This hire guide was edited by the ZipRecruiter editorial team and created in part with the OpenAI API.
How to hire Wide Orbit
In the fast-paced world of media sales, advertising operations, and broadcast management, Wide Orbit stands out as the industry-standard platform for managing ad inventory, traffic, billing, and revenue optimization. Hiring the right Wide Orbit employee is crucial for ensuring seamless operations, maximizing revenue, and maintaining a competitive edge. Whether your business is a regional broadcaster, a national media conglomerate, or a digital agency, the effectiveness of your Wide Orbit team directly impacts your bottom line. Skilled Wide Orbit professionals streamline workflows, reduce costly errors, and enable your sales and traffic teams to focus on growth rather than troubleshooting. As the media landscape evolves with increasing automation and integration requirements, the demand for experienced Wide Orbit users and administrators continues to rise. Bringing the right talent on board not only ensures operational continuity but also positions your company to leverage new features and integrations as they become available. In this guide, we will walk you through every step of the hiring process, from defining the role to onboarding, so you can confidently and efficiently hire a Wide Orbit employee who will drive your business success.
Clearly Define the Role and Responsibilities
- Key Responsibilities: Wide Orbit employees are responsible for managing and optimizing the Wide Orbit platform, which is used for ad trafficking, inventory management, revenue tracking, and billing in broadcast and digital media environments. Their daily tasks may include entering and reconciling orders, generating reports, troubleshooting system issues, training end-users, and collaborating with sales, finance, and IT teams. In larger organizations, Wide Orbit specialists may also oversee integrations with other systems, manage user permissions, and implement new modules or upgrades.
- Experience Levels: Junior Wide Orbit employees typically have 1-2 years of experience and focus on data entry, basic troubleshooting, and supporting more senior staff. Mid-level professionals, with 3-5 years of experience, often take on more complex tasks such as workflow optimization, reporting, and user training. Senior Wide Orbit employees, with 5+ years of experience, are expected to lead projects, manage system integrations, and serve as subject matter experts for the organization.
- Company Fit: In medium-sized companies (50-500 employees), Wide Orbit roles may be broader, requiring employees to wear multiple hats, such as handling both traffic and billing. In large enterprises (500+ employees), roles tend to be more specialized, with dedicated Wide Orbit administrators, analysts, and integration specialists. The scope of responsibility and required expertise will vary accordingly, so it is important to tailor your job description to your company's size and structure.
Certifications
While there is no single, universally recognized Wide Orbit certification program, several industry credentials and training opportunities can validate a candidate's expertise and commitment to professional development. WideOrbit, Inc. itself offers product-specific training and certification for its core platforms, such as WO Traffic, WO Network, and WO Digital Hub. These certifications are typically earned by completing official training courses, passing assessments, and demonstrating hands-on proficiency with the software. Employers can verify these credentials directly with WideOrbit or request proof of completion from candidates.
In addition to vendor-specific training, certifications in related fields can enhance a Wide Orbit employee's value. For example, the International Association of Broadcast Manufacturers (IABM) offers certifications in broadcast technology and workflow management, which are highly relevant for Wide Orbit administrators. The Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) also provides certifications such as the Certified Broadcast Technologist (CBT) and Certified Broadcast Networking Technologist (CBNT), which demonstrate a strong technical foundation.
For roles that require integration with financial systems or data analysis, certifications like Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate or CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ can be advantageous. These credentials indicate that a candidate has the technical aptitude to manage data flows, automate processes, and troubleshoot system issues that may arise within the Wide Orbit environment.
Employers should look for candidates who have completed official WideOrbit training, attended industry conferences, or participated in user groups. These activities show a commitment to staying current with platform updates and best practices. When evaluating certifications, consider both the relevance to your specific Wide Orbit implementation and the candidate's ability to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. Confirming the authenticity of certifications and training records is an important part of the due diligence process during hiring.
