Adjunct Professor Resume Examples & Templates
4 free customizable and printable Adjunct Professor samples and templates for 2025. Unlock unlimited access to our AI resume builder for just $9/month and elevate your job applications effortlessly. Generating your first resume is free.
Adjunct Professor Resume Examples and Templates
Adjunct Instructor Resume Example and Template
James Anderson
London, UK • [email protected] • +44 20 7946 0958 • himalayas.app/@jamesanderson
Professional summary
Education
Experience
- Designed and delivered undergraduate courses in English Literature, receiving an average student satisfaction rating of 92%
- Implemented interactive workshops that improved student writing skills by 30%
- Mentored students in their academic pursuits, resulting in 5 students publishing in academic journals
- Conducted lectures on contemporary British Literature to diverse student groups
- Collaborated with faculty to develop course materials that enhanced curriculum relevance
- Facilitated discussions that increased student participation by 40%
Skills
Technical: Curriculum Development, Student Engagement, Academic Writing, Literary Analysis, Public Speaking
What's this resume sample doing right?
Strong quantitative results
The resume effectively showcases teaching impact with quantifiable results, such as a 92% student satisfaction rating and a 30% improvement in writing skills. These metrics provide concrete evidence of the candidate's effectiveness, which is essential for an Adjunct Professor role.
Relevant teaching experience
With over 5 years of teaching experience at reputable institutions like the University of London, the candidate demonstrates solid qualifications for the Adjunct Professor position. The mention of mentoring students who published in academic journals highlights a commitment to student success.
Engagement-focused teaching methods
The resume includes innovative teaching methods, such as interactive workshops and collaborative course material development, which indicate a proactive approach to enhancing student engagement—an important aspect for an effective Adjunct Professor.
How could we improve this resume sample?
Lacks specific technical skills
The skills section could benefit from including specific teaching technologies or methodologies that are relevant to the Adjunct Professor role, such as online teaching platforms or specific literary analysis tools. Adding these would enhance the candidate's appeal.
Generic summary statement
While the summary highlights dedication and experience, it could be more tailored to the Adjunct Professor role by incorporating specific teaching philosophies or objectives. This would provide a clearer picture of the candidate's value proposition to potential employers.
Adjunct Lecturer Resume Example and Template
Emily Johnson
Dedicated Adjunct Lecturer with over 5 years of experience in teaching English Literature and Composition. Proven ability to engage students through innovative teaching methods and a passion for literature, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills.
Experience
- Designed and taught undergraduate courses in English Literature, emphasizing critical analysis and interpretation.
- Developed engaging course materials and assessments, leading to a 20% increase in student satisfaction ratings.
- Mentored students in academic writing and research, resulting in improved essay scores across the board.
- Instructed courses on Modern American Literature and Creative Writing, attracting over 30 students per semester.
- Implemented interactive classroom activities that increased student participation and collaboration.
- Contributed to curriculum development committees, enhancing course offerings in the English department.
Education
Skills
What's this resume sample doing right?
Strong educational background
Emily holds a M.A. in English Literature, which is essential for an Adjunct Professor role. Her thesis published on modernism adds credibility and demonstrates her expertise, making her a strong candidate for teaching advanced literature courses.
Quantifiable teaching impact
In her role at Harvard University, Emily achieved a 20% increase in student satisfaction ratings, showcasing her effectiveness as an educator. This quantifiable result is crucial for a position that values teaching excellence and student engagement.
Diverse teaching experience
With experience at both Harvard University and Boston College, Emily has a broad teaching background. This diversity in her teaching roles indicates adaptability and a rich understanding of different academic environments, valuable for an Adjunct Professor.
How could we improve this resume sample?
Lacks specific achievements
While Emily mentions mentoring students and contributing to curriculum development, adding specific, quantifiable achievements related to these responsibilities would enhance her resume. For instance, stating the percentage of improved essay scores would provide concrete evidence of her impact.
