Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Event Planning Intern – 2020

Aspiring to start your career as an event planning intern? This guide provides a comprehensive list of interview questions and answers to help you highlight your skills, experience, and passion for the event planning industry. From event coordination to budget management and vendor communication, these questions cover all key areas of the internship.

General Questions

• 1. Tell us about yourself.
  This is a common interview question, but it's important to keep your answer relevant to the event planning industry. Highlight any previous event planning experience, your educational background, and your passion for event planning.
• 2. Why do you want to be an event planning intern?
  Explain your reasons for wanting to pursue a career in event planning and how this internship aligns with your goals. Mention any specific skills or experiences you hope to gain from this internship.
• 3. What do you know about our company and the events we plan?
  Do your research on the company and their past events. This will show your interest and dedication to the role. Mention any successful events they have held and how you can contribute to their future events.
• 4. What do you consider to be the most important qualities of an event planner?
  Some key qualities of a successful event planner include organization, attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and the ability to multitask. Provide examples of how you possess these qualities and how they have helped you in previous experiences.
• 5. How do you handle last-minute changes or unexpected issues during an event?
  As an event planner, you need to be able to think quickly on your feet and adapt to any changes or issues that may arise. Provide an example of a time when you had to handle a last-minute change or issue during an event, and explain how you resolved it.
• 6. How do you prioritize tasks when planning an event?
  Time management is crucial in event planning, so explain how you prioritize tasks to ensure the event runs smoothly. This may include creating a detailed timeline, delegating tasks to team members, and regularly checking in on progress.
• 7. How do you stay within budget when planning an event?
  It's important for an event planner to be able to manage finances effectively. Provide an example of a time when you had to work within a budget and how you managed it. This could include negotiating with vendors or finding cost-saving alternatives.
• 8. How do you handle difficult clients?
  Conflict resolution is an important skill for an event planner. Share a difficult experience you had with a client and how you successfully addressed their concerns and maintained a positive working relationship.
• 9. How do you handle managing multiple events at a time?
  As an event planning intern, you may be responsible for coordinating several events at once. Explain how you prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively to ensure each event runs smoothly.
• 10. How do you handle working under pressure and meeting tight deadlines?
  Event planning can be a fast-paced and high-pressure industry. Share an experience where you had to work under pressure to meet a tight deadline and how you handled it.

Situational Questions

• 11. How would you handle a last-minute change of venue for an event?
  Explain the steps you would take to communicate the change to attendees, coordinate with the new venue, and ensure a seamless transition for the event.
• 12. What would you do if your team member was not meeting deadlines or performing their duties?
  Describe how you would approach the situation, communicate with your team member, and ensure that the task is completed on time and to a satisfactory standard.
• 13. How would you handle an unexpected issue with a vendor on the day of the event?
  Provide an example of a problem you faced with a vendor during an event and how you resolved it in a timely and professional manner to ensure the event's success.
• 14. What would you do if a speaker or performer canceled last minute?
  Explain your process for finding a replacement, communicating with the event organizers and attendees, and making any necessary changes to the event's schedule.
• 15. How would you handle a situation where there is more demand for tickets than the event venue can hold?
  Use this question to showcase your problem-solving and customer service skills. Explain how you would handle the situation, such as finding a larger venue, offering alternative options for attendees, or managing the event's capacity.
• 16. What would you do if there was a miscommunication between you and a client regarding their event's details?
  Miscommunications can happen in any job, but it's important to address them effectively in the event planning industry. Share an experience where there was a misunderstanding between you and a client, and how you worked together to resolve the issue and ensure the event's success.
• 17. How would you handle a situation where a sponsor pulls out of an event at the last minute?
  Sponsors can play a significant role in the success of an event, so it's important to know how to handle a sponsor pulling out. Explain your approach to finding a replacement sponsor, negotiating with vendors to reduce costs, and managing any potential impacts on the event.
• 18. What would you do if the weather conditions posed a threat to an outdoor event?
  In the event planning industry, you need to be prepared for any weather conditions. Describe how you would monitor weather forecasts, have a backup plan in place, and communicate any changes to attendees in a timely manner.
• 19. How would you handle a situation where a client's expectations for an event are not aligned with their budget?
  Explain how you would manage the client's expectations and find a compromise that meets both their needs and budget.
• 20. How would you handle a situation where you receive negative feedback about an event you planned?
  As an event planner, you need to be able to handle criticism and use it constructively to improve for future events. Share an experience where you received negative feedback and how you addressed it, whether it was by implementing changes for future events or proactively communicating with the client to resolve any issues.