource Show! craresources is a unique Recruitment Agency with a single focus of providing CRA Staffing for Clinical Studies across North America.

  1. LinkedIn About Section Examples

    9H AGO

    LinkedIn About Section Examples

    Most professionals know their LinkedIn “About” section matters. But few realize just how much recruiters, hiring managers, and even LinkedIn’s own 360Brew algorithm are relying on it to make fast decisions about them. In this roundtable episode, our recruiting team pulls back the curtain on what really happens when we open your profile. Why do 92% of us decide to engage or scroll largely based on your About section? What makes one clinical research profile feel like “generic experience” while another jumps off the page with “who you serve, what you deliver, and proof”? And how do you create an emotional connection and satisfy the bots at the same time? You will hear our recruiters walk through real “before and after” LinkedIn About sections. We show you how a few specific metrics can change your credibility in seconds. And importantly, we explain why listing companies and job titles in your About is a missed opportunity. Our discussion shares practical tips on keywords: which ones actually help you show up in search results? How can you mine job descriptions for the right language? And how do you avoid sounding like a robot when you are writing for an algorithm? Finally, we introduce the five-part framework we use when coaching candidates, covering your opening line, story, bullet “skills stack,” audience focus, and call to action. If you have struggled to create your About section, learning how to use this framework is gold. The goal? Ensuring your About section becomes a powerful handshake that works on autopilot for your job search and your long-term career brand. If you have ever wondered, “Is my About section helping me get found, or quietly holding me back?”, this episode is for you. craresources

    25 min
  2. LinkedIn Posts for Job Seekers

    FEB 18

    LinkedIn Posts for Job Seekers

    Your “perfect” LinkedIn profile still isn’t attracting opportunities. Why not? Brace yourself because I am going to tell you that you should be putting out LinkedIn Posts. Today’s podcast pulls back the curtain on what really gets job seekers noticed in a LinkedIn 360Brew world. And it is beyond just polishing your headline and calling it a day. I get it…you don’t feel qualified to write LinkedIn posts. But before you tune out because you will…absolutely…not…create…LinkedIn Posts, give me just a minute. Why? Because simply having a profile is no longer enough, and strategic posting can drive two to three times more of the right traffic to your page. We describe how easy it is to create posts that position you as an expert. And, we outline why you should avoid the generic, copy‑paste “inspiration” posts that scream “bot” instead of “credible professional”. We dig into how LinkedIn’s new 360Brew algorithm actually “reads” your content. And, we also explain how LinkedIn compares your posts to your headline, About, skills, and experience to assign you a professional persona. And this is all important when it comes to attracting the right traffic. Are your posts reinforcing the niche you want to be known for? Or are you confusing the system with cat memes and vague career platitudes? You will also pick up practical tactics you can apply immediately: How to write hooks that trigger that crucial “see more” click.Why dwell time matters more than likes.How to pull real achievements from your resume and turn them into engaging, human posts (with help from AI tools that don’t make you sound like a robot).Learn to start posting with purpose, and turn your feed into a magnet for recruiters in your niche. Press play and let’s get you found. craresources

    19 min
  3. Why Your LinkedIn Headline Matters

    FEB 11

    Why Your LinkedIn Headline Matters

    When was the last time you really looked at your LinkedIn headline or your profile photo? I encourage you to do it now. Not just glance at it, but ask yourself, “Would I contact me based on this first impression?” In our latest roundtable, our team dives into two of the most underestimated areas of a LinkedIn profile: your headline and your photo. They may seem like the basics, but our team makes it clear that these seemingly small details carry big consequences. Recruiters often make snap judgments in seconds, long before they read a single line of your About section. So, what is your photo saying before you ever say a word? And that headline you have been using: does it sell your value or just state your job title? Could your choice of words be quietly self-sabotaging your visibility to both hiring managers and the bots that decide who gets seen first? In an age when every keyword counts, the difference between “looking for new opportunities” and “I help teams deliver high-quality results on time and within budget” might be far greater than you think. Our team unpacks real examples of what works and what doesn’t. We also discuss why authenticity matters just as much as precision. Whether you are job searching, networking, or simply building your professional brand, your LinkedIn photo and headline might be doing more talking than you realize. So, how are your LinkedIn Heading and profile photo holding up? If your profile views and post impressions are low, you may need an update. Click below to hear the full discussion and get inspired to give your profile the refresh it deserves. craresources

