charlabob
First, do whatever the job posting or the ad or the person who referred you says. If they want the resume faxed, fax it. If they want it in word or pdf or whatever — do it.
Don’t forget the cover letter — among other things, it gets someone to read your resume. :-)
If you go through an agency, make sure the agency gives you a copy of what they’re sending out. They frequently transfer information into their own format and sometimes things get lost (or enhanced) in translation. One agency so exaggerated my qualifications that I didn’t recognize me. And (believe it or not) I’m not falsely humble — I’m just not a VP of engineering type. :-)
Have someone else read your resume too — no amount of proofreading is better than alternative viewpoints.
Don’t look down on anyone. Really — I don’t mean, don’t ACT superior — don’t FEEL superior. The receptionist and the person passing through the waiting area has friends and colleagues and will be asked (if the hiring folks are smart.)
Some things vary with the industry — sending physical “thank you” letters still works in accounting, banking, etc. Some oh-so-superior tech companies will just laugh at you, and prefer email. Know the conventions for your business.