Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are software tools employers use to sort applications. They scan resumes for keywords and parse sections like work history and education.

For a Physical Education (PE) Professor, ATS often looks for terms like curriculum development, kinesiology, pedagogy, assessment, student-centered learning, CPR/AED certification, NASPE standards, curriculum mapping, lesson planning, sport management, grant writing, and peer-reviewed publication.

• Use clear section titles: Work Experience, Education, Certifications, Skills, Publications.
• Include specific keywords from the job post, such as 'curriculum development' and 'kinesiology research'.
• Use standard file types like .docx or PDF saved as text, not image.

Avoid complex formatting. Do not use tables, columns, text boxes, headers, footers, images, or graphs. Those elements often confuse parsers and hide text from the ATS.

Pick readable fonts like Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman. Keep font sizes between 10 and 12 points. Use simple bullet points and short sentences.

Don’t overuse creative synonyms for key skills. If the job asks for 'CPR/AED certification', list it exactly. Don’t hide dates, job titles, or employer names in headers or graphics.

Remember to tailor your resume briefly for each application. Mirror the job description language where it fits your real experience. That boosts your match score and helps your resume reach a real reviewer.

Pick a clean, professional template that highlights teaching, research, and coaching experience. Use reverse-chronological layout to list your most recent academic posts first. That layout reads well and parses reliably for applicant tracking systems.

Keep your resume length tight. One page works for early-career PE professors and adjuncts. Two pages fit full professors with long, relevant histories.

Use simple, ATS-friendly fonts like Calibri, Arial, Georgia, or Garamond. Set body text between 10 and 12 points and headers between 14 and 16 points. Keep line spacing at 1.0 to 1.15 and add clear margins for white space.

Organize sections with standard headings such as Contact, Academic Appointments, Teaching, Certifications, Research, Grants, Coaching, and Education. Put keywords from the job ad in your Teaching and Skills sections.

Avoid common mistakes. Don’t use multi-column layouts with graphic elements. Don’t rely on unusual fonts, images, or text boxes that break ATS parsing. Don’t cram too much text; short bullet points work better.

Use bullets for duties and achievements, and start each bullet with a strong verb. Quantify outcomes when you can, like improving team win rate or increasing student physical fitness scores. Keep dates, job titles, and institution names in a consistent format.

Final check: save as a simple PDF or Word file. Scan your file with an ATS-friendly checker or test by copying text into a plain editor. That helps you catch hidden formatting glitches before you apply.

Writing a tailored cover letter matters for a Physical Education (PE) Professor role. It lets you show your teaching style, commitment to student health, and fit with the school's program. You use the letter to connect experience to the job, not just repeat your resume.

Start with a clear header. Include your contact details, the school's contact if you know it, and the date.

Opening paragraph: state the exact position you want, show genuine excitement for the school, and name your top qualification or where you found the posting.

Body paragraphs: link your work to what the role asks for. Highlight key projects, sample technical skills, and teaching methods. Use numbers to show impact, and match phrases from the job description.

• Mention relevant certifications like NASPE or CPR training.
• Note sport-specific coaching experience or curriculum design work.
• Show outcomes, such as improved student fitness or test scores.

Write about soft skills too. Show teamwork with colleagues, problem-solving during class, and communication with parents. Keep each point short and tied to the school's needs.

Closing paragraph: restate your strong interest in the PE Professor role at the named school. Say you can help improve student fitness and program enrollment. Ask for an interview or a meeting and thank the reader for their time.

Tone and tailoring: stay professional, confident, and upbeat. Use a conversational voice. Customize each letter for the specific school and job posting. Avoid generic sentences or copy-paste templates.

Keep sentences short. Use one clear idea per sentence. Cut filler words and use active verbs. This makes your letter easier to read and more persuasive.

Hiring committees look for clear evidence that you can teach, coach, and build programs. Small resume mistakes can hide your strengths.

Paying attention to wording, structure, and proof of impact helps your application move to the interview stage.

If you teach physical education at college level, this FAQ and tips set helps you shape your resume for PE professor roles. You’ll find advice on skills, format, length, and how to show teaching, research, and student outcomes.