How to List Publications on Your Next Resume

Updated June 18, 2022905

Written publications are impressive achievements to include on a resume or academic CV. Here’s how to include a list of publications with your next job application.

Publications on Resume

When it comes to writing a professional resume, those in academia might not know whether or not to list publications they’ve written. These publications can demonstrate your expertise in a particular subject matter, and can also help you land academic roles or get into prestigious classes. Let’s take a closer look into how you can list publications on your next academic resume.

Including Publications in a Resume

Publications are a broader field than some job seekers might think. This can include anything from written publications to key appearances or speeches you’ve given. Here’s a comprehensive list of the types of publications you can add to your next resume:

Academic journal articles
Book chapters
Industry journal publications
Keynote speaker appearances
Panelist events
Research papers
Trade association magazines

These diverse publications highlight your different skills and expertise to a recruiter. If you list a good mix of articles, publications and public appearances on your resume, this will help you stand out from other candidates.

How to Add a List of Publications to a Resume

Listing all your research and publications into a single resume or CV can be tricky. Here’s how you can add a brief list of your publications to your next resume.

Create a publications section
Publications should be placed in their own section on your resume. However, you may be wondering where is the best location to place your publications section on your resume. The typical resume format is as follows:

Personalized header
Resume summary or objective
Skills section
Work experience section
Education section

Some job seekers may consider placing their publications in one of those sections. However, publications won’t be highlighted effectively by mixing them in a work experience section or an education section.Creating a separate section for your publications and placing it below the education section is the best practice. You can neatly format your publications in reverse-chronological order by year of publication to show off your most recent achievements.

List only the most relevant publications
Though you might be proud of all your publications, you should only list those that pertain to the job description or academic program that you are applying to. For instance, if you are trying to get into a doctorate program in the humanities field, you don’t want to list your experience as a keynote speaker for a biology conference in the publications section.

Using only specific academic publications can also help your application get through an applicant tracking system (ATS). These systems are designed to scan for particular keywords that will let a recruiter know if the applicant has the right experience for the job or program. Taking keywords from the job description or course description can be a great way to push your application to be read by an actual recruiter and moved to the top of the list.

Include all necessary information
If the hiring manager decides to look into your publications for the hiring process, you want to ensure they can find them. Here is the information about your publications to include within the publications section:

Title of article/Name of the journal with the issue number and volume number
Publication date
All author names (including co-authors)
Page numbers of publication
Summary of the article/publication

You can format your publications section in an MLA or APA-style bibliography. That way, the potential employer will have an easier time scanning through your works that best display your expertise.

FAQs: Publications on Resume

What is the difference between a resume and curriculum vitae?

The resume is used to apply for a specific job and doesn’t typically extend past one page. The curriculum vitae (or CV) is far longer and acts as a longer record of all your academic credentials. The actual length of a CV will depend on your level of experience and the number of publications under your belt. Unlike a resume, the CV always starts with the education section.

Typically, CVs are used to apply for fellowships, grants, post-doctoral positions and teaching positions in high-level academic settings, such as universities. Some graduate schools can also use CVs, but for the most part, will only require a resume with a publications section.

Outside of the academic sphere, CVs might not be the best option to use unless otherwise requested on the job posting. In any case, you should always check the job or course description to make sure that you use the right form.

Do I need to write a cover letter?

Unless the job description says not to include one, then you should always write a cover letter to submit with your resume or CV. The cover letter gives you an additional opportunity to show off your communication skills and work experience outside a formal job interview. A stand-out cover letter should grab the attention of hiring managers or other senior staff in academic fields considering potential candidates for a prestigious class or program.

Where can I find free resume templates?

Using a resume builder tool can be a great way to find free resume templates, resume examples and other tips for writing a great resume or CV. These tools can also help you craft the best resume for the job in just a few minutes.

Link copied!

About The Author

Cindi Cervone Carlson

Cindi Cervone Carlson is a Senior Vice President for Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. Cindi is responsible for developing, delivering, and implementing a dynamic, world-class organization dedicated to delivering outplacement consulting, training, support, and executive coaching. Cindi started her career at Challenger as a client who had lost her job. Over the past nine years, she has risen from an entry-level, part-time professional to Senior Vice President.