What is the best design for a clinical research coordinator resume?

The best design for a clinical research coordinator resume is straightforward and structured. Hiring managers or recruiters should not have to work hard to find out your contact information, major qualifications, or background. We structure our clinical research coordinator resume sample in the same way as a standard resume and include all of the major sections. Look over this sample to determine whether this is the right resume design for you. You can create a resume in minutes using our resume builder by customizing the content and sections in this template.

How can you separate your clinical research coordinator resume from other candidates’ resumes?

The best way to distinguish your application materials from those of other candidates in the same field is to focus on the strongest points of your resume based on the requirements for the job you want. Look for ways to present your accomplishments and background in ways that respond directly to a job description. Refer to our clinical research coordinator resume sample for ideas to set your resume apart. You can make your resume stand out by ensuring that this document is informative and well-edited, including metrics or statistics that indicate your effectiveness. Try using keywords from the job advertisement or description in your summary or objective statement, core qualifications section, and experience section.

How do you list education on a clinical research coordinator resume?

The education section tends to be located near the bottom of a resume following work experience. You can cover degrees or equivalent credentials in this section or create a separate section for professional training and certifications, professional affiliations, or licenses. The education section on the clinical research coordinator resume sample includes all of the details necessary for each entry in this section. Describe each degree or credential, give a graduation year or date of program completion, and include the name and location of the institution that granted the degree.

What’s the best length for a clinical research coordinator resume?

A clinical research coordinator resume should be no more than one to two pages long. Most candidates should be able to fit all of the major resume sections on one page. Our clinical research coordinator resume sample is highly detailed and would fit on two or fewer pages. If your resume is much longer than two pages, you may look for ways to cover your past experience more concisely while still accounting for the trajectory of your career and professional training.

Clinical Research Coordinator Resume Examples - Templates, Skills & Writing Tips

Q: What’s an example of a great clinical research coordinator resume?

Our clinical research coordinator resume sample is a solid example of a resume for this competitive field. The candidate begins with a professional summary statement in which she presents her abilities and experience. She emphasizes technical skills and her awareness of regulations and compliance standards, which may be a requirement for a clinical research coordinator position. She describes her present and past positions in the experience section and devotes the final section to education.

As Seen In ¹

Table of contents

Resume examples
More clinical research coordinator resume examples
Choosing the right resume format
5 steps to writing a clinical research coordinator resume
Adding a cover letter
Key takeaways
Frequently asked question about resume writing

Create My Resume

You’re an integral part of a research team. You manage clinical trials that have the potential to change the lives of patients all over the world. But when it’s time to write a resume for a clinical research coordinator role you really want, suddenly you can’t quite put all of your accomplishments into words.

Don’t fret. We’re here to show you how to write a clinical research coordinator resume that will get you noticed. With the help of some easy-to-follow instructions on how to write a resume for your career in clinical research coordination and some excellent resume examples for reference, the task can be much simpler than you think. Here, you’ll learn exactly what you need to know to write an impressive clinical research coordinator resume that gets your foot in the door for your next role.

Keep reading to find:

Examples of clinical research coordinator resumes for applicants with and without experience
What makes a clinical research coordinator resume example great.
Tips and tricks for writing a resume for a clinical research coordinator, including how to study a clinical research coordinator job description for resume keywords.
What to include in every section of your clinical research coordinator resume.
How to choose the right resume template and format for the role.

Ready to write a resume for a clinical research coordinator now? Use our professional Resume Builder for step-by-step help writing every section.

Clinical research coordinator resume examples

Entry-level clinical research coordinator resume example

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What makes this a great entry-level clinical research coordinator resume sample?

Breaks down skills
To make up for her minimal years of experience, this candidate does a deep dive into the clinical data management, protocol compliance, and patient recruitement and engagement skills she posseses, proving she is a strong candidate for the role.
Uses numerical data
This candidate uses numbers to show off the scope, scale and impact of her work. This demonstrates that she understands and can quantify her achievements.
Versatile template
While science and medicine are conservative fields, you can still show off a little personality with your resume template. This template is simple and easy to scan, but uses a hint of color and a fun monogram to liven it up.

Experienced clinical research coordinator resume example

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What makes this a great experienced clinical research coordinator resume sample?

