There are a multitude of websites and books out there that discuss the proper format of a Resume, so I'm not going to touch on format here other than to say, "Make sure that your resume is easy to read and follow even by someone who doesn't have the same expertise as you do." My focus today is going to be on content.
Many job seekers make the mistake of drafting a resume that looks like their current job description. This is a huge mistake. Hiring managers know what the standard job description for their open position looks like. When they see your resume and they read your title (for example, Process Engineer) they already know what the duties of a Process Engineer are. What they need to know is what you've done while in that role. Many job seekers make the mistake of under valuing their skills and experiences.
It is imperative that you include in your resume what you've accomplished. By this, I mean put in the numbers. If you've improved on the product yield, or the run time, or if you've decreased the amount of waste associated with the production of your product you need to include this in your resume. What percentage of improvement did you facilitate? Put it in your resume. Did you write and implement new Standard Operating Procedures? If so, put it in your resume. I can not emphasize the importance of this enough. Hiring managers want to know what you can bring to their company and the only way that you can let them know these things is if you can convince them that it is worth their time and money to bring you in for an interview. Resumes won't get you hired. You have to get to the interview phase of the hiring process for that to happen. How can you convince the hiring manager to bring you in for a face to face? By making your resume stand out.
Another way to make your resume stand out (and get past HR) is to make sure that you include any and all of the buzz words associated with your position. You know what they are. You use them everyday. You'll find them in your job description (although don't use this as an excuse to copy your job description into your resume). Just make sure that you include the buzz words in your resume.
Lastly, don't get sucked into the myth that a resume shouldn't be longer than two (2) pages. If you have 15 years of progressive experience it is going to be extremely difficult to pare your experience down to two (2) pages. You shouldn't have to and you simply shouldn't do it. Chances are if you've forced yourself to make your resume fit on two (2) pages you've left out some pretty important information and more than likely you've left out many of your accomplishments. Don't make your resume into a novel by any means, but don't sell yourself short in order to fit on two (2) pages.

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