Poll: Keeping Your Resume to One Page

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I think technology is different.
I works as a technology consultant and I try to focus the beginning of my resume on my skills. It starts with a brief 'elevator pitch' that describes me, then has a section on my primary programming skills; I exclude all the things I have worked with that are not top-notch or marketable. I finish with a section on the business domains I have worked in. That itself is 3/4 of a page, and the other 2.25 pages are details on my assignments, which number 11 in 10+ years.
My focus is keeping in down to 3 pages, although my full unfiltered resume, my master version, is over 4 pages.

James Igoe of NY 8:41AM April 22, 2011

When I was hiring I published a list of what I needed from a candiate. First page should contain what you can do for me. Second page should have a 5 to 10 year substantiation, or proof, of how you can help me achieve a goal. Do not waste my time. I definitely will not waste your time. What you got to sell?

xjayhawk of FL 8:56PM March 30, 2011

I have worked a number of contract positions, in a variety of professional settings. It is very difficult to summarize those positions in a way that results in a one-page resume... unless I want to be very superficial, cutting out accomplishments and skills in the process.
It will take plenty of time to shave my resume to highlight the accomplishments, yet still convey the message that I am not a job-hopper - and will still probably exceed one page! How does one manage to do that, when one's work history consists primarily of contracted assignments?

Flint-Area Unemployed Professional of MI 9:59AM March 17, 2011

Several famous people have uttered quotations similar to, "If I had more time, I would have made it shorter." In fact, it does take more time to use fewer words to convey the essence of your message, yet too many don't take that time when writing their resumes--and it reflects badly on them.
During this period of unemployment and the longer trend towards "too much information," delivering your message quickly, accurately, and convincingly couldn't be more important. Long resumes, unless you're applying for a very senior position and have vast experience, make no sense.
Please consider the position of the initial screener, looking at hundreds, perhaps thousands of resumes--and likely looking them over very quickly. What will catch their eye, what will make them take notice? The longer your resume is, the less likely it is that your key qualification or attribute will be found, and that means the less likely it is that it will be selected.
Other suggestions: use a simple typeface, use proper grammar (check the spelling, too), and be honest about yourself. Also, do some homework on the company you are applying with, so that your resume (and cover letter) appears more responsive to the needs of your potential employer. If you don't take these easy steps before you fire out that resume, how seriously do you think it will be received?

Sherlock Holmes of NH 11:09AM March 09, 2011