Generic skills section
The skills listed are relevant but could be more tailored to the Adjunct Professor role. Including specific educational technologies or methodologies, such as 'digital pedagogy' or 'adaptive learning strategies,' would strengthen the skills section and improve ATS compatibility.
Limited summary detail
Emily's summary is a good start but could be enhanced by including specific teaching philosophies or approaches that align with the expected values of an Adjunct Professor. This would help clarify her educational approach and make her stand out more to hiring committees.
Adjunct Professor Resume Example and Template
Thandiwe Moyo
Dedicated Adjunct Professor with over 5 years of experience in teaching Environmental Science and conducting research on sustainable practices. Committed to fostering a positive learning environment and inspiring students to engage in environmental advocacy.
Experience
- Designed and delivered undergraduate courses in Environmental Science, attracting over 200 students each semester
- Supervised thesis projects leading to 5 students presenting at national conferences
- Collaborated with local NGOs to integrate community-based sustainability projects into the curriculum
- Developed course materials focusing on climate change and renewable energy
- Increased student engagement through interactive learning techniques and field trips
- Published 3 peer-reviewed articles in reputable environmental journals
Education
Skills
What's this resume sample doing right?
Strong teaching experience
The resume highlights significant teaching experience as an Adjunct Professor, with over 200 students engaged each semester. This showcases the candidate's ability to attract and retain student interest, which is crucial for an Adjunct Professor role in Environmental Science.
Quantifiable achievements
Including details such as supervising thesis projects that led to presentations at national conferences effectively demonstrates the candidate's impact on student success and engagement, a vital aspect for any educational role.
Relevant educational background
The candidate holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and an M.Sc. in Environmental Management, which are directly relevant to the Adjunct Professor position. This strong academic foundation enhances credibility and expertise in the field.
Effective collaboration with NGOs
The resume mentions collaboration with local NGOs to integrate sustainability projects into the curriculum, showcasing the candidate's commitment to practical, community-oriented education—an attractive aspect for an educational institution focused on environmental issues.
How could we improve this resume sample?
Lacks specific teaching methodologies
While the resume mentions interactive learning techniques, it could benefit from more specific examples of teaching methodologies used. Including these would provide deeper insights into the candidate's instructional approach, relevant for an Adjunct Professor role.
Generic skills section
The skills listed are relevant but could be enhanced by incorporating more specific skills or tools related to Environmental Science, such as 'GIS software' or 'data analysis tools'. This would strengthen the resume's alignment with typical job descriptions in academia.
Limited professional summary
The introduction could be more compelling by including specific goals or contributions intended for the role of Adjunct Professor. Tailoring this section to reflect alignment with the university's mission would enhance the candidate's appeal.
Missing professional development
The resume does not mention any recent professional development or certifications related to teaching or Environmental Science. Adding these would demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning, which is important in academia.
Senior Adjunct Professor Resume Example and Template
John Smith
Stanford, CA • [email protected] • +1 (555) 987-6543 • himalayas.app/@johnsmith
Professional summary
Education
Experience
- Designed and delivered advanced courses in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for graduate students.
- Supervised over 30 capstone projects, resulting in 5 publications in peer-reviewed journals.
- Implemented interactive learning techniques, increasing student engagement scores by 25%.
- Taught undergraduate courses in Data Structures and Algorithms, with an average course rating of 4.8/5.
- Conducted research on algorithm optimization, contributing to 3 conferences and 2 book chapters.
- Mentored 15 students in research projects, leading to internships at top tech companies.
- Delivered lectures on Software Engineering principles and practices to over 200 students.
- Developed course materials and assessments that enhanced learning outcomes, resulting in a 30% increase in pass rates.
- Organized guest lectures and workshops with industry leaders, bridging the gap between academia and industry.
Skills
Technical: Curriculum Development, Research Supervision, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Structures, Public Speaking
What's this resume sample doing right?
Strong educational background
The resume showcases a Ph.D. from MIT and an M.S. from UCLA, both highly respected institutions. This academic pedigree is crucial for an Adjunct Professor role, indicating a deep expertise in Computer Science, which aligns well with the job requirements.
