To learn the latest, most accurate information on what makes a resume really grab attention, ask the folks on the other side of the desk: hiring managers and human resources professionals. A recent survey asked HR specialist and hiring managers to give their insights on the mistakes job hunters make most often, plus what approaches really impress them. Here's their advice:

Content is imperative, so specific information that demonstrates your ablilities, accomplishments and past experiences is crucial to making your resume stand out. A beautifully designed resume that lacks substance won't earn an interview.

Carefully analyze your background to illustrate the right information recquired to successfully do the job. Stress the action, then be sure to follow it up with the result of the action.

The appearance of your resume can't be overemphasized. It should catch the eye. Watch for spacing and margins, allow for lots of white space and borders and emphasize your important points with text styles such as italics, CAPITALS, underlining, boldface, indention and *bullets*.

Use high-quality linen or woven paper in colors such as white or cream.

Employers scan resumes and decide in less than 30 seconds if you're worth a call. So one-page resumes work best.

Be a skillful editor, deleting portions that aren't relevant.

Employees want specifics on how you can do the job for them. Target each resume to the job you seek.

Although you may qualify for several different positions, it's better to create a different resume for each job and incorporate only the information pertinent to the specific job title.

This is the most important part of your resume. The "Summary of Qualifications" section powerfully illustrates your top selling points in five to six sentences. Few job candidates include this information, but employers say this is an ideal way to get noticed - fast.

Employers like proof that you can do the job. Be sure to demonstrate results of your work and how your former employers benefited. Include evidence of your productivity by noting any cost or time savings, and mention innovations, changes or actions that show you actively how to produce desired results.

State your skills, qualifications and experience as positively as possible without mistaking the truth. Be sure your job responsibilities are adequately described by your job title, and indicate the true level of your abilities.

Descriptive action verbs - such as established, analyzed, implementd, created, streamlined, organized - add power to your sentences. Start each sentence using an action verb.

Hands down this was numero uno with every hiring manager and HR person in the survey. They hate spelling mistakes and typos. Many said, "I stop reading when I find a spelling mistake." Also typos scream, "Don't hire me!" Employers say typos reflect the poor quality of work they can expect from you. And many say they've seen mistakes even from high-level executives.

It's no longer considered professional or wise to include information about marital status, gender, height, weight, or health on your resume. This information violates discrimination laws and most organizations are pleased when you don't include it.

Be sure that your resume answers the following questions: Does it clearly and quickly communicate to employers that you can do the job? Do your strengths come across? Does everything support the job you're targeting? Should anything be removed? Does it really sell your skills?