• Applying for Jobs at the Library of Congress
• Interview and Selection Procedures
• Pay and Benefits
• Explanation of Common Terms Found in LC Vacancy Announcements

Applying for Jobs at the Library of Congress

1. If I am not a citizen of the United States, am I still permitted to apply for vacancies at the Library of Congress?
2. Am I required to submit a separate application for each vacancy to which I want to apply or may I submit one and be considered for all vacancies for which I am eligible?
3. Is applying "online" the only way to apply for a Library vacancy?
4. A vacancy announcement states that I can apply online or by using a job kit. What is a "job kit" and how do I obtain one?
5. Why does the Vacancy Announcement recommend sending hard copy applications via Fed Ex and United Parcel Service (UPS)?
6. If I'm applying for a Library vacancy, what documents must I submit in order for my application to be considered complete?
7. What is a "Federal-style resume"?
8. Where can I obtain a copy of the Optional Form 612?
9. Am I required to complete the Race, Sex, and National Origin form/data? If I don't complete it, does it affect my chances of getting a job with the Library?
10. After I've applied for an LC vacancy, how will I know if my application has been received?
11. I am using a job kit to submit my application. May I fax my job kit application to the Library?
12. I inadvertently submitted an incomplete/erroneous application using the online (AVUE) application system. May I resubmit a complete application and will the system "kick out" the incomplete application?
13. I submitted an application online through AVUE, but could not upload my resume. How can I get my resume to you?
14. I applied online through AVUE but have forgotten my User ID. What should I do? Whom should I contact?
15. The vacancy announcement states that I must submit college transcripts and/or proof of licenses or certification before I can be considered for a Library vacancy. What is the process for submitting these documents?
16. If I am required to submit a transcript of college courses, must it be an official transcript or is a photocopy sufficient?
17. Do I have to complete the "work history" section of my application through AVUE? Can't I just submit my resume?
18. What type of information should I include in my "narrative responses" to the questions in the applicant questionnaire? How long should each narrative response be?
19. I want to apply for a Library vacancy, but I don't want my current supervisor contacted unless I'm seriously being considered. Do you have to contact my current supervisor?
20. I submitted a "job kit" by an overnight express courier. Whom may I contact to confirm that the application was received?
21. I applied for a vacancy that closed over a month ago. Whom should I contact to find out about the status of my application?
22. I received notice that a vacancy that I had applied for had been cancelled. Will it be re-announced? If yes, am I required to reapply in order to be considered?
23. I just found out about a vacancy that closed yesterday. May I still submit an application?
24. Does the Library of Congress follow any special merit-selection guidelines in filling its vacancies?

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Applying for Jobs at the Library of Congress

1. If I am not a citizen of the United States, am I still permitted to apply for vacancies at the Library of Congress?

By law, employment at most U.S. Government agencies, including the Library of Congress, is limited to U.S. citizens. However, non-citizens may be hired provided that immigration law and other legal requirements are met, and the Library determines there are no qualified U.S. citizens available for the position. Library requirements are described at www.loc.gov/hr/employment.

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2. Am I required to submit a separate application for each vacancy to which I want to apply or may I submit one and be considered for all vacancies for which I am eligible?

You must submit a separate application for each vacancy to which you wish to apply.

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3. Is applying "online" the only way to apply for a Library vacancy?

No. The method of applying for a Library vacancy depends on the type of vacancy. Please follow the application instructions listed in the vacancy announcement for the position for which you are applying.

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4. A vacancy announcement states that I can apply online or by using a job kit. What is a "job kit" and how do I obtain one?

Although applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online via the Library's Employment Website (www.loc.gov/hr/employment), the Library does offer applicants the option to apply for jobs manually using a paper "job kit".
A "job kit" is a paper application package that can be obtained from the Library of Congress Employment Office. To request a job kit for a particular Library of Congress vacancy, you may call or email the Library of Congress Employment Office at (202) 707-5627 or jobhelp@loc.gov or pick up a copy in person from the Library of Congress Employment Office (Madison Building), Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., in LM-107, 101 Independence Avenue, SE.

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5. Why does the Vacancy Announcement recommend sending hard copy applications via Fed Ex and United Parcel Service (UPS)?

Due to security concerns on Capitol Hill, mail delivery from the United States Postal Service is experiencing significant delays and although it is highly recommended that applicants apply online, if you choose to submit a hard-copy application, we recommend that you send it via Fed-Ex or United Parcel Service (UPS) and that you allow at least 72 hours for delivery, even for overnight packages.
You also have the option of hand delivery of your application, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., to the Library of Congress Employment Office (Madison Building).

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6. If I'm applying for a Library vacancy, what documents must I submit in order for my application to be considered complete?

