Avoid These Common Resume Mistakes for Event Planners

As an event planner in the Philippines, your resume is your first impression. However, many applicants miss the mark with common mistakes that can block interview opportunities. A well-crafted resume not only showcases your skills but also aligns with what recruiters are looking for. Reviewing your resume or CV can help you avoid repeated rejections.

Mistake #1 – Poor Formatting

Why this hurts

Inconsistent formatting can confuse recruiters and make your resume hard to read. Recruiters prefer clear, professional layouts that highlight important information.

Example

• Bad: Mixed font styles and sizes
• Better: Consistent font and size throughout

How to fix

• Use a clean, professional template.
• Ensure consistent font styles and sizes.

Mistake #2 – Generic Personal Statement

Why this hurts

A vague personal statement fails to capture your unique skills and experiences, making you blend in with other candidates.

Example

• Bad: “I am a hardworking individual.”
• Better: “Detail-oriented event planner with 5+ years of experience in corporate events.”

How to fix

• Customize your personal statement to reflect your unique experience.
• Include specific achievements relevant to the role.

Mistake #3 – Missing Keywords

Why this hurts

ATS filters out resumes that lack specific keywords related to the event planning role, reducing your chances of passing the initial screening.

Example

• Bad: “Planned events.”
• Better: “Planned and executed corporate events, managing budgets and timelines.”

How to fix

• Research job descriptions for relevant keywords.
• Incorporate these keywords naturally into your experience descriptions.

Mistake #4 – Overemphasizing Responsibilities

Why this hurts

Simply listing job responsibilities without showcasing achievements can make your resume less impactful.

Example

• Bad: “Responsible for event planning.”
• Better: “Successfully planned 20+ events annually, increasing client satisfaction scores by 30%.”

How to fix

• Focus on achievements and quantify results when possible.

Mistake #5 – Lack of Tailoring

Why this hurts

Submitting a generic resume reduces your chances of standing out. Tailoring your resume shows that you understand the role and company.

Example

• Bad: Using the same resume for every application.
• Better: Adjusting the resume to highlight relevant experiences for each job.

How to fix

• Customize your resume for each application based on the job description.

Mistake #6 – Ignoring Soft Skills

Why this hurts

Event planning requires strong interpersonal skills. Ignoring these in your resume can make you seem less qualified.

Example

• Bad: “Good at planning.”
• Better: “Excellent communication and negotiation skills used to liaise with vendors and clients.”

How to fix

• Include soft skills relevant to the event planning role.
• Provide examples of how you’ve used these skills in your experience.

Mistake #7 – Inconsistent Experience Dates

Why this hurts

Inconsistencies in employment dates can raise red flags for recruiters and indicate a lack of attention to detail.

Example

• Bad: “2019 - 2020, 2021 - present”
• Better: “January 2019 - March 2020, April 2021 - Present”

How to fix

• Ensure that all dates are formatted consistently.
• Double-check for any gaps or overlaps in employment.

Mistake #8 – Spelling and Grammar Errors

Why this hurts

Errors in spelling or grammar can make you appear unprofessional and careless, which is a significant turn-off for recruiters.

Example

• Bad: “Event planing is my passion.”
• Better: “Event planning is my passion.”

How to fix

• Use spell-check tools and read your resume aloud.
• Have someone else review it for errors.

Entry-Level

Entry-level candidates often underestimate the importance of relevant coursework or internships. Including these experiences can help showcase potential and skills.

Mid-Level

Mid-level professionals should focus on quantifiable results from previous roles. Highlighting achievements can set you apart from other candidates.

Senior / Lead

Senior candidates must demonstrate leadership qualities and strategic thinking. It's crucial to showcase how you have driven success in previous positions.

• Use a clear, consistent format.
• Tailor your resume for each application.
• Include relevant keywords.
• Highlight achievements with quantifiable results.
• Check for spelling and grammar errors.
• Showcase both hard and soft skills.
• Ensure all dates are consistent.
• Include a professional personal statement.
• Keep it concise—ideally one page.
• Use bullet points for easy reading.

Don't let small mistakes hold you back from landing your dream event planning job. Take the time to review and improve your resume. Consider using mistakes.cv for a comprehensive review or to double-check for any hidden errors.

Your next interview could be just a resume review away!