GIS and Earth Observation University

Working in the event staff industry can be difficult, but that hard work pays off. Especially for their biggest events (i.e. donor galas or annual fundraisers), companies are willing to splash some cash to make a function truly special.

Event staffing is one of the most important aspects of running a great event, and the more money involved, the more picky companies can afford to be. So how do you end up on the shortlist for a big event staff position?

Develop a Great Skillset

When companies or staffing agencies select their event-day personnel, they are overwhelmingly looking for certain skillsets as a baseline. These can include both soft skills and “hard” skills. Thus, to make yourself the most desirable candidate, you should display a great set of skills and experience that fit the job.

Of course, this piece of advice isn’t something that can be achieved in the very short term. Complex skills take time to master; nobody wants to hire a bartender that knows how to make two long drinks and can operate the AV system about half the time. Maximizing the use of your skillset requires both specialization and efficiency.

First identify one or two skills you primarily intend to focus on. Perhaps these will be ones you have already made a lot of progress in, ones that come naturally to you, or ones that you have always been passionate about learning.

Next, invest time (and perhaps money) long-term into becoming great at them. Whether you want to function as a host at events, as wait staff, or as an entertainer, make sure you focus on one and gain experience wherever you can. Read up on the profession, take classes, buy a book, and do everything else you have time for to improve yourself.

Next, think about related skillsets that you could apply to your primary focus. If you’re primarily an audio tech, consider learning more about DJing or lighting. If you’re a GIS expert try to get certified for your skills through online courses, workshops etc

Over time, your skills and experience will summate to make you an incredible staff member that anyone would be lucky to have on their event team. The important thing is to keep learning and growing, and start early.

Do Your Research

If you have your eye on a specific event or employer, use the wealth of resources that the internet provides to find out a little bit more about the types of events they run.

A simple google search or a review of a company’s Facebook or Instagram pages can give you an idea of what they might look for in the future. By reviewing pictures and videos or even checking out who the company hired for their last event, you can figure out the company’s vibe and tone.

Will the event you’ll be pitching yourself for be more classy and upscale, or rambunctious and fun? Does the business’s event hiring staff tend to prioritize maturity and experience, or dynamism and charisma? All of these are factors that should influence your application and presentation of yourself, starting with your resume and CV choice.

Use Tailored Resumes

Many job seekers make an all-too-common mistake when submitting their resume for different positions or recruiters. This mistake isn’t at all content-related, nor is it hard to address, and yet most people never think about it. Are you one of these people who submit the exact same resume for each job application?

Especially when aiming to get hired for a big event, you should be tailoring a custom resume and CV for every job you apply to. That doesn’t have to mean making major changes every time; instead, review your resume from the perspective of the potential employer and see if everything looks ideal.

Let’s say a prospective employer is in the IT business, and you happen to be a IT or have worked in the field. Even if that experience doesn’t relate to the GIS or Earth Observation position you are applying for, it might be worth including in the cover letter or resume in this instance (under “Incidental Skills”).

Even if a regular resume should remain free of clutter and highlight the most important relevant experience, that might change in this case. The employer may just give your application a second look if you interest them or show an authentic connection to their work.

Think beyond this one example, and treat each job application as its own project requiring its own dedicated resume. Even a few simple tweaks could make the difference between you getting the staffing job for a big event and being passed by.

Present Yourself Well In-Person

If you’ve prepared well, sent in a solid application, and have a little bit of luck on your side, you might find yourself looking at an impending in-person interview or video call. This isn’t the time for panic; it’s the time to really show them what you’ve got!

Getting to know staff candidates face to face, even digitally so, is a crucial step for businesses. What makes great event staff great is their ability to interact with guests and elevate their event experience. Even the most detailed applicant profile can’t convey the personable nature of a candidate, so interviews are necessary.

To make it from the interview round to the big event, make sure to dress professionally, look sharp, and let your real personality shine. Employers typically know when someone is pretending to be something they’re not. Thus, authenticity is vital.

Prepare well for the interview by studying any prep materials that the employer may send you, being ready to talk about yourself and your experience, and know why you want this job in particular. If something about the event seems fun or speaks to you, don’t be afraid to express that. If you’re solely in it for the money and experience, talk about how getting this gig would help you continue in your staffing journey.

In Summary

With the right combination of skills, attitude, experience, and presentation of all those aspects, you can land a big event staffing job.

By developing a robust and interconnected skillset, you can not only increase your chances of getting hired for the best events but also open new doors to other opportunities. Mastering skills takes time, but by specializing around a core identity you can become an in-demand part of any event team.

Additionally, make sure to always be prepared and do your research on the events you’re applying to. Employers appreciate applicants who put in the effort to learn about their business and don’t blindly apply to all jobs out there. Use this preparation to tailor your resumes, cover letters, and CVs to every position you apply for.

Finally, make sure to shine in your face to face interviews by taking care of your appearance and showing genuine enthusiasm for the job in question. Don’t hide your unique personality; instead, let it become a selling point for your employment.

By following these tips for getting your next big event staffing job, you can increase your chances of getting hired and getting paid well.