Writing a letter of recommendation for someone stepping into their first adjunct teaching role—especially if they have no prior classroom experience—might seem like a challenge. But it’s also a powerful opportunity. A thoughtfully written letter can help hiring committees see the candidate’s potential, character, and the unique strengths they bring from other parts of their academic or professional journey.
In this post, you’ll find a sample recommendation letter for a college adjunct professor candidate who is just starting their teaching career. This example is designed to guide you as you write your own endorsement—whether you’re a supervisor, colleague, or mentor. You’ll see how to highlight transferable skills, professional expertise, and the candidate’s readiness to thrive in a college-level learning environment.
Sample Letter of Recommendation for a College Adjunct Professor that has no Teaching Experience
[Date]
Dear [Hiring manager’s name or to whom it may concern],
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Candidate Name] for the position of adjunct professor in the [Department Name] at [College or University Name]. I have had the pleasure of working with [Candidate Name] for the past [number] years in my role as [Your Job Title] at [Your Organization or Institution].
While [Candidate Name] is new to formal teaching, their deep subject matter expertise and strong communication skills make them an excellent candidate for a college-level instructional role. Their work in [Industry or Field] has not only been innovative and rigorous but also consistently collaborative and mentorship-driven.
I have witnessed [Candidate Name] present complex material to both peers and clients in ways that are engaging, clear, and thought-provoking. They have a natural ability to break down challenging concepts and encourage curiosity—two qualities that are essential in the college classroom. During our time working together, they’ve led internal workshops, trained new team members, and served as a go-to resource for both junior and senior colleagues.
In addition to their professional acumen, [Candidate Name] is exceptionally dependable, empathetic, and reflective—traits that help them connect meaningfully with others. I’m confident these same qualities will help them build strong rapport with students and contribute positively to your academic community.
[Candidate Name] approaches every new opportunity with focus, integrity, and a commitment to growth. I believe they will bring the same energy and insight to the classroom that they have brought to every professional setting I’ve seen them in. I recommend them to you without hesitation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution or Company]
[Email Address – optional]
[Phone Number – optional]
How to Personalize This Sample Letter of Recommendation for a College Adjunct Professor that has no Teaching Experience
This sample is here to give you a strong starting point — but the most effective recommendation letters are the ones that feel real, specific, and personal. Here’s how to make it your own:
1. Replace the placeholders.
Anywhere you see brackets, like [Candidate Name], [School Name], or [Position Title], simply swap in the real details. Taking a few extra minutes to personalize these areas helps ensure your letter reads as thoughtful and sincere.
2. Add real-life examples.
Think of a time when the person you’re recommending made a genuine impact, maybe they guided a student through a tough moment, led a successful school project, or stepped up when it really counted. Specific, meaningful examples are what make a recommendation stand out.
3. Match the tone to your relationship.
Whether you were their supervisor, a colleague, or a mentor, feel free to adjust the wording to reflect how you worked together. A letter that reflects your authentic relationship carries more weight and credibility.
4. Save time by using AI to personalize the letter.
If you’re short on time, you can copy this letter into an AI writing tool to help you quickly replace the placeholders or enter specific details that would be helpful for your draft. Just make sure to review and ensure that it echoes your own voice; your real experiences and insight are what truly bring the letter to life, and that’s something AI can’t replace.
In Closing
This sample is just a starting point—what will make your letter truly impactful is your personal connection to the candidate. Include specific examples of how they’ve demonstrated leadership, curiosity, or mentorship in your shared experiences. If they’ve done any presenting, public speaking, or peer training, be sure to highlight that. And don’t underestimate the value of a strong closing endorsement. Your confidence in them goes a long way.
Remember: even without direct teaching experience, many professionals are more than ready to succeed in adjunct roles. Your recommendation can help hiring teams see the potential and promise that a résumé alone might not fully capture.
Looking for more templates? Check out our other sample letters for educators at all levels, from first-time instructors to school leaders and staff.
