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Top 35 Event Manager Interview Questions (Plus Expert Answers)

Given that the role of Event Manager is typically a leadership position, it is necessary that you thoroughly prepare for job interviews. To help you, we’ve created this guide covering the top Event Manager interview questions and answers.

Popular Event Manager Interview Questions

These 10 interview questions are perfect to determine whether an applicant is a fit for the Event Manager role. As an applicant, consider these questions as opportunities to talk about yourself and highlight skills that are most relevant to the role.

The Best Event Manager Interview Questions

1. General Event Manager Interview Questions

Example answer: “I’ve always been good at multitasking and organizing events, which is why I’ve been working in the event industry since [Year].

Through the years, I’ve learned how to organize different types of events in different settings, and I’ve developed skills that allow me to perform well under pressure.

Additionally, I am an excellent communicator, something that I further developed in my previous role. This skillset allows me to effectively understand my client’s vision and communicate it to other team members, ensuring the highest satisfaction level for clients and other team members.”

Example answer: “I’d say that my biggest strengths are my communication and creativity.

When you work for a client as an Event Manager, many would say there are restraints that prevent you from fully tapping into your creativity. However, I never found this to be an issue.

I would communicate and coordinate with a client to understand their vision and the event’s objectives.

From there, I would add a personal touch to make the event authentic, fun and informative, depending on the type of event, of course.”

Example answer: “There are many things that I love about my career.

However, one of the things that brings the most joy is the ability to facilitate fun, informative and authentic events that bring people together.

I love seeing how an event goes from the initial concept stages to the finished product. Also, I love seeing the joy and amazement on guests’ faces once they arrive at the event.

The ability to connect with people, learn something new and have fun — these are what I truly enjoy about organizing events.”

2. Event Manager Interview Questions About Experience and Background

Example answer: “Becoming an Event Manager was an easy decision. I am good at planning and am very organized as a person. A role in which I get to develop and advance my natural talents seemed like a logical choice.

From there, I honed my skills further and discovered that I am good at organizing events for a living.

The rest is history.”

Yes, I have.

Unfortunately, as much as you plan, sometimes there will be instances when things change unexpectedly.

One time, I organized an outdoor event. Even though it wasn’t supposed to rain, it suddenly got cloudy, and rain started pouring.

I quickly assembled my team to move certain elements of the event’s setup under the covered areas.

We also changed the timetable. Some speakers were supposed to appear in the uncovered area, so we had to rearrange the timetable to ensure that they could still do their speech albeit in a different area.

Although the event didn’t go exactly as planned, we still managed to keep the client and the guests satisfied.”

Example answer: “I have extensive experience with event-based marketing.

In my previous role, I had to develop skills that allowed me to find and attract the right type of audience for a particular event.

I am skilled in leveraging multiple digital tools which include social media and email marketing. I’ve also collaborated with influencers to attract buzz and create hype around my events.”

3. Event Manager In-Depth Interview Questions

Example answer: “I believe the key to a motivated team is transparency and communication.

Simply put, when my team members know what is expected of them and what are the desired results, it removes any confusion or uncertainties that would prevent them from doing their best.

Additionally, I always make sure to recognize and compliment individuals who put in the extra effort to ensure that everything goes according to the plan.

That way, not only do my team members know what’s expected of them, but they also know that their work is appreciated.

I also make sure that I am as available as I can be for any feedback or improvement suggestions or simply if any team member is experiencing anything that might affect their quality of work.”

Example answer: “First thing I would do is apologize. Since I plan events according to the client’s vision and preferences, the fact they don’t like it means that I understood something poorly.

I would then go through each step of the plan and coordinate with the client what they wished to keep and what they wished to change.

The goal is to align what’s already done and what can be changed to meet the client’s expectations. Obviously, I would put in additional work to ensure that any changes and amendments don’t push our deadlines or result in additional costs.”

Example answer: “I start by sitting with the client and understanding their vision and goals for the event. From there, I start doing research to generate ideas and get an understanding of potential timeframes and budgets.

I would then present what I have for the client’s approval, making adjustments according to their preferences.

Following their approval, I begin coordination for the event’s setup. This includes talking to vendors, figuring out the logistics and arranging catering and entertainment. Depending on the type of event, I would also begin marketing promotions using the appropriate channels.

Post-event, I would conduct a survey and gather feedback to measure guest satisfaction and identify areas for improvement.”

Example answer: “I use event management tools like Whova.

These help me keep track of what’s been done for a particular event and allow me to easily see what’s left to do, making time allocation more manageable.

I prioritize tasks based on urgency, so it’s not uncommon for me to take care of a particular item for one event and then switch to another item for a different event that needs to be addressed soon.

In doing so, I can manage both events and address any issues and concerns that may arise.”

Grab these interview questions for the Event Manager position for free!

