Resume Writing Tips for Maths Faculty

Introduction

In academia, especially within the field of mathematics, a strong resume acts as your first impression. It must not only convey your expertise in complex theories and problem-solving but also demonstrate your teaching abilities, research accomplishments, and contributions to the academic community. With colleges and universities receiving numerous applications, presenting a clear, concise, and results-driven resume can significantly enhance your chances of standing out and landing interviews.

1. Resume Summary

The resume summary is a snapshot of your professional identity, intended to grab the hiring committee’s attention within seconds. For maths faculty, it should blend your expertise in mathematical concepts with your teaching philosophy, research interests, and notable accomplishments. Keep it concise—2 to 3 sentences maximum—and tailor it to reflect the posting’s requirements.

Example: “Dedicated Mathematics Professor with over 8 years of experience in abstract algebra, calculus, and statistical analysis. Proven track record in curriculum development, student engagement, and interdisciplinary research collaboration leading to 5 publications in peer-reviewed journals.”

2. Key Skills

Listing relevant skills upfront helps Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and hiring committees quickly assess your technical and pedagogical proficiencies. Include both hard skills related to mathematics and educational technology as well as soft skills essential to faculty roles.

• Advanced Calculus & Differential Equations
• Linear Algebra & Matrix Theory
• Statistical Data Analysis
• Mathematical Modeling
• Discrete Mathematics
• Mathematical Software (MATLAB, Mathematica)
• LaTeX Typesetting
• Curriculum Development
• Student-Centered Teaching
• Academic Research & Publication
• Collaborative Research & Grant Writing

3. Achievements vs. Responsibilities

To make your resume impactful, emphasize achievements rather than a mere list of responsibilities. Achievements quantify your contributions and demonstrate how you improved student outcomes, enhanced curricula, or advanced research. Use action verbs and metrics where possible.

Example: “Designed and implemented an innovative calculus curriculum that increased student pass rates by 20% over two academic years.”

4. Tailor to Job

Every faculty position may prioritize different qualifications—some may focus more on research, others on teaching excellence, or service to the department. Tailor your resume by analyzing the job description carefully and mirroring key phrases, emphasizing specific skills or experiences that align closely with the posting.

5. Tools

• MATLAB – for numerical analysis and modeling
• Mathematica – symbolic computation and visualization
• R – statistical computing and graphics
• Python (with libraries like NumPy, SciPy) – applied math and data analysis
• LaTeX – professional document and paper typesetting
• SPSS – statistical analysis software
• Maple – mathematical computation software
• Jupyter Notebooks – code and explanatory text integration
• Overleaf – online LaTeX collaborative writing
• Tableau – data visualization tool

6. Metrics

• Student success rate improvements (e.g., percentage increase in exam scores or pass rates)
• Number of peer-reviewed publications or conference presentations
• Grant funding secured (dollar amount)
• Class sizes taught and student feedback ratings (quantitative if available)
• Curriculum development projects or workshops led (number or scale)

7. Education

• Include highest degree first – Ph.D. or Master’s in Mathematics or related field
• Mention thesis or dissertation title if relevant
• Include any honors, distinctions, or notable academic activities
• List any professional certifications or continuing education relevant to math education or research

8. Format

• Use a clean, professional layout with clear section headings and consistent font style (e.g., Times New Roman or Arial, 10-12 pt)
• Keep it within two pages, prioritize concise bullet points over dense paragraphs
• Use bullet points for responsibilities and achievements to improve scanning
• Use bold and italics sparingly to highlight important information without cluttering

9. Concise

While it may be tempting to include every teaching assignment and research project, focus on relevancy. Select information that is directly relevant to the applied position and present it succinctly. Avoid academic jargon that may confuse non-specialist HR personnel evaluating resumes.

10. Bonus

• Include links to an academic portfolio or professional website showcasing publications, syllabi, or lecture videos
• Highlight leadership roles – such as supervising theses, committee participation, or organizing seminars

Examples

• “Coordinated and led a departmental seminar series attended by over 100 students and faculty, increasing interdisciplinary collaboration.”
• “Published 7 research articles in top-tier mathematics journals, increasing departmental research visibility by 30%.”li>

Conclusion

Your resume as a maths faculty member should strategically showcase your impactful teaching, research leadership, and strong analytical capabilities. By presenting quantified achievements, relevant skills, and tailoring content to the job description, you effectively communicate your value to academic employers. A polished, ATS-optimized resume will not only facilitate screening but also set you apart as a candidate who can contribute meaningfully to both student success and departmental growth.