If you're writing a resume, there are tons of good resources available. In fact, having so many can be downright confusing -- every person you ask for advice may tell you something completely different.

Here are some tips to help you prepare a winning resume:

1. Talk to professionals in your field. Look for successful people in your chosen career field and human resources managers in that area. They'll be able to tell you what employers want to see.
2. Limit advice from those closest to you. Sure, your family and friends may be more than willing to look over your resume, but that doesn't mean they know what's correct or what will be most appealing to an employer. Reserve their criticism for getting a general impression (unless they happen to be experts in your field.)
3. Search for resumes in your field. Teachers', tech workers', journalists' and stockbrokers' resumes will vary widely -- what's included and in what order, how many pages, references included or not, and so on. Look for a "best resumes" book for your field. You might check out "2500 Keywords to Get You Hired," by Jay. A Block and Michael Betrus. It offers keywords to bolster your resume, no matter what field you'd like to enter.