04.09.24
By Shannon Moore
“Why am I not getting booked for events?” We hear this question far too often, and we understand how frustrating it can be to apply for brand ambassador jobs and not get booked.
We won’t pretend the job market is easy right now because it’s not. However, we can offer some actionable advice to help you increase your chances of getting booked for an event.
The availability of event jobs, the size of your market, and the number of competing brand ambassadors can all impact your chances of being booked.
Whether you have the experience or not, your agency profiles, photos, and resume may need to be more reflective of you as a professional, qualified candidate for the job.
Simply put, any delay in submitting your application or setting up an interview can affect your chances of landing the job because you’re competing with other brand ambassadors.
Even if you are the perfect candidate for the job, it’s always a good idea to brush up on your interview skills. That way, you can present yourself in the best possible light and increase your chances of landing the job.
1. Apply Immediately: Be sure to submit your application or interest when you see a job posting. If an interview is requested, schedule the call as soon as possible.
2. Be Prepared: Have your application materials and agency logins readily accessible on all devices. Having everything set up beforehand will allow you to easily apply at any given opportunity from wherever you are.
3. Keep Your Profile Updated: Keeping your profile current and logging in often shows agency reps that you’re interested in working and being proactive in your search efforts.
4. Have Appropriate Profile Photos: Your photos should showcase a polished and professional brand ambassador, with your appearance reflecting how you would present yourself in an interview or in the field.
5. Follow Directions: Following directions from the get-go is the easiest way to stand out to a staffing manager and knock out half the competition before even landing an interview. Read and re-read all communications sent. If you skim over the details, there’s a good chance you will miss something important and be tossed out of the running.
6. Be a Standout Communicator: Be clear, prompt, and courteous in your communication with staffing managers. Staffing managers are juggling a million things at once, booking multiple events and using specific systems in the booking process. By following instructions, asking questions as needed, and responding promptly to messages, you’ll make their job one hundred times easier, and they will remember that.
7. Complete Tasks Promptly: In order to move through the booking process, it is essential to fulfill all requirements and steps. There are systems in place that will guide you from being a registered applicant to getting booked and working on an event. Make sure you check every box, cross every “t,” and jump through every hoop, as this will put you ahead of the competition. Additionally, staying informed and involved throughout the booking process is important.
8. Have a Great Interview: It’s important to be engaging, listen attentively, and present yourself professionally during interviews. You should be thoughtful in your responses and take the interview call in a quiet place. If you’re on video, ensure you’re in a well-lit area and present yourself professionally. Remember that staffing managers are interviewing dozens of people at any given time, so making things easier on them by being a great interviewee can increase your chances of getting the job.
1. Following Up After Interviews: It is generally considered professional etiquette to follow up with your interviewer after a job interview to thank them for their time and the opportunity. However, in the event marketing industry, agencies are constantly staffing a variety of events with large teams and rarely have time to respond to follow-ups. With that said, a simple thank you at the end of your interview is perfectly acceptable (and preferred). Nevertheless, if you work on an event, agencies appreciate when you share the positive experiences you had.
2. Not Communicating with Staffing Management: If you have any questions or concerns, please get in touch with your assigned staffing manager. They will either provide you with the information you need or direct you to the appropriate contact. Please keep in mind that a lot of information can be found in the job details or booking email, on the agency’s website, or your staff dashboard. Please review this information before asking your staffing manager any questions.
3. Complaining About Not Getting Booked: Please understand that various factors beyond the agency’s control and your control can affect booking decisions. For example, the client may decide on another candidate, the number of available shifts may be cut, there are schedule changes, or the event may be canceled. There are many moving parts to experiential campaigns, and there are a lot of behind-the-scenes decisions being made that sometimes staffing agencies aren’t even privy to. Complaining to the staffing agency or on forums is useless and may decrease your chances of getting booked in the future.
4. Assuming You Got the Job Without Confirmation: Do not automatically assume you are hired for an event. Please wait for explicit confirmation of your booking. If you are booked, it will be clearly stated, and all the details and steps leading up to the event will be communicated to you by your staffing manager. Conversely, if you don’t hear back a a staffing agency, it means that you are not booked for the event, and you should pursue other opportunities. Please only hold the day or time if you are confirmed for the event.
It’s essential to focus on the aspects you can manage to present yourself as a professional and unique candidate to get the job you want. Remember that final booking decisions are influenced by the client’s needs and expectations, and staffing managers are there to support their needs while also helping support your success as a brand ambassador. By following these tips, you can navigate the competitive job market more effectively and increase your chances of booking your next brand ambassador job.