Minimalist template
This resume is written on a simple black and white template that is conservative enough for any clinical research job and allows the candidate’s credentials to shine.
Uses data and metrics
This candidate tells his professional story through the use of numbers in nearly every section of his resume. These numbers show off the scope, scale and impact of his work.
Includes special sections
This applicant has achieved multiple certifications and has had his work published in two different journals. To highlight these achievements, he created two special sections on his resume. This helps draw the eye to these accomplishments.

More clinical research coordinator resume examples

Not finding the example you need? Check out our medical resume examples or take a look at our full library of resume examples to look through hundreds of job titles to find what you’re looking for.

Choose the right resume format for your clinical research coordinator resume

To land the clinical research coordinator job you want, you need to get the right information in front of a recruiter. How do you accomplish that? By choosing the resume format that puts your most impressive credentials front and center.

Here’s how to decide which one is right for you:

The chronological resume format is perfect for experienced applicants who have five or more years of relevant experience as a clinical research coordinator.
The combination resume format is great for midlevel applicants who have a few years of work experience as a clinical research coordinator.
The functional resume format works best for applicants with little to no direct work experience as a clinical research coordinator.

Pro Tip

In the medical field, some applicants may choose to create a CV vs. a resume. If a CV is right for you, consult our guide on how to write a CV for more information.

Visit our guide to learn more about how to format a resume for more information on how to best showcase your skills, training and experience.

Now that you’ve chosen the perfect format, it’s time to pick your resume template.

Choose the right resume template for your resume

Craft Your Resume

While every resume will have the same basic sections — a professional summary or resume objective, skills, work history and education — you can customize the look and feel of your clinical research coordinator resume by selecting the right resume template.

There are many different resume designs, but a versatile simple resume template may be the way to go. Its minimalist design makes your skills and experience the star of the show instead of fussy design elements.

For a more colorful resume, you could try a creative or modern resume. These have more flair and allow you to show off your personality.

However, you should always select a template that matches the industry of the role you’re applying for. Unless you’re certain the employer welcomes creative resume designs, it’s best to go with a more buttoned down template.

Now let’s dive into the process of writing your clinical research coordinator resume.

How to write a clinical research coordinator resume in 5 simple steps

While there are some basic rules for writing a great resume, top candidates for competitive clinical research coordinator jobs know that the key to getting noticed is to write a resume that is specific to the industry and the role they seek. Follow these simple steps to write a top-tier resume that sets you apart as a highly competitive candidate.

STEP 1

Study the clinical research coordinator job description

A well-written clinical research coordinator resume is customized to include keywords that show employers that you have what it takes to perform the role. Why is this important?

Many employers run resumes through applicant tracking systems (ATS) that screen out unqualified candidates based on preset keywords. If your resume doesn’t contain the right keywords, you’ll be eliminated before a human ever sees your resume. To make your resume ATS-friendly, you’ll need to customize it to the clinical research coordinator job description to improve your chances of landing a job interview.

But how do you know which keywords to use? Don’t worry — it’s easy.

A good job ad should tell you everything you need to know about which keywords to add to your clinical research coordinator resume. The key to success is to study the job description and make a list of critical keywords.

For example, if the job description for the clinical research coordinator role you seek asks for strong organizational skills, critical thinking, strong recordkeeping skills and experience with budgeting and resource management, you’ll want to be sure to use those exact words in your resume — as long as your expertise matches the criteria. Look for opportunities in your professional summary, skills section and work experience section to add the keywords you’ve identified. Then, go through your resume and make sure what you wrote matches the wording in the job description so that the ATS recognizes it.

Once you get used to the process, it should only take you a few minutes to do and will get your resume better results than if you don’t tailor it.

STEP 2

Write a professional summary or resume objective

Depending on your level of experience, your clinical research coordinator resume should include either a professional summary or a resume objective to start. Think of this section as your resume profile, where you provide potential employers with a summary of your most relevant skills and experience and some professional highlights.

Candidates with less experience should choose a resume objective, which states your transferable skills and your career goals. Applicants with more direct experience in a clinical research coordinator role should use a professional summary, which outlines your skills and experience and highlights some of your most notable professional accomplishments.

Let’s look at how each of these would appear on a clinical research coordinator resume.

