You’ve been tasked with coming up with a job description for an event manager role. A quick search online for “How to write a job description for an Event Manager” reveals countless templates. You grab one and put the job posting live. And suddenly, you’re getting countless generic job applications. No one is uniquely qualified for the job and you’re back to square one.
Why write a unique job description for an Event Manager?
Writing a unique job description is essential for attracting the right applicants. Every company is different and every event management job is different. Assuming that you can simply use a template is going to result in poor applicants and you might miss out on attracting the best talent. Read on to find out how to write a stellar job description for an event manager.
Is it an existing role or a new role?
This can make a huge difference in the type of job description that you produce. If the role already exists in the company, ask for input from the people who are already doing the job. They will have a unique insight into the skills required to be successful at the job. However, be wary of hiring a clone. If you are expanding a team of event managers, you want to ensure that each person brings something unique to the team. Look for skills gaps and use this as an opportunity to fill them.
If the role is new to your company, speak to the people who will be working alongside the new hire to find out how the new person can support them. While the role should be built around the needs of the company, it’s important that it’s also well-rounded and offers opportunities for growth and development.
Start with company information
Don’t assume that all applicants know everything about you already. Your company might be an industry leader, but you should still spend some time producing a summary. This can include information like the type of events you work on and any awards you might have received. Paint a positive picture of your company, but don’t use this space to talk about the perks just yet. This section should be used to show what kind of events you work on, the kind of clients you work with, and your overall company culture. If your office environment is very formal or relaxed, mentioning this in the job description can also help applicants when it comes to preparing for the interview.
Outline where the role fits within the company
This will let the applicant know who they can expect to be dealing with in the role. For example, some event managers might work directly with the head of the company while others might be working under a supervisor. Outlining the structure of the company and how the role fits in can help to give applicants a better idea about if they would be the right fit.
Determine the key responsibilities
Be thorough, but don’t get caught up in the minutiae. Event manager roles vary wildly between companies, so don’t assume that the way you do things is universal. In an average day/week/month, what would you expect your new event manager to be responsible for? List the responsibilities in bullet points and start each bullet point with an action verb to have more impact.
What qualifications and skills do you require?
This can be split into a list of needs and wants. Many applicants will be keen to learn more on the job, so be flexible in what is essential and what is desired. If you want an event manager that you can train and develop, then leaving off some of the more technical software packages might help to attract a wider range of applicants. However, if you need someone to hit the ground running, be clear about what they need to know and their exact proficiencies.
Make sure it’s lively and interesting
Event management is a fun and lively industry and your job description should reflect this. At the end of the job description, it’s nice to include a section about the perks of working with your company. These should be the things that sweeten the deal, rather than being the sole reason that people apply to work for you. If you offer free food, a pet-friendly office, flexible working or extra holidays, make sure this is mentioned in your job description.
Make it clear how you expect individuals to apply
You’d be surprised how many people spend a long time perfecting their job description only to leave off essential information such as how to apply. Most applicants will apply with a CV and cover letter. It’s always worth specifying that the cover letter should be used to demonstrate how they meet each requirement of the role. Otherwise, you might find yourself reading countless generic cover letters that don’t make reference to your company at all.
While there is no harm in starting off your job description using a template, it’s important to customise it to your business. Every role is unique and you need to ensure that you are reaching the right people at the right stage of their career. If you are working with a recruiter, they can help you to refine your job description in a way that will meet expectations while also ensuring that you are reaching and attracting the best talent.