- Finding the best venues
- Remaining on budget
- Keeping the guests safe
These are just some of the responsibilities held by a professional event planner.
And you’re confident you can pull it off!
But when it comes to creating a resume, you’re not so confident.
Fortunately, this guide will take you through a simple step-by-step process to creating a resume that’ll land you interview after interview.
Specifically, we will cover:
- An example of a finished event planner resume that works
- How to write a event planner resume that’ll fill up your interview diary
- How to make your event planner resume stand out [with top tips & tricks]
Before we dive into the details, here’s an event planner resume example, created with our very own resume builder:
Not bad, right?!
Follow the steps below to create your very own event planner resume that’ll have employers competing for your services!
How to Format an Event Planner Resume
As an event planner, you know that preparation is key!
Well, it’s no different with your resume.
Before you delve into your wealth of knowledge, you need to pick a resume format.
The most common resume format is “reverse-chronological”, and it’s for good reason. Essentially, this format puts your best achievements first, which allows the hiring manager to immediately see your value proposition. We recommend starting with this format.
Depending on your experience, you may prefer one of the following resume formats:
- Functional Resume – Got the skills to plan an amazing event, but lack an extensive work history to prove it? Then this resume format is recommended.
- Combination Resume – Combining both “Functional” and “Reverse-Chronological” formats, a combination resume focuses both on skills AND work experience. Unlike the functional resume, you can use a combination resume if you have a wealth of work experience.
Once you’ve selected the most appropriate format, you need to plan your resume layout.
To achieve a professional layout, we recommend:
- Margins - One-inch margins on all sides
- Font - Pick a unique, yet professional font
- Font Size - Use a font size of 11-12pt for normal text and 14-16pt for headers
- Line Spacing - Use 1.0 or 1.15 line spacing
- Resume Length - Don’t go over the 1-page limit. For guidance, view these one-page resume templates.
Use an Event Planner Resume Template
Using Word to write a letter is a simple and straightforward process.
But using Word to create a resume is a different story all together!
Now, why do we say this?
Although entering the content is simple enough, Word does not allow for proper structure.
In fact, your entire resume can fall apart with just one small layout alteration.
Want to skip the formatting issues? Use an event planner resume template.
What to Include in an Event Planner Resume
The main sections in an event planner resume are:
- Work Experience
- Contact Information
- Skills
- Education
Want to take it up a notch? You can also add these optional sections:
- Awards & Certification
- Languages
- Interests & Hobbies
Great stuff! But what goes under each section? Read on to learn how.
Want to know even more about resume sections? View our guide on What to Put on a Resume.
How to Correctly Display your Contact Information
Now, there’s no need to make a sing and dance of this section.
But it must be factually correct.
Imagine the manager wants to hire you, but you’ve misspelled your phone number.
Well, you can wave goodbye to being their event planner!
The contact information section must include:
- Full Name
- Title – Make this specific to the role you’re applying for, which in this case is “Event Planner”
- Phone Number – The number you are most easily reached on. Make sure to check this for errors
- Email Address – Use a professional email address (firstname.lastname@gmail.com), not one from your childhood (neillovespizza@gmail.com)
- (Optional) Portfolio Link - Behance, Dribble, or your personal website
- (Optional) Location - Applying for a job abroad? Mention your location
Correct Example:
- Josh Cornwell, Event Planner. 101-358-6095. jcornwell@gmail.com
Incorrect Example:
- Josh Cornwell, Event King. 101-358-6095. joshisthebestplanner4u@gmail.com
How to Write an Event Planner Resume Summary or Objective
The hiring managers aren’t here to party - they’re here to do a job.
In fact, they spend less than 6 seconds glancing over each resume, so they certainly don’t mess around!
Although scary, this fact highlights the importance of immediately catching the reader’s attention.
To do this, use a resume summary or objective.
Essentially, these are short paragraphs that introduce the best parts of your resume.
But what is the difference between these two sections?
A resume summary is a short paragraph that summarizes your most notable experiences and achievements.
Event Planner Resume Summary Example
- Experienced event planner with over five years experience in planning successful events whilst working for a fast-paced agency. Skills include venue selection, budget management, catering management, and event coordination. Managed 23 events, each with over 250 attendees and budgets of over $30,000. Seeking to leverage my skills and expertise in the role of event planner at XYZ Events.
