Literature Search
A Literature Search is a thorough review of published materials to find relevant information about a research topic. It's like being a detective who looks through scientific papers, books, and research articles to understand what other scientists have already discovered. This is usually one of the first steps in any research project. Scientists do this to avoid repeating work that's already been done, to find gaps in current knowledge, and to build upon existing research. You might also see this called "Literature Review," "Bibliography Research," or "Scientific Literature Review."
Examples in Resumes
Conducted comprehensive Literature Search on cancer treatments using PubMed and Web of Science databases
Performed detailed Literature Review to support grant proposal development
Led team efforts in Scientific Literature Search for pharmaceutical drug development project
Completed extensive Bibliography Research to establish research methodology
Typical job title: "Research Scientists"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Research Scientists
Professional Networks
Research Resources
Job Boards
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you ensure a literature search is comprehensive enough for a major research project?
Expected Answer: Should explain their systematic approach to searching multiple databases, using different search terms, tracking references, and ensuring all relevant sub-topics are covered. Should mention methods for organizing and evaluating the quality of sources.
Q: How do you train junior researchers in conducting effective literature searches?
Expected Answer: Should discuss teaching search strategies, explaining how to evaluate source credibility, showing how to use different databases, and methods for organizing findings. Should mention common pitfalls to avoid.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What databases do you typically use for literature searches and why?
Expected Answer: Should be able to name major research databases like PubMed, Web of Science, or Scopus, and explain when to use each one based on the research field and type of information needed.
Q: How do you organize and track your literature search findings?
Expected Answer: Should describe using reference management tools, creating summaries or spreadsheets, and methods for categorizing and accessing information when needed.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is the first step you take when starting a literature search?
Expected Answer: Should mention defining the research question clearly, identifying key search terms, and choosing appropriate databases to search.
Q: How do you determine if a source is reliable for your literature search?
Expected Answer: Should discuss checking journal reputation, author credentials, peer review status, and publication date as basic criteria for evaluating sources.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic database searching
- Using reference management software
- Finding and downloading papers
- Taking good notes on readings
Mid (2-5 years)
- Advanced search strategies
- Evaluating source quality
- Organizing large amounts of literature
- Writing literature summaries
Senior (5+ years)
- Leading research projects
- Training others in search methods
- Writing comprehensive reviews
- Grant proposal development
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to name major research databases
- No experience with reference management tools
- Lack of knowledge about evaluating source credibility
- Poor organization of search findings
- No understanding of different types of scientific publications
Related Terms
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