Hospitality/Event Planners - interview attire?

[Anonymous]

I am interviewing for a support role at an upscale event planning office (think weddings, C-suite corporate events, etc.)

What should I wear? It's been awhile since I have interviewed. I am also making a change from administrative support at a university to the hospitality/events industry. Thinking less conservative (classic suit), to more sophisticated (not sure what that is!)?

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I picture something like this- put together but interesting. I feel like event planners always have a fun esthetic

https://www.puttingmetogether.com/fun-business-casual-clothes/

[Anonymous]

Slacks and a stylish blouse with conservative jewelry.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I picture something like this- put together but interesting. I feel like event planners always have a fun esthetic

https://www.puttingmetogether.com/fun-business-casual-clothes/

This is fine for a summer day with no clients in the office. This is not interview-quality for a company that does upscale events. OP, they are going to be picturing you talking to one of their C Level event attendees to solve a problem. That doesn't need to be a suit, but it should be fairly buttoned up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I picture something like this- put together but interesting. I feel like event planners always have a fun esthetic

https://www.puttingmetogether.com/fun-business-casual-clothes/

That looks too casual for an interview. I think you need a blazer. But probably fine/great for day to day.

[Anonymous]

I mean just wear a suit. Why go through changes when a suit has been the norm since forever?

[Anonymous]

No one will ding you for wearing a classic suit. Something that looks like you can run the length of the hotel or ballroom in it too, since event planners are on their feet a lot! Don’t overthink it.

[Anonymous]

More like the top picture here:

https://corporette.com/the-corporette-guide-to-interview-suits/

Agree that first business casual link is too casual for an interview

[Anonymous]

Black slim pants, blue blouse, fitted black blazer.

[Anonymous]

Wear a suit that's on the casual side. So like, black pants, black blazer (that match!) and a silky shell with pendant or statement necklace depending on the neckline. Flats are okay.

[Anonymous]

Back in the 80s and 90s, I worked for a private firm in event management. My clients were some of the most high profile names you can think of.

Here is my two cents: When you interview, just as when you are running your event, you should be dressed in a way that doesn't bring attention. Your event is the star, not you. You should never upstage the client or your event. Your role is behind the scenes, not walking the red carpet.

Wear a suit. Look professional. Wear shoes that don't make your interviewer think that you won't be able to walk about and manage the event.

[Anonymous]

The first outfit you posted is way too casual. I would do a suit, but you could have fun with color and accessories. I interviewed for a similar job in a pastel suit with a white silk shell and a fun necklace and got the job.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Back in the 80s and 90s, I worked for a private firm in event management. My clients were some of the most high profile names you can think of.

Here is my two cents: When you interview, just as when you are running your event, you should be dressed in a way that doesn't bring attention. Your event is the star, not you. You should never upstage the client or your event. Your role is behind the scenes, not walking the red carpet.

Wear a suit. Look professional. Wear shoes that don't make your interviewer think that you won't be able to walk about and manage the event.

I’m an event planner and I 1000% agree. Do not bring attention to yourself. Wear something that fits in with the aesthetic (ex, I wear a black midi length dress to a black tie wedding, a black suit to a corporate event), but make it something you can move in and doesn’t wrinkle easily. Also, sensible shoes.