Recruitment Marketing Speakers

A recruitment marketing speaker is someone who specializes in sharing insights, strategies, and stories around how companies attract, engage, and convert top talent. They speak at events, on podcasts, and in webinars to educate audiences about the intersection of marketing and hiring.

Unlike traditional HR speakers who might focus on compliance or internal processes, recruitment marketing speakers zoom in on the candidate journey. They talk about employer branding, social media campaigns, job ad optimization, and the use of data to improve hiring funnels.

These speakers often come from diverse backgrounds-some are former recruiters, others are marketers who pivoted into talent acquisition. What unites them is their ability to translate complex hiring challenges into actionable marketing strategies. For example, they might explain how to use Instagram Stories to showcase company culture or how to build a talent pipeline using email nurture sequences.

You'll find recruitment marketing speakers at industry conferences like SHRM, HR Tech, or even niche virtual summits hosted by platforms like Virtual Summit Mastery. They're also increasingly featured on podcasts and YouTube channels focused on HR tech, startup growth, and employer branding.

In short, a recruitment marketing speaker is a communicator who helps organizations think like marketers when it comes to hiring. They bring fresh perspectives, real-world examples, and practical tools to help businesses compete for talent in a noisy, competitive world.

When you're trying to attract top talent in a competitive market, having a recruitment marketing speaker at your event can shift the game entirely. These speakers bring clarity to a space that's often misunderstood-where marketing meets hiring.

First, they educate. Many companies still treat hiring like a transactional process. A recruitment marketing speaker helps reframe it as a long-term brand strategy. They explain how storytelling, content, and digital channels can be used to build relationships with candidates before they even apply.

Second, they inspire action. Whether you're a startup founder in Bangalore or a talent acquisition lead in Berlin, hearing real-life examples of successful campaigns-like how HubSpot used employee-generated content to boost applications-can spark new ideas. These speakers don't just talk theory. They show what's working now.

Third, they bridge silos. In many organizations, marketing and HR barely talk. A recruitment marketing speaker can help align these teams by showing how shared goals-like brand consistency and audience engagement-apply to both customers and candidates.

Finally, they offer global relevance. In a world where remote work has expanded talent pools across borders, recruitment marketing speakers bring insights from different regions and industries. Whether it's how companies in Latin America are using WhatsApp for candidate outreach or how Nordic firms are leveraging sustainability in their employer brand, these insights help audiences think beyond their local bubble.

So if you're hosting an event and want to deliver value that sticks, a recruitment marketing speaker brings both the strategy and the spark.

Recruitment marketing speakers do a lot more than just talk. They educate, influence, and activate audiences to rethink how they attract and engage talent. Here's a breakdown of what they actually do:

1. Share Strategic Insights
- They explain how marketing principles apply to recruiting-things like funnel optimization, audience segmentation, and brand positioning.
- For example, they might show how a company used retargeting ads to re-engage passive candidates or how storytelling improved application rates.

2. Deliver Actionable Frameworks
- Great speakers provide templates, models, and step-by-step strategies.
- Think: a 5-part content plan for LinkedIn, or a candidate persona worksheet tailored for tech roles.

3. Analyze Trends and Data
- They interpret industry trends-like the rise of video job ads or the impact of AI on sourcing-and explain what it means for hiring teams.
- They often reference data from platforms like Glassdoor, LinkedIn, or proprietary research.

4. Facilitate Cross-Functional Thinking
- They help HR, marketing, and leadership teams understand each other's roles in the hiring process.
- This is especially useful in larger organizations where silos can block innovation.

5. Engage Diverse Audiences
- Whether it's a local HR meetup in Lagos or a global summit streamed across 10 time zones, recruitment marketing speakers adapt their message to resonate.
- They use examples from different industries-from healthcare to fintech-to make their content relevant.

6. Inspire Change
- Ultimately, they challenge outdated hiring practices and encourage audiences to think differently.
- They leave people not just informed, but motivated to take action.

So while their job title might sound niche, recruitment marketing speakers play a key role in modernizing how companies compete for talent-one talk at a time.

Becoming a recruitment marketing speaker isn't just about knowing how to hire or market jobs. It's about positioning yourself as a thought leader in a space where talent meets storytelling. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Build Your Expertise in Recruitment Marketing
- Start by mastering the fundamentals: employer branding, candidate personas, recruitment funnels, and digital campaign strategies.
- Stay updated with platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor, and understand how companies use them to attract talent.
- Follow thought leaders like Katrina Collier or Hung Lee to stay in the loop.

