A career as a special events coordinator is fast-paced and exciting. You meet interesting people, while planning events on behalf of your company or clients.
To start this career, you must first ace your job interview. The job interview is your time to shine and show exactly why you're the best person for the job. The best way to do this is by dressing professionally.
It may seem simple: wear a nice outfit and let your experience speak for itself. However, this type of interview isn't as cut-and-dry as you may think.
Dress to Reflect the Company
When you're a special events coordinator, appearances count. The biggest part of the job is creating events that show off the company in the best light possible. Everything has to be perfect in order to have a successful event; so if you want a job in the field, then you have to convince the hiring manager that you are organized, sophisticated and detail-oriented.
One way to do that in an interview is through your wardrobe. You might not think it matters, but the hiring manager will pay close attention to how you present yourself. He'll want to make sure you are professional and have the ability to represent the company well.
To decide on an interview outfit, consider the company: how would you characterize it? If the special events coordinator position is at conservative company, then dressing conservatively for the job interview is essential. For women, conservative interview attire includes a suit, with pants or a skirt, hose and simple black heels or shoes.
Alternately, if the company is more relaxed or prides itself on its "hipness," then you're allowed a little bit more leeway with your wardrobe. For example, you can't miss with a black pencil skirt, colorful cardigan sweater, belt, hose and heels. Just make sure the pieces are in line with the latest trends: you want to show that you're keeping up with the latest news in fashion and design, an important part of a special events coordinator's job.
For men, it's a tad easier: always goes with a professionally-tailored suit in colors like black, gray or brown. However, don't just pull out your suit from 10 years ago: consider purchasing a new, higher-end or designer suit. You'll look cutting edge and the hiring manager will definitely notice. Make sure you wear dress shoes and be sure they shine.
Pay Attention to Your Personal Appearance
Make sure your hair is in a professional, yet fashionable, style. Show that you're serious about the position and are savvy enough to pay attention to the details--all attributes of the job.
Women can never go wrong with a simple up do that pulls your hair away from your face. This gives off the air of professionalism, while showing that you care about your appearance. If you're unsure of a good style, consider scheduling an appointment with your hair stylist the morning of your job interview to ensure that your hair looks its best.
For men, get a cut a few days to a week before the interview. This ensures that you'll still have a neat appearance but allows small regrowth in case of a bad haircut.
Women's make-up should also be low key and neutral. Stick to light colors when it comes to your blush, eye shadow and lipstick. A special events coordinator interview is not the time or place to show off your new blue eye shadow; remember, it's all about professionalism.
Don't forget to put on deodorant before your interview. Nerves can cause you to sweat more and nothing is worse than pit stains at an interview because it shows that you literally sweat under pressure. You'll be pressured everyday in your job coordinating events and you want to show you can handle the stress. However, skip the perfume or cologne on interview day. Some people have allergies to certain fragrances and you don't want your interviewer to spend the whole meeting sneezing due to your fragrance.
Other Tips
If you are confident, you have the perfect start for your special events coordinator job interview.
Try to only bring one briefcase or bag with you to an interview. Having several bags looks sloppy and you want to show that you're organized. Consider investing in a black leather (or synthetic leather) briefcase that can hold copies of your resume, business cards, a notebook, a pen and your keys. Anything other than that is unnecessary for your interview.
Also, bring along some gum, breath mints or spray to use before your interview. This will ensure you have fresh breath--however, be sure to spit out any gum or mints before your interview. Remember, the details count.
Tags: your interview, special events, special events coordinator, events coordinator, your hair, before your, before your interview
