Your resume is the first representation many hiring managers have of you. It is imperative that you start with a clear idea of your career goals. By knowing what type of position you are looking for, you will be more effective in highlighting your applicable skills and experience. Your résumé should demonstrate your suitability for the position you are seeking.
1. Create a profile vs. stating an objective.
Your objective is less important to the person reviewing your resume than their objective. State not what the company can do for you but what you can do for the company. Give them an Executive Summary that answers the question "Why should I hire you?"
2. Be who you are.
Use authentic words, genuine wording - not clichés. Be specific. Stay way from vague, all encompassing statements. Your honesty will create a bond without you being there.
3. Chronological over functional.
We at Apexianet recommend a standard chronological order so that people are clear on where you've been, when, and for how long.
4. List "what you did" and "where" before "when".
If the date is the first thing that people read, they start calculating how long you were at your job before considering what you accomplished there. Put dates on the right hand side of the page.
5. Don't worry about the one-page resume rule.
If you have significant experience, you'll probably need more than one page to show it. While you should try to clearly describe your experiences and education, don't go into the minutest details.
6. Be sure the reader will understand all the acronyms and jargon you use in your resume.
Resumes in the high-tech field are notorious for these mysterious terms. Chances are that employers in this jobseeker's field understand all these terms. Just be sure that's the case. Spell out any acronyms you think could be questionable, and explain any terms you think some readers of your resume might not understand.
7. Your resume should reflect your personality.
People hire the people they best 'relate' to. (i.e. assuming 5 equally qualified candidates, a hiring manager will always hire the one they like the best or remember the most). Use an "Interests" section to distinguish yourself and continue the theme of "being real". Get people to remember you.
Finally remember that the goal of improving your resume is to get you an interview. But your resume will never get you a job. You will. If your resume isn't "working" move your job search from passive to active. Take the emphasis off the resume and on to the real deal.