What looks best on a resume?

I don't know... whenever hiring I know I like to see longevity in a person's work history. I don't like to see people who apparently jump around from job to job to job a whole lot - leaves me a little uneasy that the person may be flighty (and thus not dependable.)

However, not staying in the same place for a long, long time does open artists up to new experiences and new methods in handling work-flow.

Honestly, when it comes to hiring, it's ultimately the portfolio I look at first, and then the potential hire's personality and attitude that I look at next. Work and school history come in after that.

That's just my perspective.

The only job I've held longer than 2-1/2 years is CEO of my own business (16 years and counting). The reason you leave is more important than the time you're employed, imho. At the positions I held - I topped out. There was no position above me to advance to - so it was either move on or stagnate. As long as you continue moving up (career-wise) - I don't think it's a problem. Back when I was still looking for employment there was a very brief (one line) explanation in my resume as to my reasons for leaving which I expanded on in the personal interview. So - for example - my resume had the job description and at the bottom was a line that would say something like "Left company for a better position at XYZ Graphics". If the potential employer can't respect your career ambition, then you probably don't want to be working for them anyway.

But to answer your question - 5 years is a lifetime down here. Just make sure in this economy that you have another position lined up before leaving. The worst thing to have on a resume (imho) is big empty spaces of lost time in-between jobs.

I agree. Doesn't matter how many years. As long as you can learn stay.

Who still believes in job loyalty these days? In this economy, I'm seeing the worst in people. Where I'm at, we downsized so much, it's more workload for everyone for the same pay and inefficient workflow. If you find yourself in a job environment where it's "CYA" day-in and day-out, there's nothing healthy nor rewarding about it. I do agree to stay at your current job for the right reasons [such as continue learning and challenges, job satisfaction, etc]. I would never stay at a job just because it looks too short on paper.

I have seen some so-called "loyal" employees or seniority with 10-20+ years with a company, the fact is, this group of people are usually too comfortable with their daily routines and are not looking for new challenges. This group of people are usually the worst at learning new skills and more resistant to changes. These days, I'm seeing this group of people devising workflow that protects their own interests instead of the company or actually getting things down effectively.

That said, one of my best supervisors so far, worked at my previous company for over 30+ years until retirement, no doubt he enjoyed his daily routines but his best skill was that he recognized and appreciated his directs. Understanding how to motivate his staff to work for him is a reciprocal relationship. Someone like him is rare to find in this new economy.

I don't believe loyalty to the employee exists anymore (did it ever?), but I also don't believe that's a reason to only do for yourself. You sign on to work for the company - you should give it your best or find another place of employment. Be a professional at all times - it pays off in the long run.