When talking about the events industry, Wales is often overlooked for other places such as Manchester or the south. But anyone who knows Wales knows that it is home to some incredible events. From music festivals like Greenman to literary events like Hay Festival, there is no shortage of world-renowned events in Wales. This makes it the perfect place for events job hunters to make their mark.
If you’re looking for events jobs in Wales, it might feel like the odds are stacked against you. The jobs are few and far between, and it always seems like someone else is landing your dream job. If you want to stand out in the region, you will need to take a few extra steps to make sure you are at the top of the list when jobs become available.
Run your own events
If a lack of experience is holding you back then it’s time to make your own experience. Hosting your own events can be a great way to build your portfolio and gather some recommendations. It doesn’t have to be a large affair. You could organise a networking event for a niche industry, or you could organise an event based on one of your hobbies. Make sure you document your event and be sure to ask for reviews from attendees. This will not only help to get your name out there, but it will also give you something to talk about in interviews.
Get your name out there
The internet makes it easier than ever before to get your name out there. Start by building your own portfolio website where you showcase your best work. Then get on networks like LinkedIn and Twitter and start connecting with people in your field. By creating a personal brand, you can set about marketing yourself and connecting with all the right people. Most events roles require an understanding of marketing, so this is another way to demonstrate your experience.
Meet the right people
Look for free networking events in your area and make sure you’re on the list. Don’t walk into every networking event expecting someone to hand you a job. Instead, think of it as laying the foundations of your career. Be helpful to the people you meet and always try to give them something to remember you by. Being the person who knows everyone can be an asset on its own as you can facilitate connections and help others to get things done.
Ask for recommendations
When you do anything related to events, don’t just let this experience pass you by. Make sure you are actively building a collection of recommendations from the people you work with. Not only from the people you work for but also from the people you work with and the people who attend your events. Make the process as easy as possible by providing a few sample recommendations to send with your request email.
Work with the right recruiters
People often shy away from recruiters, but when you are looking for a role in a niche industry, it can be helpful to get some expert advice. Specialist event recruiters such as Live Recruitment (https://www.live-recruitment.co.uk) also operate in the Wales area, so you won’t be left feeling like you need to head to London to get the latest roles. Working with a recruiter will also help as you will have access to interview prep and plenty of insider knowledge to help you stay ahead of the competition.
It might feel like you are searching for jobs in a smaller pond, but once you cast off these preconceptions you will soon see that the events industry is thriving in Wales, and you could soon be a part of it.