Clinical research coordinator professional summary example:

Dedicated and results-oriented Clinical Research Coordinator with over seven years of experience orchestrating and managing diverse clinical trials in adherence to stringent regulatory standards. Adept at streamlining trial processes, resulting in a 23% improvement in trial efficiency. Proven track record of successful collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and a comprehensive understanding of regulatory compliance. Possesses exceptional attention to detail, organizational prowess and a patient-centric approach, ensuring the highest level of participant safety and data integrity.

Sample clinical research coordinator resume objective:

Enthusiastic and detail-oriented recent graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health. Eager to leverage academic foundation in clinical research methodologies and understanding of regulatory compliance to contribute to the success of research initiatives at a dynamic health care institution. Strong data collection, analysis and data entry skills. Quick learner with a strong commitment to team collaboration and maintaining the highest ethical standards in clinical trials.

STEP 3

Emphasize crucial clinical research coordinator skills

No matter your level of experience, prospective employers will closely examine the skills you showcase in your clinical research coordinator resume. These skills should be incorporated into your resume’s skills section, as well as woven into your professional summary (or resume objective) and your work experience descriptions.
Providing a well-rounded combination of both hard and soft skills is imperative. Hard skills are tangible, teachable abilities necessary to excel in a role, such as data analysis or regulatory compliance. On the other hand, soft skills encompass personal attributes and behaviors, like effective communication or teamwork, which can be more challenging to quantify.
Below, we present a comprehensive list of both hard and soft skills specific to a clinical research coordinator role to help you understand the distinction between the two.

Key skills for a clinical research coordinator resume

Hard skills

Regulatory compliance

Data management

Protocol adherence

Clinical trial coordination

Data analysis

Soft skills

Attention to detail

Effective communication

Team collaboration

Problem-solving

Ethical awareness

Here’s an example of a persuasive clinical research coordinator skills section:

Proficient in ensuring adherence to FDA guidelines, ICH-GCP standards and other relevant regulatory requirements throughout the entire research process.
Skilled in utilizing Electronic Data Capture (EDC) systems and proficient in data entry, validation and maintenance to ensure accuracy and integrity of research data.
Proven track record of successfully identifying, screening and enrolling eligible participants while maintaining high retention rates through effective communication and rapport-building.
Demonstrated ability to develop, implement and oversee detailed study protocols, ensuring accurate data collection and participant safety.
Proficient in coordinating all aspects of clinical trials, including scheduling participant visits, managing investigational products and overseeing study timelines.
Knowledgeable in timely identification, documentation and reporting of adverse events, ensuring compliance with regulatory reporting requirements.

Pro Tip

When writing your skills section, adding computer skills and other technical abilities are great. However, soft skills count, too. Try to find a mix of hard and soft skills to show that you are a well balanced applicant.

STEP 4

Write a strong clinical research coordinator work experience section

While the required background and experience will be different for each role, the key to getting noticed is writing a work experience section that demonstrates what you will bring to the table.

Think about your work experience in terms of projects that challenged you, obstacles you’ve overcome and professional wins you’ve enjoyed over the course of your career. Describing your work experience in these terms helps show off the impact of your work rather than just your job duties.

Here is an example of a great clinical research coordinator work experience entry:

Clinical Research Coordinator, UCSF Fertility Center
San Francisco, CA
June 2019 – December 2022

Managed the coordination and execution of multiple Phase II and III clinical trials in fertility treatments, ensuring compliance with FDA regulations and ICH-GCP guidelines.
Successfully recruited, screened and enrolled 75+ eligible participants for various trials, achieving and maintaining an above-average participant retention rate of 90%.
Led the preparation and submission of 10+ IRB applications and amendments, securing timely approvals for research studies and maintaining full compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements.
Conducted regular monitoring visits, ensuring that study procedures were followed accurately, data was collected appropriately and regulatory compliance was maintained.
Demonstrated a commitment to ethical research practices, prioritizing participant safety, privacy and informed consent throughout all stages of the trials.

STEP 5

Showcase your education and training

To be hired as a clinical research coordinator, you’ll need to show employers that you have the required education and training. Top candidates for this role often list a bachelor’s degree in clinical research, public health or a related degree, and relevant certifications or special training. There is no need to list your year of graduation unless you are a very recent grad.

