In recent years client resumes seem much better than those I saw in the early and mid 90s. Some, however, are the result of filling out a resume template provided by Microsoft. Respectfully they are awful. To rise above that default, try some questions like the following before you create or revise your document. In no special order, they are -

Describe the job title (in as few words as possible - I'll explain later) and the industry you think is best suited for your background, experience, and existing education, training, and certifications.
How do you feel about your current resume, if you have one? What is your information "expire date?" Don't be bashful - most resumes are old and out of date.
Have you ever used a book on how to write a resume? (e.g.,Resume Writing For You Know Whom? or Don't Send A Resume?) Have you ever had outplacement assistance?
Where are you in your career? Loss of job? Looking to make more money where you are now? Or do you want out of where you are now, but scared about changing jobs in this economy?
What is the "geography" of your search? Can you relocate? If you are staying put, how many minutes or miles are you willing to commute?
What's missing from your resume? For example do you have an employment gap because you were in school or you stopped working to raise a child?
Have you ever been fired, laid-off, or quit a job suddenly?
What rules do you think should absolutely be followed when preparing a resume or the sun will not come up in the morning?
What is the best way to get your resume "out there?"
What are the top ways to search for a job?
If you have been using your existing resume in your search, have you gotten interviews?
What do you think is preventing you from getting a really good paying job with the company or industry you have targeted?
How important is it to know the requirements of the new job and what are you willing to do to get them if you don't have them in hand now?
Promise kept - Why reduce the job title to a few words? You might want to insert the title of the job as a headline, yes a headline, in 18pt font at the top of the resume and below your name and contact data.

Visit http://resumesteve.com to learn how to attend free, live, and interactive resume and cover letter critique telewebcasts (on the phone or on the web, your choice, for free). While supplies last you can also receive a free 177 page softbound book titled Live Every Day Motivated, Successful and Happy compiled by Doug Smart. The book will be sent to you pre-paid; no S&H charges.