2. Develop a Unique Point of View
- What makes your approach different? Maybe you're focused on DEI hiring campaigns or using TikTok for Gen Z recruitment. Own that niche.
- Create content around your POV: blog posts, LinkedIn articles, or short videos.

3. Start Speaking Locally and Virtually
- Offer to speak at local HR meetups, university career events, or webinars.
- Use platforms like Talks.co to create a speaker page and connect with event hosts looking for fresh voices.

4. Leverage Testimonials and Recordings
- After each talk, ask for feedback and testimonials. Record your sessions (with permission) to build a speaker reel.
- Upload clips to your Talks.co profile or LinkedIn to showcase your presence.

5. Pitch Yourself to Conferences and Podcasts
- Research events like SHRM, Talent Acquisition Week, or RecFest. Find the speaker submission forms and pitch a session.
- Reach out to podcast hosts in the HR and recruitment space. Many are looking for guest experts.

6. Network with Other Speakers and Organizers
- Join speaker groups on LinkedIn or Slack. Attend events not just to speak, but to build relationships.
- Collaborate with other speakers for panels or co-hosted sessions.

7. Keep Evolving
- Feedback is gold. Use it to refine your message, delivery, and topics.
- Stay curious. The recruitment marketing world changes fast, and your relevance depends on staying ahead.

To be a recruitment marketing speaker, you need more than just a background in HR or marketing. You need a blend of subject matter expertise, communication skills, and a platform to share your voice. Let's break it down:

1. Deep Knowledge of Recruitment Marketing
Recruitment marketing is a hybrid discipline. It combines employer branding, content strategy, digital advertising, and candidate experience. You should understand:
- How companies craft their employer value propositions (EVPs).
- The role of social media, SEO, and programmatic ads in attracting talent.
- Metrics like cost-per-applicant, time-to-hire, and conversion rates.

2. Strong Communication Skills
You need to be able to translate complex strategies into engaging stories. Whether you're on stage or on a podcast, clarity and charisma matter. Practice public speaking, storytelling, and using visuals effectively.

3. A Personal Brand
People book speakers they trust. Build your credibility by:
- Writing thought leadership content.
- Sharing case studies or campaign results.
- Being active on LinkedIn and relevant forums.

4. A Speaker Platform
Having a speaker page on Talks.co or your own website helps event organizers find and vet you. Include:
- Your bio and areas of expertise.
- A speaker reel or video clips.
- Testimonials and past speaking engagements.

5. A Network
Connections open doors. Engage with HR communities, attend industry events, and connect with podcast hosts or conference organizers. Talks.co is a great tool to match with hosts looking for speakers in your niche.

In short, to be a recruitment marketing speaker, you need to be both an expert and a communicator. Build your brand, share your knowledge, and make it easy for others to find and book you.

Yes, recruitment marketing speakers do get paid, but the amount and frequency vary widely depending on experience, audience size, and event type. Let's break it down:
Paid vs. Unpaid Opportunities
- Paid Gigs: These are typically at large conferences, corporate training sessions, or sponsored webinars. Speakers with a strong reputation or niche expertise can command fees ranging from $1,000 to $10,000+.
- Unpaid Gigs: Many podcasts, webinars, or community events offer exposure instead of cash. These can still be valuable for building your brand and generating leads.
Factors That Influence Payment
- Experience Level: First-time speakers may speak for free initially. As you build credibility, you can start charging.
- Audience Size and Type: Speaking to a Fortune 500 HR team pays more than a local meetup.
- Topic Relevance: If your topic solves a current pain point (e.g., hiring in a remote world), you're more likely to get paid.
Pros and Cons of Paid Speaking

Pros	Cons
Direct income	High expectations
Builds authority	May require travel
Can lead to consulting gigs	Competitive to land

In many cases, speakers use a mix of paid and unpaid events to grow their reach and income. Talks.co helps speakers connect with hosts who are transparent about compensation, making it easier to choose the right gigs.

