How can you make a great impression in an event planning interview?

2 Showcase your portfolio and skills

One of the best ways to impress your interviewer is to show them your portfolio of past events that you have planned or assisted with. Your portfolio should include photos, videos, testimonials, and feedback from clients and attendees, as well as details on the budget, timeline, and outcomes of each event. You should also highlight your skills and competencies that are relevant for the event planning job, such as communication, creativity, problem-solving, negotiation, and attention to detail.

3 Prepare for common questions and scenarios

Another way to prepare for your event planning interview is to anticipate some of the common questions and scenarios that you might face. For example, you might be asked to describe your event planning process, how you handle stress and challenges, how you measure the success of an event, or how you work with vendors and stakeholders. You might also be given a hypothetical scenario where you have to plan an event within a certain budget, time frame, or theme, and explain how you would approach it. To answer these questions and scenarios, use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, and Result. This will help you structure your responses and showcase your achievements and skills.

4 Ask insightful questions

At the end of the interview, you will likely have the opportunity to ask some questions of your own. This is an excellent chance to showcase your curiosity and enthusiasm for the company and event, as well as to clear up any doubts or worries you may have. Consider asking insightful questions such as: what are the main challenges or opportunities that you anticipate for this event? How do you measure the impact and return on investment of your events? How do you communicate and work together with your event planning team? And what are the next steps in the hiring process? Asking these questions can help you gain a better understanding of the role and organization.

5 Follow up and thank them

Finally, don't forget to follow up and thank your interviewer for their time and consideration. Send them a personalized email or note within 24 hours of the interview, expressing your appreciation and enthusiasm for the role. You can also restate your main qualifications and skills, and mention something specific that you learned or enjoyed from the interview. This will help you leave a lasting impression and increase your chances of getting hired.