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Adjunct Professor Resume Examples & Templates

Ready to advance your academic career? Our adjunct professor resume examples highlight teaching excellence, course development, and student engagement skills that can make you stand out to hiring committees.

Gabriela Hernandez
by Gabriela Hernandez CPRW, Career Advice Writer
Last Updated: December 16, 2025

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Jane Johnson

Portland, ME 04103
(555)555-5555
Jane.Johnson@example.com

Professional Summary

Dynamic Adjunct Professor with a profound mastery of curriculum development and research methodologies. Proven track record in enhancing student outcomes and securing research funding. Expert in educational technology and peer-reviewed publications.

Work History

Adjunct Professor
Global Academic Institute - Portland, ME
January 2023 - December 2025

  • Instructed 3 courses per semester
  • Improved student success by 15%
  • Published 5 peer-reviewed papers

Lecturer
Tech University - Portland, ME
January 2020 - December 2022

  • Managed 4 research assistants
  • Enhanced curriculum by 20%
  • Secured K in grant funding

Teaching Assistant
Innovative Learning Center - Portland, ME
January 2019 - December 2019

  • Assisted in 3 undergraduate courses
  • Boosted course enrollment by 10%
  • Organized 12 workshops annually

Languages

  • Spanish - Beginner (A1)
  • French - Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
  • Japanese - Beginner (A1)

Skills

  • Curriculum Development
  • Research Analysis
  • Public Speaking
  • Student Evaluation
  • Peer Review Publication
  • Grant Writing
  • Educational Technology
  • Team Leadership

Certifications

  • Certified Online Instructor - National Association for Online Educators
  • Advanced Research Methodologies - American Educational Research Association

Education

Master of Arts Education
University of California Berkeley, California
June 2018

Bachelor of Arts Linguistics
University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Michigan
June 2016

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How to Write an Adjunct Professor Resume Summary

Your resume summary is the first impression you make on hiring managers, so it’s essential to craft a strong introduction that showcases your strengths. As an adjunct professor, you should highlight your teaching experience, subject expertise, and commitment to student success in this section.

To guide you in creating an compelling summary, let’s look at some examples that illustrate effective strategies and common pitfalls. These examples will provide insight into what resonates with employers:

Weak resume summary

I am an experienced adjunct professor with a passion for teaching and a strong academic background. I am seeking a position that allows me to use my skills and contribute positively to the institution. A supportive environment with opportunities for collaboration is what I value most. I believe I can be a valuable asset if given the chance.

Why this summary misses the mark:
  • Lacks specific details about teaching subjects, methods, or achievements in academia
  • Relies on personal desires rather than highlighting contributions to the institution
  • Uses generic language that doesn't differentiate the applicant from others in similar roles

Strong resume summary

Accomplished adjunct professor with over 10 years of experience in higher education, specializing in curriculum development and innovative teaching methods. Increased student engagement scores by 30% through the implementation of interactive learning technologies and collaborative projects. Proficient in online course design, educational assessment techniques, and fostering inclusive classroom environments.

Why this summary works:
  • Begins with specific experience level and areas of expertise
  • Includes quantifiable achievement that demonstrates a positive impact on student outcomes
  • Highlights relevant skills and competencies essential for academic roles
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PRO TIP

If you're new to the job market and feel short on experience, consider using a career objective instead of a summary. This approach allows you to highlight your goals and enthusiasm. Check out tailored resume objective examples that can guide you in your specific field.

Showcasing Your Work Experience

The work experience section is important for your resume as an adjunct professor, as it will contain the bulk of your content. Good resume templates always prioritize this section to highlight your teaching background.

This part should be organized in reverse-chronological order and include bullet points that detail your specific contributions and achievements in each academic role. Focus on showcasing the impact you've made in the classroom or institution.

We’ll present a couple of examples to further illustrate what a strong work history looks like, highlighting effective practices. These examples will clarify what works well and what to avoid:

Weak work experience

Adjunct Professor

City University – New York, NY

  • Taught classes and helped students.
  • Prepared lesson plans and graded assignments.
  • Participated in faculty meetings.
  • Assisted with academic advising.
Why this work experience section misses the mark:
  • Lacks specific employment dates to show commitment
  • Bullet points are vague and do not highlight teaching effectiveness or student outcomes
  • Focuses on routine tasks instead of innovative contributions or improvements
Strong work experience

Adjunct Professor

State University – Anytown, USA

August 2020 - Present

  • Develop and deliver engaging course materials for undergraduate students in sociology, improving learning outcomes through interactive methods.
  • Facilitate classroom discussions that promote critical thinking, resulting in a 30% increase in student participation and performance on assessments.
  • Mentor students on research projects, guiding them to present findings at regional academic conferences.
Why this work experience section works:
  • Each bullet starts with an action verb that highlights the impact of the applicant’s contributions
  • Quantifies achievements with specific metrics demonstrating effectiveness and engagement
  • Showcases relevant skills such as mentoring and curriculum development that align with adjunct professor responsibilities

While your resume summary and work experience are essential components, don’t overlook the importance of other sections. Each part plays a role in presenting a complete picture of your qualifications. For additional insights, explore our detailed guide on how to write a resume.