Recruitment marketing speakers monetize their expertise in several ways, often combining speaking with other income streams. Here's a breakdown of how they typically generate revenue:

1. Paid Speaking Engagements
- Conferences like SHRM, HR Tech, and RecFest often pay speakers, especially those with a strong following or unique insights.
- Corporate training sessions or internal events can be lucrative, with fees ranging from $2,000 to $15,000 depending on the speaker's profile.

2. Workshops and Masterclasses
- Some speakers offer half-day or full-day workshops on recruitment marketing strategies.
- These can be hosted in-person or virtually and often command higher fees due to the depth of content.

3. Consulting and Advisory Services
- After a talk, companies often reach out for help implementing the ideas shared.
- This can lead to ongoing consulting contracts or project-based work.

4. Online Courses and Digital Products
- Speakers may package their knowledge into courses on platforms like Teachable or Kajabi.
- Others sell templates, toolkits, or eBooks related to employer branding or recruitment campaigns.

5. Affiliate Marketing and Sponsorships
- If a speaker has a large audience, they can partner with HR tech vendors or job boards.
- For example, promoting an ATS or recruitment CRM during a talk or webinar.

6. Talks.co and Speaker Platforms
- Platforms like Talks.co help speakers get discovered and booked, often with clear pricing and monetization options.

In short, recruitment marketing speakers don't rely solely on speaking fees. They diversify their income by turning their expertise into scalable products and services.

The income of recruitment marketing speakers varies significantly based on experience, visibility, and how they monetize their expertise. Let's look at the numbers:
Entry-Level Speakers
- These are professionals just starting out, often speaking at local events or webinars.
- Typical earnings: $0 to $500 per talk.
- Many use these gigs to build their brand and generate leads for consulting or coaching.
Mid-Level Speakers
- These individuals have a few years of speaking experience and some niche recognition.
- Typical earnings: $1,000 to $5,000 per event.
- They may also earn from workshops, online courses, or consulting.
Top-Tier Speakers
- These are well-known figures in the HR or recruitment space, often with books, large followings, or media appearances.
- Typical earnings: $5,000 to $20,000+ per keynote.
- They often supplement income through corporate training, licensing content, or brand partnerships.
Annual Income Ranges

Speaker Level	Annual Speaking Income
Entry-Level	$0 - $10,000
Mid-Level	$10,000 - $75,000
Top-Tier	$75,000 - $250,000+

Key Variables
- Number of events per year.
- Whether they charge per talk or per day.
- Additional revenue streams like consulting or digital products.
So, while some recruitment marketing speakers treat it as a side hustle, others turn it into a six-figure business. The key is positioning, consistency, and leveraging platforms like Talks.co to get booked regularly.

The cost of hiring a recruitment marketing speaker depends on several factors: their experience, the event format, and the value they bring to the audience. Here's a breakdown:
1. Speaker Tier and Pricing

Speaker Type	Typical Cost per Talk
Emerging Speaker	$0 - $1,000
Mid-Level Expert	$1,000 - $5,000
High-Profile Speaker	$5,000 - $20,000+

2. Event Type and Format
- Webinars or Podcasts: Often free or under $1,000, especially if the speaker is promoting their brand.
- Workshops or Masterclasses: $2,000 to $10,000 depending on customization and duration.
- Keynotes at Conferences: $5,000 to $20,000+ for top-tier speakers.
3. Add-Ons That Affect Cost
- Travel and accommodation (if in-person).
- Custom content creation (e.g., tailored case studies).
- Licensing fees for reusing recorded content.
4. Budget-Smart Options
- Use platforms like Talks.co to find speakers who match your budget and goals.
- Consider co-hosting a session with multiple speakers to split costs.
- Book early or during off-peak seasons for better rates.
Ultimately, the cost reflects not just the speaker's time, but their ability to engage, educate, and inspire your audience. A great speaker can elevate your event and deliver long-term ROI through actionable insights.

