Well, I don't think that there's anything like that. So I will drop a few hints I got.
Your first research and manufacturing priority should be lasers. Their accuracy helps your soldiers a lot, but I found no real use for laser cannons/base defense lasers. Electromagnetic rifle (bolter) is quite useless, just needed to research for coilguns.
Pay attention to "mind" stat of soldiers you hire. It determines their ability to improve. Also, from time to time, a "supersoldier" comes available for hire, so check new recruits every month.
Interception is hard until you get alien weaponry and new fighters. Ignore anything bigger than fighters, and swarm those with multiple interceptors.
Get one UFO yard up as soon as possible, but you need just one scout and one fighter. Fill the rest with undamaged harvesters you get from terrors, they'll be your only source of antimatter. I never start disassembling UFOs on main base, instead I build, when I have enough money, second base just with 5 workshops and supporting buildings right next to UFO yard.