Kubo to attend 5^th UK ePharma Day 2017! 

 

Kubo Recruitment are excited to be attending the UK ePharma Day 2017 which takes place on Tuesday, June 6th 2017 at the Park Plaza Victoria, 239 Vauxhall Bridge Road in London

This year is the 5^th UK e-Pharma day which examines the implications of the new Clinical Trial Regulation EU 536/2014.  This new regulation marks substantial and important changes in the processes, procedures and documentation necessary for management of clinical trials and relationships between Sponsors, Ethics Committees, Regulatory Agencies and Researchers.  The aim being to streamline bureaucratic aspects through a simple authorisation process by centralising procedures with the consistent involvement of all Member States.

The purpose of this conference is to increase understanding of both fundamental and practical considerations impacting on drug development strategies, management of clinical trials as well as corporate governance related to implementation or the new regulation.

Once again, Omar Ali from the University of Portsmouth and Former Adviser to NICE will be on the scientific board for the event, leading a panel of experts to share best practices, knowledge and experience in this field.  Omar will be joined on the board by, Paul Fardy, VP Data Services at CROS NT and Lorna Griffin, Regulatory Consultant at RApport Strategic Services Ltd.

After the welcome from the scientific board, Lorna Griffin will be the first to speak, providing us with an overview of the major differences between the Clinical Trial Directive and the Clinical Trial Regulation, Lorna will be followed by Leona Fitzgerald who is the Senior Director Regulatory Affairs at PPD.  Leona will be talking about the implementation of the new regulation, its implications for submissions and start-up and the evolution of the sponsor and CRO relationship.

There will also be a number of other speeches including one from Fatma Hindi, Country Project Manager at OPIS France, and Tim Worden who is a Partner at Taylor Wessing LLP

Please drop by our stand to speak to us about career opportunities and/or career advice or your recruitment needs if you are currently looking to hire staff.

We look forward to meeting you!

Sourcing and retaining talent for your business

We recently attended a local business event and discovered that a lot of smaller businesses were advertising for positions on the traditional job websites and receiving hundreds of applicants.  Whilst this is a great platform to source your next employee, sifting through the CV’s can be a very time consuming process and can distract from your day to day activities that keep your business growing.

Great to see you all at PSI last week!

Last week Kubo exhibited at the annual PSI conference at the Millennium Gloucester hotel in London. With over 280 delegates, 20 exhibitors and 62 speakers it was a busy and packed few days!

Kubo spoke to professionals across the 3 days, some looking to progress their career, some looking to fill new roles or some that just wanted to chat about the industry.

Rachel Keay and Andi Brown from Kubo attended the quiz night and barn dance Gala dinner and no, thankfully, there are no pictures we will be sharing of the event!

Before PSI 2015 Kubo said we would be donating to World Cancer Research Fund, our 2015 sponsored charity. For every business card we received at this event we would donate to the charity. We are please to announce that on Monday we made a donation on behalf of everyone that took the time to stop by our stand and drop in their business cards. Kubo would like to extend our thanks to those that helped us support World Cancer Research Fund and as a result, support the work that this amazing charity does to research and prevent cancer.

January Opportunities in Life Sciences

So you have been back at work 2 weeks and like most of us, you are probably sitting at your desk thinking, "where did Christmas and New Years go? I'm back at work already!?!", but are you also at work thinking "I need more!?"

Whether it's more money or more job satisfaction you want, now is the time to do something about it! Kubo Recruitment has many new roles that we are looking to fill!

Deputy Clinical Safety Officer - Permanent - UK
The ideal candidate will provide support to the Clinical Safety & Information Governance Officer (CS & IGO) in order to meet the requirements of GPSoC and other clinical safety deliverables by:

• Ensuring Clinical Safety Documentation is reviewed regularly and kept up to date
• Collating Clinical Safety Information and documentation at the request of external parties
• Providing support to the CS&IGO in the production of Clinical Safety paperwork associated with development projects
• Updating the Clinical Incident Register within the customer database
• Managing and maintaining the Clinical Safety Mailbox

Statistician Required Onsite in Denmark

Two statisticians are required to work onsite in Denmark on a 3-month contract and be open to 50% home-based work thereafter. The ideal candidate will have 3+ years of experience in the industry. 

Associate Director - Statistical Science (Pre-clinical) - Switzerland

Our Client is looking to hire a talented Associate Director, Statistical Science. In this challenging and dynamic role, you will be a global lead for providing the statistical strategy and support of multiple areas within the biomedical research departments. 