- Katrina Collier: Known for her no-nonsense approach to candidate engagement, Katrina has spoken globally about recruitment marketing and humanizing the hiring process.
- Hung Lee: Curator of Recruiting Brainfood, Hung is a go-to voice on talent acquisition trends and recruitment tech.
- James Ellis: Author of 'Talent Chooses You', James is a leading voice on employer branding and recruitment content strategy.
- Lars Schmidt: Founder of Amplify and a frequent speaker on modern HR and recruitment marketing.
- Stacy Zapar: A recruiting strategist who blends marketing with sourcing, Stacy has delivered keynotes at LinkedIn Talent Connect and other major events.
- Bryan Chaney: Co-founder of Talent Brand Alliance, Bryan is a veteran speaker on employer branding and recruitment storytelling.
- Celinda Appleby: Director of Global Talent Attraction at Visa, Celinda speaks on digital recruitment strategies and inclusive hiring.
- Craig Fisher: Known for his work at Allegis and branding through Glassdoor and LinkedIn, Craig is a pioneer in recruitment marketing.
- Will Staney: Founder of Proactive Talent, Will speaks on recruitment marketing automation and employer branding.
- Shally Steckerl: While more known for sourcing, Shally's talks often bridge into recruitment marketing through data and tech integration.

- Katrina Collier (UK): A global advocate for better candidate engagement, Katrina's talks are packed with actionable insights and real-world examples.
- Hung Lee (UK): Based in London, Hung's Recruiting Brainfood community is global, and his speaking engagements span Europe, Asia, and North America.
- James Ellis (USA): A top voice in employer branding, James brings a strategic and data-driven lens to recruitment marketing.
- Celinda Appleby (USA): With a global role at Visa, Celinda's expertise in digital recruitment marketing is relevant across cultures and industries.
- Bryan Chaney (USA): His work with Indeed and Talent Brand Alliance gives him a global perspective on employer branding.
- Will Staney (USA): A frequent speaker at international HR events, Will's insights on recruitment marketing automation resonate worldwide.
- Sedef Buyukataman (Turkey): A rising voice in the European HR scene, Sedef speaks on recruitment marketing in emerging markets.
- Samantha Ramsay (Australia): Known in APAC for her work in talent attraction and employer branding, Samantha brings regional insights to global stages.
- Johnny Campbell (Ireland): CEO of SocialTalent, Johnny's talks on recruitment training and marketing are popular at global HR summits.
- Lars Schmidt (USA): With a focus on progressive HR, Lars's global speaking engagements often include recruitment marketing themes.

Let's talk straight about some of the most common misconceptions floating around about recruitment marketing speakers. These myths can hold people back from stepping into the space or from hiring the right speaker for their event. So here's the truth behind the noise.

1. Myth: Recruitment marketing speakers are just glorified HR reps.
This one's a classic misunderstanding. While many speakers in this niche have HR backgrounds, their role on stage is far broader. They bridge marketing, employer branding, and talent acquisition. Think of someone like Katrina Collier, who brings in tech, psychology, and candidate experience into her talks. These speakers are strategists, not just recruiters.

2. Myth: You need to be an extrovert to succeed as a recruitment marketing speaker.
Nope. Some of the most compelling speakers in this space are introverts who've mastered the art of storytelling and data-driven delivery. It's not about being loud. It's about being relevant, clear, and actionable. If you've got insights and a voice, you've got a shot.

3. Myth: Only big-name companies produce successful recruitment marketing speakers.
Not true. While speakers from brands like HubSpot or Google often get attention, there are plenty of rising voices from startups, nonprofits, and even solo consultants who've built strong reputations. What matters is the value of your message, not the size of your logo.

4. Myth: Recruitment marketing is just about social media.
This one's way off. Sure, social platforms are part of the mix, but recruitment marketing also includes SEO, content strategy, employee advocacy, and even programmatic advertising. Speakers in this space often cover multi-channel strategies that go way beyond Instagram posts.

5. Myth: Speaking about recruitment marketing is only relevant to HR conferences.
Actually, recruitment marketing speakers are showing up at marketing summits, tech expos, and even leadership retreats. Why? Because attracting talent is a business-wide challenge. The best speakers know how to tailor their message to different audiences.

Bottom line: If you're thinking about becoming a recruitment marketing speaker or hiring one, don't let these myths cloud your judgment. The field is more dynamic and diverse than it gets credit for.

When you look at the journeys of standout recruitment marketing speakers, a few stories really highlight what it takes to break through. Let's dive into a few real-world examples that show how different paths can lead to the same stage.

Take Celinda Appleby, for instance. She didn't start out aiming to be a speaker. Her background was in digital recruitment at companies like Oracle and Visa. But her knack for blending employer branding with data storytelling caught attention. She began sharing insights on LinkedIn, then got invited to panels, and eventually keynoted at events like Talent Connect. Her talks are known for being practical, honest, and filled with metrics that matter.

