Write clearly and concisely. Be polite and formal and do not try to be humorous. Informality and casualness can make a bad first impression with many international employers. Never demonstrate poor communication skills and lack of attention to detail. As always, use correct grammar and spelling.
Spelling mistakes stick out like the proverbial sore thumb.
You will tend to see what you expect to see, so always have your CV proofread. While there is no ideal layout for a CV, it should obviously be neatly typed and presentable. Strike a balance between creative design and content. Avoid unusual fonts, and keep margins within standard parameters so that materials can be easily read. Use fine resolution if you must send a CV by fax.