How do you answer 'How did you go about planning for a recent event or project you handled' in a job interview?

The answer that I would give would follow general project management guidelines. First, identify what the objective is and time line for completion, then determine what you will need to solve the problem, information, facts, tools, resources. Gather the various elements, analyze and prioritize, link appropriate data, determine a direction, how and where to get missing information or additional resources, complete the task making adjustments along the way.

In every aspect planning must be given a special consideration in order for a project to be successful or such be excused from any difficulties. In handling an event/project I must know the time, quantity, quality, production, expenses & manpower. You must also come into conclussion by using the 5W & 1H (What,When,Who,Where,Why & How) this theory will help you contruct and come up with ideas that will fit the said event or project.

by being true, did you use the internet and look up data. did you use the library for book references. did you ask a coworker, friend, etc. for some data in preparing yourself. i am constanly researching the webs on camping because i just bought a new camper. i talk to dealers that sale campers, go to camping department in retail stores and observe the different items they have. go to book stores and buy something that catches my attenion. if you have already reserched or done something then, you used prior experience obtained. still you had to start from scratch. so just go with that.

The key to this one is the ablity to show how you can organize. you want to show that you broke down the large task of planning this huge thing and were able to tackle it in small bits , but in a very timely and efficent way. try to show that you actually enjoyed the enormous responsiblty of this project/event that was trusted with you. make sure to talk yourself up a bit. this is YOUR TIME TO SELL YOURSELF> smile and relax, seem that you enjoy recalling how much fun you actually had planning this / . what ever it may be, even if its just a simple surprise bday party for grandma, if you dont have any work related things to show them, say to be honest, i have not had the opportuity in my past to plan any work related events, but on a similuar level, i was tasked with planning grandma rose's 100's birthday bash for her closest 100 friends. ANd do the same thing of breaking down from the top, (not in a long drawn out way) but that you stepped back from the "Thing" and chose to break it down into groups of things that needed to be handled and gave each group a time line and followed it, also make sure that you are able to show that you are not affraid to DELLigate, one can not handle everything on ones own for an added touch you can say how you made sure after the thing was a success that you noted each individual who helped you with a positive evaluation or sent thank you notes, somethig to show you are thoughtful and not out to take all the credit.

I am a process oriented person so things would start on basic drafting; I will list the tasks in details where the start, target and completion date is appended.

I determine the target date depending on what needs to be in the priority list. If help is needed or if I am handling a group then I will assign the tasks in accordance to the person's ability to meet with deliverables.

That would depend on what type of project you are talking about.