Why the Right Fit Matters in Event Careers (Just Like Holidays)
Have you ever booked a holiday stay that looked perfect online… but once you arrived, it just didn’t feel right?
That happened to me recently. My husband and I were away on a mini-break (just the two of us!), and although the accommodation was exactly as described, it wasn’t quite right for us. It wasn’t about the property; it was about fit.
My husband knows me well. After nearly 30 years of holidays together, he understands that the place we stay shapes how valuable that time feels to me. So, as I overheard him telling one of our sons, “I’m 99% sure we’ll be moving accommodation tomorrow,” I was already searching for alternatives.
The next morning, we checked into a new place. It wasn’t fancier. It wasn’t more expensive. But it felt right. So much so that we’ve already booked to return.
This got me thinking about event careers and recruitment and the power of fit.
When a Job Doesn’t Feel Right
Sometimes, a job role can look fantastic on paper. The company has a strong reputation. The job description matches your skills. The salary and benefits tick the right boxes.
But once you’re in the role, it just doesn’t feel right.
Maybe the culture is different from what you expected. Maybe the team dynamic isn’t what you thrive on. Maybe the pace or style of work doesn’t suit you.
And that’s OK. It doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It simply means you haven’t found the right environment yet, just like my first holiday rental.
Why Honesty Matters in Interviews
One of the hardest parts of moving on from a role that wasn’t right is explaining it in interviews. Many candidates worry about sounding negative, so they gloss over the details or create a generic reason for leaving.
But here’s the thing: being honest about what didn’t work can actually help you.
When you can explain clearly why a previous role wasn’t the right fit, whether it was the culture, the management style, the processes and ways of working, the team dynamic, or the environment, it gives your interviewer valuable insight. Not only does it show self-awareness, but it also helps them explain how things work in their company.
This way, you both get to assess whether it feels like the right match.
A Real Example from Events Recruitment
Earlier this year, I worked with an events professional who had exactly this challenge. On paper, their previous role ticked all the boxes, but in reality, the people and environment weren’t a good fit.
Once they were able to articulate this, I adjusted the interview process for their next opportunities. Instead of focusing solely on skills and experience, I made sure they had:
- On-site interviews so they could see the working environment first-hand.
- Time with the team outside of formal interview questions to chat over a coffee.
- Opportunities to ask candid questions about culture, collaboration, and leadership style.
- Extra direct contact time with the manager over the phone and via emails.
The result? They found a role that fits perfectly. Not because it was fancier or better paid, but because it matched their values, working style, and the type of people they wanted to spend their days with. They are now thriving in their event career.
Lessons for Event Professionals and Employers
Just like choosing holiday accommodation, choosing the right job is about more than ticking boxes. It’s about how it feels.
For candidates in the events industry, this means:
- Don’t be afraid to move on from a role that doesn’t feel right.
- Be honest in interviews about what you’re looking for.
- Ask questions about culture, team, and environment and not just the role.
For employers and hiring managers, it means:
- Don’t underestimate the power of culture fit in recruitment.
- Give candidates enough time to meet the team, see the office, or experience a “day in the life.”
- Remember: the right fit leads to engagement, retention, and long-term success.
Final Thought
Whether it’s a holiday rental or a career in events, the lesson is the same: fit matters.
The right environment can make all the difference to your happiness, performance, and growth. And when you find it, you’ll know because it just feels right.
If you’re an events professional looking for a role that truly fits, or an employer wanting to build the right team, get in touch. At JB Recruitment, we specialise in connecting people and organisations where culture and skills align.
Because the right fit isn’t just nice to have, it’s essential.
Start the conversation today → call 0203 488 2620 | email helen@jbrecruitment.co.uk
About Jackson Barnes Recruitment
Jackson Barnes Recruitment delivers international recruitment solutions within the events, media, and publishing sectors. Jackson Barnes recruits Graduate to MD level in the following positions:
• Sales – delegate, sponsorship & Business Development
• Editor
We recruit for organisations in the UK and overseas, with success in London, Dubai, New York, Singapore and Australia.