Contract CRA - Germany

• Experienced freelance CRA required for a project in Germany covering 6 sites, the majority of the sites are in or around the Munich area. 
• 2-3 days a month over a 5 year period
• Experience with applications BfarM or the EC territory would be an advantage
• Excellent rates

CDISC Consultant/Freelance - Italy

Opportunity for an experienced CDISC consultant/freelance for a short project in Italy:

• To provide operational support to build datasets supporting our client's current eCRD system (designed and built in-house) in a format compatible with CDISC
• Micro-analysis of data structure in order to enable in the future the building of automated datasets compatible with CDISC format

If you would like further information on any of the jobs featured, please contact Rachel Keay at rachel.keay@kuborecruitment.com or visit www.kuborecruitment.com 

Kubo Recruitment meets MK Lightning’s new team!

By Lara Gill, Recruitment Consultant

Last week I went to represent Kubo and meet the new addition to the Milton Keynes Lightning squad, Tom Carlon. Kubo are sponsoring Tom this season and thought we should pop along and introduce ourselves to him. The team were being introduced for the first time to all their supporters and were all raring and ready to go for the new season!

Tom has recently transferred to MK Lightning after leaving the Peterborough Phantoms and has had a long and successful ice hockey career and was even captain of the U18 Great Britain Team!

Carlon saw his name and stick go into the Hall of Fame in Canada when he scored the game-winning goal in the world championships to win the gold medal for Great Britain!

Kubo wish MK Lightning good luck as they start their new season- hopefully we will be able to get to a game soon to show our continued support for the boys!

Kubo also sponsor the U16 Milton Keynes Storm hockey team.

5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Slack off on your Job Search this August

We generally think of August as a slow period in terms of work and business, a period of vacations and holidays where most people and companies are not very productive. It may lead many job seekers to think they can slack off in August as well. It's time to get your head out of the sand and see why August can actually be an ideal period for your job search! Kubo Recruitment shares some thoughts on why August is not a time to slack off.

1. Companies and Hiring Managers are in a "Re-focus" period

While it is true that many people go on vacation at some point during August, many come back towards the end of August or beginning of September and look at this period as a "re-focus" time. This means they are re-evaluating priorities and goals for the second half of the year and getting back into work mode for the end of the year. It's a good time to catch them when they are highly motivated and re-focused. 

2. People are Generally in a Better Mood

It is estimated that 80% if jobs are found via referral. This means that networking is extremely important, and employers are generally in a better mood during the summer months due to better weather, more sunlight and thoughts of vacation. It could be the best time to ask your contacts if there are any job openings or if they can refer you for a job. 

3. Because August is Better than January

Many job hunters make the mistake of applying for jobs towards the end of the year, thinking that companies are looking to hire before the near year. The end of the year is the worst time to job hunt as companies are closing budgets and preparing for holiday periods like Christmas and New Years (and also Thanksgiving in the U.S.). On the other hand, many job seekers think right after the New Year is the best time to apply for a job. However, companies are still finalizing budgets. 

Besides the August/beginning of fall period, early spring is a good period to job hunt.

4. Everyone else is slacking off in August

Your fellow job seekers may be slacking off in August due to a slow business period. Use this to your advantage to do job research and contact those companies and employers who are working in August. Continuously check job boards and sites like LinkedIn for an idea of the job market and prepare and update your CV and cover letter. You'll be one step ahead of the slackers when that "re-focus" period comes around.

5. Not everyone is on holiday in August

While European countries might lead the way for summer vacations in August, keep in mind that not everyone is on holiday during this time. The French, Italians and Spanish are notorious for their long summer holidays and many businesses actually close for either 2 weeks or all of August. Many of these businesses tend to be operational (like factories and bars), so keep in mind that in a professional context, the company you are applying to may be open all of August. European Catholic countries celebrate a bank holiday on August 15th and usually take long weekends, but countries like United Kingdom are still open for business.

In the U.S., vacations in August are likely but don't expect the majority of employers to be on holiday like in Europe. Unlike the Europeans, most Americans do not take 2 week vacation periods - most just stick to one week at a time and likely check email during their vacation. August can actually be an ideal time for hiring in the U.S. 

Check out Kubo Recruitment's complete list of job openings and continue reading our blog for job hunting and interviewing tips. 

How to Tackle the Most Common Interview Questions (that you will get asked!)

Interviews are nerve-wracking enough, so make them a bit easier on yourself and go in prepared with unique answers to the most commonly answered questions.

Kubo Recruitment has put together a handy list of the most common questions and some helpful tips on how to best answer them.

1. "Tell me about yourself." 

