Is it normal to have a multi-page resume these days? I mean, I know when you first start out looking for jobs, you may not have a lot to put on your resume, but I just got a resume from a consultant that is 7 pages long. That seems excessive to me. (yes, he's in IT)

I could understand maybe 2-3 pages, but 7???

The only resumes I'd accept over one page are ones that list a whole bunch of publications or something. Or maybe if he's a freelance consultant all the projects he's worked on.

He does do a lot of contract work, and that's great that he's showcasing all the various jobs he's done, but there's got to be a better way to consolidate.

In general, I would dismiss a 7 page resume.

Resumes should be kept to a page. Show what's important and recent. You can always note on your resume that additional work experience is available upon request.

i dont think a two page resume is too long. ive cut just about all i can cut out of mine and its still around two pages. if it is two pages, just double side one sheet of paper.

I agree, Phil... I'm of the mindset that you should keep it to a page and highlight the major points, but 2 pages wouldn't deter my interest. 3/4... eh, we're veering into questionable territory.

I remember in 12th grade learning how to write a precis, and it was so hard for me at the time... nowawdays, I'm all about small bytes and concise yet thorough explanation.

Unless you have been working for 10+ yrs, 1 page. If 10+ years, two is acceptable. Over two goes in the trash can

Nah...it really depends on how long you've been in the workforce and what you do. I've been told by headhunters, recruiters, job search consultants that 3 pages is fine for me now. Ten years ago, I was told to keep it to a page.

That said, 7 pages is too long for anyone. In fact, I don't think I've ever seen anything longer than 3. It doesn't matter if you've done lots of contract work. Regardless of what you do, you don't need to list every client, project, task, etc that you've worked on. If he feels the need for such a detailed schedule, it should be an "available upon request" type of thing.

for the longest time, i had a 2 page resume, but thanks to help from yail & wilked and a few others- i narrowed it down to one. (and it did nail me the job i wanted!)

i don't believe in long resumes anymore unless you have a gajillion years experience.

7 is rigoddamnediculous.

He's hiding something.

he's overcompensating for a small lovepole.

<=== 1 1/2 pages

Billyg's correct--if you have extensive and varied experience, you want to play it up. I get suspeicious if someone can cram 15 years worth of accomplishments onto a single page and still have room for their education.

1 and 1/2 is max length. Anything more, the people who are interviewing you are going to make fun of you beforehand.

60 pages, enclosed in a trapper keeper is the norm these days

The last time I was looking for a job I had a headhunter tell me that for self-directed job searches for senior management positions they don't even recommend that you send a resume. Instead, they recommend a personalized 3-5 page well constructed letter of why you are interested in the organization, what role you see yourself playing, and how your background and experience will enable you to be successful. Obviously, you still need to have a resume if you are asked for it but they say that an individualized, conversional letter works better than a formal resume.

Funny that you think you learn from experience what you're supposed to do but then you have to learn all over again..

2 page resumes are fine.

It depends whether it is a resume or a curriculum vitae. The latter can be fairly lengthy but is generally used in academic settings. Resumes, I have been told, should only outline while a c.v. is where you basically lay it all out without modesty.

Dana,

If that's the guy's resume, I would seriously consider hiring him. I hear he does good work. His people skills aren't the best, but he is all-business.

ha, yeah, timmy... he'd mind-fuck me right out of my own job. No thanks.

Now this guy? I think he does amazing work when it comes to layoffs. I can think of a few folks that I wish "early retirement" on here.

My resume is four pages long. I don't have a job right now, but I don't blame my resume. I blame the stupid people in charge of hiring. What? They can't tell talent when they see it?
Just look at my resume....

I really like this approach. I'd decorate my trapper keeper with Garbage Pail Kids stickers. Just my little touch. Detail matters!