How to hire a show host

How to hire a show host, step by step

Here's a step-by-step show host hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a show host job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new show host
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your show host job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a show host for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   Hiring the perfect show host also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   The following list breaks down different types of show hosts and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Show Host	Description	Hourly rate
   Show Host	Announcers present music, news, and sports and may provide commentary or interview guests about these or other important topics. Some act as masters of ceremonies (emcees) or disc jockeys (DJs) at weddings, parties, or clubs.	$11-44
   Radio Internship	In a radio internship, an intern's duties depend on the directives of a supervising staff or manager. Typically, they gather industry insights and experience while performing support tasks such as answering calls and correspondence, preparing and processing documentation, conducting research, and running errands as needed... Show more	$10-51
   On-Air Personality	On-Air personalities are celebrities with a platform on broadcast media. They are usually radio hosts hosting a talk show, a podcast, or even a music program... Show more	$11-36

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Instagram
   • Conduct Interviews
   • Audio Board
   • Twitter
   • Radio Station
   • FM
   • Television Show
   • RAN
   • TV Show
   • Morning Show
   • Play-By-Play
   • Show Segments
   • Community Events
   • FCC

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Founded, host and manage one of the main radio programmes for Kairi Fm, a leading radio station in Dominica.
   • Host of various talk/news/entertainment programs.
   • Host the``Showtime"sports talk show over YouTube and Facebook which result in thousands of views.
   • Work as on-air talent both in news department and as a disc jockey, as well as a part-time ad salesperson.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your show host job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A show host can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, show hosts' average salary in nebraska is 45% less than in massachusetts.
   • Seniority. Entry-level show hosts 74% less than senior-level show hosts.
   • Certifications. A show host with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a show host's salary.

   Average show host salary

   $47,239yearly

   $22.71 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level show host salary

   $24,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

4. Writing a show host job description

   A show host job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a show host job description:

   Show host job description example

   WDCW/ WDVM is seeking a Part Time Lifestyle Show Host/ Producer for a brand-new lifestyle show launching in 2022. This is a unique opportunity to help build something new from the ground up. The ideal candidate will host daily segments from our new state-of-the-art studio, but also be expected to take the show to remote locations. They will report to the Lifestyle Executive Producer and will be responsible for booking guests, planning show content, developing franchise segments, and working with our sales team on sponsored content interviews. You will be juggling multiple shows and deadlines, so planning and organizational skills are a must! The right candidate will also be responsible for growing the online presence of the show, with the backing of the stations' website and social media platforms. This is an ideal role for a news reporter/anchor or a radio show personality to transition into something new and different. Knowledge of Washington, DC and the DMV region are a plus. You'll work with the help of the production department, marketing and creative services, and the digital team.
   
   The Part Time Lifestyle Show Host/Producer is a part-time position responsible for co-hosting a daily program, conducting in-studio interview segments, and participating in on-location segments as scheduled.
   The successful candidate will:
   
   + Work with producers to organize and plan show calendar, book guests and schedule segments
   
   + Interview show guests/clients on camera both in studio and on-location
   
   + Collect information, video, or photos at remote locations for post-production
   
   + Greet and assist guests during show preparations, putting them at ease on camera
   
   + Research show topics and segment ideas for guests
   
   + Participate in events -either station-sponsored or others - to promote the show
   
   + Balance feature elements and sponsored content to create a compelling show
   
   + Maintain a show social media account and assist with all online content
   
   + Write and approve scripts, shooting and editing knowledge is a plus
   
   + Responsible for timing each show
   
   + Bachelor's degree in film, photography, television, marketing, news, or related field, or equivalent professional experience
   
   + Previous experience as a host or on-air personality, MMJ or radio DJ is a plus
   
   + Must have video samples for consideration
   
   + Organization skills are key - Ability to prioritize and schedule based on multiple production timelines
   
   + Must be energetic, positive, and great in a team environment
   
   + Must be a highly motivated self-starter, able to work well alone and as part of a team
   
   + Other duties as assigned - flexibility and forward thinking are key
   
   + Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize assignments and handle multiple tasks simultaneously
   
   + Excellent communication skills, both oral and written with the ability to ad lib when required.
   
   + Deadline driven and works well under pressure
   
   + Creative thinker who isn't afraid to try new ideas
   
   + Valid driver's license with a good driving record

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right show host for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with show hosts they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit show hosts who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your show host job on Zippia to find and attract quality show host candidates.
   • Use niche websites such as problogger, media bistro, journalismjobs.com, content writing jobs.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit show hosts, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new show host

   Once you have selected a candidate for the show host position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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