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.

Pick a clean, professional template that highlights organization and detail. Use a reverse-chronological layout if your cataloging roles and technical skills matter most. Choose a simple two-column layout only if it keeps section headings linear for ATS parsing.

Keep your resume length to one page for early to mid-career roles. Use two pages only if you have long, directly relevant cataloging experience or leadership in library systems. Cut older or unrelated roles to stay concise.

Use ATS-friendly fonts like Calibri, Arial, Georgia, or Garamond. Set body text to 10–12pt and headers to 14–16pt. Keep consistent margins and line spacing so readers can scan quickly.

Use clear section headings such as Contact, Summary, Skills, Experience, Education, Certifications, and Systems (e.g., Aleph, Koha, OCLC). List skills and systems in short bullet lines for fast scanning.

Avoid heavy formatting and complex graphics. They confuse applicant tracking systems and distract hiring librarians. Stick to simple bolding, italics, and bullet lists to show hierarchy.

Watch these common mistakes: using multiple columns that break ATS parsing, odd fonts and bright colors, tiny margins that crowd text, and long paragraphs that hide achievements. Use short bullets that start with active verbs and include numbers where you can.

Writing a tailored cover letter matters for a Catalog Librarian role. It helps you show fit beyond your resume and show real interest in the library's mission.

Header: Put your name, email, phone, and the date. Add the hiring manager and library name if you know them.

Opening paragraph: Start strong. State the Catalog Librarian title you want and show genuine enthusiasm for the library. Mention where you found the posting or a referral. Briefly name your top qualification that matches the job.

Body paragraphs: Use one to three short paragraphs that link your work to the job.

• Highlight relevant projects and tools like MARC, RDA, cataloging software, or metadata standards.
• Show soft skills like attention to detail, teamwork, and service orientation.
• Use numbers when you can, like volumes processed per month or accuracy improvements.

Tailor details to the specific job. Pull keywords from the posting. Show how your experience meets their needs.

Closing paragraph: Reiterate strong interest in this Catalog Librarian role. State confidence in your ability to contribute to the library's collections and services. Ask for a meeting or interview and thank the reader for their time.

Tone and style: Keep the tone professional, confident, and warm. Write as if you speak to a colleague. Use short sentences and plain language. Customize each letter; avoid generic templates.

Final checks: Proofread for clarity and grammar. Keep the letter one page. Match key terms from the job description. End with a polite call to action.

When you apply for a Catalog Librarian role, small errors can cost interviews. Your resume must show that you know cataloging rules, metadata work, and library systems. Take time to make each bullet clear, accurate, and targeted to cataloging tasks. Attention to detail signals you can manage records and classification without mistakes.

Below are common resume mistakes for Catalog Librarians. Each entry shows a typical error and a short fix you can apply right away.

These FAQs and tips focus on building a Catalog Librarian resume. You'll find quick answers on format, skills, projects, and certifications. Use them to highlight cataloging, metadata work, and system expertise so hiring managers see your practical value fast.