How to hire a writer/producer

How to hire a writer/producer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step writer/producer hiring guide:

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

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The writer/producer hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

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

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a writer/producer to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a writer/producer that fits the bill.

   The following list breaks down different types of writer/producers and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Writer/Producer	Description	Hourly rate
   Writer/Producer	Writers and authors develop written content for advertisements, books, magazines, movie and television scripts, songs, blogs, and other online publications.	$17-39
   Freelance Video Editor	A freelance video editor offers video editing services to individuals and businesses. Most freelance video editors manage their own time and work at their preferred places, some even working from home... Show more	$15-43
   Freelance Photographer	A freelance photographer produces photos while under a specific short-term contract. They are primarily responsible for coordinating with the client to learn any requests or preferences, bringing necessary devices and lighting equipment, securing the best location and setting, handling any obstruction during the photoshoot, and delivering high-quality results in a short amount of time... Show more	$13-29

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Instagram
   • Facebook
   • Twitter
   • Control Room
   • Video Production
   • Web Content
   • Adobe Premiere
   • Photoshop
   • Conceptualize
   • Graphic Design
   • YouTube
   • On-Air Promos
   • Comedy
   • Video Content

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage Comcast's local channels and their content throughout central Indiana.
   • Coordinate and manage show production, including budget creation, scriptwriting and booking guest for on camera interviews.
   • Supervise casting and communicate with producer to access props, costumes, and set pieces and to manage the budget.
   • Manage day-to-day completion activities including project planning and QA testing.
   • Work closely with the founder to create an internet comedy channel on YouTube.
   • Air on ABC, NBC, CBS, WOR and PBS.

3. Make a budget

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

   • Location. For example, writer/producers' average salary in kansas is 42% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level writer/producers 57% less than senior-level writer/producers.
   • Certifications. A writer/producer 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 writer/producer's salary.

   Average writer/producer salary

   $55,163yearly

   $26.52 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level writer/producer salary

   $36,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

4. Writing a writer/producer job description

   A writer/producer 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. To help get you started, here's an example of a writer/producer job description:

   Writer/producer job description example

   Job DescriptionOrders, replenishes, and merchandises produce and participates in regional programs for purchasing and promotions. Monitors inventory control and replenishes product based upon WFM ordering standards. Assists in organizing and developing promotional displays and maintaining OTS standards. All Whole Foods Market Retail jobs require ensuring a positive company image by providing courteous, friendly, and efficient service to customers and Team Members at all times. All positions must be performed in accordance with team and store Standard Operating Procedures. Further, Team Members must be prepared and able to perform the duties inherent in other Team Member job descriptions. All positions must strive to support WFM core values and goals, promote national, regional, and store programs and initiatives, and ensure adherence to all applicable health and safety regulations including Food Safety and regulatory duties required in the department.Job Responsibilities
   + Purchases and replenishes produce through proper buying procedures.
   
   + Monitors and acts upon open PO reports for both purchases and credits in an accurate and timely manner.
   
   + Controls spoilage and shrink, achieves turn goals, participates in inventory.
   
   + Completes spoilage, sampling, temperature, and sweep worksheets as required.
   
   + Maximizes sales potential through effective and proper procedures for stocking and merchandising products.
   
   + Ensures orders for product are timely and accurate to monitor inventory turns.
   
   + Oversees customer special order procedure.
   
   + Analyzes and controls product transfers, waste, and spoilage.
   
   + Supports leadership in conducting inventories.
   
   + Maintains financial profitability by meeting and exceeding purchasing and sales targets
   
   + Arrives to work station on time, appropriately groomed, dressed and ready to work; works all scheduled shifts and attends required trainings and meetings.
   
   + Provides excellent customer service, addresses needs of customers in a timely and effective manner and models suggestive selling techniques; answers phones and pages promptly and courteously.
   
   + Maximizes sales potential through effective and proper procedures for prepping, storing, rotating, stocking, and merchandising product.
   
   + Follows and complies, or ensures compliance, with established procedures, including Weights and Measures, health and sanitation, and safe work practices.
   
   + Maintains, or ensures maintenance of, a clean and sanitary w orking and shopping environment; maintains equipment in accordance with WFM cleanliness and safety standards.
   
   + Performs opening, mid, and closing duties as assigned; ensures accuracy of signs and pricing.
   
   + Immediately reports safety hazards and violations.
   
   + Performs other duties as assigned by store, regional, or national leadership.
   
   Job Skills
   
   + Extensive produce product knowledge, including production, distribution, seasonal availability, advances, and trends.
   
   + Familiarity and/or willingness to learn about products, nutritional information, and other areas of study.
   
   + Working knowledge and application of all produce-related merchandising expectations.
   
   + Demonstrates a desire to grow with the Produce team.
   
   + Ability to educate team on product knowledge and convey enthusiasm.
   
   + Strong basic math skills.
   
   + Knowledge and ability to use computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and ordering systems
   
   + Strong to excellent communication skills and willingness to work as part of a team.
   
   + Ability to deliver information in a clear and respectable manner to fellow Team Members , customers , and vendors .
   
   + Ability to meet customer service expectations and standards in all interactions with customers, vendors, and Team Members.
   
   + Ability to f ollow directions and procedures; effective time management and organization skills.
   
   + Passion for natural foods and the mission of Whole Foods Market.
   
   + Strong work ethic and a bility to work in a fast-paced environment with a sense of urgency.
   
   + Understanding of and compliance with WFM quality goals.
   
   Experience
   
   + 12+ months retail experience.
   
   Physical Requirements / Working Conditions
   
   + Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
   
   + In an 8-hour work day: standing/walking 6-8 hours.
   
   + Hand use: single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling.
   
   + Work requires the following motions: bending, twisting, squatting and reaching.
   
   + Exposure to FDA approved cleaning chemicals.
   
   + Exposure to temperatures: <32 degrees Fahrenheit (freezing), 32-40 degrees Fahrenheit (refrigerators), >90 degrees Fahrenheit.
   
   + Ability to work in wet and dry conditions.
   
   + Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
   
   + Ability to use tools and equipment, including knives, box cutters, electric pallet jacks, and other heavy machinery.
   
   + May require use of ladders.
   
   Note : The purpose of this document is to provide a general summary of essential responsibilities for the position and is not meant as an exhaustive list. This document does not reflect all job duties or requirements for every position. Requirements build as one progresses through the job levels, so any job duties required at a lower level may be required at the higher level in addition to the duties listed for that higher level. Duties, assignments, and other responsibilities may differ for similar positions based on business conditions, departmental or geographic location, and/or needs for the particular position. An individual must demonstrate successful performance in their current position before being considered for promotion. In addition, in order to promote into a higher-level position, a business need for the promotion must exist and the candidate must be considered the most qualified person for the new position. Completion of certain milestones such as obtaining an advanced degree or certification, time in current position, or developing skills to perform at the higher-level role do not guarantee a promotion.
   
   At Whole Foods Market, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all Team Members and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Whole Foods Market hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find writer/producers for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your writer/producer job on Zippia to find and recruit writer/producer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites such as problogger, media bistro, journalismjobs.com, content writing jobs.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit writer/producers, 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.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete 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 writer/producer

   Once you have selected a candidate for the writer/producer 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 also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new writer/producer. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

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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