While this is a very open-ended question, it does not give you free rein to tell the interviewer everything, including what you did over the weekend or the current status of your relationship. This is a chance for you to show the employer your personality, so they can see if you fit in to the company culture. Give the employer a brief history of your professional and academic accomplishments to give them an idea of how you got to the point where you are today. You can show the employer hints of your personality in your response by discussing your hobbies as well - like your passion for travel or sport. It's ok to have fun with your answer, but keep it professional.

2. "Why did you leave your last job?"

Number one rule: be honest. If you were laid off or fired, explain why, but always show that you have gained knowledge and growth from your previous role. No matter your response, demonstrate that the job you are interviewing for would be a stepping stone in your career. DO NOT bad mouth your previous employer, as it comes across as childish and unprofessional.

3. "Why did you apply for this job?" 

Similar to question 1, show that you have read up on the job role. Pick out points of the job description that suit you perfectly and explain why by giving examples. Focus on what you can offer the company in terms of skill set and personality traits. Point out positive aspects of the company you are applying to as well; for example mention that you would like to be part of a great work environment or a successful company. Show that you are not only passionate about the job role, but about the company you hope to join.

4. "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?"

Avoid discussing your personal plans when this question comes up. The employer is usually trying to find out if you're going to be a "flight risk" - e.g. are you someone who changes companies every 2 years, do you have trouble settling down, are you planning on starting a family in the near future? Be passionate and realistic about your answer. Demonstrate that you have the intention to grow in your field, but that you are also flexible and adaptable to change. 

5. "What are your weaknesses?" 

This question feels like a trap, doesn't it? Never say that you don't have any. It's simply not true, no one is perfect. Turn a negative into a positive - for example: point out that you are meticulous to detail or that sometimes you find it better to work individually. These are weaknesses that reflect more on your personality rather than your work ethic.

6. "Do you have any questions?" 

Always prepare some questions beforehand by looking at the company's website. Questions show you are interested in the role and the company. Bring up any questions or doubts you may have, but avoid asking about salary until the employer brings it up first. This is the time to show the employer you are genuinely interested in the job role. 

The most important aspect of interviewing you can bring to the table is confidence. Having confidence in yourself shows the employer you'll have confidence in the work you do as well. 

Hug Your Boss Day is 23rd of August: Are You "Celebrating"?

National Hug Your Boss Day is on the 23rd of August and it’s reported that 45% of people think its ok to hug your boss. Kubo Recruitment wants to know: what do you think? 

A recent study conducted by TipTopJob went on to find that:

•             Only 5% would hug their boss when their boss praised them

•             15% would hug their boss on “hello” or “goodbye”

•             19% would hug if they got a promotion.

Kubo did a bit of research and unsurprisingly more women than men thought it was acceptable to hug their boss, but only if they had gotten to know him or her a bit first.

Research shows that it also depends greatly on what industry or work environment you are in as to whether a hug was deemed appropriate.

For example, in the healthcare sector it is typical to give your colleagues and your boss a hug to say “hello” or “goodbye” , but if you worked in a larger corporate business it was more “professional “ to greet someone with a handshake.

But what about cultural differences? In Japan it is customary to bow upon a business greeting, and in Italy you give a kiss on each cheek.

National Hug Your Boss Day was launched back in 2008 to promote workplace relationships and highlight the importance of getting along with your boss/manager.
 

With all this in mind, what are your thoughts? Are you a “pro hugger” or do you think that a handshake is appropriate in the work place at all times? Comment below with your thoughts!

 http://www.nationalhugyourbossday.co.uk/

Advice on Job Hunting During the Economic Crisis

As Europe and the U.S. continue to face economic hardship including worrisome unemployment rates and job cuts, job hunting has become a job in itself - requiring a full time effort. 

In addition to unemployment, there are more and more people entering the workforce. In the United States alone, 1.7 million students graduated from university this spring. According to a recent study on employment, at least 4 people are competing for every job role, and in the United Kingdom as many as 20-30 candidates. Therefore, in some countries you really do need to be on the ball to secure a job these days.

