For job seekers who want to make a great first impression on hiring managers, it's important to include the right kind of information on a resume. Of course, most people understand the need to include key contact details, skills, work experience, and notable achievements. But what if you've published research or other writings to your credit, that you feel can enhance your job search prospects?

You might wonder how to list publications on a resume. Listing them the right way can help you stand out, especially if you're in a field that values writing, research, or analysis.

What are publications on a resume?

Publications on a resume are any written works you've had published. These can include journal articles, research papers, white papers, books, or blog posts. For example:

If you're an Academic Researcher or Scientist, you might use journal articles, research papers, books, or scientific treatises as publications on a resume.
Marketers, professional writers, and graphic designers can include book publications, links to projects on online portfolios, and online website publications.

Not every publication belongs on a resume, but the right ones can boost your credibility fast.

How can you decide what types of publications to list in your resume?

Before you even think about including any publication in your resume, it's important to consider one main issue: relevance. If you’re applying for a marketing role, skip your old physics paper and show your marketing articles instead. The goal is to show hiring managers that you understand the field and can bring value.

If a publication supports your skills or experience and shows what you can do, it’s worth adding. That’s the key to knowing how to list publications on a resume that actually helps you get hired.

Why do employers want to see your published work?

You might wonder why employers care about published work. After all, why learn how to list publications on a resume if hiring managers have no interest in seeing them?

If you're seeking a job in an industry that values research, academic thought, writing, or content creation, employers want proof you can do the job.

That's why it's so important to know how to list publications on your resume! It's the easiest way to demonstrate you have the skills and experiences you claim to possess. The inclusion of published works demonstrates that you have a solid foundation of analytical, research, and writing skills.

That’s why knowing how to list publications on a resume matters.

How to list publications on your resume

The challenge of learning how to list publications on a resume can seem a little daunting at first. However, it's simple if you take it step-by-step.

1. Decide where to put publications on your resume

There are two main ways to list publications on a resume: in your education section or in a separate section labeled “Publications.”

Education section.

If you're a student, academic, or scientist (and only have one or two publications ), include them in your education history. This also works if your published works aren’t peer-reviewed. Also, listing publications on a resume in the education section works if you’re showcasing something that appears in trade journals or online sites.

Example:

Master of Science. in Biology, University of Texas, 2022

Published thesis: “The Role of Microbial Mats in Coastal Restoration,” UT Bio Journal

Publications section

When you have several publications to your credit, it's generally best to add them to a separate “Publications” section. This compartmentalization can help to add gravitas to these achievements and make it easier for hiring managers to scan and give your writing more weight.

Example:

Publications

Smith, A. (2022). “How Algorithms Shape Consumer Choice.” Marketing Today, 15(3), 45-52

Bonus: In your resume summary

If your publications are an important part of your qualifications, you may also want to include reference to them within your resume summary. One way to do that would be to select your most relevant or attention-grabbing publication and mention it within the last sentence of your summary paragraph.

2. Choose your citation style

It's a good idea to choose a specific citation style and use it consistently throughout your publications list. There are two commonly acceptable options when it comes to style

Use APA for citing scientific and engineering publications
Use MLA for citations to any publications in the humanities fields like history or philosophy

APA Example

[last name], [first initial]. [middle initial]. (year of publication). [article title]. [journal name] [volume number] ([issue number]) [pages]. Found at: URL (if accessible online)

MLA Example

[last name], [first initial]. “[article title].” [journal name], [volume number], [issue number], [date], [pages]. Found at: URL (if accessible online)

For listing published books, use this format:

[Your Last name, Your First name], [Book Title], [Name and location of Publisher], [Year of Publication]

If you have a mix of publications encompassing both technical and humanities-based works, or simply want to simplify your list, you can use this format:

“[Publication title]”, [Publisher name], [Date]

If you choose that last option, however, be prepared to provide a complete list of those publications with all relevant details if the employer asks for it.

3. List publications in reverse-chronological order

Since you will likely be using a reverse-chronological format for your resume, it's important to list your publications in reverse order too. To do that, simply cite your most recent published work first and then list the others in reverse chronology.

4. Verify the details of each publication citation

Always double-check each citation for accuracy. Make sure names, titles, dates, and sources are correct. This shows attention to detail and keeps your resume trustworthy.

If you've co-authored a publication, include all author names as listed or clarify your contribution with a note like “(co-author)” or “(lead author).”

5. Consider relevance

Think about how each publication you choose relates to the job you’re applying for. This is especially important if you have a long list of published works, since including them all could make it difficult for the most important works to stand out.

Listing too many can make the most important ones harder to find.

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of publications for your resume, list the selected ones in reverse-chronological order, meaning, most recent first.

6. Don't be afraid to include pending publications

If you've completed materials that are currently being reviewed for publication in a journal, it's acceptable to include those citations on your resume too. However, you should list those publications in italics, to indicate that they are not yet published. In addition, don't add details about the publisher.

Bottom line: Be honest – if it’s not published yet, let them know.

Common mistakes to avoid when listing publications

Even a strong list of publications can fall flat if it's not presented the right way. Watch out for these common mistakes:

Listing irrelevant or outdated work. If a publication doesn't support the role you're applying for, leave it out. Quality over quantity.
Inconsistent formatting. Mixing citation styles or formatting makes your resume look sloppy. Choose one style and stick to it.
Overstuffing the list. Don't list every blog post or minor mention. Highlight only the most substantial and relevant works.
Incorrect or incomplete details. Make sure every citation is accurate and verifiable.
Omitting context for unpublished or pending work. Label in-progress publications clearly so employers aren't misled.

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Examples of publications on a resume

Here are some examples of how to list publications on a resume.

Smith, J. “Analysis of the impact of wind turbines on migratory bird populations in the American Midwest”, American Journal of Bird Concerns, Vol. 2, Issue 19, 2012, 35-38.
Jones, T. J. 2021. Finding Meaning in a World Full of Ghosts. Journal of Modern Pseudoscience. Vol 3 (Issue 22) 56-72.
Presentation: Thoughts on Modern Fiscal Policy in the Age of Partisanship. Anytown Expo. 2022. Anytown.
Hines, T. “Probing Fake News' Prevalence, A Statistical Analysis”, Media Science, 2020. www.mediascience.com/probingfakenews/

Learn how to list publications on your resume to land more interviews

If including your publications in a resume is necessary to gain the right kind of attention from employers, then it's vital to do it right. By following the tips and recommendations in this post, you should be able to list publications in your resume in a way that bolsters your key qualifications for any job. In the end, that can be the best way to ensure that you make the right impression on hiring managers and earn more interviews.

Key takeaways – Top 5 Resume Publication Tips

Only include publications that are relevant to the role you’re applying for.
Use a consistent citation format like APA or MLA throughout your list.
Add a dedicated “Publications” section if you have more than one or two to share.
Highlight the most recent and relevant work first.
Don’t skip over pending or co-authored pieces, just label them appropriately.

If you’re ready to make sure your resume shines, let our professional resume writers review it for free. We’ll help you highlight publications, and all the rest of your career history, so you stand out from the crowd.

This article was originally written by Ken Chase. It’s been updated by Marsha Hebert.