Quantifiable achievements
Achievements like 'increased student engagement scores by 25%' and 'resulting in a 30% increase in pass rates' effectively demonstrate the candidate’s impact. This is particularly important for an Adjunct Professor, as it reflects their ability to contribute positively to student learning outcomes.
Relevant teaching experience
With over 10 years of teaching experience and roles at prestigious universities, the resume clearly aligns with the requirements for an Adjunct Professor. The detailed experiences show a variety of courses taught, which is appealing to hiring committees.
Diverse skill set
The inclusion of skills such as 'Curriculum Development' and 'Research Supervision' directly relates to the responsibilities of an Adjunct Professor. This indicates a well-rounded candidate capable of both teaching and mentoring students in their academic pursuits.
How could we improve this resume sample?
Lacks a tailored summary
The introduction could be more focused on the specific Adjunct Professor role rather than just stating experience. A more tailored summary that highlights unique qualifications or teaching philosophies would strengthen the candidate's positioning for the role.
Limited industry keywords
While the resume includes relevant skills, it could benefit from more specific industry keywords related to teaching methodologies or educational technologies relevant to the Adjunct Professor role. Adding terms like 'Blended Learning' or 'Online Instruction' could enhance ATS compatibility.
Inconsistent formatting in experience section
The experience section has varied bullet point structures, which can disrupt readability. Ensuring a consistent format across all roles will improve the overall flow and professionalism of the resume, making it easier for hiring committees to read.
Missing professional affiliations
Including memberships in professional organizations related to education or computer science could enhance credibility. For an Adjunct Professor position, affiliations with associations like the IEEE or ACM would demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional development.
1. How to write an Adjunct Professor resume
Finding the right Adjunct Professor position can be tough, especially when you're up against many qualified applicants. How do you craft a resume that truly reflects your teaching abilities? Hiring committees look for clear evidence of your teaching effectiveness and relevant academic achievements, not just a list of duties. Unfortunately, many candidates focus too much on generic job titles rather than showcasing their unique contributions to student success.
This guide will help you create a resume that highlights your teaching philosophy and accomplishments in a way that resonates with hiring committees. You'll learn to transform simple statements into impactful achievements that demonstrate your value. We'll focus on key sections like your work experience and education, ensuring you present a polished and professional resume. By the end, you'll have a compelling document that tells your academic story.
Use the right format for an Adjunct Professor resume
When writing a resume for an Adjunct Professor position, you should consider using a chronological format. This structure highlights your teaching experience and academic background in reverse-chronological order, making it easy for hiring committees to see your qualifications. If you're transitioning from another field, a combination format can also work well, focusing on transferable skills alongside your teaching experience. It's vital to keep your resume ATS-friendly, using clear sections without complex graphics or tables.
Here are common resume formats:
- Chronological: Best for candidates with consistent teaching experience.
- Functional: Suitable for those with gaps in their employment or changing careers.
- Combination: Great for highlighting both skills and experience.
Craft an impactful Adjunct Professor resume summary
A resume summary is your chance to quickly showcase your qualifications. For Adjunct Professors, focus on your teaching experience and academic achievements. If you're experienced, use a summary format; if you're a career changer, an objective is more fitting. A strong summary formula is: '[Years of experience] + [Specialization] + [Key skills] + [Top achievement]'. This format grabs attention and highlights your most relevant qualifications.
For example, a candidate might say they have 10 years of experience in higher education, specializing in American History, with skills in curriculum development and a published paper in a scholarly journal. This immediately shows their value to potential employers.
Good resume summary example
Adjunct Professor with over 10 years of experience in teaching American History at the college level. Specializes in curriculum development and has published research in the Journal of American History. Passionate about engaging students through innovative teaching methods.
Why this works: This summary effectively highlights years of experience, specialization, key skills, and a notable achievement, making it compelling and relevant.