Kubo Recruitment have put together some helpful tips to help those searching in this struggling economy:

• Network: They say it's not what you know, but who you know, and in this case it can really help you progress. Speak to your friends and family and use social media outlets to sell yourself. You never know what opportunity might be out there unless you ask.
• Customize: With cover letters, it is not a case of one size fits all. Read the job description thoroughly and show you have understood the job role and how your skills are relevant.
• Speak to someone: Sometimes sending applications online or in the post can feel like a dead end if you get no response, but speaking to an agency about your circumstances and experience is always advised. They can discuss your CV/resume and give you advice on your next steps.
• Options: Don't put all your eggs in one basket! It's always good to be open and see what is out there. You would rather have too many options than none at all.
• Research: When meeting your prospective employer, it is essential to have done your research. Know who you are meeting, read up on the company and know the job specifications like the back of your hand. It is always good to have a few questions prepared too.
• Appearance: Research from Careerbuilder.com shows that one-third of employers say that they make up their mind within 1 minute of meeting a candidate. So, to make the best first impression make sure that you look smart, presentable and confident.
• Attitude: Showing a potential employer that you are enthusiastic and interested in the job is half the battle, but remember there is a thin line between enthusiastic and desperate. 
• Accept rejection and learn from it: See every opportunity as a learning process, whether you get the job or not, get as much feedback as you can and apply it to the next opportunity. If you weren't accepted for a job position, follow up with the recruiter and ask why. 
• Follow-up: It's always good to call or write and find out if there is any feedback or an update. If you are working with an agency, you will always get feedback as they do their best to get as much information as possible.
• Stay positive: There is an average of 3 million open jobs in the U.S. per month, so if it's not this time it could be the next time! Don't get disheartened if things didn't go as planned. The next job opportunity is right around the corner!

Kubo Recruitment can help job candidates at any stage in the job hunting process - from recent graduates to professionals looking for a career change. Visit our website to upload your profile and browse our current job openings both in Europe and the U.S.

We post job openings weekly on our LinkedIn company page, so we sure to follow us there! 

  

Tips for the Office Summer Dress Code

With summer finally upon us and stories about boys wearing skirts to school to make a point about not being allowed to wear shorts in the news, it got me thinking about what is appropriate to wear to work in the hot summer months.

For women, it’s a wide selection of dresses, skirts, shorts, vest tops, strappy tops, blouses, sandals,  heels, but for men is it simply a choice of trousers  or shorts and a long sleeve or short sleeve shirt?

 

When the weather gets hot and the dress code is Smart Casual, do people get confused about what smart casual actually means?  It may be hot, but remember to keep your dress code professional in the office environment. Ladies skirts should be on or below the knee and the same goes for men’s shorts. 

 

Smart casual seems to cover such a broad  spectrum that it can be easily misinterpreted and it may depend entirely on the office environment that you work in. Smaller companies tend to have more of a relaxed approach, letting their employees wear pretty much what they want- in moderation- , but is wearing flip flops to work pushing it a bit too far? I agree that shorts and a polo shirt can look smart, but team it with flip flops and you may have just crossed over to "too" casual, but wearing a full suit and tie in 30 degree heat is going to raise some eyebrows when clients are put off by the sweaty mess in front of them.

Here are our top tips for Your Office Summer Dress Code

1. Know your work environment and your company’s dress code- before you walk in to the office in your shorts and t-shirt get a feel for the dress code. Some companies may be more relaxed than others (or the contrary!).


2. Don’t put too much on display- low cut tops and short skirts are generally not appropriate for the office and should be kept for the weekend!


3. Don’t get too comfy - If you could lounge around the house in it or wear it to the gym it’s probably not appropriate for the office.


4. Flip- Flops are a no no. Not only are they a health and safety issue, but they give off a much too relaxed impression for work.


5. No Hawaiian shirts! Expressing yourself with a vibrant shirt is one thing, but Hawaiian shirts are just too casual and unprofessional for the office!

I’m sure there are going to be a few faux pas as the sun is out and people try to cool down, but even if you do have a slip up, your wardrobe disaster won’t last long and it will be back to coats and jackets before you know it!

Visit www.kuborecruitment.com for all our latest job openings!

Welcome to the Kubo Recruitment Blog!

Welcome to Kubo Job Knowledge - The Recruitment Blog! 

Kubo Recruitment focuses on sourcing talent for the Life Sciences sector. With headquarters in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom, we operate internationally and recruit professionals in clinical research including data managers, statisticians, statistical programmers, Monitors, CRAs, Medical Writers, IT professionals and more. This blog highlights trends and news from the recruitment and life sciences industries and provides job seekers with tips on new job openings and how to make yourself an ideal candidate.

Our blog will occasionally feature Community updates, including news on the Milton Keynes Storm Under 16 ice hockey team for which Kubo is a proud sponsor.

Stay tuned for regular blog posts as Kubo continues to expand in the recruitment sector. Next month, Kubo is exhibiting at the DIA 49th Annual Meeting in Boston, Massachusetts. 

Happy Reading!