A resume objective is a short snapshot of your professional goals.
Event Planner Resume Objective Example
- Motivated manager with four years experience at a local retail store. Skilled in budget management, promotion planning, and customer satisfaction. Received “Store Manager of the Year 2018” across over 200 stores in the brand. Looking to leverage my transferable skills by being a junior event planner at XYZ Events.
So, which one is best for an event planner, summary or objective?
Well, it depends on your specific work history.
Those with event planning experience should go with a resume summary, whereas those who are new to the industry should choose a resume objective.
How to Make Your Event Planning Work Experience Stand Out
Recruiters need to be confident that you’ll do a great job.
This is even more of the case with event planning, where hiring the wrong person will have negative consequences on a grand scale.
The easiest way to peak the recruiter’s confidence is to showcase your work experience.
Here’s how to structure your work experience section:
- Position name
- Dates
- Company Name
- Responsibilities & Achievements
Here’s an example:
Event PlannerDiscoverFun03/2017 – 02/2020- Planned 23 events in three years - each with over 350 attendees
- Always stayed on budget / correctly managed a grand total of $2.460.000
- Maintained strong relationships with domestic and international vendors
- Planned the 2019 annual charity event, which secured 39% more donations than the previous year
To separate your resume from the competing applicants, you should focus on your top achievements, instead of daily tasks. This way, the hiring manager can clearly see the value you bring.
Instead of saying:
“Budget manager”
Say:
“Always stayed on budget / correctly managed a grand total of $460.000”
Simply, the first statement carries little value. It shows you were in charge of budgeting, but it doesn’t show if you managed to stay on budget or the volume of money you worked with.
The second statement shows that you always stayed on budget, while successfully managing large sums of money. Hard numbers that prove your skills – perfect!
What if You Don’t Have Work Experience?
Maybe you’re a recent graduate looking to plan your first event?
Or maybe, you have experience with events, but never as the lead planner?
A recruiter will want an event planner that they can rely on.
So what can you do?
Whether you have real-world experience or not, there are ways to boost your ‘trustworthiness score’.
Here are two ways you can create an event portfolio:
- Offer your services to your social circle
- Plan your own event – whether that’s a party or charity event
Are you recent graduate? Make sure to check out our student resume guide!
Use Action Words to Make Your Event Planner Resume POP!
- “Made”
- “Planned”
- “Managed”
…are all typical words found in all event planner resumes.
However, you want to make your resume POP! You can so this by using power words that make your achievements stand out:
- Conceptualized
- Determined
- Formulated
- Initiated
- Spearheaded
How to Add a Portfolio to Your Resume
This section is added in the same way as your work experience.
Under a “Portfolio” heading, link to your portfolio (whether that’s on your own website or Behance / Dribble), and then briefly talk about the events you’ve planned.
It should look like this:
Portfoliowww.timsevents.com- Weddings – Planned four weddings, both domestic and abroad
- Birthday parties – Planned eight birthday parties, each with 100+ people
- Charity events – Planned and oversaw three charity events, which generated $498,099 in donations
Lack the spare space on your resume? Then try linking to your portfolio in your contact information section.
How to Correctly List your Education
After talking about all of the amazing events you planned, it is time to mention your education history.
Now, you don’t need a degree to be an event planner, but you still need to list your education history.
It’s best to keep this section simple, by using the follow format:
- Degree Type & Major
- University Name
- Years Studied
- GPA, Honours, Courses, and anything else you might want to add
Here’s what it should look like in practice:
B.A. in Hospitality ManagementBoston State University2012-2015- Relevant Courses: Principles of Hospitality, Event Production in Practice, Marketing for Tourism and Hospitality, Financial Planning for Hospitality, Strategic Hospitality Management, Event Venue Management
- GPA: 3.8
Now, you may have some questions on the education section. If so, here are the answers to some of the most frequent questions that we get:
- What if I haven’t finished studying yet?
Regardless of whether you’re a graduate or in part-time education, you should still mention every year of education to date
- Should I include my high school education?