    24 min
  4. Job Seeker LinkedIn Banner Crimes

    FEB 3

    Job Seeker LinkedIn Banner Crimes

    Your LinkedIn banner…is it a quiet killer or career supercharger? In just 3 seconds, it can make or break a recruiter’s first impression of you. Today’s roundtable is about avoiding banner disasters that send great candidates straight to the “nope” pile. Picture this: a hiring manager scrolls on mobile, your headshot pops, and the headline teases your value. But then the banner hits. Cluttered logos screaming “CRA, disrupter, auditor, consultant”? A vacation beach shot with your dog? An offending political message? Pixelated text that is interpretive art on a thumbnail? Or worse, the default blue void that screams “fake profile”? These “banner crimes” aren’t just ugly. They signal indecision, desperation, or laziness, causing you to vanish from consideration faster than you can say “Open to Work.” But what if your banner sealed the deal instead? Subtle clinical trial cues, a crisp tagline showing you own your lane, and mobile-proof clarity that whispers confidence. And guess what? No graphic design degree is needed. Tools like Canva make it dead simple and, in most cases, at zero cost. In our latest 20-minute team roundtable, we trudge through the battlefield of LinkedIn banners. We roast real-world fails (yes, including that stretched-face horror), decoding why visual elements are more important than words for visually stimulated recruiters. We also outline simple LinkedIn banner fixes to align your brand with the jobs you are going after. So, job seekers…I have to ask: is your banner working for you or against you? Listen to this podcast and then audit your banner using our tips. What does it say about you in 3 seconds? Uncover the formula that turns prime real estate (aka – your banner) into an interview magnet. Dive in and transform your LinkedIn profile today. craresources

    22 min
  5. Beating AI with Smart Networking

    JAN 29

    Beating AI with Smart Networking

    In clinical research hiring, AI and one-way video interviews are flattening talent into checklists. But top Directors of Clinical Operations say that isn't how real fits happen. In Part 2 of our podcast series on resource strategies, Brian Dempster and Lyle Gee reveal how job seekers break through the noise in this employer-driven market using smart networking tactics. They tackle AI screening frustrations head-on. Their advice? Treat it like any process-driven gatekeeper by showcasing your unique story, not just credentials. Stand out by proving impact, such as system fixes, study rescues, and team integration, while asking sharp questions that flip interviews into bidirectional conversations. Oh...and job seekers: forget discussing your potential. In today's market, companies demand proof of results, backed by reputable work history and strong references. Smart networking emerges as the ultimate differentiator. The key? Build genuine connections now, not just when job hunting. Find networking opportunities at conferences, on LinkedIn, or with existing contacts. For example, your leaders love sharing war stories and career signposts, so approach seniors boldly with curiosity: "How did you navigate that challenge?" One panelist emphasizes: don't wait; network where you are. All agree: your reputation is your next job, even in entry roles. This isn't fluffy advice. It is battle-tested from the hiring side. Job seekers should learn to humanize their candidacy amid AI floods, hybrid teams, and buyer's market realities. Whether you are a CRA, ops lead, or breaking in, these nuggets equip you to land roles by being memorable, adaptable, and trusted. Tune in to transform how you pitch yourself beyond resumes. craresources

    23 min
  6. Candidate Sourcing – The Clinical Hiring Pendulum

    JAN 27

    Candidate Sourcing – The Clinical Hiring Pendulum

    In clinical research, one decision shapes everything: where your talent comes from. Behind every trial lies a complex web of candidate sourcing choices. When to outsource to CROs, when to hire in-house, and how to balance quality, cost, and speed. In this first episode of a two-part series, I sit down with Directors of Clinical Operations Brian Dempster and Lyle Gee to unpack the evolving resource strategies driving clinical trial success. Why Job Seekers Need This Listen up if you’re hunting for CRA or operations roles. This episode pulls back the curtain on hiring from the director’s chair in today’s employer-driven market. You will learn the edge to stand out amid AI-generated resumes and applicant floods. Hidden Drivers of Hiring Decisions Brian and Lyle explain why companies swing between in-house teams, CRO outsourcing, and hybrids. Not just for cost, but based on study phase, expertise needs, and integration risks. You will learn how to tailor your pitch to show how you have solved those real problems, making you a stronger competitor against those job seekers who just list years of experience. What Really Wins Interviews They tell you to ditch rote credentials. They stress storytelling your impact, like rescuing studies from bad CROs or fixing system mismatches. We also dig into the importance of asking sharp questions (“What challenges are your teams facing right now?”). These tactics prove adaptability, ownership, and cultural fit, flipping interviews into two-way conversations. Thriving in Hybrid Realities This podcast will help you understand fragmented models (staffing agencies, multiple CROs) so you can highlight your critical thinking, tech-savviness, and ability to plug into existing teams. And that is what lands roles when cross-functional pros rule amid layoffs and tighter opportunities. Tech and Market Shifts We dive into the pendulum between employer and job-seeker markets, AI’s role in screening, and why no ‘one-size-fits-all’ strategy exists. Especially as hybrid models reshape CRO ties. Whether you’re leading projects or breaking into clinical ops, this podcast changes how you see companies, CROs, and talent. It arms you with strategy and confidence to navigate it all. craresources

