How to Write an Adjunct Faculty Cover Letter That Gets Interviews
A strong adjunct faculty cover letter bridges the gap between your academic credentials and the specific needs of a hiring department. Unlike a CV, your cover letter is where you demonstrate enthusiasm for teaching and connect your experience to the institution's mission.
Whether you are applying to a community college or a four-year university, search committees want to see that you can step into the classroom and deliver results from day one. This page walks you through what hiring committees look for, how to structure your letter, and a full example you can adapt. For broader guidance, start with our how to write a cover letter guide, or browse openings across the education field.
What Hiring Committees Look for in Adjunct Faculty Candidates
Search committees screen dozens of applications per opening. Knowing what they prioritize helps you tailor every paragraph. Here is what stands out:
- Teaching philosophy alignment. Committees want evidence that your approach to instruction fits the department's pedagogical values, whether that means active learning, lecture-based delivery, or hybrid formats.
- Course design experience. Showing you have developed syllabi, learning outcomes, and assessments signals you need minimal onboarding.
- Student evaluation results. Quantifiable teaching effectiveness, such as high satisfaction scores or improved pass rates, carries weight.
- Discipline expertise. Highlight coursework, publications, or professional work that proves deep subject-matter knowledge.
- Schedule flexibility. Adjunct roles often require evening, weekend, or multi-campus availability. Address this directly if it applies.
- Ongoing professional development. Conference presentations, certifications, or workshops show you stay current in your field.
How to Write Your Adjunct Faculty Cover Letter
Open With a Specific Connection to the Department
Generic openings get skipped. Name the institution, the department, and the course or courses you are applying to teach. If a current faculty member referred you, mention that in the first sentence. A targeted opening tells the committee you have done your homework, much like the approach used in an adjunct instructor cover letter.
Showcase Teaching Impact With Numbers
Committees respond to evidence. Instead of writing that you are a dedicated educator, state that you taught six sections of introductory sociology over four semesters with an average student evaluation score of 4.7 out of 5.0. Concrete metrics separate your application from vague claims.
Connect Research or Professional Work to the Classroom
Even in teaching-focused roles, committees value applicants who bring real-world relevance into lectures. Briefly explain how your research interests or industry background enrich course content. This is especially important if you are positioning yourself for an adjunct professor cover letter opportunity down the line.
Close With Availability and Next Steps
End your letter by confirming your availability for the upcoming term, your willingness to teach across multiple formats or campuses, and your interest in a conversation. A clear call to action shows professionalism, a trait equally valued in any instructor cover letter.
Cover letter example
Adapt names, metrics, and achievements to your own experience.
Subject: Application for the Adjunct Faculty position
Dear Dr. Hernandez,
I am writing to apply for the Adjunct Faculty position in the English Department at Westfield State University, as advertised on your careers page. With eight semesters of college-level teaching experience and a track record of strong student outcomes, I am eager to contribute to your department's commitment to accessible, high-quality instruction.
Over the past four years, I have taught 14 sections of composition and introductory literature across two institutions. My student evaluation scores have averaged 4.8 out of 5.0, and my sections consistently achieve a course completion rate above 92 percent. I redesigned the ENG 101 curriculum to integrate peer-review workshops, which increased average essay scores by 15 percent within one semester.
My doctoral research in contemporary American fiction directly informs my teaching. I incorporate primary-source analysis and digital humanities tools into assignments, giving students practical skills alongside literary knowledge. I have also presented at three regional conferences on pedagogy in the humanities, keeping my methods evidence-based and current.
I am available to teach daytime, evening, and online sections beginning in the fall term. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background aligns with your department's needs. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely, Jordan Achebe
Before You Send: Quick Checklist
Review your letter against these points before submitting:
- The department name, institution, and hiring contact are correct and spelled accurately.
- You reference at least one specific course you are qualified to teach.
- You include at least two measurable results, such as evaluation scores, enrollment figures, or pass rates.
- Your teaching philosophy aligns with the institution's stated mission or department values.
- The letter is one page or shorter and free of jargon that a non-specialist committee member would not understand.
- You have proofread for formatting consistency, especially if you converted from another file type.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should an adjunct faculty cover letter be?
Keep it to one page. Search committees review high volumes of applications, so concise letters that hit key qualifications perform better than lengthy narratives. For formatting specifics, see our cover letter format guide.
Should I include my teaching philosophy in the cover letter?
Briefly, yes. One or two sentences that summarize your approach are enough. If the posting requests a separate teaching philosophy statement, keep the cover letter summary high-level and save the detail for that document.
What if I have no prior adjunct teaching experience?
Focus on transferable skills: tutoring, teaching assistantships, corporate training, or guest lectures. Quantify whatever you can and explain how those experiences prepare you for the classroom. Our career change cover letter guide offers additional strategies.
Do I need to tailor my cover letter for every application?
Yes. At minimum, customize the institution name, department, and the courses you are applying to teach. Committees notice when a letter feels recycled. Browse our cover letter examples for more inspiration on tailoring.
Can I use the same cover letter for adjunct and full-time faculty roles?
No. Full-time postings typically emphasize research agendas, service commitments, and long-term departmental fit. Adjunct letters should focus on teaching readiness, schedule flexibility, and immediate classroom impact. Start from a dedicated cover letter template for each role type.