Bad resume summary example
Seeking an adjunct teaching position to share knowledge and help students succeed. I have a strong educational background and a desire to teach.
Why this fails: While this objective expresses a desire to teach, it lacks specifics about experience, skills, and achievements, making it less impactful.
Highlight your Adjunct Professor work experience
List your teaching positions in reverse-chronological order, starting with your most recent role. Clearly state your job title, institution, and dates of employment. Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities, starting each with strong action verbs. Quantifying your impact can make a significant difference; for example, instead of saying 'responsible for teaching', say 'increased student engagement by 30% through active learning strategies'. The STAR method can also help frame your achievements effectively.
Remember, the more specific you are with your accomplishments, the better. Highlight relevant coursework you developed or projects you led that had a measurable impact on student learning.
Good work experience example
- Developed and taught a new curriculum for Introduction to Sociology that resulted in a 95% student satisfaction rate in course evaluations.
Why this works: This bullet point starts with a strong action verb, quantifies the impact with a satisfaction rate, and highlights a specific achievement relevant to teaching.
Bad work experience example
- Taught various courses in sociology and engaged with students.
Why this fails: This point lacks specifics and quantifiable impact, making it less effective at showcasing the candidate's contributions to the role.
Present relevant education for an Adjunct Professor
For your education section, include the institution's name, the degree earned, and the graduation year. If you're a recent graduate, present this information more prominently, possibly including your GPA or relevant coursework. For seasoned professionals, this section can be less prominent, and omitting GPA is usually acceptable. Also, don't forget to list any relevant certifications or professional development courses in a separate section or here.
Good education example
Ph.D. in Sociology
University of California, Berkeley
Graduated: May 2015
Why this works: This entry clearly states the degree, institution, and graduation date, which is essential for academic positions.
Bad education example
Bachelor's Degree in Sociology
State University
2010
Why this fails: While this entry is decent, it lacks details like the specific degree type (e.g., BA or BS) and omits any honors or specializations.
Add essential skills for an Adjunct Professor resume
Technical skills for a Adjunct Professor resume
Soft skills for a Adjunct Professor resume
Include these powerful action words on your Adjunct Professor resume
Use these impactful action verbs to describe your accomplishments and responsibilities:
Add additional resume sections for an Adjunct Professor
Consider adding sections for Projects, Certifications, Publications, or Volunteer Experience. These can enhance your resume by showcasing your ongoing commitment to education and professional development. Highlighting projects can demonstrate your impact beyond the classroom, while certifications can show your dedication to improving your teaching skills.
Good example
Published an article titled 'Innovative Teaching Strategies in Higher Education' in the Journal of Teaching and Learning, April 2021. This research has been cited in over 20 academic papers.
Why this works: This entry highlights a concrete achievement, shows relevance to the role, and quantifies its impact with citation numbers.
Bad example
Participated in a community outreach program to help students.
Why this fails: While this shows involvement, it lacks specifics on what you did or the impact, making it less impressive.
2. ATS-optimized resume examples for an Adjunct Professor
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are software tools that employers use to filter job applications. They scan resumes for specific keywords and can easily reject those that fail to meet criteria. For an Adjunct Professor role, optimizing your resume for ATS is crucial to ensure it reaches hiring managers.
To make your resume ATS-friendly, follow these best practices:
- Use standard section titles like 'Work Experience', 'Education', and 'Skills'.
- Include relevant keywords from job descriptions, such as specific teaching methodologies, subject areas, or educational technology.
- Avoid complex formatting like tables, columns, or images that ATS may struggle to interpret.
- Stick to standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman.
- Save your resume in formats like PDF or .docx, avoiding heavily designed files.
Common mistakes can hurt your chances. Don't use synonyms for keywords found in the job descriptions. Relying on headers or footers can result in ignored sections. Always include critical keywords related to your teaching experience, courses, or certifications.
