Putting self employment on a resume (employee, consulting, apply, employers)

[FelixTheCat]

I've been self employed for around 5 years. I want to find any office type job. A low paying temp job would be fine too. I'm just looking for supplemental income temporarily as a break to self employment.

Does anyone know how self employment is viewed on a resume by employers. I suppose I could list all that I do, which is at least as impressive as my past jobs which paid more than I'd be expecting to get paid with a temp office job.

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by FelixTheCat

Does anyone know how self employment is viewed on a resume by employers (or landlords, etc).

By itself it is looked upon dismissively and with contempt.

Along with the five years of 1040's demonstrating a reliable income stream...
generally as being satisfactory.

[GiantRutgersfan]

What is it that you were doing to be self employed?

Depends a lot on what that is I would imagine

[Hemlock140]

I had a business for 18 years, then in 2009 applied for a job and got it, doing what I did back before the business. I still have the business on the side, and had only to sign an agreement to not do business with any of my customers at the new job as it could be a conflict of interest. I was since promoted to
manager and recently hired a new employee who has spent the last 10 years
self employed doing consulting. Seriously, if a person is the best qualified for the job, being self employed doesn't matter in the least. Emphasize the skill learned managing the business that apply to the new job, managing people, budget and planning, working with contractors, bookkeeping, marketing and so on.

[RedJacket]

Originally Posted by MrRational

By itself it is looked upon dismissively and with contempt.

I know quite a few people who would be an exception to your rule.