How to become a University Professor

When seeking a teaching position, all openings will be available on the website for the institution typically under a title "careers" or "career opportunities".  Select "faculty positions" and the list should be alphabetized according to the date that the position was posted (most current).  In the example below, you can see the job type, title, location, program or organization and the date the posting opened.  

When you see a position of interest, click on that green highlighted link and more hiring information is displayed.  The posting should tell you the job type (internal, external, contract or permanent hire), posting dates and start/end dates.  In the example below, this position is sessional (short term contract) for the fall dates of Sept-Dec 2025.

Next are the job qualifications.  These are IDEAL qualifications set by the department's hiring committee and the university senate.  This means this is what is required if one is to get a permanent position in that department and what the university senate wants to see as a minimum educational level.  However, there are many instances, especially in rural campuses, where applicants are hired without those higher degrees.  Often, an applicant with a lower expectation such as a bachelor's degree or a diploma may get shortlisted depending on application numbers and interest.  Sometimes, the posting will actually say something like "other qualifications may be considered" or they may specify a lower, but acceptable qualification such as "applicants with a diploma may be considered".  In the example below the position asks for a Masters degree OR equivalent qualifications and experience.  If you do not have a Masters, your job is to show via your resume, that you have the "equivalent qualifications".

The key message here...if you are interested, APPLY!  The worst that can happen is that you do not get a call back.  Unfortunately, most institutions do NOT call you at all if you are not shortlisted.  But sometimes, the committee is just busy or behind and has not had time to call.  If in doubt, it doesn't hurt to reach out to the HR department or the contact listed on the posting (if available).

There will be a description of what you will need in order to apply.  Have this all READY before you hit the apply button.

But are you ready to apply?  You will need to upload a resume and cover letter. Do you have an awesome RESUME?  If not, check out some resume-building tips in the next section over.