The academic interview process can be a lengthy one. As a prospective candidate for a faculty librarian position, I spent months in a wave of emotional excitement from learning about the opening to preparation for the full day interview. It is anxiety inducing to say the least. Tack on the uncertainty of a global pandemic and I found myself verging of an existential state of being. I applied for this position in November 2019, had a phone interview in early February 2020, then my in-person interview was postponed from March to a date that was “to be determined”. The final virtual interview happened two-months later in May, but with the caveat that they might not be able to fill the vacancy due to the state’s hiring freeze. Hiring at an academic library is known to take anywhere from six months to a year [1]. Eight months later I accepted the offer, which was very efficient given the position was pushed through as a critical hire.
Once I signed all the paperwork, trying to establish my existence and connect with my colleagues in a virtual environment was a legitimate challenge. While a lot of this applies to any new role, in a work-from-home environment, it is easy to go unnoticed and feel lost in the virtual shuffle. Establishing relationships felt crucial not only to my success and likelihood of long-term job satisfaction, but I knew I had to build my network for guidance and mentorship as new faculty. There was no way I could navigate this alone. I hope these tips will help any recent
“COVID-hire” feel genuinely more connected and established their new position.
Over communicating with my supervisor
This is probably a given during the start of any job, but while I was waiting for my logins and workstation, I made sure to check-in with my supervisor daily. This might sound like overkill, but it shows initiative, especially if there is not a formal onboarding process. In addition to offering my help with any projects, I provided a regular recap of the tutorials I watched, databases reviewed, potential projects I was considering based on impact reports on the library website, and a potential list of people to meet with.
Getting dressed to work at home
I wanted to make a good impression and be recognizable to my colleagues in anticipation of when we eventually return to the library. My normal is still getting ready to work from home (applying eyeliner and all), so I can turn on my camera for meetings, and “be on” for impromptu check-ins or invites to virtual happy hours.
Organizing an all-library staff meet & greet
Even though I went through my library’s staff directory and memorized everyone’s profiles, I was fortunate to have a couple colleagues schedule virtual meet and greets with the entire library, as well as with individual departments. This not only helped associate names with faces, but it served as a friendly way for staff to get together. It helped to have a couple icebreakers on hand, as well as a speech prepared in advance.
Scheduling one-on-ones inside & outside of my department
My first six weeks were packed with virtual coffees, happy hours, and casual check-ins with those within and outside of my department. I had to be comfortable with cold emailing colleagues and my department staff to chat. Rather than conversing over email, I proposed to schedule a time to talk to help build rapport [4]. While it is also part of our new normal to experience Zoom fatigue [5]; virtual meetings like these can be asset when in the comfort of your home. The low stakes environment makes it easier to speak openly. It could be a good idea to ask what their needs and desires are, as well as how you can advocate and move your library or department forward.
Attending virtual events for new faculty & within professional learning communities
These opportunities will often find you, but I made it a point to attend these to get acquainted with campus resources, to network with other new faculty, as well as promote the library. I was able to get tips about seizing my career, managing performance, and moving into leadership. The break-out sessions also provided valuable insight into my university’s culture and helped me actualize my role.
Remembering to take breaks & go outside
While my instinct is to want to prove I am productive while working from home, starting a new job during a full-fledged pandemic is S-T-R-E-S-S-F-U-L. I know this contradicts my first point, but do not let it define your every work day. Normal is also not being able to quickly realize expectations because you are physically distant from your colleagues, and the students and faculty you serve. I learned I needed to prioritize taking a break, stretching, and going outside for some fresh air. We all remember stepping out of the library with a colleague to chat and grab a coffee, so just because you are working from home does not mean you should be living by your laptop.
My normal is exercising gratitude to the colleagues, who have expressed understanding for being hired at an “odd” time and for being forgiving when I cannot always provide efficient solutions. I am humbled by those that have offered to spend an hour or more having virtual coffee, providing context and institutional history, and offering advice when I felt lost. Being the new kid librarian isn’t easy but be brave and keep on.
Resources
- “Academic Interview Process.” American Library Association, March 13, 2008. (Accessed October 15, 2020).
- “Core Conversations: Cultivating Your Network Virtually.” webinar facilitated by Joy Gaston Gayles, PHD and Anthony Ocampo, PHD, National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity, September 1, 2020.
- “What it’s like to start a leadership Role in a Virtual World“ by
Ryan Crawford and Melissa Fincher, The Chronicle of Higher Education, October 1, 2020. - “How I Navigated a New Job during the Coronavirus Pandemic.” by Sally Brown. Nature (London), July 24, 2020. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-020-02193-9
- “How to Combat Zoom Fatigue.” by Liz Fosslien and Mollie West Duffy. Harvard Business Review. April 29, 2020.
Editing assistance provided by Molly Higgins.