University Professor CV Examples & Templates

Elizabeth Muenzen, CPRW
By Elizabeth Muenzen, CPRW, Career Advice Expert •Last Updated: January 08, 2024
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University Professor CV Template

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University professors are responsible for teaching undergraduate and graduate students in a variety of academic disciplines. They develop and deliver course materials, design and administer exams and assignments and provide feedback to students on their work. 

In addition to teaching, professors often conduct research in their field of expertise and publish their findings in academic journals and books. They may also supervise graduate students and collaborate with colleagues on research projects. 

Looking for a great university professor job? A professional CV is the best place to start. Our guide to crafting an effective CV for a university professor job will help you showcase your interpersonal skills and teaching abilities to stand out from the competition.

University Professor CV Template
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University professor cv example (text version)

Lucian Walsh

Philadelphia, PA 19019
(555) 555-5555
example@example.com

Summary Statement

Dedicated university professor with a proven track record in delivering exceptional education at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Known for innovative teaching methods, fostering critical thinking and achieving consistently positive student evaluations. A prolific researcher with numerous publications in reputable journals, contributing to the academic advancement of the field. Committed to mentorship and actively involved in university service, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to academia.

Core Qualifications

  • Classroom administration
  • Lesson planning
  • Discussion facilitation
  • Learning management systems
  • Distance learning tools
  • Research management
  • Problem-solving and adaptability
  • Communication and teamwork

Education

  • University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA
    Ph.D. Sociology
  • University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA
    Master of Science Social Policy
  • Drexel University Philadelphia, PA
    Bachelor of Arts Sociology

Work Experience

January 2021 – Current
Temple University – Philadelphia, PA
University Professor

  • Collaborate with 12 faculty members designing the sociology curriculum for six departmental courses.
  • Develop and teach five undergraduate courses for department offerings serving major, minor and general studies for 150 students.
  • Evaluate and supervise student activities and performance levels to provide reports on academic progress, keeping academic enrollment by 90%.

September 2015 – December 2020
La Salle University – Philadelphia, PA
Associate Professor

  • Lectured and enabled four bi-weekly sections for 60 students of Sociology 101.
  • Encouraged class discussions by actively soliciting input, asking open-ended questions and using techniques to track student participation, improving academic progress by 30%.
  • Graded quizzes, tests, homework and projects to provide students with timely academic progress information and feedback.

June 2013 – August 2015
Drexel University – Philadelphia, PA
Assistant Professor

  • Provided mentorship and guidance to 30 undergraduate students, fostering their academic and professional development.
  • Collaborated with 10 faculty staff on curriculum revision, evaluation of course syllabi and lesson plans for the sociology curriculum.
  • Communicated with 80 students about classroom, lab and study session expectations to help professors maintain order in large classes.

Research Experience

  • Developed research statements and ran surveys and interviews as a research lead in “Identifying Social Trends in Generation Alpha” (2023) at Temple, University.
  • Participated in 50 interviews as research lead in “Sociology in Contemporary Culture” (2022) at Temple University.
  • Managed operational documents for a team of 25 and produced monthly reports detailing activities as a research assistant in “Economy, Sociology and Roles Today” (2021) at Drexel University.
  • Discussed with five professors the type of guidance and comment they found most helpful throughout the short thesis development as a postgraduate research fellow (2019) at the University of Pennsylvania.
  • Contributed to the department’s research by taking up opportunities to present work at departmental seminars and engaging in discussion with other eight researchers as a postgraduate research fellow (2018) at Drexel University.

Publications

  • Walsh, Lucian. 2019. How the Economy Dictates Your Social Interactions. Philadelphia City Globe (9), 120-121.
  • Walsh, Lucian. 2018. Comparing Urban Studies: Academic Views of the City. American Sociological Journal (5), 95-97.
  • Walsh, Lucian. 2016. The Segregation of Social Interactions Across the T Line and into the Suburbs. Philadelphia City Globe (4), 180-197.