Generally, the best practise is to only include your highest education. If that’s your high school education, go for it
- What comes first, my education or experience?
Relevant experiences are always the priority, so those go first
Got more questions? Check out our guide on how to list education on a resume.
Top 11 Skills for an Event Planner Resume
Before the employer can invite you for an interview, they need to see that you have the required skills to throw an event to remember – and for the right reasons!
Here are some of the most common and highly-desirable event planner skills...
Hard Skills for an Event Planner:
- Event Management Software
- Venue Selection
- Budget Management
- Catering Management
- Event Coordination
- Database Administration
Soft Skills for an Event Planner:
- Creative Thinking
- Communication
- Leadership / Teamwork
- Attention to Detail
- Problem Solving
Pro Tip:
- Generally, try not to go overboard with the soft skills. You see, the majority of applicants all list the exact same soft skills that are hard to back-up.
Here’s a more comprehensive list of 150+ must-have skills this year.
What Else Can You Include?
With every essential section covered, it’s time to call it a night.
WRONG!
Remember, you need your resume to stand out.
Doing the essentials correctly should be enough to impress the recruiter, but do you want to take that risk?
Adding the following sections can be the deciding factor.
Awards & Certifications
Have you been awarded for your event planning?
Have you completed any third-party courses?
Whatever the specific award, make sure to mention it in your resume!
Here’s an example:
Awards & Certificates
- “Event of the Year 2019” - EOTY
- “Effective Communication” - Coursera Certificate
- “Critical Thinking Masterclass” - MadeUpUniversity
Languages
Even though you’re going for an event planning role in an English speaking country, being able to speak a second language is always an impressive skill to a hiring manager. As such, feel free to add a language section, but only if you have space.
Rank the languages by proficiency:
- Native
- Fluent
- Proficient
- Intermediate
- Basic
Interests & Hobbies
Now, you’re likely wondering, “Why would I tell the recruiter about my love of dance?”
Well, your hobbies reveal more about the kind of person you are.
Companies want an individual they’ll get along with.
And talking about your interests is a great way for your future employers to get to know you better.
Here’s which hobbies & interests you may want to mention.
Include a Cover Letter with Your Resume
Want to beat the competition with one simple trick?
Then you should write a convincing cover letter!
You see, a cover letter allows you to make a personal connection with the recruiter.
In fact, it is the perfect tool for showing the hiring manager that you care about working with them, and no one else.
To create a cover letter that works, you need the correct structure.
Here’s how to do that:
You should use the following sections:
Personal Contact Information
Your full name, profession, email, phone number, location, and website (or Behance / Dribble).
Hiring Manager’s Contact Information
Full name, position, location, email
Opening Paragraph
Managers have a lot of resumes to get through, so you need to hook them within the first few sentences. Briefly mention:
- The exact position you’re applying for
- Your experience summary and top achievements to date
The Body
Once you’ve sparked the reader’s interest, you can get deeper into the following specifics:
- Why you want to work for this specific organisation
- What you know about their culture and vision
- How are your skills and experiences relevant to the job
- Which similar positions have you held before
Closing Paragraph
Avoid ending the conversation abruptly. You should:
- Conclude the main points of the cover letter
- Thank the hiring manager for the opportunity
- Finish with a call to action. This is a good way to continue the conversation further. A simple “At your earliest opportunity, I’d love to discuss more about my skills can be leveraged to help company X” will work.
Formal Salutations
End the cover letter professionally. Something like, “kind regards” or “Sincerely.”
For even more inspiration, read our step-by-step guide on how to write a cover letter.
Key Takeaways
Time to get planning.
Because if you followed the above advice, you’re about to start a new job!
Let’s quickly recap everything we’ve covered:
- Format your event planner resume correctly. Prioritize the reverse-chronological format, and then follow the content layout guidelines
- Start your resume with a summary or objective to hook the recruiter
- When talking about your experience, make sure to highlight your achievements, not just your responsibilities
- Include a portfolio that shows off your best events. If you don’t have one, think about getting one
- Include a convincing cover letter for an application that really stands out
Related Resume Examples
- Bar and Restaurant Manager Resume
- Customer Service Resume
- Receptionist Resume
- Volunteer Resume
- Flight Attendant Resume
