I hate resumes. It's like college football - either play the game dishonestly like everyone else, or stand by the wayside.
That being said, here's a few tips that have helped me:
The days of the old "last three jobs, education, and references" are gone. Today's resume has to be a precise arrangement of flashy yet direct statements. Exagerrate beyond belief. The meek may inherit the earth, but they don't stand a chance at landing the job.
But the best foot forward. If there is little experience, DON'T lead with your recent work history - lead with your skills. If you have tons of experience but little formal education, hammer in the experience at the beginning, and make the positive impression before they ever get to the part about your educational background.
Many people will tell you that it's best to list accomplishments instead of responsibilities. I agree to a point, but don't use all your space listing irrelevant accomplishments just to follow that model. If you worked as a waiter, emphasize your organization and ability to produce under pressure - don't try to manufacturer some statistical accomplishment if it's not appropriate.
References: I was telling a good friend last night that references are the most overrated aspect of an application (job, grad school, whatever.) References almost NEVER get you a job - but they often COST you a job. Unless that person actually makes a contact and helps you get your foot in the door, your references are not going to get you an interview over someone else. Remember first and foremost that it's much, much better to get a stellar reference from an unknown professor or boss than a mediocre reference from someone famous or highly-titled. I'll take the raving comments from my philosophy professor over some friendly but ambiguous lines from the Chancellor ANY DAY OF THE WEEK.
I'm not an out-and-out expert, but I did spend three years recruiting, analyzing, and selecting participants for a teaching/graduate program. Situations can always be different, but these tips above are pretty solid.