Top Skills to Include on Your Resume

A skills section is important for any strong resume, as it quickly demonstrates your capabilities to potential employers. It highlights the unique qualifications that set you apart from other job seekers.

Every resume should have a mix of hard skills and soft skills. Including a diverse range of relevant skills will make your application much stronger.

Hard skills include in-depth knowledge of course content, curriculum development, and assessment strategies that are essential for delivering effective education.

Soft skills encompass communication, adaptability, and mentorship abilities that foster student engagement and collaborative learning environments within the classroom.

When selecting skills for your resume, it’s important to align with what employers expect from potential applicants. Many organizations use automated screening systems that filter out applicants lacking essential resume skills.

To improve your chances of making a strong impression, analyze job postings closely to identify which resume skills are in demand. By prioritizing these key competencies on your resume, you can effectively attract the attention of both recruiters and ATS systems alike.

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PRO TIP

Increase your resume's chances by using our ATS Resume Checker. It spots over 30 common mistakes, making sure your application moves effortlessly through applicant tracking systems.

10 skills that appear on successful adjunct professor resumes

Highlighting essential skills in your resume can significantly attract the attention of recruiters looking for adjunct professors. You can find these abilities reflected in our resume examples, helping you present yourself confidently during your job search.

Here are 10 skills you should consider including in your resume if they match your qualifications and the role requirements:

  • 1

    Expertise in subject matter

  • 2

    Effective communication

  • 3

    Curriculum development

  • 4

    Student engagement techniques

  • 5

    Adaptability to diverse learning styles

  • 6

    Research skill

  • 7

    Time management

  • 8

    Collaboration with faculty

  • 9

    Mentoring experience

  • 10

    Presentation skills

Based on analysis of 5,000+ teaching professional resumes from 2023-2024

Resume Format Examples

Choosing the right resume format is key for adjunct professors since it highlights their teaching experience, academic achievements, and areas of expertise to prospective institutions effectively.

Entry-Level 0 - 2 years

Functional

Focuses on skills rather than previous jobs

Functional

Best for:

Recent graduates and career changers with up to two years of experience

Mid-Career 3 - 7 years

Combination

Balances skills and work history equally

Combination

Best for:

Mid-career professionals focused on demonstrating their skills and potential

Experienced 8+ years

Chronological

Emphasizes work history in reverse order

Chronological

Best for:

Experienced educators leading curriculum development in higher education

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely. Including a cover letter can greatly improve your application by allowing you to showcase your unique qualifications and enthusiasm for the position. It’s an excellent opportunity to connect with potential employers on a personal level.

For tips on crafting the perfect cover letter, check out our resources on how to write a cover letter or use our Cover Letter Generator to simplify the process.

When applying for jobs abroad, use a CV instead of a resume to highlight your academic and professional achievements in detail. For guidance on formatting and crafting an effective CV, explore our comprehensive resources that offer CV examples tailored for international applications.

If you're unsure where to start, learn more about how to write a CV.

Soft skills like communication, adaptability, and empathy are essential for adjunct professors. These interpersonal skills foster engaging classroom environments and promote positive relationships with students, improving learning experiences and encouraging collaboration in academic settings.

Highlight your transferable skills, such as communication, organization, and critical thinking, when applying for adjunct professor roles. These abilities illustrate how you can effectively engage students and manage a classroom.

Provide concrete examples from your previous roles that demonstrate these strengths in action and align them with the responsibilities of teaching and mentoring in academia.

For adjunct professor positions, consider exploring professionally crafted cover letter examples to spark your creativity. These samples can provide valuable insights into effective content ideas, formatting tips, and ways to showcase your qualifications compellingly.

Drawing inspiration from these resources can improve your application and increase your chances of success.

To increase your resume's visibility on LinkedIn, add your resume to LinkedIn by uploading it to your profile or highlighting key achievements in the "About" and "Experience" sections.

This approach allows hiring managers and recruiters to easily find qualified adjunct professors, showcasing your expertise and making valuable connections in academia.

About the Author

Gabriela Hernandez large profile photo

Gabriela Hernandez CPRW, Career Advice Writer

Gabriela is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches. She focuses on helping job seekers improve their professional resumes to highlight their unique skills and experience. Gabriela holds a B.A. in journalism from the University of Puerto Rico and offers more than four years of specialized experience helping candidates navigate the complexities of today’s online job market, with a strong focus on resume optimization and effective self-presentation.

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