Because application requirements can vary by position, it is important to consult the vacancy announcement for a definitive list of required application materials. For example, some types of Library positions require college transcripts and/or proof of licenses or certification; this information will be clearly articulated in the vacancy announcement. Please carefully review the complete vacancy announcement for full "How to Apply" instructions. Failure to submit the required information and/or materials by the announcement's closing date will result in disqualification of your application from further consideration for a position.

Generally speaking, the following requirements apply.

A. If you are applying for a professional, administrative, or supervisory technical position via the Library's (AVUE) online application system, you will be required to complete all mandatory sections of the online application form, including a vacancy specific applicant questionnaire and supporting narratives. You may also upload your resume when applying online, however it is not necessary since the online process includes all elements of the Federal Style Resume.

If you are applying via a job kit, you must complete and submit a scannable application form that includes a vacancy specific applicant questionnaire, an Optional Form-612 or Federal-style resume, and brief narrative statements supporting responses to the applicant questionnaire on supplemental sheets of paper. Each supplemental sheet must include your name and the vacancy announcement number for which you are applying. Any additional application requirements will be specified in the vacancy announcement.

B. If you are applying for a technical position either online via USA Staffing or on paper, you will be required to submit a completed occupational questionnaire, an Optional Form-612 or Federal-style resume, and any additional required application materials specified in the vacancy announcement.

C. If you are applying for a clerical or wage-grade position, you will be required to submit in paper a Standard Form 171 (Application for Federal Employment), Optional Form-612, or Federal-style resume; a description on plain paper demonstrating your competence in each Knowledge, Skill, or Ability (KSA), if applicable; and any additional required application materials specified in the vacancy announcement.

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7. What is a "Federal-style resume"?

A Federal-style resume is a resume that incorporates special categories of information required for Federal jobs. Federal-style resumes are now accepted by many Federal agencies in lieu of more traditional government application forms, i.e., the SF-171 and OF-612. If you choose to apply for a Library of Congress position via a job kit, you must submit either a Federal-style resume or an OF-612. Each job kit contains instructions for what must be included in a Federal-style resume. Instructions for completing a Federal-style resume are available at www.loc.gov/hr/employment.

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8. Where can I obtain a copy of the Optional Form 612?

The Optional Form 612 (Optional Application for Federal Employment) may be obtained from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management website at http://www.opm.gov/Forms/ and the Library of Congress Employment Office (Madison Building) Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., in LM-107, 101 Independence Avenue, SE.

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9. Am I required to complete the Race, Sex, and National Origin form/data? If I don't complete it, does it affect my chances of getting a job with the Library?

Failure to provide information about your race, sex, and national origin will in no way affect your chances of getting a job with the Library, and you are not required to provide this information on your application. However, the Library urges all applicants to provide this important information; without it, the Library cannot determine accurately whether it is meeting its objective of attracting highly-qualified diverse pools of applicants to Library positions. When you do supply your race, sex and national origin information to the Library, it is treated in a highly confidential manner and used for statistical purposes only. The information is not released to the Selecting Official, the Interview Panel, or anyone else who can affect your application.

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10. After I've applied for an LC vacancy, how will I know if my application has been received?

If you apply online, you will be notified immediately via the online system that your application has been submitted successfully. If you apply in paper, you will receive a written "receipt" from the Library's Employment Office indicating that your application has been received.

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11. I am using a job kit to submit my application. May I fax my job kit application to the Library?

No. The Library is unable to accept a fax of a job kit application because the kit includes a scannable bubble sheet that you must complete. If you are applying using the job kit, we recommend that you deliver your application materials to the Library's Employment Office between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or send it via Fed-Ex or United Parcel Service (UPS) and allow at least 72 hours for delivery, even for overnight packages. The Library's Employment Office is located in the Madison Building at 101 Independence Avenue, SE, in LM-107.

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12. I inadvertently submitted an incomplete/erroneous application using the online (AVUE) application system. May I resubmit a complete application and will the system "kick out" the incomplete application?

If you have discovered the problem before the closing of the announcement, you may withdraw your incomplete/erroneous application from consideration by logging into AVUE, selecting "Jobs I Have Applied For", and checking the "Withdraw from Consideration" box next to the appropriate position. You may then resubmit a new application.

If you have discovered the problem after the closing date of the announcement, you will need to call or e-mail the Library's Employment Office directly at 202-707-5627 or jobhelp@loc.gov to determine whether and how the problem can be corrected.

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13. I submitted an application online through AVUE, but could not upload my resume. How can I get my resume to you?

You are not required to submit a resume as part of your online application. However, if you choose to do so, you may fax it to us at 202-707-1454 or email it to jobhelp@loc.gov. Please be sure to include your name and the vacancy announcement number for which the resume is being submitted.

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14. I applied online through AVUE but have forgotten my User ID. What should I do? Whom should I contact?