Conference Presentations

  • Sociology; Crisis Communication and Social Behavior, Drexel University – (2023)
  • The Impact of Migration on Cultural Identity; Assessment of Cultural Practices, Beliefs and Values, La Salle University – (2022)
  • The New Society after the Pandemic, Thomas Jefferson University – (2021)
  • Sociology Conference, the University of Pennsylvania – (2021)

Conference Attendance

  • Dissent in America Teach-In Presents: The Politicization of the Supreme Court, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA – (2023)
  • Public Policy Info Session, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA – (2022)
  • International Social Science Council (online) – (2021)
  • American Sociological Association, Philadelphia, PA – (2019)
  • Association for Humanist Sociology Education Conference – (2017)

Professional Affiliations and Memberships

  • American Sociological Association (ASA) – (2023)
  • Society for the Study of Social Problems (SSSP) – (2022)
  • Eastern Sociological Society (ESS) – (2021)

Certifications and Licenses

  • Certified Sociological Researcher (CSR) – (2023)
  • Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) – (2022)
  • Certified Higher Education Professional (CHEP) – (2021)

5 essentials of a top university professor cv

  1. Contact details

    Add your contact information to the top of your university professor CV so that hiring managers know how to contact you for an interview. Display your contact information like so: Your full name, then your city, state and ZIP code, followed by your phone number and professional email address. Add your LinkedIn profile and professional website last if you have them.

  2. Personal statement

    A personal statement is also known as a professional summary. This is where you introduce yourself and highlight your top qualifications for the job in three to five sentences. 

    A CV for a university professor must include a professional summary with appropriate skills, one or two notable accomplishments and how long you’ve been in the industry. 

    Here is an example professional summary for a university professor CV: 

    “Accomplished university professor with over 10 years of teaching experience and a strong record of research and publication in Linguistics, bringing a wealth of knowledge, expertise and passion to teaching. Experience serving on academic committees, reviewing manuscripts for academic journals and providing consulting services to industry and government organizations. With a commitment to excellence in teaching, research and service, brings a proven track record of engaging students, advancing knowledge and contributing to the academic community.”

  3. Skills

    You’ve got to let potential employers know what professional skills you bring to the table. Create a separate section for your job-relevant skills and display them with bullet points to make them easy to read. Like our sample university professor CVs, include hard skills and soft skills to fully capture your abilities. 

    A university professor needs a wide range of skills to be effective in their role. Some of the key skills required for success as a university professor include:

    • Communication skills: Professors must be able to communicate complex concepts and ideas to students and colleagues in a clear and concise manner.
    • Pedagogical skills: They must be able to design and deliver effective lectures, create engaging course materials and facilitate productive classroom discussions.
    • Research and analytical skills: Professors should have strong research skills to conduct original research in their field, analyze data and publish research papers in academic journals.
    • Time management: They must be able to manage their time effectively to balance teaching, research and service commitments while meeting deadlines.

  4. Work history

    Your CV must include an employment history section, whether or not you have professional experience as a university professor. In reverse-chronological order, list current and previous employers and provide business names, locations and dates you worked for each. 

    Include three bullet points of measurable achievements for every job you list. Here are a few examples of work history bullet points for a university professor CV:

    • Designed and delivered engaging courses on [subject] at the undergraduate and graduate level, utilizing a variety of teaching strategies such as case studies, group discussions and experiential learning activities.
    • Conducted original research in [field] and published numerous articles in top-tier academic journals, including [list of journals], and presented research findings at national and international conferences.
    • Mentored and supervised graduate students in their research pursuits, providing guidance on research design, data analysis and manuscript preparation.

  5. Education

    Hiring managers want to see your education credentials, so a CV for a university professor job must include an education section. Add all the educational institutions you’ve attended after high school and display the name of the schools and the years that you graduated in reverse-chronological order using bullet points. 

    To become a university professor, you typically need to have a doctoral degree in your field of expertise. The exact educational requirements may vary depending on the institution and the specific field, but generally, a Ph.D. or equivalent degree is required.

    In addition to a doctoral degree, university professors should have a strong academic background with a record of high-quality research and publications in their field. They should also have significant teaching experience, preferably at the university level, and demonstrate a strong commitment to pedagogy and student success.

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Action words for a standout university professor CV

Action words strengthen CVs because they tell the hiring manager exactly what you did and convey confidence. Use them with numbers to make a more substantial impact. 