Then there's Hung Lee. He's built a global following not just through speaking, but by curating conversations in his weekly newsletter, Recruiting Brainfood. His speaking gigs often feel more like live workshops than lectures. He brings in trends from Asia, Europe, and the US, making his sessions feel globally relevant. His story shows that community-building can be a launchpad for speaking success.

In a different lane, consider Audra Knight. She carved out her niche by focusing on recruitment marketing tech stacks. Her talks often include live demos and real campaign breakdowns. She's spoken at niche events like SmashFly Transform and larger conferences like HR Tech. What sets her apart is her ability to make complex tools feel accessible.

And let's not forget about speakers coming from outside the traditional HR world. For example, Lars Schmidt, founder of Amplify, brings a media-savvy approach to recruitment marketing. His sessions often include video storytelling, podcasting tips, and employer brand strategy. He's shown that blending content creation with speaking can amplify your reach.

These stories show there's no single path. Whether you're a tech-savvy recruiter, a content creator, or a strategist with a global lens, there's room on the stage if your message resonates and your delivery connects.

Recruitment marketing speakers are stepping into a new era, shaped by tech, shifting workforce expectations, and global competition for talent. What's coming next? Let's break it down.

First, expect a surge in demand for speakers who can talk about AI in recruitment marketing. Not just the tools, but the ethics, the automation-vs-human balance, and how to personalize at scale. Events are hungry for voices who can make sense of ChatGPT-powered job ads and AI-driven sourcing without sounding like a sales pitch.

Second, localization is becoming a hot topic. Speakers who can tailor strategies for specific regions-like employer branding in Southeast Asia or recruitment content for multilingual audiences-will be in high demand. Global companies want insights that go beyond the US or UK lens.

Third, hybrid work has changed the game. Recruitment marketing speakers who can address how to attract remote talent, build digital-first employer brands, and create culture without office perks are getting booked more often. It's not just about ping pong tables anymore.

Here are a few key trends to watch:

- Interactive keynotes. Audiences want more than slides. Speakers using live polls, real-time demos, or even co-creation sessions are standing out.
- Data-backed storytelling. The best speakers are blending analytics with narrative. Think dashboards plus human impact.
- Cross-functional messaging. Talks that connect marketing, HR, and leadership are gaining traction. The silos are breaking down.
- Sustainability and DEI. More events are prioritizing speakers who can tie recruitment marketing to social impact, diversity, and long-term employer value.

In short, the future belongs to recruitment marketing speakers who are adaptable, tech-aware, and globally fluent. If you're prepping a talk, think beyond the basics. Bring in fresh formats, real data, and a lens that includes both strategy and soul.

If you're looking to break into the world of recruitment marketing speaking, having the right tools and resources can make a huge difference. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up, here's a curated list to help you build your presence, pitch smarter, and deliver unforgettable talks.

1. Talks.co. A smart platform that connects speakers with podcast hosts. Great for building your speaking resume and getting your voice out there. Pro tip: Use it to test your messaging before pitching to conferences.

2. SpeakerHub. A directory and marketplace for speakers. You can create a profile, list your topics, and get discovered by event organizers. It's especially useful for speakers outside North America looking for global gigs.

3. Canva. Not just for social posts. Use Canva to create visually engaging slide decks that stand out. Their templates make it easy to stay on-brand and professional, even if you're not a designer.

4. Notion. Organize your speaking topics, outreach lists, and feedback in one place. Create a content bank of your best stories, stats, and case studies to reuse across talks.

5. Recruiting Brainfood. Hung Lee's newsletter is a goldmine of trends, tools, and event listings. It's also a great way to stay plugged into what your audience cares about.

6. Prezi. If you want to break away from traditional slides, Prezi offers dynamic, zoomable presentations that can make your talk more engaging. Especially useful for virtual events.

7. LinkedIn Creator Mode. Turn on Creator Mode to showcase your speaking topics, post content regularly, and attract event organizers. Use hashtags like #recruitmentmarketing and #employerbranding to boost visibility.

8. SlideShare. Upload your decks here post-event. It helps with discoverability and builds your authority. Include a CTA to your speaker page or contact info.

These tools can help you not only land more gigs but also deliver talks that resonate. Combine them with a clear message and a bit of hustle, and you'll be on your way to becoming a go-to recruitment marketing speaker.