ATS-compatible example
Skills
• Curriculum Development
• Classroom Management
• Educational Technology
• Effective Communication
Why this works: This skills section includes relevant keywords directly from Adjunct Professor job descriptions. It highlights essential competencies that ATS scans for, increasing the chances of getting noticed by hiring managers.
ATS-incompatible example
My Abilities
• Good with Classrooms
• Know a Lot About Teaching
• Computer Skills
• Communicating Well
Why this fails: The section title 'My Abilities' is non-standard, which could confuse ATS. The keywords used are too vague and don't match the specific terms hiring managers look for, reducing visibility.
3. How to format and design an Adjunct Professor resume
When crafting a resume for an adjunct professor role, choose a clean and professional template. A reverse-chronological layout works best as it highlights your academic and teaching experiences clearly. This layout not only enhances readability but also aligns well with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that many universities use to filter candidates.
Keep your resume to one page, especially if you’re early in your teaching career. If you have extensive experience, you might stretch it to two pages, but ensure every detail counts. Being concise helps you focus on the most relevant accomplishments and qualifications.
For fonts, stick to professional options like Calibri, Arial, or Georgia, using sizes of 10-12pt for body text and 14-16pt for headings. Maintain adequate white space and consistent spacing throughout your resume. Avoid overly creative designs that may confuse ATS or distract the reader.
Some common mistakes to watch out for include using complex templates with columns that can confuse ATS, excessive use of color or non-standard fonts, and not leaving enough white space, which can create a cluttered appearance.
Well formatted example
Kieth O'Hara
123 Academic Lane
City, State 12345
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
Experience
Adjunct Professor - Douglas and Sons
August 2020 - Present
- Developed and taught undergraduate courses in Literature and Composition.
Education
Ph.D. in English Literature - University of Example, 2020
M.A. in English - University of Sample, 2015
This format presents clear sections with appropriate headings, making it easy to scan. The layout is simple and effective, ensuring that important information stands out.
Poorly formatted example
Garnett Upton
123 Professor St., Apt. 4
City, State 12345
[email protected]
Experience
Adjunct Lecturer - Hermiston Group | Teaching Assistant - Batz
Courses: Literature, History, Philosophy
Education
Ph.D. Candidate at Example University (Expected 2024)
This resume uses columns for sections, which may confuse ATS and make it harder for readers to find information. The cluttered layout reduces professionalism.
4. Cover letter for an Adjunct Professor
Writing a tailored cover letter is essential for landing an Adjunct Professor position. It lets you showcase your passion for teaching and your expertise in your subject area, complementing your resume.
Start with your header, including your contact information and the date. Then, dive into your opening paragraph. State the specific Adjunct Professor position you’re applying for, express your enthusiasm for the role and institution, and briefly mention a key qualification or where you found the job listing.
The body of your letter should connect your experience to the job requirements. Highlight relevant teaching experiences, specific academic achievements, and your teaching philosophy. Use keywords from the job description to tailor your content. Highlighting your soft skills, like communication and adaptability, will also help.
- Header: Contact information and date.
- Opening Paragraph: State the position and express enthusiasm.
- Body Paragraphs: Connect your experience to the role.
- Closing Paragraph: Reiterate interest and include a call to action.
Conclude strongly by expressing your eagerness for the Adjunct Professor role and your confidence in your ability to contribute to the academic community. Thank the reader for their time and consideration.
Sample an Adjunct Professor cover letter
Dear Hiring Team,
I'm excited to apply for the Adjunct Professor position in the Department of History at Springfield University. With over eight years of teaching experience and a Ph.D. in History from the University of Chicago, I believe I am well-prepared to contribute to your esteemed program.
Throughout my career, I have taught a variety of courses, including American History and World Civilizations. My students consistently give me high ratings for engagement and clarity, and I’ve implemented innovative teaching methods that incorporate technology to enhance learning. For instance, I introduced a digital project that allowed students to create interactive timelines, which was well-received and led to deeper engagement with the material.
I am passionate about fostering an inclusive classroom environment where all students feel empowered to participate. My approach centers on collaboration and open dialogue, ensuring that every voice is heard. I truly believe that education should be a transformative experience, and I strive to inspire my students to think critically about history and its relevance today.
Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to discuss how my background and teaching philosophy align with the goals of Springfield University. I look forward to the opportunity for an interview.
Sincerely,
Emily Johnson
5. Mistakes to avoid when writing an Adjunct Professor resume
When applying for an adjunct professor position, your resume must clearly reflect your academic and teaching credentials. Avoiding common mistakes can help you appear more professional and qualified.
Attention to detail matters. A polished resume can make a significant difference in how hiring committees perceive your candidacy.
Avoid vague job descriptions
Mistake Example: "Taught various subjects at different institutions."
Correction: Specify the subjects and institutions. For example: "Taught undergraduate courses in Psychology and Sociology at State University and Community College of Arts."
Generic applications
Mistake Example: "I am a dedicated educator looking for teaching opportunities."
Correction: Tailor your summary to the specific role. Write: "Passionate about teaching Psychology, with a focus on cognitive development theories, seeking an adjunct position to contribute to the Department of Social Sciences at City College."
Typos and grammatical errors
Mistake Example: "I have experience in teach, research and publish papers."
Correction: Proofread carefully. Instead, write: "I have experience in teaching, research, and publishing academic papers."
Overstating qualifications
Mistake Example: "Expert in all areas of education technology."
Correction: Be honest about your skills. Instead, say: "Proficient in using educational technology tools such as Blackboard and Zoom for effective online teaching."
Poor formatting for ATS
Mistake Example: Using complex layouts or images that ATS can't read.
Correction: Use a simple, clean format. Stick to standard fonts and clear headings, such as: "Education," "Teaching Experience," and "Publications." This helps ATS parse your information correctly.
6. FAQs about Adjunct Professor resumes
Creating a resume for an adjunct professor position requires a focus on academic qualifications, teaching experience, and relevant skills. Here, you'll find helpful FAQs and tips to guide you in crafting an effective resume that showcases your educational background and teaching expertise.
What essential skills should I highlight on my adjunct professor resume?
What essential skills should I highlight on my adjunct professor resume?
Focus on skills like effective communication, curriculum development, and classroom management. You should also mention your proficiency in technology and any specialized knowledge in your subject area.
What is the best format for an adjunct professor resume?
What is the best format for an adjunct professor resume?
Use a chronological format to list your education and teaching experience. This format clearly shows your career progression and highlights relevant roles.
How long should my adjunct professor resume be?
How long should my adjunct professor resume be?
Keep it to one page, especially if you're early in your academic career. If you have extensive experience, two pages is acceptable, but ensure it's concise.
How can I showcase my teaching philosophy on my resume?
How can I showcase my teaching philosophy on my resume?
Include a brief summary of your teaching philosophy in your objective statement or as a separate section. Highlight how your approach benefits students and enhances learning.
Should I include my publications on an adjunct professor resume?
Should I include my publications on an adjunct professor resume?
Yes, list any publications relevant to your field. Create a separate section for publications to demonstrate your expertise and contribution to academia.
Pro Tips
Tailor Your Resume for Each Application
Adjust your resume to match the job description for each adjunct position. Use keywords from the posting to make your application more relevant to the hiring committee.
Highlight Your Teaching Experience
Clearly detail your teaching roles, including the institutions and courses taught. Include any positive feedback or evaluations to strengthen your teaching credentials.
Include Professional Development
List any workshops, certifications, or conferences you've attended that are relevant to teaching. This shows your commitment to continuous improvement in your teaching practice.
7. Key takeaways for an outstanding Adjunct Professor resume
Writing a strong resume as an Adjunct Professor can really help you land that teaching position. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Use a clean, professional format that's easy to read and ATS-friendly.
- Highlight your relevant teaching experience and academic qualifications tailored to the adjunct role.
- Incorporate strong action verbs and quantify your achievements, like student success rates or course evaluations.
- Optimize your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems by naturally including keywords from the job description.
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