If you graduated recently and don’t have much experience, you can add your GPA — if it’s above 3.5 — and relevant coursework to strengthen your application.

How to list your education:

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science in Clinical Research
University of California, San Francisco, CA
May 2023

RELEVANT COURSEWORK:

Clinical Trial Design and Management
Regulatory Affairs in Clinical Research
Data Management and Analysis in Clinical Trials
Ethical Considerations in Human Research

CERTIFICATIONS:

Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP), Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP)
Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC), Society of Clinical Research Associates (SoCRA)

Optional sections for your clinical research coordinator resume

Awards and honors

Adding honors and awards to your resume is a smart way to show off your abilities, achievements and qualifications. Being a successful clinical research coordinator is all about metrics of success, so including awards for exceptional performance can be a real boon to your resume by showing the employer you are truly dedicated to your field and capable of making significant contributions to their organization, which ultimately increases your chances of landing the job.

How to showcase awards and honors on your resume:

2021 Leadership Award UCSF Cancer Research Center
2018 Innovation Award UCSF Cancer Research Center

Languages

Languages give you the chance to communicate with a wider range of people. Being multilingual also expands your professional abilities, giving you access to a wider variety of colleagues, research subjects and stakeholders, and opening the door to international opportunities.
Additionally, knowing multiple languages suggests you have impressive mental agility and determination. Ultimately, all else being equal, if a job opening comes down to two candidates and one of them lists multiple languages on their resume, the multilingual candidate will be more attractive to the employer.
How to showcase languages on your resume:

Fluent in French and English
Proficient in Spanish

Interests and hobbies

Adding hobbies to your resume is appropriate as long as they aren’t religious or political in nature. They offer an opportunity to show your personality and meaningfully connect with a potential employer. Plus, they emphasize your transferable skills, like creativity or leadership — qualities you take from job to job.

Finally, hobbies and interests can demonstrate whether you’re the right culture fit for a company. They enrich your overall profile, showing the employer how you are a unique and fully defined person.
How to list interests and hobbies on your clinical research coordinator resume:

Book enthusiast, especially sci-fi
Avid cyclist

Add a cover letter

Clinical research coordinator cover letter

CREATE YOUR COVER LETTER

Many job seekers skip the step of writing a cover letter, so adding one to your application can help you stand out. Why? Because it gives you extra space to convince the employer that you’re the right person for the job.

You can discuss any details that didn’t seamlessly fit into your resume but that add to your application, show your enthusiasm for the specific role and expand upon facts on your resume. As long as you don’t submit a generic letter but actually take the time to show why you believe you’re the right fit for the role, adding a cover letter can make you memorable.

Learning how to write a cover letter for a clinical research coordinator job starts with studying our cover letter examples to learn how to express your unique candidacy in a compelling way and how to format your cover letter for success.

Or, if you want a job-specific cover letter in a matter of minutes, use our professional Cover Letter Builder, which offers professionally written text suggestions for every section. Use the wording as-is or customize it to suit your needs.

Key takeaways for your clinical research coordinator resume

Personalize your resume for each opportunity
Tailor your resume to align with the specific requirements of each job ad to which you apply, making note of the critical skills and experience outlined in the job description.
Select the appropriate resume format
Decide what you’d like to emphasize the most on your clinical research coordinator resume — such as strong skills, an impressive work history or both — and then select the format that will help you put your best foot forward.
Choose an appropriate resume template
Science and medicine are typically conservative fields but not always. If you’re applying for a job at a conservative company, you’ll want to choose a conservative resume design. For less traditional work environments, your resume template can be more colorful and creative.
Include both hard and soft skills
Being a clinical research coordinator requires a mix of technical and personal skills to do the job well. Study our list of hard and soft skills to be sure that you include a balance of both types in your resume.
Make your work experience section shine
Accomplish this by using action verbs, data and metrics to show the impact of your work instead of listing generic duties expected of the role.
Go the extra mile
Including a well-written clinical research coordinator cover letter can increase your chances of landing a job interview, so don’t skip the chance to include one with your resume and give your application its best chance.

Frequently asked question about resume writing

Heather is the Content Strategy Manager for Resume Now and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than ten years of experience writing about job search and career topics. She is based in San Francisco.

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Clinical Research Coordinator Resume: Examples, Templates and Tips