Whether you're getting ready to kick start your event planning career or just seeking to move up the career ladder - here are five insider tips to help you land the event planning job you’ve always wanted!
You’re Unique - Tell your story
Most people are bored by statements, timelines and facts - what really captivates employers are your experiences and stories. Remember, your professional and life experiences are unique and no one else but you can tell the story of what you’ve achieved. During an interview, make it a point to tell stories about past educational and professional successes. Studies have shown that when hiring managers learn that you did an amazing job at a prior event, they will conclude that you will be able to repeat the same success again in the future.
Present your accomplishments - Create an Event Portfolio
One surefire way to be remembered by hiring managers and recruiters is to send them a portfolio of events that you have managed. Your portfolio should include images and brief descriptions of events, and is perhaps the most compelling element that raises your application far above the usual cover letter, resume, and letters of recommendation. And there is research that back this - when a hiring manager gets just a resume, they review it for a mere eight to thirty seconds. But when they receive a portfolio of accomplishments, they spend a whopping two minutes reviewing the candidate.
Research, Research, Research!
Find out as much as you can about your employer, hiring manager and any other interviewees. Understanding your employer’s mission and vision is critical not only to your success, but also gives your a great insight into the company, it’s people, management philosophy and culture. Not knowing anything about your potential employer will not only make you seem average but will place you at a potential disadvantage against other candidates
Dress up, and carry a positive attitude
Remember your first date? Job interviews are quite the same. You stand your best chance when you appear your best -- dress professionally, and go in with the confidence as if this was your first day at the job. It is a well known fact that decision makers tend to make up their minds in the first ten seconds of the interview. Applicants who create a positive first impression in the first few minutes, inevitably have an advantage and rise to the top of the short list.
Build a professional online profile
Your online profile is an invaluable tool in projecting the right professional image. The best way to do this is by having a complete LinkedIn profile. Make sure your profile picture is professional and then start by adding as many contacts from your past connections. Connect with past colleagues, customers and managers, and request them to endorse you or even provide a recommendation on your LinkedIn profile page. Recommendations are an excellent way to build credibility and trust, both of which are very compelling to potential employers.
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