Requests for new User IDs, passwords, or both must be submitted through the online AVUE Help Desk, which is accessible from the main AVUE Log-In page at www.avuedigitalservices.com. The Library does not maintain a separate directory of applicants' User IDs or passwords.

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15. The vacancy announcement states that I must submit college transcripts and/or proof of licenses or certification before I can be considered for a Library vacancy. What is the process for submitting these documents?

If you are applying for a position, which requires college transcripts and/or proof of licenses or certification, please refer to the vacancy announcement for any specific instructions.

If you are applying in the Library's AVUE system, you may attach copies to your online application. If you have trouble attaching the required materials online, you may fax them to us at 202-707-1454 or email it to jobhelp@loc.gov. Please be sure to include your name and the vacancy announcement number for which the resume is being submitted.

If you are applying using a job kit, simply include a paper copy with your application materials. Applicants who fail to submit the required documents will be disqualified from further consideration and will not receive an interview.

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16. If I am required to submit a transcript of college courses, must it be an official transcript or is a photocopy sufficient?

A photocopy (or a copy downloaded from the university website) is sufficient at the application stage; a self-generated list of courses is also acceptable at this stage. However, if you ultimately are selected for the position, you will be required to provide an official version of your transcript.

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17. Do I have to complete the "work history" section of my application through AVUE? Can't I just submit my resume?

Although you are welcome to submit a resume with your application, you must complete all mandatory sections of the online application, including the work history section of the application, in order for your application to receive further consideration.

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18. What type of information should I include in my "narrative responses" to the questions in the applicant questionnaire? How long should each narrative response be?

In completing the applicant questionnaire, you are asked to select responses to specific KSA statements that best reflect your highest level of experience or education relative to a competency/KSAO. You are also asked to include a narrative that illustrates relevant experience or education. In these narratives, you should briefly describe specific experience, education, knowledge, and/or training that support your response to each KSAO statement in the applicant questionnaire. Do not simply repeat the KSAO statement or use general language such as "see attached resume".

The length of your narrative responses will vary by KSAO statement; however, a good average length for a narrative response is approximately one paragraph. It is not necessary for you to recount in your narrative responses every experience you have had relative to each KSAO statement; instead, you should focus on recounting one or two specific examples that justify the response that you selected.

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19. I want to apply for a Library vacancy, but I don't want my current supervisor contacted unless I'm seriously being considered. Do you have to contact my current supervisor?

The Library will not contact your current supervisor unless you are one of the final candidates under consideration for the position and unless you have given us express permission to do so. However, failure to give such permission may affect the Selecting Official's hiring decision.

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20. I submitted a "job kit" by an overnight express courier. Whom may I contact to confirm that the application was received?

You may contact the Library's Employment Office by phone at 202-707-5627 or by e-mail at jobhelp@loc.gov.

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21. I applied for a vacancy that closed over a month ago. Whom should I contact to find out about the status of my application?

Each vacancy announcement includes contact information specific to the particular vacancy. Please refer to the vacancy announcement for contact information.

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22. I received notice that a vacancy that I had applied for had been cancelled. Will it be re-announced? If yes, am I required to reapply in order to be considered?

Although the Library tries very hard to limit the instances in which a vacancy must be cancelled, it does happen. Depending on the situation, the vacancy may or may not be re-announced. If the vacancy is re-announced, applicants typically must re-apply in order to be considered. The vacancy announcement re-announcing the cancelled position will contain official instructions on whether and how to re-apply.

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23. I just found out about a vacancy that closed yesterday. May I still submit an application?

Unfortunately, you may not. The Library will not consider applications submitted past the official closing date listed on the vacancy announcement. The only exception to this policy is for current Library of Congress employees who are on approved leave or excused absence for the entire period that the vacancy announcement was open. Employees who meet these criteria and who wish to be considered for the position must submit paper applications using a job kit by close of business of the third workday after the vacancy announcement closes. Online applications cannot be accepted after the closing date.

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24. Does the Library of Congress follow any special merit-selection guidelines in filling its vacancies?

Yes - The Library of Congress adheres to a formal Merit Selection Plan. This plan describes the objectives, policies, and procedures governing the competitive filling of Library vacancies through merit selection of qualified individuals. Merit selection refers to filling vacancies through a competitive process and includes promotions of employees accomplished through the competitive hiring process. The plan applies to filling Library non-bargaining unit and bargaining unit administrative, professional, clerical, technical, and wage grade or equivalent positions at grades GS-3 through GS-15 and Senior Level (SL), unless covered by a separate negotiated collective bargaining agreement. In the event of a conflict between a provision of this plan and applicable provisions of negotiated collective bargaining agreements, the provisions of the collective bargaining agreements will apply. Read our Merit Selection Plan (PDF document 364K Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader 6.0).