An adjunct instructor cover letter is your first opportunity to show a hiring committee that you can deliver engaging, effective instruction at the college level. Unlike a CV, your cover letter should connect your teaching philosophy, subject-matter depth, and classroom results into a concise narrative that speaks directly to the department's needs.
If you are applying to education roles more broadly, the fundamentals remain the same. For a complete walkthrough of structure and strategy, see our guide on how to write a cover letter.
What Hiring Committees Look For
Department chairs and search committees reviewing adjunct instructor applications focus on a specific set of qualifications. Understanding these priorities helps you tailor every paragraph of your letter.
- Subject-matter expertise. Evidence that your academic background and professional experience align with the courses you would teach.
- Course delivery skills. A track record of planning syllabi, leading lectures, facilitating discussions, and assessing student work effectively.
- Student engagement. Concrete examples of how you motivate learners, encourage participation, and support diverse learning styles.
- Curriculum alignment. Familiarity with the department's existing course catalog, learning outcomes, and accreditation standards.
- Online and hybrid teaching. Experience with learning management systems, asynchronous instruction, and virtual classroom tools is increasingly expected.
- Professional credentials. The appropriate terminal or graduate degree in your discipline, plus any relevant certifications or licensures.
Addressing each of these areas, even briefly, signals that you understand what the role demands beyond lecturing.
How to Write an Adjunct Instructor Cover Letter
A strong letter is focused, evidence-driven, and tailored to the institution. These four strategies will help you stand out from a crowded applicant pool.
Lead With Your Teaching Focus
Open by naming the specific course or department you are applying to and stating the expertise you bring. Committees read dozens of generic letters, so specificity earns attention immediately. If you have experience in a closely related role, mention it. For example, those coming from an adjunct faculty position at another institution can highlight transferable course loads and departmental contributions.
Quantify Your Classroom Impact
Numbers make your claims credible. Reference the number of courses taught per semester, student evaluation scores, average class sizes, or pass rates. A sentence like "I taught four sections of Composition I per semester with an average class size of 28 students and a 4.6/5.0 evaluation rating" communicates more than a paragraph of generalities.
Show Awareness of the Institution
Research the college's mission, student demographics, and program goals. Then connect your experience to what you find. This signals genuine interest and helps the committee envision you contributing to their specific environment. Those applying for adjunct professor or instructor roles at the same institution can adapt similar research across applications.
Close With a Clear Next Step
End your letter by expressing enthusiasm for a conversation and noting your availability. Avoid vague closings. A direct, professional sign-off keeps the momentum moving toward an interview.
Cover letter example
Adapt names, metrics, and achievements to your own experience.
Subject: Application for the Adjunct Instructor position
Dear Dr. Nakamura,
I am writing to apply for the Adjunct Instructor position in the English Department at Westfield Community College, as listed on your careers page. With a Master of Arts in English Literature and three years of teaching experience at the community college level, I am prepared to contribute to your department's commitment to accessible, high-quality instruction.
At Riverside Community College, I taught six sections of composition and introductory literature per academic year, with class sizes averaging 30 students. My student evaluation scores consistently exceeded 4.5 out of 5.0, and I maintained an 88% course completion rate across all sections. I redesigned the Composition II syllabus to integrate research-skills workshops, which contributed to a 15% increase in student research paper scores over two semesters.
I am experienced with Canvas and Zoom-based instruction, having taught fully online and hybrid sections since 2023. I also served on the curriculum review committee, where I helped align course outcomes with updated state transfer requirements.
Westfield's focus on student success and workforce readiness aligns with my teaching philosophy. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience can support your department's goals. I am available for an interview at your convenience.
Sincerely, Jordan Ellery
Before You Send
Use this checklist to catch common mistakes before submitting your application.
- Confirm the department name, course title, and contact person are correct.
- Verify that your letter addresses at least three of the six qualities listed above.
- Include at least two measurable results such as evaluation scores, course counts, or completion rates.
- Remove any generic language that could apply to any institution.
- Keep the letter to one page, ideally under 400 words.
- Proofread for grammatical errors, especially discipline-specific terminology.
- Attach your CV, transcripts, and any other materials the posting requests.
A careful final review prevents avoidable errors that can disqualify an otherwise strong candidate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should an adjunct instructor cover letter be?
Aim for 250 to 400 words, which typically fills one page. Hiring committees review many applications quickly, so concise letters that highlight relevant teaching experience and credentials perform best. For detailed formatting guidance, see our cover letter format resource.
Should I mention my teaching philosophy?
Briefly, yes. One or two sentences connecting your philosophy to the institution's mission adds depth without turning your cover letter into an essay. Save the full teaching philosophy statement for the separate document most postings request.
What if I have no prior adjunct teaching experience?
Focus on transferable experience such as graduate teaching assistantships, tutoring, workshop facilitation, or corporate training. Quantify results where possible and explain how those skills translate to college-level instruction. Our career change cover letter guide offers additional strategies for positioning non-traditional backgrounds.
Do I need a different letter for each application?
Yes. Tailor the opening, institutional references, and course-specific details for every position. Reusing a generic letter is one of the most common reasons applications are overlooked. Start from a proven structure using our cover letter templates to save time without sacrificing quality.
Should I include publications or research in my cover letter?
Only if they are directly relevant to the courses you would teach. Adjunct instructor roles prioritize teaching effectiveness over research output. Mention a publication briefly if it demonstrates subject expertise, but keep the focus on classroom results and student outcomes.