Adjunct Professor Jobs Overview
An adjunct professor is a part-time faculty member of a college or university who is hired on a contractual basis. It's a great time to look for adjunct professor jobs, as the career outlook is very optimistic. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in this field is projected to grow 12% over the next decade.
In this role, you'll develop syllabi and lecture students, although you'll have fewer responsibilities than a full-time professor. You'll typically work in one discipline but could alternate if you specialize in more than one field. This position is ideal if you want to teach in addition to your current job or if you'd like to work as an adjunct while you finish your doctorate degree.
Your daily duties will depend on the university in which you work, but may include the following:
- setting up assessments for graduate and undergraduate students
- grading exams and papers, and providing performance feedback
- tracking grades and assignment submissions
- providing students with extra support when required
- attending meetings with other faculty members
- staying up to date with innovations and advancements in the field
If you're flexible in your search for education jobs, check out the following as well:
Adjunct Professor Education and Skills
Colleges and technical schools typically only require a bachelor's degree plus relevant experience. However, adjunct professors must complete a master's degree to teach in universities. As the demand for adjunct professors has grown, so has the competition, and many institutions may prefer applicants who have completed a doctoral program.
Having prior experience as a university teachers assistant or similar is also valuable. You could even obtain work experience through a teaching assistantship, which is often a paid position. Demonstrating your knowledge and research in your field of study by publishing scholarly research papers is also beneficial when looking for work.
These are some essential skills that make a successful adjunct professor:
- attention to detail and excellent organization
- observational and communications skills
- patience, empathy, and understanding
- critical thinking
- research and writing skills
Update Your Resume for Adjunct Professor Jobs
Regarding your job search, resume writing can be a daunting subject to master. That's why we're here to help. When you craft your resume, highlight your teaching skills, such as your communication style and teaching methods, with solid examples of how you've put them into action. If you want an A+ job, check out our adjunct professor resume sample for ideas and inspiration to get you noticed.
Don't forget to include that all-important cover letter that concisely describes your professional background and enthusiasm for the job. For more help, refer to our sample teacher cover letter and library of actionable cover letter tips.
Interviewing for an Adjunct Professor Job
Are you looking to brush up on your interviewing skills? One of the best ways to impress a hiring manager is to provide tangible evidence of your accomplishments through solid examples. You can talk about how you solved a problem at work or showed initiative with a student encounter. Also, knowing what potential interview questions to expect can help you prepare and give you the confidence you need for the big day.
How Much Do Adjunct Professor Jobs Pay?
Are you curious about how much you'll make as an adjunct professor? The salary for a college professor/instructor ranges between $39,117 and $91,594. Your pay will depend on the school and the type of contract you're offered. Remember that your salary will often be paid per course or on an hourly basis and will typically be less than that of a full-time professor.
Look up your preferred job title and location on Monster's Salary Calculator to better understand how much you can expect to make. Here, you'll also see salaries for similar jobs and the skills that can propel you forward in your career.
Want to Learn More About an Institution That Interests You?
It's important to love where you work, as it leads to increased productivity and happiness. If you have your sights set on a specific school, do some research and discover if it is the right fit for you. Visit our company profiles page and find the following details:
- company size and overview
- recent job openings
- benefits, culture, and history
- mission statement
Score Big on Your Search for Adjunct Professor Jobs
Ready to start enlightening young minds? Just create a Monster profile and start clicking on jobs that interest you. When you upload your resume, you'll have the opportunity to connect with recruiters and schools looking for candidates with your background and skills. As a member, we'll send you career advice, interview insights, and job alerts right to your inbox.