Types of Event Manager Interview Questions

  • General Event Manager Interview Questions: General questions are a great way to break the ice and get to know the applicant better, including important aspects such as their skill set, strengths and future aspirations. On the other hand, as an applicant, you can use this chance to introduce yourself as a serious and knowledgeable employee.
  • Interview Questions About Experience and Background: Employers will use this set of questions to evaluate whether your experience aligns with their expectations for the role. Explore the common experience- and background-related interview questions to prepare answers that highlight your best qualities.
  • In-Depth Event Manager Interview Questions: As an employer, you will use these questions to better assess the candidate. You will question how they motivate and interact with team members, what their processes are and how they manage to stay on top of all aspects of multiple events.

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What Are the Top Event Manager Interview Questions and Answers?

In the list below, you’ll find 25 additional questions that will help you probe the candidate further and get to know them better. If you’re a job seeker applying, you want to go through these extra Event Manager interview questions to better prepare for any unexpected what-if scenarios that might arise.

25 More Questions for an Event Manager Interview

Download These Questions
  • What method do you use for deadline-setting for complex projects?
  • What is the one thing that keeps you motivated to succeed in your role?
  • How do you think your colleagues would describe your leadership style?
  • What have you found to be the best way to prioritize tasks during busy periods?
  • What is your preferred communication style with stakeholders or clients?
  • What would make you the perfect candidate for our establishment?
  • What is your go-to method to manage the high levels of stress that come with this role?
  • What do you think is the single most important characteristic every Event Manager should possess?
  • Can you describe an event you organized that was a resounding success?
  • What was the most challenging moment in your career and how did you overcome it?
  • Tell me about a time when you received constructive feedback that you implemented in your day-to-day work.
  • How do you approach negotiations with vendors?
  • Tell me about a time when you had to organize an event on a very limited budget.
  • How would you handle canceling an event last minute?
  • How do you ensure sponsors and partners are well-aligned?
  • Which metrics do you use to measure the success of the event?
  • How do you approach managing risk during the planning stage?
  • What do you think is the best way to win a client’s trust in the long run?
  • Tell me about a time when you were faced with major last-minute changes. What happened, what did you do and what was the outcome?
  • Which tools do you use to track the budget?
  • Tell me about a time when you increased ROI for a client.
  • What is your policy on crowd management and event security?
  • What is your approach to VIP clients vs. regular visitors?
  • What types of events are you most experienced with?
  • Where do you see yourself in five years?
Take these interview questions for free!

How To Prepare for Your Event Manager Interview as an Applicant

Preparing for an Event Manager interview as an applicant means showing up prepared and proving that you’re the right fit for the job.

event manager interview preparation steps

Here are some practical tips to help you ace that upcoming interview.

1. Prepare answers to common interview questions

If you study the common Event Manager interview questions, you will know to answer them in the best possible way.

You can prepare answers and do a mock interview with a friend or colleague. This will allow you to work on your delivery and will help you memorize and highlight the most important strengths you want to bring up during the actual interview.

2. Bring a portfolio of your past work

While not all employers hiring for Event Manager jobs will ask about your education, they will all want to see the best examples of your previous work.

Organize your portfolio and make sure to put focus on the types of events you will expect to face most often in your new role.

3. Choose an appropriate outfit

Dressing appropriately for a job interview can be one of the reasons you did (or didn’t) get the job. Studies show that 55% of recruiters form an opinion of you based on how you’re dressed and how you walk through the door.

Research the establishment for which you are applying and choose an attire that aligns with your potential place of work. It’s also best to do these at least a day in advance so that you have enough time to decide on what to wear.

4. Get a good night’s sleep

Interviewing can be hard and stressful. Before you show up for the interview, make sure that you are coming as the best version of yourself.

Wake up early, go through the interview questions, your notes, job description for the role and dress appropriately to land that gig.

How To Prepare for the Event Manager Interview as an Employer

If you’re looking to hire the best Event Manager for your organization, you can explore the steps below.

1. Make the hiring short and efficient

Considering that 60% of applicants abandon a job application due to length and complexity, you want to make the entire hiring process short and sweet.

This starts with having a concise job description in your posting.

Use bullet points, include only the most relevant information and make the job posting understandable from a glance.

2. Compare the resumes against the job description

Examine how each Event Manager candidate’s resume or CV aligns with the role’s requirements for experience, skills, education and other factors.

Then, select the most qualified candidates and invite them for the interview.

3. Prepare insightful questions

Ask candidates about their previous roles and what skills they’ve developed.

Come up with hypothetical scenarios applicable to the position to see how quick they are on their feet and whether they have what it takes to perform in the dynamic role of an Event Manager.

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Written by Vukasin Petrovic

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Vukasin is an experienced content creator with more than five years of writing and editing experience. With a background in English and an MFA in Creative Writing, he excels in digital marketing and copywriting, crafting narratives that engage the audience.

Stefan Petrov

Reviewed by Stefan Petrov

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With over 10 years of experience as a writer and editor, Stefan has worked in the automotive, IT, health and hospitality industries. Familiar with Google Search Console and other SEO tools like Ahrefs and Semrush, Stefan uses his experience to create content that’s visually appealing to the user but also ranks in the SERPs.

Job title:
  • Event Manager
  • Assistant Restaurant Manager
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Salary:
  • Average US
  • Chicago, IL
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Growth
N/A
Avg. Salary
$78,729

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