Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) scan resumes for keywords and structure. They match your skills to a job posting. For a Catalog Librarian, ATS look for cataloging terms, metadata tools, and certifications.
You should use standard section titles like "Work Experience", "Education", and "Skills". Use clear dates and job titles. Avoid headers, footers, images, and tables. Save your file as PDF or .docx unless the job asks for another format.
Include keywords that hiring managers for Catalog Librarian roles expect. Think MARC21, RDA, LCSH, Dewey, Library of Congress Classification, authority control, OCLC, Koha, Ex Libris, collection development, accessioning, metadata standards, linked data, Dublin Core, digital asset management, and cataloging workflows.
- Use plain fonts like Arial or Calibri.
- List software and systems by name.
- Write short, keyword-rich bullet points for each job.
Don’t swap exact keywords for creative synonyms. If the posting says "MARC21," don’t use only "library record format."
Avoid fancy layout. Tables and columns can scramble your information. ATS may drop content in headers, footers, or text boxes.
Also avoid leaving out core terms like "authority control" or "OCLC." Many libraries filter out resumes that lack those phrases. Keep phrasing natural and honest. Tailor your resume to each Catalog Librarian job by copying key terms from the job ad into your document where they truly apply.