To advance your career in higher education, you need an accomplishment-driven resume that illustrates the most compelling aspects of your experience as a professor. Emphasize your most impressive research projects and publications to demonstrate your exceptional knowledge of your field of study. Showcase your ability to develop engaging courses and provide mentorship to students, delivering the support and resources they need to excel. We’ll provide expert tips and advice to help you translate your academic career into a powerful resume.
Key takeaways:
- Highlight your academic expertise: Highlight your academic knowledge by featuring specific research projects and major publications that can position you as an innovator within your field.
- Quantify your achievements: Incorporate numerical data and metrics to convey your positive impact on universities and students. For example, you might include monetary figures for grants you’ve secured or feature your outstanding student retention rates.
- Feature academic-specific keywords: Optimize your professor resume for applicant tracking systems (ATS) by featuring key terms from the job description, such as curriculum design, interdisciplinary collaboration, or program management.
Most Popular Professor Resumes
Adjunct Professor Resume Example

Why this adjunct professor resume example is strong:
Megan’s resume showcases her ability to balance multiple courses and provide high-quality instruction. Her achievements are quantified, demonstrating her impact in student engagement and course enrollment. Learn about crafting a compelling resume profile here.
Associate Professor Resume Example

Why this associate professor resume example is strong:
David’s resume highlights his dual focus on impactful research and excellent teaching. His quantified achievements, such as grant amounts and student outcomes, demonstrate his effectiveness. Learn more about how to enhance your resume in our guide.
Resume for Assistant Professor

Why this assistant professor resume example is strong:
Sophia’s resume effectively showcases her teaching and research experience in a concise format. Her efforts to innovate curricula and support student success stand out.
Learn how to organize your education section here.
Accounting Professor Resume Example

Why this accounting professor resume example is strong:
Thomas’s resume highlights his success in improving CPA pass rates and contributing to applied research in accounting. His combination of teaching and practical experience makes him a strong candidate. Learn more about how to enhance your resume in our guide.
Art Professor Resume Example

Why this art professor resume example is strong:
Emiline’s resume effectively balances her practical teaching expertise with her ability to secure funding and curate exhibits. Her innovative course offerings are a strong highlight. Learn how to showcase creativity in your resume using an eye-catching template.
Biology Professor Resume Example

Why this biology professor resume example is strong:
James’s resume highlights his expertise in securing research funding and advancing student success. His ability to integrate research with teaching makes him a standout candidate.
Explore tips on structuring impactful resumes.
Business Professor Resume Example

Why this business professor resume example is strong:
Maria’s resume highlights her contributions to entrepreneurship and strategic management through practical applications like incubation programs and case studies. Learn more about how to enhance your resume in our guide.
Chemistry Professor Resume Example

Why this chemistry professor resume example is strong:
Anthony’s resume emphasizes his dual focus on research and curriculum development, along with measurable successes in securing funding and mentoring students.
Explore action verbs to enhance your resume here.
Computer Science Professor Resume Example

Why this computer science professor resume example is strong:
Rachel’s resume demonstrates her ability to stay at the forefront of emerging technologies while fostering strong academic-industry ties. Learn how to list technical skills on a resume here.
Economics Professor Resume Example

Why this economics professor resume example is strong:
Michael’s resume highlights his ability to bridge theory with practice through his research and curriculum innovations. His emphasis on econometrics and policy aligns well with academic expectations. Check out tips on crafting impactful resumes here.
Philosophy Professor Resume Example

Why this philosophy professor resume example is strong:
Eleanor’s resume balances her research achievements and teaching innovations. Her contributions to symposia and publications highlight her engagement with the academic community. Discover tips for listing research work on resumes here.
History Professor Resume Example

Why this history professor resume example is strong:
William’s resume highlights his ability to blend research and teaching with practical applications like archival digitization. His publication record adds credibility to his expertise.
Learn how to include professional achievements on resumes here.
Engineering Professor Resume Example

Why this engineering professor resume example is strong:
Mark’s resume effectively combines his teaching achievements and research initiatives, supported by quantifiable outcomes like improved placement rates and funding amounts.
Explore tips for including technical expertise on resumes.
Political Science Professor Resume Example

Why this political science professor resume example is strong:
Diana’s resume emphasizes her contributions to academia and practical engagement through Model UN advising and policy workshops. Her student success metrics reinforce her effectiveness. Check out tips for writing a compelling resume profile.
Music Professor Resume Example

