How to Tailor Your Resume to an Adjunct Professor Posting

Landing an adjunct professor position requires more than just listing your qualifications. It demands a resume that speaks directly to the needs of the department and the students. This isn’t a generic resume guide. This is about making your resume a laser-focused argument for why you’re the perfect fit, highlighting your teaching experience, subject matter expertise, and commitment to student success.

The Adjunct Professor Resume Makeover: From Generic to “Must-Interview”

By the end of this, you’ll have a clear strategy to transform your resume from a generic list of qualifications into a compelling narrative that showcases your teaching prowess and subject matter expertise. You’ll walk away with:

• A rewritten professional summary: Crafted to highlight your teaching philosophy and relevant experience, capturing the hiring manager’s attention immediately.
• Quantifiable achievements: Specific examples of how you’ve positively impacted student learning, using metrics to demonstrate your effectiveness.
• A skills matrix: Mapping your skills to the specific requirements of the adjunct professor role, ensuring alignment with the job description.
• A targeted experience section: Showcasing your teaching experience, curriculum development skills, and subject matter expertise.
• A customized cover letter template: Highlighting your passion for teaching and your commitment to student success.
• An “evidence packet” checklist: A list of artifacts (syllabi, student evaluations, sample assignments) to prepare for the interview, demonstrating your teaching capabilities.
• A list of action verbs: Tailored to the adjunct professor role, to make your resume more dynamic and engaging.

What You’ll Get: A Resume That Screams “Hire Me!” (For This Specific Role)

This article will provide you with the tools and strategies to tailor your resume to an adjunct professor posting, ensuring you stand out from the competition and land the interview. This is not a guide to general resume writing; it’s about crafting a resume that speaks directly to the needs of the hiring department.

• A rewritten professional summary: A compelling narrative showcasing your teaching philosophy and relevant experience.
• Measurable accomplishments: Concrete examples of how you’ve improved student learning outcomes.
• A skills matrix: A clear mapping of your skills to the job description’s requirements.
• A targeted experience section: Highlighting teaching roles, curriculum development, and subject matter expertise.
• A cover letter template: A customizable template expressing your passion for teaching.
• An evidence checklist: A list of artifacts to prepare for interviews (syllabi, evaluations, sample assignments).
• Action verbs: A tailored list to make your resume dynamic and engaging.

Understand the Department’s Needs: Do Your Homework

Before you even open your resume, research the department and the specific course you’d be teaching. Understand their teaching philosophy, the student demographics, and the program’s goals. This knowledge will inform every aspect of your resume.

For example, if the department emphasizes active learning, highlight experiences where you’ve used innovative teaching methods like:

• Flipped classrooms: Students learn content outside of class and engage in activities during class time.
• Project-based learning: Students learn by actively engaging in real-world and personally meaningful projects.
• Case studies: Students analyze real-world scenarios to apply concepts and develop critical thinking skills.

Rewrite Your Professional Summary: Make it About Teaching, Not Just Expertise

Your professional summary is your first impression. Ditch the generic objective statement and craft a compelling narrative that highlights your teaching philosophy and relevant experience. Focus on what you can offer the students and the department.

Weak: “Experienced professional with expertise in [Subject Matter].”

Strong: “Passionate educator with [Number] years of experience fostering engaging learning environments in [Subject Matter]. Proven ability to develop and deliver curriculum that enhances student understanding and promotes critical thinking. Committed to student success and dedicated to creating a supportive learning community.”

Quantify Your Achievements: Show, Don’t Just Tell

Hiring managers want to see the impact you’ve had on student learning. Use metrics to demonstrate your effectiveness and showcase your accomplishments.

Weak: “Improved student performance.”

Strong: “Increased student average exam scores by 15% in [Course Name] by implementing [Specific Teaching Strategy].”

Build a Skills Matrix: Align Your Skills to the Job Description

Create a skills matrix that maps your skills to the specific requirements of the adjunct professor role. This demonstrates that you understand the job and have the necessary qualifications.

For example, if the job description requires experience with online learning platforms, list your experience with platforms like:

• Blackboard: A popular learning management system (LMS) used by many universities.
• Canvas: Another widely used LMS, known for its user-friendly interface.
• Moodle: An open-source LMS that offers a flexible and customizable learning environment.

Target Your Experience Section: Highlight Teaching Roles and Relevant Projects

Focus on your teaching experience, curriculum development skills, and subject matter expertise. Use action verbs to make your resume more dynamic and engaging. Quantify your achievements whenever possible.

Weak: “Taught courses in [Subject Matter].”

Strong: “Developed and delivered engaging lectures and interactive activities in [Course Name], resulting in a 90% student satisfaction rate.”

Customize Your Cover Letter: Express Your Passion for Teaching

Your cover letter is your opportunity to showcase your personality and passion for teaching. Explain why you’re interested in the adjunct professor role and how your skills and experience align with the department’s needs. Tailor your cover letter to each specific posting.

Here’s a template for the body of your customized cover letter:

Use this when applying for an adjunct professor position.

Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the Adjunct Professor position in [Subject Area] at [University Name], as advertised on [Platform]. With [Number] years of experience teaching [Subject Area] and a deep commitment to fostering student success, I am confident I possess the skills and expertise to contribute significantly to your department.
In my previous role at [Previous Institution/Company], I [Describe a relevant accomplishment that aligns with the job description]. I am particularly drawn to [University Name]’s commitment to [Mention specific value or initiative of the university]. My teaching philosophy aligns closely with your department’s emphasis on [Mention specific teaching philosophy or method].
I am eager to learn more about this opportunity and discuss how my skills and experience can benefit your students and the department. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,[Your Name]

Prepare an “Evidence Packet”: Demonstrate Your Teaching Capabilities

During the interview process, you’ll likely be asked to provide evidence of your teaching capabilities. Prepare an “evidence packet” that includes:

• Syllabi: Examples of courses you’ve taught, demonstrating your curriculum development skills.
• Student evaluations: Feedback from students on your teaching effectiveness.
• Sample assignments: Examples of engaging and challenging assignments you’ve created.
• Teaching philosophy statement: A written statement outlining your beliefs about teaching and learning.

Use Action Verbs: Make Your Resume More Dynamic

Use strong action verbs to make your resume more dynamic and engaging. Here are some examples tailored to the adjunct professor role:

• Developed: Created curriculum, assignments, and assessments.
• Delivered: Presented lectures, facilitated discussions, and provided instruction.
• Facilitated: Guided student learning, promoted collaboration, and encouraged critical thinking.
• Assessed: Evaluated student performance, provided feedback, and graded assignments.
• Mentored: Guided students, provided support, and fostered their academic growth.

What a Hiring Manager Scans For in 15 Seconds

Hiring managers are busy. They need to quickly assess whether you’re a good fit for the role. Here’s what they’re looking for in 15 seconds:

• Teaching experience: Do you have relevant experience teaching the subject matter?
• Subject matter expertise: Do you have the necessary knowledge and skills to teach the course?
• Curriculum development skills: Can you develop engaging and effective curriculum?
• Commitment to student success: Are you dedicated to helping students learn and succeed?
• Communication skills: Can you communicate effectively with students and colleagues?
• Enthusiasm: Do you have a passion for teaching and a genuine interest in the subject matter?

The Mistake That Quietly Kills Candidates

The biggest mistake candidates make is failing to tailor their resume to the specific adjunct professor posting. They submit a generic resume that doesn’t highlight their teaching experience or subject matter expertise. This makes it difficult for the hiring manager to see why they’re a good fit for the role.

The fix: Take the time to research the department and the specific course you’d be teaching. Then, tailor your resume to highlight your relevant skills and experience. Use metrics to demonstrate your effectiveness and showcase your accomplishments.

FAQ

How do I tailor my resume to a specific adjunct professor posting?

Start by carefully reviewing the job description and identifying the key skills and qualifications the department is seeking. Then, tailor your resume to highlight your relevant experience and accomplishments. Use metrics to demonstrate your effectiveness and showcase your achievements. Finally, customize your cover letter to express your passion for teaching and explain why you’re a good fit for the role.

What skills are most important for an adjunct professor?

The most important skills for an adjunct professor include teaching experience, subject matter expertise, curriculum development skills, communication skills, and a commitment to student success. Hiring managers also look for candidates who are enthusiastic, organized, and able to create a supportive learning environment.

Should I include my research experience on my adjunct professor resume?

Yes, but only if it’s relevant to the teaching role. If your research experience is directly related to the subject matter you’ll be teaching, it can be a valuable asset. However, if it’s not relevant, it’s best to focus on your teaching experience and curriculum development skills.

How long should my adjunct professor resume be?

Ideally, your resume should be no more than two pages long. Hiring managers are busy, so it’s important to be concise and focus on the most relevant information. Use bullet points to highlight your accomplishments and make your resume easy to read.

What should I include in my cover letter for an adjunct professor position?

Your cover letter should express your passion for teaching and explain why you’re a good fit for the role. Highlight your relevant skills and experience, and explain how you can contribute to the department’s goals. Customize your cover letter to each specific posting.

How important are student evaluations for an adjunct professor application?

Student evaluations are very important, as they provide evidence of your teaching effectiveness. If you have positive student evaluations, be sure to include them in your evidence packet. If you have negative evaluations, be prepared to address them in your interview.

What if I don’t have a lot of teaching experience?

If you don’t have a lot of formal teaching experience, focus on highlighting other relevant experiences, such as tutoring, mentoring, or presenting workshops. You can also emphasize your subject matter expertise and your commitment to student success. Consider including any teaching-related projects or volunteer work.

How can I make my resume stand out from the competition?

To make your resume stand out, focus on tailoring it to the specific adjunct professor posting. Use metrics to demonstrate your effectiveness and showcase your accomplishments. Customize your cover letter to express your passion for teaching and explain why you’re a good fit for the role. Prepare an evidence packet that includes syllabi, student evaluations, and sample assignments.

Is it worth applying for adjunct professor positions if I don’t have a PhD?

It depends on the field and the institution. Some adjunct professor positions require a PhD, while others may accept a Master’s degree or equivalent experience. Review the job description carefully to determine the minimum qualifications. If you don’t have a PhD, focus on highlighting your teaching experience and subject matter expertise.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing an adjunct professor resume?

Common mistakes include submitting a generic resume, failing to quantify achievements, neglecting to tailor the resume to the specific posting, and omitting relevant teaching experience. Also, avoid using generic action verbs and failing to express your passion for teaching.

How can I address a gap in my employment history on my resume?

If you have a gap in your employment history, be honest and transparent about it. You can explain the gap in your cover letter or during the interview. Focus on highlighting any skills or experiences you gained during the gap, such as volunteer work, professional development, or personal projects.

Should I include references on my resume?

It’s generally not necessary to include references on your resume. Instead, you can state “References available upon request.” Be sure to have a list of references prepared in advance, including their names, titles, contact information, and a brief description of your relationship with them.

---

More Adjunct Professor resources

Browse more posts and templates for Adjunct Professor: Adjunct Professor