Compose a curriculum vitae. Your curriculum vitae, or CV, is an expanded resume that outlines the details of your professional and academic experience [2]. Besides contact information and basic information about your education, it should contain a detailed listing of relevant research activities and publications (including brief summaries of major works, such as theses or dissertations) and a comprehensive listing of all relevant teaching experience [2].
Find sources for possible job announcements. If you are interested in lecturing at a four-year college, the Chronicle of Higher Education regularly posts announcements of teaching positions [3]. Professional societies in your field of expertise can be good sources for possible job openings. For instance, if you are interested in teaching literature, writing or languages, the Modern Language Association can be a useful source of information [4]. If you are interested in teaching at local community colleges or vocational schools, check the schools' websites for possible openings and also note that these positions may also be advertised in the local press [3]. Also, openings can arise suddenly along with a need to fill them -- it doesn't hurt to inquire directly to local schools that may need your skills.
Write a letter of introduction. Your letter should be polished and concise, yet sufficiently detailed to inform the reader of your qualifications and experience. Outline your teaching experience as well as the highlights of your research or other relevant work. Find out as much as you can about the institution to which you are applying and be sure to tailor your letter to its specific needs or concerns. For instance, if you're applying to teach at a community college, your potential employers will be more interested in learning about your ability to connect with nontraditional students than your research experience.
Follow application instructions closely. Some schools will hire lecturers simply on the basis of a CV, letter of introduction and list of references. But other schools have more formal application processes that may involve presenting a teaching portfolio or a statement of your teaching philosophy. Schools often receive dozens of applications for a single position -- you can make a good impression by giving them what they want.