Why this music professor resume example is strong:
Jessica’s resume highlights her dual focus on performance and education, with quantifiable achievements like increased recital attendance and award-winning ensembles.
Learn about crafting a professional resume here.
Psychology Professor Resume Example

Why this psychology professor resume example is strong:
Andrew’s resume effectively balances his research accomplishments with his teaching expertise. His use of quantifiable outcomes, such as funding and publication metrics, adds credibility. Learn more about organizing your work experience effectively.
Sociology Professor Resume Example

Why this sociology professor resume example is strong:
Catherine’s resume demonstrates her ability to blend teaching excellence with research contributions. Her emphasis on social justice initiatives adds depth to her profile.
Check out advice for including accomplishments on a resume.
Mathematics Professor Resume Example

Why this mathematics professor resume example is strong:
Jonathan’s resume showcases his success in securing research funding and publishing high-impact work. His innovative course design further highlights his teaching expertise.
Learn more about how to enhance your resume in our guide.
Literature Professor Resume Example

Why this literature professor resume example is strong:
Emily’s resume highlights her expertise in both teaching and research. Her contributions to curriculum development and mentoring are especially notable.
Discover tips for including publications on resumes.
Anthropology Professor Resume Example

Why this anthropology professor resume example is strong:
Samuel’s resume effectively combines teaching, research, and fieldwork, supported by measurable outcomes like grant funding and publications. Learn more about how to feature your research achievements in our guide.
Professor Text-Only Resume Examples and Templates
How To Write a Professor Resume Example
With years of experience in academia, you understand how to design cutting-edge curriculums and lesson plans. This expertise also applies to your resume, as it’s essential to have a structure that allows you to effectively feature your academic achievements and qualifications. Before crafting your content, be sure that your resume template contains the following sections:
- Contact information
- Profile
- Key skills
- Professional experience
- Education and certifications
1. Share your contact information
Provide your full name, email address, phone number, city, state, and a URL for your LinkedIn profile or academic portfolio. Ensure that all your details are current for seamless communication with potential employers.
Example
Your Name
[email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | City, ST | Academic Portfolio | LinkedIn
2. Write a compelling profile summarizing your professor qualifications
In academia, it’s common to use a longer resume that exceeds two pages to capture all your publications and research projects. This increases the need for an impactful summary at the top of your document, allowing you to set the tone and draw the hiring manager in. Start with an opening sentence that lists your title, years of experience, and three to four academic skills or industry terms that align with the role you’re applying for. Use this opportunity to paint an engaging picture of you as an academic professional.
For example, if you’re a philosophy professor specializing in teaching continental philosophy, you might emphasize your ability to develop engaging courses covering figures such as Wittgenstein, Kierkegaard, and Heidegger. If you excel in defining academic programs, draw attention to your proven track record of serving in a leadership role within your department.
Senior-level profile example:
Distinguished professor with over 15 years of experience in higher education, specializing in environmental science, interdisciplinary research, and student mentorship. Proven track record in securing $3 million in research grants and publishing 20+ peer-reviewed articles.
Entry-level profile example:
Assistant professor with a Ph.D. in English Literature and three years of teaching experience. Focused on curriculum development and fostering critical thinking skills in undergraduate students.
3. Add a results-driven professional experience section
The professional experience section serves as the foundation of your resume, illustrating how your research efforts, grant funding initiatives, and teaching style have contributed to the success of your students and universities. Emphasize how you’ve shaped academic programs, improved student performance, or increased retention rates. Showcase your ability to mentor faculty members and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to enhance the quality of higher education.
Senior-level example:
Professor of Biology, Greenfield University, New York, NY | August 2010 – Present
- Secured $2 million in federal research grants to advance studies on climate adaptation strategies
- Developed an interdisciplinary course on environmental policy, achieving a 95% student satisfaction rate
- Published 15 articles in top-tier journals, contributing to advancements in biodiversity research
Entry-level example:
Adjunct Lecturer, Northlake Community College, Dallas, TX | January 2020 – May 2023
- Designed and delivered engaging lectures for courses in creative writing, increasing student engagement by 30%
- Mentored undergraduate students on research projects, leading to two conference presentations
Resume writer’s tip: Quantify your experience