    25 min
  7. The Great Job Search Reset

    JAN 23

    The Great Job Search Reset

    It is nearly the end of January, and those ambitious New Year’s resolutions? They have either ignited a streak of wins or quietly fizzled under the weight of real life (read: holidays, illness, family demands, or job search burnout). But what if the path to lasting change isn’t more rigid goals, but mastering The Great Job Search Reset?​ This isn’t about a one-time January overhaul. Instead, imagine building the habit of resetting with intention, anytime overwhelm hits. Our latest roundtable podcast dives deep: Are you stuck tweaking your resume when networking or mindset is the real bottleneck? Panelists reveal how to pinpoint your “stuck point” using tools like the Job Search Strategy Compass, so you stop spinning your wheels.​ Ever panicked as a role winds down? How can networking calm that fear and uncover hidden opportunities—without cold outreach dread? You will hear practical scripts for reaching your existing contacts first, turning isolation into a support squad that opens doors. And when life piles on (kids, caregiving, exhaustion), how do you reset energy, time, and emotions without guilt? From setting weekly job search hours to protect against burnout, prioritizing energizers like hobbies, and processing feelings instead of powering through, the team shares tactics to align with your natural rhythm. What “season” are you truly in? Survival, maintenance, or growth? And how does mistaking your season sabotage your search? Drawing on ancient Roman wisdom (they skipped January resets for good reason), we reframe winter as an “inner-work” season, tackling topics like negative self-talk, targeted applications over “spray and pray,” and small tweaks for big magic. Listeners walk away ready to assess: What drained you last year? What excites you now? Tune in to swap judgment for grace, and turn resets into momentum that sticks all year. craresources

    21 min
  8. Elevator Pitch Examples for Job Seekers

    JAN 15

    Elevator Pitch Examples for Job Seekers

    Mastering tough interview questions sets top job seekers apart. In today's roundtable on elevator pitch examples for job seekers, we help you turn potential pitfalls into opportunities to shine. In this podcast segment, our team delivers live role-play responses to challenging prompts like "Tell me about a time you dealt with a difficult situation," "Why did you leave your last position?" and "Why have you been out of work for [eek]?" You will hear examples that keep answers concise, positive, and employer-focused. Jenny shares how she resolved a non-responsive site coordinator by offering hands-on training, emphasizing teamwork and initiative without blame. Rachel explains that leaving her role was a growth opportunity towards new challenges, highlighting oncology expertise and attention to detail while avoiding negativity. Maya outlines long-term goals as a lead CRA, using a clear four-part structure: context, action, impact, and alignment with company needs. And Savannah addresses an 18-month employment gap due to relocation, framing it as intentional preparation for the right fit. The team breaks down each pitch, revealing why specifics hook interviewers. We also speak to how to own our situations victoriously. And finally, address the power of practicing to sound natural. The team stresses bridging every answer back to value, such as your skills, enthusiasm, and fit, while reading cues to adapt on the fly. These elevator pitch examples for job seekers work for behavioral questions, gaps, or goals, helping you build rapport like a conversation, not an interview interrogation or Q&A. Whether facing layoffs, transitions, or skill gaps, these real-time demonstrations equip you to respond with confidence and poise. Practice them to transform interviews into relationship-building moments that land offers. Related Posts Roundtable: Job Seeker Elevator Pitch ExamplesRoundtable: Use an Elevator Pitch to Ace Your InterviewWhat is a Job Seeker Elevator Pitch? craresources

    19 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to the CRA Resource Show! craresources is a unique Recruitment Agency with a single focus of providing CRA Staffing for Clinical Studies across North America.