Here’s a short list of perfect action words for a university professor CV:

  • Instruct 
  • Evaluate
  • Assist
  • Research 
  • Assess
  • Collaborate
  • Motivate
  • Apply
  • Plan
  • Organize
  • Lead
  • Coordinate
  • Manage
  • Supervise
  • Provide

Want more inspiration? We have 300+ CV examples to help you create a standout university professor CV. 

Top skills for a university professor CV

Review the job description carefully and match the required skills to the skills and traits that fit you. Your skills might include the following:

  • Lecturing 
  • Discussion facilitation 
  • Research 
  • Collaboration 
  • Communication
  • Teaching 
  • Learning management systems 
  • Data analysis software
  • Presentation tools
  • Mentoring 
  • Motivation
  • Compassion
  • Patience
  • Leadership
  • Adaptability

Need the perfect CV for a university professor job now? Our CV Maker has all the tools you need to craft a professional CV in minutes. 

Certifications for a university professor CV

Some universities may require additional qualifications or certifications, such as teaching certification or professional accreditation. In some fields, such as law or medicine, a professional degree may also be required in addition to a doctoral degree.

Certifications for university professors include the following:

  • National Board Certification (NBC)
  • Certified Online Instructor (COI)
  • Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP)
  • Certified Higher Education Professional (CHEP)

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University professor CV FAQ

What does a university professor CV look like?

A good CV for a university professor will look much like our university professor sample CVs and will contain the job seeker’s contact information, skills, employment history, education and certifications, if applicable. A university professor CV might also contain sections for teaching experience, languages spoken, scholarships and grants, published research, areas of interest, and awards and honors if the job candidate has them to display.

Similar to a professional resume, your CV should highlight relevant skills that make you a great fit for the job. Read about the difference between a CV and a resume for more details. 

Some skills you might consider showcasing on your CV include the following: 

  • Organizational skills: Professors should have strong organizational skills to manage course schedules, grade assignments and keep track of administrative tasks.
  • Interpersonal skills: They should be able to build positive relationships with colleagues, students and stakeholders in the academic community.
  • Adaptability: Professors should be able to adapt to changing circumstances, such as new technologies, teaching methods or research trends.
What to include in a CV for a university professor job?

The best way to know what to include is by reviewing the job description requirements. 

If you need guidance to start, use the university professor CV sample on this page and browse our vast collection of CV samples for more university professor CV examples.

A university professor CV must always include five primary sections:

  • Contact information
  • Personal profile
  • Skills
  • Job history
  • Education

It may also include any of these optional sections, if applicable:

  • Teaching experience
  • Languages
  • Scholarships and grants
  • Published research
  • Conferences
  • Professional memberships
  • Areas of interest
  • Awards and honors 

The easiest way to determine what sections to add to your CV and how to fill them out is by reviewing the essential requirements of the job description. 

Match the job requirements to your qualifications and add them to your CV. Remember to include job-relevant experiences, such as participating in academic committees. 

What are some tips for creating an excellent CV for a university professor job?

Not all CVs are created equal. Here are our top tips for crafting a perfect university professor CV:

  • Review university professor CV examples for inspiration.
  • Explain how you have helped students improve their analysis skills and writing knowledge with specific details.
  • Focus your CV on a specific open position and university by carefully reading over the job posting on the college’s website.
  • Add separate sections for extra training, certifications, licenses and awards.
  • Make your CV as long as it needs to be. Unlike a resume, CVs don’t have a page limit. Simply ensure your CV touches on everything the employer is looking for in a candidate, encompassing your entire professional journey and endeavors. 
  • Ensure your CV is formatted correctly, meaning margins should be 1 inch on all sides and line space should be single or 1.5 inches. 
  • Only use appropriate CV fonts, like Times New Roman, Arial or Helvetica, in 11-12 points on the body and 14-16 points on headers.
  • Proofread your CV more than once before sending it to potential employers.
What does a university professor do?

University professors provide learning experiences to students in postsecondary education, as shown in our university professor CV examples. Professors typically have expertise in one subject area and spend their days teaching classes. 

In the classroom, they may facilitate discussions, assign classwork or monitor assessments. In their planning time, professors develop strong instructional opportunities for each subject, using university curriculum standards and subject matter expertise. They may also hold office hours to advise students about their grades or progress in the course. 

