{"id":17192,"date":"2019-08-22T07:27:16","date_gmt":"2019-08-22T12:27:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.qceventplanning.com\/?p=17192"},"modified":"2019-08-22T07:27:16","modified_gmt":"2019-08-22T12:27:16","slug":"fix-now-corporate-event-planning-resume-mistakes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/2019\/08\/fix-now-corporate-event-planning-resume-mistakes","title":{"rendered":"Fix These 7 Event Planning Resume Mistakes Right Now!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Alyssa Perna has over a decade of event operations experience for leading multinational business-to-business conferences, festivals and trade shows, press conferences, large-scale fundraisers, complex social events, and more. She is the founder of Experience Events<\/a>, the Managing Director of Ingenuity Cleveland<\/a>, and the lead instructor (and tutor!) for QC\u2019s Corporate Event Planning Course<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Imagine that you work for a corporate event planning agency, and an Event Manager position just became available. Your supervisor asks you to look through the 150+ applications and select the top 30 applicants. What would you look for to identify the best applications to present to your boss? What keywords in a resume best address the needs of the job? A well-written, creative, and aesthetically appealing resume will stand out among the rest.<\/p>\n

Use this exercise to tailor your own event planner resume. What would the hiring manager or event planning client want to see in your resume? Applying for an event planning job<\/a> is not as simple as filling out an application. You need to spend quality time customizing your resume to present yourself in the perfect light. Start by carefully vetting your resume with critical eyes, and delete<\/em> <\/strong>the following things off your resume!<\/p>\n

1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 DON\u2019T write a lengthy objective statement<\/h3>\n

\"dj<\/p>\n

Objective statements have become outdated. For many planners, the space could be better used with other information. There is an exception, though. If you\u2019re new to the industry or are trying to showcase how your skills and experience align with a particular opportunity, consider including a short (1-2 sentences long) statement of intent.<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 DON\u2019T use generic words or clich\u00e9 phrases<\/h3>\n

Generic words like helped, worked, responsible for, duties include, and responded appear often in resumes. So do clich\u00e9 phrases like \u201cthink outside the box\u201d or \u201cteam player\u201d. But just because they appear frequently doesn\u2019t mean they add anything to your corporate event planning resume. In fact, using these bland words can bury your resume among your competitors.<\/p>\n

Instead, swap out generic words with \u201cpower words\u201d. Approved, achieved, exceeded, accomplished, and resolved are great examples.<\/p>\n

Pro Tip: Use thesaurus.com<\/a> to find stronger synonyms of generic resume words.<\/em><\/p>\n

3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 DON\u2019T state \u201creferences available upon request\u201d<\/h3>\n

Don\u2019t state the obvious! A potential employer will contact you separately for references if necessary.<\/p>\n

4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 DON\u2019T list hobbies or any bad work experiences<\/h3>\n

\"shooters<\/p>\n

Remember that this is your first introduction to your potential new employer, so keep it professional. If you had a job opportunity that didn\u2019t work out, you don\u2019t have to list it on your resume! It\u2019s also not necessary to list work experience that isn\u2019t relevant to the job you\u2019re applying for.<\/p>\n

5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 DON\u2019T overstate your education<\/h3>\n

Keep it simple. List the event planner school you\u2019ve attended, and indicate the event planning certificate or designation<\/a> earned. If you are still in the middle of your studies, you can put down your anticipated path to obtain your degree or certificate. You don\u2019t need to list all course work undertaken in your professional education.<\/p>\n

6.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 DON\u2019T lie about your experience<\/h3>\n

This should be obvious, but don\u2019t lie. If the hiring manager discovers a single lie, it could be enough to raise doubts in their mind about everything<\/em> you\u2019ve said.<\/p>\n

7.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 DON\u2019T make your resume more than 1 page long<\/h3>\n

If a professional with 30+ years of experience can condense their resume to 1 page, so can you. Save the extended version of your resume for the job interview<\/a>, or expand in your cover letter!<\/p>\n

What should I add<\/em> to my event planner resume?<\/h2>\n

\"girl<\/p>\n

We not going to just focus on the negatives. Now that you\u2019ve cleared away all the unnecessary filler in your resume, it\u2019s time to edit what you have left. You may need to add additional details to round out your accomplishments. Here\u2019s what you should focus on with your remaining space.<\/p>\n

1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Tailor your resume for each job you apply for<\/h3>\n

Don\u2019t just read the job title and submit your resume blindly. Customize your resume so that it addresses all the criteria in that specific event planning job description<\/a>. Focus on the key skills and attributes that will help you stand out among other applicants. You want the hiring manager to see you as the missing puzzle piece who will complete their organization!<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Get specific with facts and measurable results<\/h3>\n

Instead of stating \u201cEducated potential sponsors<\/a> about the benefits of being involved with this event\u201d state \u201cSold $35,000 in sponsorship packages, exceeding goals by 20%\u201d. These measurable outcomes prove that you\u2019re good at what you do and are an excellent candidate for the new position. The more specific you can be, the better!<\/p>\n

3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 List relevant volunteer experience<\/h3>\n

\"event<\/p>\n

Potential employers may not be interested in your hobbies. But they are interested in knowing about your volunteer efforts. Volunteering<\/a> is great for the community and can reinforce your acquired event planning skills. You may even learn a thing or two in a volunteer role\u2014therefore, this is a welcomed enhancement to your resume!<\/p>\n

4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Format your resume so it\u2019s easy on the eye<\/h3>\n

Your resume should be in a simple and organized yet eye-catching layout. The font size should be 10-12 point and in reverse-chronological order. That means you should start with the most recent experience first and go backward from there.<\/p>\n

5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Check your resume for spelling errors, grammar, and typos<\/h3>\n

It is so easy to miss duplicated words, mangled phrases, and formatting errors that could tank your chances at landing an interview. Double-check your resume for these errors. Once you\u2019re done your check, go back and do it again! Better yet, have someone else proofread your work and provide feedback!<\/p>\n

6.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 List your honors, awards, and achievements<\/h3>\n

\"trophy<\/p>\n

A resume should be a summary of your most relevant professional experiences, skills, and qualifications. If you have been recognized by other organizations, these honors are well-deserving of a place in your resume. Include anything that will making you stand out from competing planners.<\/p>\n

These are some of the biggest resume mistakes I\u2019ve seen as a hiring manager myself. Lastly, and while they may seem obvious, don\u2019t forget to check for the following!<\/p>\n