How to hire a speech writer

How to hire a speech writer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step speech writer hiring guide:

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

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your speech writer 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 speech writer 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

   A speech writer's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, speech writers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   Here's a comparison of speech writer salaries for various roles:

   Type of Speech Writer	Description	Hourly rate
   Speech Writer	Public relations specialists create and maintain a favorable public image for the organization they represent. They design media releases to shape public perception of their organization and to increase awareness of its work and goals.	$20-41
   Public Relations	Public relations is a strategic way of developing and maintaining a client's or company's public image through media coverage, appearances, and press releases by designing and developing events to raise funds or to spread awareness to the public regarding products, brands, or individuals. It involves research and evaluation of programs including financial, marketing, employee, or government relations using topics of public interest and news items... Show more	$15-34
   Communications Consultant	Communications consultants are responsible for preparing media releases, whether through print, video, or email. They perform varied tasks that may include working on complete projects such as media analysis and branding, creating strategies to reinforced communication among clients and employees, and providing guidance and recommendations to a company's public relations team... Show more	$30-62

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Executive Communications
   • Strategic Communications
   • Proofreading
   • External Communications
   • Blog Posts
   • Press Releases
   • Communications Materials
   • Subject Matter Experts
   • Opinion Pieces
   • Policy Analysis
   • Video Scripts
   • Editorials
   • DOD
   • Fact Sheets

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Maintain guest blogging strategy and policies to achieve a consistently diverse authorship and to grow readership.
   • Coordinate logistics management for signal elements, including securing training sites, movement of personnel, communications, and equipment.
   • Work closely with the senator and key staff members to develop editorial content for constituent and stakeholder communications.
   • Research and write executive level speeches, PowerPoint presentations and articles for global venues.
   • Post social media and hospital promotional/patient testimonial YouTube videos.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your speech writer job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A speech writer salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, speech writers' average salary in maine is 45% less than in new jersey.
   • Seniority. Entry-level speech writers earn 51% less than senior-level speech writers.
   • Certifications. A speech writer with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a speech writer's salary.

   Average speech writer salary

   $61,897yearly

   $29.76 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level speech writer salary

   $43,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 21, 2025

4. Writing a speech writer job description

   A job description for a speech writer role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a speech writer job description:

   Speech writer job description example

   Regular Schedule: 34 hours per week
   
   A Non-Merit vacancy exists in the Executive Office.
   
   Non-Merit positions are not classified within the Baltimore County Government Classification and Compensation Plan.
   
   A list of eligible applicants will be established based on the examination as outlined below.
   
   Current and future vacancies occurring in any Office or Department of Baltimore County General Government may be filled from the list of eligible applicants.
   
   All interested candidates must apply at this time.
   
   List all promotionsand changes in job duties due to reclassification as separate work experiences on your application. Applicants must include the dates of the promotions and reclassifications.
   
   Note: Failure to complete all fields of the "Work Experience" section of the application will result in your application not being considered.
   
   You can attach your resume, transcript(s) or license(s) to your application.
   
   Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.
   
   Examples of Duties
   
   The Speechwriter is responsible for writing and editing speeches, scripts, talking points, program letters, and other relevant content for distribution by the Office of Communications (under the purview of the Executive Office).
   
   Responsibilities Include
   
   * Responsible for speeches and/or talking points for the County Executive for all public appearances and meetings.
   * Under the supervision of the communications director, works with communications staff or other senior staff during the review, editing and approval process to produce a high quality final product.
   * Works closely with news media to craft quotes and statements for release.
   * Works with local leaders and sponsoring organizations to ensure effective gathering of information for speech writing purposes.
   * Maintains a comprehensive electronic archive of speeches, remarks, and presentations, both as prepared and as delivered.
   * Works closely with the executive office leadership team to develop messaging for the County Executive that supports his priorities and initiatives.
   * Drafts and/or edit blog posts, press releases, program letters, and other content and ensure it aligns with county messages.
   * Maintains awareness of County news, initiatives and events that will inform remarks and other written content.
   * As needed, assists with media relations, social media, research and public engagement.
   * Other duties as assigned.
   
   Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
   
   * Must have demonstrated ability to manage own work without supervision.
   * Requires a high level of judgment and ability to take initiative and work independently.
   * Must use a high level of judgment and discretion in resolving problems.
   * Must be able to act and organize time with extreme independence.Ability to work in a fast-paced office and on tight deadlines.
   * Ability to work well with a wide range of people both in a team-based environment and independently.
   * Must be able to handle multiple "priority" projects simultaneously; set and meet deadlines, and ensure that staff and or team does the same.
   
   Qualifications
   
   Job Requirements/Qualifications
   
   * Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Communications/Marketing.
   * 2-4 years of relative post-undergraduate work experience, including writing in a professional setting.
   * Superior writing and editing skills; Excellent verbal communication skills.
   * Detail oriented; technologically savvy.
   * Expert knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
   * Highly motivated, well organized and able to multi-task.
   
   Proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education
   
   Applicants are required to submit proof of licenses, certifications and education beyond high school to meet the required and preferred qualifications of the position. Diplomas or transcripts must show the applicant's major field of study. Copies and unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
   
   Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.
   
   Proof of Degree Equivalency
   
   Applicants who have obtained a degree from outside the United States of America are required to submit degree equivalence documentation from World Education Services, Inc. (www.WES.org)
   
   Mail or deliver documents to:
   
   ATTN: Speechwriter
   
   Office of Human Resources
   
   Baltimore County Government
   
   308 Allegheny Ave.
   
   Towson, MD 21204
   
   You can attach your resume, transcript(s) or license(s) to your application.
   
   EXAMINATION PROCEDURE
   
   Applicants will be qualified based on an evaluation of their training and experience, as stated on their application, which includes answers to the supplemental questions. Applicants must state the dates and duties of past and present experience clearly and completely for evaluation purposes. Conditions of Employment
   
   New employees are strongly encouraged to get COVID-19 vaccination.
   
   Medical Examination and Employment Background Investigation
   
   Applicants selected for an appointment to a position in Baltimore County must successfully complete a physical examination and drug screen and an employment background investigation, including, but not limited to a criminal background, education, and fingerprint check.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right speech writer for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your speech writer job on Zippia to find and recruit speech writer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit speech writers, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you 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 speech writer

   Once you have selected a candidate for the speech writer 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.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   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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