What Is The Recruiting Process Like?
An interview with BB Events’ founder, Becca Bloom on her experience and her hiring process with insights for job hunters.
You might reasonably suspect the majority of people find their employees for jobs through job-related web sites. Becca told us a different story. Becca is the founder of BB Events, and we interviewed her about her hiring process.
Many of the events she works on are for nonprofits, community organizations, and socially conscious companies. She is a mission-driven event organizer that supports communities, setting them up for success.
Interviewer: I heard you had an open role as an intern. Could you tell us about it? Such as what are you looking for in an intern?
Becca: When hiring for roles like interns, event coordinators. I look for individuals who are eager to learn, proficient with online tools, detail-oriented, creative, and able to communicate effectively. Event planning involves working with various people and juggling multiple tasks, so clear and timely communication is crucial. It’s important to create an enjoyable experience for guests and ensure that all the pieces of the event come together seamlessly.
Interviewer: Definitely, the qualities you mentioned indeed sound important. Do you prefer people who have work experience in event management?
Becca: It depends on the role. I have experienced individuals for management positions, but I also hire newcomers. For instance, recently there was a student we met from the event UniteSF ( a collaborative effort of employers, nonprofits, and educators to prepare youth to compete for good career roles) She had joined the event . Although she had no prior event experience, she brought other valuable skills to the table. She was meticulous, eager to take ownership of projects, and always willing to seek support when needed. I provided training as we went along. The key is finding the right person for the role and setting them up for success with the right project.
Interviewer: Indeed, the right match is important. How do you go about looking for people, to fill your openings?
Becca: I usually tap into my network to find potential candidates. It’s great to receive recommendations from people I know or observe individuals in action. I’ve been fortunate to cross paths with the right people through organic connections and introductions.
Interviewer: Good to know you find folks through connections and introductions. Could you tell us more of the detials for how you met your last employee?
Becca: So, she was a student,and she participated in the UniteSF program. Then she approached me and said she was interested.She was interested in event planning and wanting to know how I got into my work. So at that point, I ended up bringing her on for a few projects.
Interviewer: Sounds so natural she started to work with you. She didn’t even know you had an opening for the position. Am I correct?
Becca: Yes, it was a natural fit. She didn’t know that, no. We have open positions throughout the year again, just depending on my event needs. I brought her to a few events initially, and she ended up planning the next year UniteSF 2023 event.
Interviewer: That’s fascinating. Her curiosity brought her to the position she wanted. What are some of her characteristics that you may recall that really stood out favorably about her with you? These may help other job hunters to think about demonstrating these as well.
Becca: Well, I liked her confidence, her excitement to try new new things and her strong strategic skills. Even without prior event planning experience, she brought fresh perspectives to enhance guest experiences and event organization. She handled the responsibilities with ease, delegating tasks and confidently addressing inquiries. We were genuinely impressed by her performance.
Interviewer: That’s impressive that you have a great experience working with her. Do you have any advice for other job seekers? What are your suggestions in general?.
Becca: Research the company and learn about your interviewer. Don’t worry if you’re nervous; it’s normal. Remember, you’re also interviewing them to see if it’s a good fit. Prepare questions and approach it as a conversation, like meeting someone new. Get to know them and share about yourself. It’s a two-way process to determine if you want to work there.
Interviewer: Great advice! It’s really helpful, especially for job seekers during these tough times. Many people have been laid off, and it’s particularly challenging for fresh graduates to find either intern or full-time jobs. Anything else you want to say to other job seekers?
Becca: One more thing I’d like to mention is in my experience it is wise to not to let the job description intimidate you. Remember, no one is a perfect fit for every requirement listed. If you find the job interesting and have some of the necessary skills, go ahead and apply. Networking and attending events can lead to amazing opportunities. Stay patient and be open to exploring different avenues. You never know when the next great opportunity might come your way. Sometimes, thinking outside the box is key to finding the right job. It’s not just about sitting behind a computer screen. Get out there, go to in person events and zoom events, engage with people, and who knows what exciting possibilities may arise.
Becca’s insights are not only valuable but also motivating. Her experience in finding candidates and fostering positive working relationships is fascinating and provides us with a great case study on how curiosity, positive initiative, and genuine interest can help individuals stand out. It demonstrates the significance of passion in fostering meaningful connections with the right people and companies. Passion serves as a driving force behind performance and increases our likelihood of achieving success. Therefore, it is crucial to take initiative, stay connected, and seize the opportunities that come our way.
By Alice Zhang, Job Forum panelist, Business Development professional
Becca Bloom, BB events can be reached at becca@bbevents.biz
