There are a great many things to remember when you prepare your resume for a potential employer. While you want to make sure you take the time to focus the content on you and your goals and accomplishments, you also need to remember why you are writing the resume in the first place. The whole purpose of the resume is to sell yourself to get to the interview stage.

Of course you never want to lie or over-embellish the true facts, but at the same time you do want to present yourself to the selector in the best possible light. Always put your self in their position and ask yourself, if I was doing the selection for this position what are the key points I would look for. Then make sure you present those key facts as early as you can in your resume. Here are other key points to remember when you are preparing an effective resume for a job.

Firstly highlight your accomplishments that are applicable to the position you are trying to secure an interview for.
Make sure you present yourself in a positive light, don't list dislikes.
Read over your resume carefully and make sure that you do not overuse the same words over and over again. Avoid using the words "I", "me" and "my".
Edit your resume and carefully check for grammar and punctuation errors throughout. Is it easy to read and does it flow, showing a reader your core skills.
List your best accomplishments and qualifications first, don't hide yourself behind long words, be quietly proud of yourself.
When you start a new section of your resume, make sure that it is easy to read for the reader, and follows on from your previous points.
Never put the reason for leaving a job on your resume, it is very difficult to explain a complex reason in a few words.
Never explain reasons for unemployed periods of time on your resume leave that to the interview, but make sure you prepare good answers for the interview.
Never describe bad things about any of your former employers or boss on your resume, and never disclose any confidential information about a previous position, this can lead to the reader believing you may not trusted in a area requiring confidentiality.
Never include information that is too personal, such as your age or birthday, gender or ethnicity, very few employers will request these fact it is your ability that is being judged to fill the position. Let your resume move you to the interview stage that is its objective.

Brian Stanley has recruited over the past 30 years some of the best people in the finance industry. there is a growing site of helpful advice on how to prepare for job interviews at http://www.interviewingaid.com