How To Apply For A Community College Teaching Job

ERIC Clearinghouse for Community Colleges
EdInfo Number 98-17

Application packets should be simple, concise, and provide just enough information about the applicant to catch the interest of the screening committee. This is the advice of one member of the applicant screening committee at a Midwestern community college. Other advice includes:

Neatness counts. Always type, don't write applications, resumes, or other relevant materials. All documents should be free of typos, grammatical or spelling errors, and on white paper.
Fill out and complete application forms. Unless the community college doesn't provide applications, don't submit a resume in lieu of one; submit both whenever possible.
A resume is not a curricula vitae (CV); a resume is a concise summary of past work experience while a CV is a detailed roster of professional accomplishments. Unless otherwise requested, don't send a CV in lieu of a resume.
Cover letters flesh out an application and resume. They concentrate on what you can do for the college based on past experiences. They are personally addressed. Gaps in employment history are explained here.
Don't send To-Whom-It-May-Concern reference letters. When possible reference letters should be on letterhead, specific to the position being applied for, and detail the applicant's qualifications.
Also don't send the following unless requested: Writing samples, including research reports and articles; course outlines or syllabi from classes and courses taught or taken; documentation regarding military jobs or training unless relevant to the position being applied for.

Finally, if you are called for an interview, research the institution, its student population, and its administration. Your knowledge will have a positive impact on the selection committee.

This information was reported in ED 392 477, "How To Apply for a Community College Teaching Position." A full-text copy of this document may be obtained from the ERIC Document Reproduction Services, 7420 Fullerton Road, Suite 110, Springfield, VA 22153; or call (800) 443-ERIC.

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Updated 10/10/01
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