Professors additionally offer advice about research projects. They also have a responsibility to the college community to publish important writings or research to help promote academic achievement in the organization.

Do’s and don’ts for building a university professor CV

  • Use measurable achievements to describe your university professor skills and experience.
  • Use action words to make an impact on your university professor CV such as “instructed” and “graded.”
  • Tailor your CV to your target job or university. 
  • Use keywords from the job description throughout your university professor CV. For example, “lesson planning” and “academic research.” 
  • Format your university professor CV so that it is easy to read by ATS software and human eyes.
  • Don’t lie about your university professor work experience and skills. Instead, offer specific examples of your ability to teach and deliver effective instruction. 
  • Don’t boast about your “incomparable” university professor abilities. 
  • Don’t include irrelevant personal information such as your ethnicity and age.
  • Don’t add skills and experience that do not pertain to being a university professor. Focus on relevant experience participating in academic committees and attending conferences and seminars.
  • Don’t forget to proofread. A university professor CV with errors is unprofessional.

Top 4 tips for acing a university professor interview

  1. Research the university before your interview.

    It’s vital to take the time to learn about the company’s history, goals, values and people before the job interview. When preparing for an interview for a professor job, it’s essential to research the university to demonstrate your interest in the institution and to be prepared to answer questions that may arise during the interview. 

    Here are some areas to research about the university:

    • Academic programs: Research the academic programs offered by the university to understand the focus and strengths of the institution.
    • Faculty: Look up the faculty members in the department or program you’re applying for to understand their research interests, teaching styles and publications.
    • Students: Research the student population to understand their backgrounds, interests and academic goals.
    • Campus culture: Familiarize yourself with the campus culture by reviewing the university’s website, social media presence and news articles.
    • Recent initiatives: Research recent initiatives or projects at the university to demonstrate your interest in the institution and to be prepared to discuss how you might contribute to ongoing efforts.
    • Accreditation and rankings: Review the university’s accreditation and ranking status to understand its standing in the academic community and its level of prestige.

  2. Practice at home.

    Prepare for any scenario by practicing an interview at home. Start by reviewing the most common interview questions, such as: 

    Prepare for questions to evaluate your teaching abilities, such as:

    • What are your research interests and how do they align with our department’s or program’s focus?
    • How do you approach teaching and what strategies do you use to engage students?
    • Can you describe a successful research project you have led or contributed to?
    • How do you approach collaboration with other faculty members and departments?
    • How do you stay current with developments in your field and integrate them into your teaching and research?

    Write down possible answers as you review potential questions, then ask a friend or relative to perform a mock interview with you so you can get comfortable with the questions and imprint the answers in your mind.

    Ask your interview partner for a review and work on improving your weaknesses. You’ll feel confident and ready when it’s time for the real thing.

  3. Be proactive and ask questions.

    At the end of your interview, you will be asked if you have any questions. As a rule of thumb, have three questions prepared. Hiring managers expect questions during or at the end of the interview. This shows your enthusiasm and interest in the role. 

    Here are a few examples of questions to get you started:

    • Can you describe any ongoing or upcoming initiatives or projects that the university is working on?
    • How does the university support faculty members’ teaching and research goals?
    • What are the expectations for faculty members in terms of teaching, research and service?

  4. Round up your references.

    Once you’re ready to start sending in applications, contact former managers and colleagues to be professional references. They should be able to vouch for you, your work ethic and your skills. 

    Explain to them where you are in the process and let them know that they could receive a phone call or email. Ask if they could prepare a letter of recommendation for you. This will depend on what the hiring manager requests. 

    If this is your first full-time job, request a reference from a former professor, community leader, volunteer coordinator or classmate who can vouch for your skills.

How we reviewed this article

Since 2013, we have helped more than 15 million job seekers. We want to make your career journey accessible and manageable through our services and Career Center’s how-to guides and tips. In our commitment to bring you a transparent process, we present our Editorial Process.

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Elizabeth Muenzen, CPRW

Elizabeth Muenzen, CPRW

Career Advice Expert

Elizabeth is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and a member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Careers Coaches. She is passionate about delivering information that empowers job seekers to achieve their professional goals.

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