Including publications on your resume demonstrates to prospective employers that you have writing skills, and also that you have the potential to be a thought leader in your industry. Because a resume is different than a curriculum vitae, which is used primarily for academic positions, you have a bit more flexibility about how you include your published works. You can choose to list them on a separate page, include the publications in the accomplishments section or list them in their own section.

Using a Separate Page

Listing your publications on a page separate from the rest of your resume is best when you have an extensive publication history spanning several years. In this case, your publishing history could play an important role in whether you are hired or not. Title the page either “Publications” or “Recent Publications,” and list your work in chronological order, beginning with your most recent work. Include the title of your work, where it was published (including the volume and/or issue if it’s a journal or magazine), when it appeared and the URL if you were published online. Don’t forget to mention that you’ve enclosed this publication list in your cover letter.

The Summary Approach

If you have only a few publications to list and your publication history isn’t a requirement for the job, the best approach is to summarize your work in the accomplishments section of your resume. Add a bullet point that says something like, “Published in ABC magazine and XYZ Journal.” If the interviewer is interested in learning more, he will ask. Bring copies of your published work to the interview to share when asked.

Use a Standalone Section

If you have only a few publications, or if some of your work was in major publications and you want it to stand out, include your publication history in its own section. Use the same format that you would on a separate page, including the title of your work, the publication name, date and URL, if applicable. Opting to include publications in their own section helps draw attention to them without upstaging the other information and accomplishments listed on your resume.

Special Considerations

In some fields, such as law, there are specific protocols for including publications on your resume. Prospective attorneys should always include their publications in a separate section, especially if the published work is law-related. Formatting should follow the standard blue-book format, except for those publications that may be less familiar to hiring managers, in which case the title of the law journal should be written out.

Also, if you have a blog that is industry-related or work-appropriate, include it on your resume – but only if it is well-written and showcases you in the best possible light. Include the name of your blog and the URL. Even if your blog isn’t related to the company or position, it will reveal your writing skills and give the employer more insight into your personality and interests.