Looking for events job in Exeter - follow these steps

A career in events can be very rewarding, but it’s also a difficult field to break into. For those living outside of the capital, the struggle is all the more real. It might feel like all of the jobs are in London. But if you’re determined to make it work in Exeter, there are opportunities to be found.

One of the biggest perks of starting your job search in Exeter is that Exeter is far more livable than London. What do we mean by this? Well, the average cost of living in Exeter is around £1,050 per month. Compare this to London where you could be expected to part with that much just for your rent! Living in Exeter also gives you access to the wild Cornish coast and plenty of National Parks. Put simply, it’s a more pleasant part of the country to live in.

Looking at job prospects, there are plenty of jobs in events in this Southwestern town. But with a smaller pool of companies looking for applicants, you’re going to have to work a little harder to make sure that your CV stands out. Here are our top tips for finding a job in events in Exeter.

1. Get experience

The number one thing that all events companies will want to see on your CV is the experience. If your CV is currently lacking in this, you may have to get creative to help increase your chances of being picked for an interview. 

If you can get involved with an event staffing agency, this can be a great way to get a behind the scenes look at what goes on in events. If this isn’t an option, try to find out if you can get involved with any event planning in your current role. For example, you could take responsibility for planning the office Christmas party. 

And finally, you can create your own experience by running your own events. For example, you could run a networking event for women in your local area. Or you could run a meetup for people who are interested in the same hobbies as you. Make sure you get plenty of documentation and ask for recommendations from those involved. 

2. Spruce up your CV

If you haven’t touched your CV since you applied for your current job, it’s time to spruce it up. Get rid of anything that isn’t relevant to a career in events so make sure you double down on any skills which are required for events manager roles. You should also work on writing a personal statement which is tailored towards a career in events.

3. Work on your interview skills

Like your CV, your interview skills might be a little rusty. Events interviewers often like to ask behavioural questions, such as, “can you tell me a time when…”. This is because past actions give the interviewer a good idea of future performance. It allows them to get a better idea of whether you have the right mindset for the job.

Pull up an events manager job description and think about the skills they are looking for. Now try to think about a time in your career when you have had to put these skills to use.

4. Speak to your network

If you know people who are already working in events, they could be a treasure trove of information. They will know all about the interview process and what skills event companies are looking for. For example, a job description might say nothing about having commercial awareness, but many event professionals will tell you that this is essential for success in the role.

You may also be able to get recommendations and job tips from your network if you let them know you are actively looking for work. Companies often prefer to hire based on personal recommendations as there is a lower risk. Finding people who will vouch for your skills can, therefore, be essential to building your career in events.

5. Find a recruiter

Many events recruiters focus on London alone, which can make you feel like you need to up sticks and move. This isn’t really the case. Recruiters like Live Recruitment are active throughout the country and always looking for bright new talent. If you’re looking for a new role in events in the Exeter area, get in touch with Live Recruitment to find out more about opportunities in the area.

Not only can recruiters put you in touch with companies looking to hire, but they can also give you expert advice on everything from your CV to your interview preparation. They want to make sure that everyone they put forward is as prepared as possible, so they will take the time to check over your CV and make sure that you are ready for an interview. Having this kind of help on your side can be incredibly valuable during the job search.