Quite often, event planners receive job inquiries from talented candidates. Unfortunately, many of those applicants miss the mark just enough to miss out on an excellent opportunity. So, I noted below 10 things you should consider when applying for an event planning job. I cannot guarantee that these recommendations will land you a job in the event planning industry, but they definite place you ahead of the curve. So, here goes:
1. Follow the Instructions When Applying for a Job
When inquiring or applying for a position, read the Event Planning company’s application instructions fir and follow them. This means that you shouldn’t call the company if the company’s web site says “no phone calls.” No one wants to hire an applicant who chooses not to follow instructions.
2. Avoid Form Letters When Applying for a Job
Avoid addressing e-mails and cover letters to “Sir,” “Owner,” and “To Whom It May Concern” when you address your e-mails and cover letters. Most event planning companies have an owner, principal, or lead planner. Find his or her name on the company’s web site and address your e-mail and/or cover letter to him or her. You should use the e-mail that you are directed to use, but the body of the message can be personalized.
3. Be Professional When You Apply for a Job
Avoid typos and grammatical errors. Don’t write in “text speak.” And, avoid sending your cover letter and resume via mass e-mails. (a pet peeve of mine!) To me, it says that the applicant was too lazy to write each person their own individual e-mail.
4. When Applying for a Job, Use a Professional E-mail Address
You want an e-mail address that isn’t offensive or unprofessional. I recommend something like your first name and last name @email.com. Years ago, when my son was in preschool, my husband and I were interviewing sitters. We spoke with a wonderful young lady, who was very knowledgeable about child care and child safety. I was ready to hire her on the spot. Then, we received her e-mail address. It was something like, “little thug @email.com.” Needless to say, we never called her back!
5. Submit Your Cover Letter and Resume as a PDF Format
When you send your cover letter/resume as a word processing format, you cannot guarantee that the fonts, formatting, and graphics will look the same when the recipient opens the document on their computer.
6. Try to Submit Your Resume During the Event Industry’s Off-Peak Season
If you submit your resume during an event planner’s peak season, they may be too busy to review your resume or meet with you. And, that could result in your resume getting filed away without review. Typically, wedding and special event planners are less busy in January and February. And, conference planners’ schedules tend to free up between Thanksgiving and January 1.
7. Seek Out Good Sources for Event Industry Jobs
Look for job openings on reputable job board sites.
8. Showcase Your Experience When Applying for a Job
Share ALL of your event planning experience (professional and non-professional). List the industry-related classes you have taken, and include all of the degrees or certificates you have earned (industry-related and non-related).
9. Read the Event Company’s “About Us” Page Before You Apply for a Job
The “about us” page will more than likely give you a glimpse into the company’s (and/or event planner’s) style and beliefs. This might help you to determine (in advance) if you share similar beliefs and/or styles with the event planning company’s staff.
10. Follow Up to Your Job Application or Resume Submission
If you don’t hear back from the event planner, follow up with an e-mail a week or so after you submit your resume. If you have an opportunity to speak with a member of the company’s staff, always remember to follow up with a thank you letter or note. Event planners love paper, so I recommend that you handwrite and mail your thank you note instead of sending an e-mail or (gasp!) a text.
Be Creative When Applying for a Job
The event planning industry is a creative industry, so try something unique (yet still professional). The goal is to set yourself apart.
Happy Job Hunting!
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Love and Soul Always, Kawania
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Kawania Howerton Wooten
With 30+ years of experience shaping conferences and high-end events for Washington DC’s elite, Kawania Wooten seamlessly blends her expertise in event management with her early culinary industry experience. As a recognized wedding industry expert, Kawania brought her knowledge to the classroom for eight years, where she taught courses at Prince George’s Community College. Her award-winning contributions to the event industry and her company’s celebrated client care have solidified her reputation as a driving force within the industry.
