At Agoda, we’re committed to providing every candidate with a fair opportunity, so we carefully review each resume we receive. As a global company, most of our positions are open to candidates worldwide, attracting hundreds of applications daily – and even more for highly sought-after roles. To ensure your application stands out for the right reasons, you’ll need to know how to optimize your resume and tailor it to each role.
That’s why we’ve created this guide with actionable resume optimization tips to help you take the next step in your career with confidence.
Optimize Your Resume with Top Tips from Agoda’s Recruiters
1. Tailor Your Resume to Each Job
Each job is unique, and your resume should reflect that. Instead of providing an exhaustive overview of your whole career, highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to the role you’re applying for. Carefully read the job description to identify keywords and requirements and incorporate them naturally.
For example, if applying for a Product Manager role at Agoda, the job description may highlight skills required for the position, such as “agile development” or “cross-functional collaboration.” Make sure these terms appear in your resume.
2. Focus on Formatting
A clean, professional format makes your resume easy to read and understand at a glance. Adopt these best practices for a well-structured resume:
- Organize your resume in reverse chronological order to make your most recent qualifications easy to locate.
- Use clear section headings like “Experience,” “Skills,” and “Education,” and avoid creative or unconventional titles.
- Keep it concise: Aim for a one-page resume unless you have extensive experience that warrants additional detail.
- Emphasize key information sparingly with bold text: For example, in a Sales-related role, highlight metrics like revenue generated or year-over-year (YOY) growth in bold.
- Avoid graphics or complex designs that might distract or confuse readers.
- Use standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman.
3. Quantify Your Achievements
Recruiters value measurable results. Instead of generic statements like “improved sales,” use specific examples such as “increased sales by 20% in six months” to optimize your resume. Numbers provide tangible proof of your impact and make your accomplishments more compelling.
At Agoda, we place a strong emphasis on data-driven decision-making, so demonstrating an ability to leverage insights and apply quantitative methods will help you stand out.
4. Highlight Your Skills
Create a dedicated Skills section to showcase your strengths. Focus on:
- Hard skills like software proficiency, foreign languages, and certifications
- Industry-specific skills that align with the job description
For example, if you’re creating a resume for a Data Science role at Agoda, highlight skills like Python, SQL, machine learning, and A/B testing in your resume. For a Marketing role, consider skills like market analysis, CRM tools, campaign management, and expertise in digital marketing programs.
5. Save Your Resume in Multiple Formats
A PDF is the most reliable option for preserving your resume’s layout across different devices. However, it’s a good idea to keep plain text or Microsoft Word versions on hand in case these formats are specifically requested.
Common Resume Mistakes to Avoid
- Overloading with information: Keep your resume concise and relevant. Remove outdated or unrelated experiences.
- Typos and errors: Proofread multiple times to ensure your resume is error-free.
- Using passive language: Replace weak phrases like “was responsible for” with action verbs like “led,” “managed,” or “developed.”
- Using an unprofessional email address: Always use a professional email instead of casual or outdated ones.
What Agoda’s Recruiters Look for in a Resume
Our Talent Acquisition team values clarity, relevance, and impact. If you’re considering a career at Agoda, showcasing your analytical mindset, innovative thinking, and alignment with our core values will help you stand out.
Regularly update your resume and follow our best resume tips to set yourself up for success. Finally, ensure your contact information is accurate and up to date. When applying for a competitive role, a thoughtfully optimized resume can make all the difference.
Recommended Reading
How We Hire: A Guide to Agoda’s Hiring Process
All About Hiring Assessments at Agoda
5 Interview Tips from Agoda’s Top Interviewers
Interviewing at Agoda: Tackling Tricky Interview Questions
How We Hire for Customer Experience Group Roles at Agoda
How we Hire for Tech Roles at Agoda
Now that you know how to optimize your resume, it’s time to take the next step and apply for a role at Agoda. Explore exciting opportunities and join a diverse team that’s bridging the world through travel.
