Your resume defines your career.   Be specific about who you are in terms of the job you seek and your career goals.

Don't sell yourself short.  Don't lie but don't ever undervalue yourself.   You can boast a bit.

Use action words on your resume.   I found some great action word examples from "placementmanual.com".

Use action phrases on your resume.    I found some great action phrases examples from "Xecutive Search Human Resource Consultants".

Show examples of your skills within your job description.    Hi-light your skills in boldface within the job description.   For example - Utilized MS Access, C++, and Java for this project.

Give examples of productivity in terms of profit for the company.   Increased revenue by 50%.   Reduced cost by 50%.

Be like Mike.   If you want a job like Mike's, your resume should be similar to Mike's.

Proofread, proofread, proofread.   You need to proofread your resume after you write it.   You need to proofread your resume again the next day.

Tailor your resume to the job posting.  If you desire a particular job try to show some of the required job skills within your job experience.

If you have references within the company you are applying at list them.   Otherwise leave them off your resume.

Have a colleague proofread your resume.  Come on.  You must know someone in your desired field.   Have them proofread your resume.   This is also a great way to network which is the best way to find a job.

If English is not your first language or your grammar is not perfect have a professional write your resume. 

Consider paying a professional resume writer.   Even if you can write well, a professional resume writer can usually do it better.    They also take an objective look at you and they know how to hi-light your selling points on your resume.   This can be an investment of one hundred to a few hundred dollars but the return on your investment can be in the thousands!