Featuring hard numbers is a great way to enhance the impact of your bullet points. Highlighting tangible data allows the hiring manager to see how your contributions have helped your organizations and students excel. For example, if your classes consistently achieved high grade point averages and exceptional student retention rates, highlighting these metrics speaks to the quality of your curriculum and instructional techniques.
Do
- "Secured $1.5 million in grants to support research on renewable energy systems."
Don’t
- "Applied for research grants in renewable energy."
Resume writer’s tip: Tailor your resume for each application
Aligning your resume with the job description allows you to gain a competitive edge by demonstrating how your background aligns with the university’s goals and needs. For instance, if an employer is looking for an academic professional who excels in obtaining grant funding, feature that aspect of your experience prominently in your work history and opening summary.
4. Include relevant education and certifications
Education is the cornerstone of any professor’s resume. Highlight your advanced degrees, thesis topics, and additional certifications relevant to your discipline. In addition, create separate sections for your publications and associations. The research aspect of the resume shows you have a comprehensive knowledge of your academic field, while board and committee memberships speak to your leadership qualities.
Education
Education Template:
[Degree Name and Major] | [Graduation Date]
[School Name] | [City, ST]
Example:
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Physics | May 2010
University of California, Berkeley | Berkeley, CA
Certifications
Certifications Template:
[Certification Name] | [Awarding Organization] | [Completion Date]
Example:
- Certified Online Instructor (COI) | May 2021
- Advanced Research Methods | January 2018
5. List pertinent key skills
Academic institutions rely on ATS like any other company. To pass through the initial screening process, it’s important to craft a comprehensive list of skills that includes keywords from the job posting. Skill sets related to curriculum development, research, and program management are crucial, but don’t neglect your interpersonal skills. Employers want to see you teach material effectively and build productive relationships with faculty and students. Below, you’ll find a list of skills to consider featuring on your professor resume:
Example skills: | |
---|---|
Academic advising | Curriculum design |
Curriculum development | Data analysis |
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) | Grant writing |
Interdisciplinary collaboration | Leadership |
Lesson planning | Peer-reviewed publishing |
Policy development | Program management |
Research project management | Student mentorship |
Syllabus design | Teaching |
Resume writer’s tip: Use common action verbs
Lead each bullet point with a dynamic action verb to help the hiring manager visualize your academic achievements and contributions. Avoid vague and passive language such as “helped,” “assisted,” or “worked,” as these types of verbs downplay your contributions rather than accentuating them. Below, you’ll find a list of verbs you can use while crafting the professional experience section of your professor resume:
Action Verbs | |
---|---|
Advised | Built |
Collaborated | Conducted |
Delivered | Designed |
Developed | Enhanced |
Evaluated | Identified |
Implemented | Improved |
Led | Managed |
Oversaw | Performed |
Provided | Published |
Secured | Supervised |
Taught |
How To Pick the Best Professor Resume Template
Select a professional template that organizes your achievements clearly and prioritizes content over aesthetics. Avoid overly graphic designs that may distract from your academic credentials. Opt for a clean, traditional layout that places your qualifications and experience at the forefront of your document.
Frequently Asked Questions: Professor Resume Examples and Advice
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupations for postsecondary teachers are expected to grow by 8% over the next decade. Although these projections are encouraging, academia has become increasingly competitive. Carefully align your resume with the job description to secure interviews at the best universities.
For example, if an institution is looking for a candidate who excels in securing grant funding for the humanities, feature specific instances where you wrote grant proposals and successfully increased funding for your department. If an employer is looking for a professor with a strong program management background, emphasize how you collaborated with faculty to enhance course offerings in your department to increase enrollment and retention rates.
Reverse chronological is the ideal format for professor resumes, as it emphasizes your most recent and relevant experience towards the top of your document. That said, a combination approach can be a viable option if you’ve recently completed your Ph.D program and want to feature your academic research, dissertation, or other publications over your experience as a teaching assistant.
Expert advice: include a cover letter with your resume
A customized cover letter allows you to expand on key aspects of your academic and teaching philosophy. To get the most out of your cover letter, be sure to mention something specific about the university’s reputation, culture, or mission in the middle paragraph. This adds a personal touch to your application and can greatly increase your odds of landing the interview.
Check Out Related Examples
Resume Templates offers free, HR approved resume templates to help you create a professional resume in minutes. Choose from several template options and even pre-populate a resume from your profile.