19 Event Planner Interview Questions and Answers

Updated on: February 11, 2023

There is nothing more important in our professional lives than the Event Planner interviews we have appeared for.

Interviews make us learn much; they build our confidence, and they give us information about the type of questions that are asked during meetings so that subsequent interviews can be made more comfortable for us.

Of course, the basic idea of appearing for an Event Planner interview is to gain a job!

But we are not always successful at providing successful answers to the questions we have been asked.

Now that we understand how important interviews are we need to figure out a way to be successful at them as often as possible.

It is essential to learn from your interview experiences. Preparation is one of the most critical steps that we need to take before we appear for an interview.

Reading and understanding the job description and making sure that we can expect at least some of the questions we have been asked is not enough.

We need to practice answering the questions that we may be asked.

So if you are appearing at an interview for the position of an event planner, you may want to have a look at the following questions and their possible answers.

See also: Event Planner Resume

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Event Planner Interview Questions and Answers

1. Tell me about yourself?

I am an energetic and dedicated event planner with 6+ years of hands-on experience in arranging large and small events, including 5 international ones. I am a graduate of The College of Management Sciences, and my formal degree is in event management. Interpersonal and management skills are my main strengths.

2. Why did you choose this profession?

My deep-rooted interest in management, coupled with a genuine love for diversity led me to this choice. I started with office management but soon got bored with the monotony. So I resigned and specialized in event planning.

I like to plan and organize things, experiment with ideas, develop timelines, and then chase them. I draw great satisfaction when an event that was just an idea turns into reality.

3. What are the general steps involved in the planning of an event?

Well, I usually begin with a meeting with the clients to assess their needs and ascertain the event budget. Then I come up with a rough plan and chalk out a timeline.

This is followed by numerous coordination activities with the clients and vendors. Once the venue and timings have been finalized I start the promotional activities and follow the timeline strictly leaving room for extra touches in the last few days.

4. What are the criteria you use to assess the success of any event?

Usually, I do that with the event’s profits. In case the event does not involve fundraising, feedback is the best way to evaluate the success of any event. I use client feedback forms and also administer feedback forms on participants of the event for my evaluation.

5. Name some of the promotional strategies you use for your events?

Banner ads, flyers, social media, and telemarketing.

6. Have you ever worked on two or more events simultaneously? How did they turn out?

I usually avoid that, but sometimes it becomes unavoidable. I was recently working on two events simultaneously, one was a wedding, and the other was an educational conference.

I found some tasks which were overlapping could be dealt with effectively since I have the same vendors on contract. For example, I decided upon and ordered the catering together and also ordered the printing of brochures and cards in the same meeting with the vendor. Both events turned out fine.

7. Name some common challenges event planners usually face?

The most common challenges from the client’s side include an unconfirmed number of guests, limited budget and high demands, and client unavailability for coordination meetings.

Problems from the industry vendors include last-minute cancellations, flight delays, catering mix-ups, and inadequate promotion of the event or another similar event in town, leading to low turnout.

8. What do you believe is the most critical characteristic of an event planner? Why?

The ability to be organized and manage time well is of the utmost importance in this work. Events lose their meaning if they are not handled on time or if the details are not precisely as a client wants them, which is why my focus is on these areas individually.

9. Tell us about some challenges that you have been posed with during your time working as an event planner.

This work is full of challenges. Deadlines are tight, and we have to work long hours to ensure we meet them.

Figuring out logistics is often tricky as there is so much that one has to do to procure materials and labor. Last-minute changes are a significant force to reckon with, and it is extraordinarily challenging to adapt to changing requirements of clients.

10. What strategies do you use when juggling simultaneous events, especially if there are limited resources and staff available?

It is one of the most challenging parts of event management. Staff and resource limitations can mess up deadlines. One thing I make sure of is that I never take on two events that are due to happen at the same time.

This way, if there are limitations or shortages, I can give priority to the event that has to take place first.

11. Are you more detail-oriented than big-picture-oriented or the other way around?

I endeavor to visualize the big picture first and then adjust details to it, so I believe that I am a bit of both.

12. How would you rate your communication skills? What strategies do you use to ensure effective communication?

A confirm 10 out of 10. I always organize the things I need to communicate in my mind first. Then very clearly, I address the concerned persons and make sure the message is through and has been comprehended by the other person. I also have excellent listening skills that facilitate interpersonal communication.

13. Share a particularly tricky situation you faced and how you dealt with it?

Back in 2018, I was coordinating a fundraising project hosted by WFU. The event was pretty much in the final stages when the client informed me that arrangements for an additional 100 guests needed to be made.

It was especially difficult since it was the holiday season and reservations were not easy to get. I used all my resources and energy and finally was able to make the necessary amendments to the original plan.

14. Can you outline the primary process of event planning?

Planning for any event begins with meeting the clients and determining their preferences. After the budget allocation, I usually prepare a timeline. The tasks to be accomplished generally include:

  • venue selection
  • sending out invitations
  • catering finalization
  • travel and stay arrangements of guests
  • AV aids
  • acquisition or renting of conference materials for speakers
15. What do you like best about this profession?

I’m an inborn planner and enjoy every aspect of planning from budgeting to catering selection. However, nothing beats the satisfaction that comes from the completion of a well-planned event.

16. Name three traits you possess that strengthened you as an event planner?

Ability to negotiate with vendors, strong leadership, and organizational skills.

17. What kind of work schedule do you prefer? Are you okay with traveling?

Definitely! When I chose the profession, I know that this job calls for site inspections, traveling, and working at weekends. I’m perfectly fine with it and have a flexible work schedule.

18. What is your experience in planning promotional events?

I have 8 promotional events thus far, 2 of which were international. All have generated either expected or more than the expected funds’ target.

19. What do you know about us? Why do you want to join us?

You offer excellent event planning services, and I would love to be a part of your winning team. I have attended some events organized by your company and firmly believe that my planning style and preferences are on the same plane as yours.