4 Steps to Achieve Your Goals with a Standout CV - Blog

by Angela December 15, 2023
4 Steps to Achieve Your Goals with a Standout CV

You need a standout CV to achieve your teaching goals. Make updates now to:
- Reflect your teaching evolution
- Showcase course updates
- Stand out from the crowd
- Grab attention in 8 seconds
As you unwrap your calendar for the new year, it’s a perfect time for adjunct college professors to revamp their Curriculum Vitae (CV). Sheila Fry, the COO of The Babb Group, emphasizes the importance of having a robust CV over a resume for academic professionals. Fry said, “First, it’s having a good CV and not a resume. People get confused and then use them interchangeably. They’re very different.”

Not sure what to include in your teaching philosophy? Read Teaching Philosophy: What It Is and Why You Need to Update It.

So, why should adjunct professors prioritize updating their CVs as they explore new opportunities? Let’s dive into the details and explore how a comprehensive CV can make you stand out in the competitive academic landscape.

The Distinction Between CV and Resume

Sheila Fry, COO of The Babb Group

We often see people confused about the differences between a CV and a resume. Sheila Fry provides valuable insight: “A resume is more business-focused, very succinct. A couple of pages. A CV is comprehensive. It could be 10 pages. It could be 40 pages. Depending on your type of business acumen and what you’ve been doing throughout your academic experience.”

As an adjunct professor, your academic journey is multifaceted, and a CV allows you to showcase the depth and breadth of your experience. Embrace the comprehensive nature of a CV to provide a holistic view of your academic contributions.

Why Update Your CV?
1. Reflect Your Teaching Evolution
With experience, our teaching philosophy and methods evolve. Updating your CV enables you to highlight how your approach to education has grown and adapted. Include new teaching techniques, technologies, and experiences that showcase your commitment to staying current in your field.
1. Showcase Course Updates
Ensure that your CV reflects the latest courses you’ve taught, incorporating any changes, updates, or new courses you’ve developed. This demonstrates your adaptability and commitment to delivering relevant and engaging content. Indicate any courses where you have done the instructional design. It’s a skill that is increasingly in-demand for online professors.
1. Stand Out from the Crowd
Fry stresses, “Using a CV is going to make you stand out. Not just having a general one.” In a competitive job market, it’s essential to distinguish yourself. Tailor your CV to highlight unique aspects of your academic journey, such as research projects, conference presentations, or innovative teaching methods. Include conferences, presentations, articles, publications, and other scholarly research projects. You also want to include skills such as course design, media skills, and other more innovative tools outside of academic work.
1. Grab Attention in 8 Seconds
First impressions matter. Fry notes, “You have 8 seconds to grab their attention.” Make those seconds count by organizing your CV effectively. Use clear headings, concise language, and strategic formatting to guide readers through your accomplishments. Showcase your most impressive achievements upfront to encourage recruiters to look further.

Sheila Fry shares advice for adjunct professors looking for new opportunities in this podcast.

Tips for Crafting a Standout CV
1. Organize Effectively: Structure your CV logically, with clear sections for teaching philosophy, education, teaching experience, research, and professional development.
2. Highlight Achievements: Showcase your accomplishments, such as successful course redesigns, student engagement initiatives, or collaborative research projects.
3. Incorporate Keywords: Tailor your CV for each opportunity by incorporating keywords from job descriptions. This enhances your chances of passing through applicant tracking systems.
4. Quantify Your Impact: Use metrics to quantify the impact of your teaching and research. Whether it’s student success rates, grant amounts secured, or publications, numbers add credibility.
5. Stay Current: Include recent professional development, conferences attended, and any new certifications or skills acquired. This underscores your commitment to continuous learning.
Not landing interviews? Read more on the 8 Biggest Job Search Mistakes

As you consider the new year filled with possibilities, take the time to update your CV. Be intentional about showcasing your growth as an educator and the unique contributions you bring to the academic community. As Sheila Fry advises, “The longer you can make them linger on yours, the greater your chance.” Make your CV a compelling narrative that captivates the reader’s attention and sets you apart in the competitive world of academia.

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Angela

Angela Britcher is a writer, communications professor, and instructional designer. She works with The Babb Group and Edusity.
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