Starting and succeeding in the role of Event Manager can be challenging.
Given that it’s typically a leadership position, you will have to manage not only your own tasks, but also communicate, manage and lead those in your team.
Considering how Event Managers have a wide scope of responsibilities, it is necessary that you thoroughly prepare for job interviews to land this role.
That’s why we’ve created this guide covering the top Event Manager interview questions and answers.
On the other hand, if you’re an employer or hiring manager, you might also want to use this as a reference for the best questions to ask Event Manager applicants.
General Questions To Ask in an Event Manager Interview
These general interview questions 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.
What makes you a good fit for the Event Manager role?
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.”
What are your biggest strengths?
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 event authentic, fun and informative, depending on the type of event, of course.”
What’s your favorite thing about organizing events?
Example answer: “There are many things that I love about my career.
However, one of the things that bring the most joy is the ability to facilitate fun, informative and authentic events which 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.”
Event Manager 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.
Why did you become an Event Manager?
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.”
Have you ever handled an event that didn’t go as planned?
Example answer: “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.”
What’s your experience with event-based marketing?
Example answer: “I have extensive experience with event-based marketing.
In my previous role, I had to develop skills which 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.”
In-Depth Event Manager Interview Questions
Employers will use these questions to assess your process.
They will question how you motivate and interact with team members, what your processes are and how you manage to stay on top of all aspects of multiple events.
How do you motivate all of your team members?
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.”
You’re halfway through organizing an event. The client comes in and doesn’t like your ideas. What do you do?
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.”
Walk us through your event management process.
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 budget.
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 set up. 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.”
How do you manage multiple events simultaneously?
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.”
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.
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.