Leverage Multiple Recruitment Channels
- ZipRecruiter: ZipRecruiter is an ideal platform for sourcing qualified Wide Orbit employees due to its extensive reach, advanced matching algorithms, and industry-specific filtering capabilities. Employers can quickly post detailed job descriptions and target candidates with experience in media, broadcast, and advertising operations. ZipRecruiter's AI-driven matching system ensures that your job posting is seen by candidates with relevant skills, including those who have previously worked with Wide Orbit or similar platforms. The platform's user-friendly dashboard allows for efficient applicant tracking, communication, and scheduling. Many employers report high success rates in filling specialized roles like Wide Orbit administrators within weeks, thanks to ZipRecruiter's proactive candidate recommendations and resume database access. The ability to screen for specific software experience and certifications further streamlines the recruitment process, making ZipRecruiter a top choice for hiring managers in the media and broadcast industries.
- Other Sources: Internal referrals remain a powerful channel for finding trusted Wide Orbit talent. Employees who are familiar with your company's workflows can recommend candidates who are a strong cultural and technical fit. Professional networks, such as industry-specific LinkedIn groups and broadcast associations, offer access to experienced Wide Orbit users and administrators who may not be actively seeking new roles but are open to the right opportunity. Industry associations, such as the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and the IABM, often host job boards and networking events where you can connect with qualified professionals. General job boards can also be effective, especially when combined with targeted screening questions and skills assessments. Leveraging a mix of these channels increases your chances of finding candidates with the right blend of technical expertise and industry knowledge.
Assess Technical Skills
- Tools and Software: Wide Orbit employees must be proficient in the core WideOrbit platforms, including WO Traffic, WO Network, WO Digital Hub, and WO Payments Suite. Familiarity with related tools such as Salesforce, Microsoft Excel, and data visualization platforms (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) is highly valuable. Experience with ad servers, digital asset management systems, and third-party integrations (such as Nielsen, Comscore, or Google Ad Manager) can set candidates apart. For roles focused on system administration or integration, knowledge of SQL, APIs, and basic scripting is beneficial. Understanding broadcast automation systems and financial software integrations is also important for more senior positions.
- Assessments: To evaluate technical proficiency, employers should use a combination of skills assessments and practical evaluations. Online tests can measure familiarity with Wide Orbit's user interface, workflow configuration, and reporting features. Scenario-based exercises, such as troubleshooting a common traffic issue or generating a custom report, provide insight into a candidate's problem-solving abilities. For integration roles, a technical interview that includes API or data mapping questions is recommended. Requesting work samples or references from previous Wide Orbit projects can further validate a candidate's expertise.
Evaluate Soft Skills and Cultural Fit
- Communication: Wide Orbit employees must excel at communicating with cross-functional teams, including sales, traffic, finance, IT, and executive leadership. They should be able to translate technical concepts into actionable steps for non-technical users and provide clear documentation and training. Effective communication ensures that system changes, updates, and troubleshooting efforts are understood and implemented consistently across the organization.
- Problem-Solving: The ability to quickly diagnose and resolve issues is a key trait for Wide Orbit professionals. During interviews, look for candidates who can describe how they have handled unexpected system outages, reconciled data discrepancies, or implemented process improvements. Ask situational questions that require candidates to walk through their approach to troubleshooting and decision-making. Strong problem-solvers are proactive, resourceful, and able to prioritize tasks under pressure.
- Attention to Detail: Accuracy is critical in Wide Orbit roles, as small errors in data entry, scheduling, or billing can have significant financial and operational consequences. Assess attention to detail by giving candidates sample tasks that require careful review, such as identifying discrepancies in order logs or validating report outputs. References from previous employers can also provide insight into a candidate's reliability and thoroughness.
Conduct Thorough Background and Reference Checks
Conducting a thorough background check is essential when hiring a Wide Orbit employee, given the sensitive nature of the data and systems they will access. Start by verifying the candidate's employment history, focusing on roles that involved Wide Orbit or similar platforms. Request detailed references from previous supervisors or colleagues who can speak to the candidate's technical skills, reliability, and ability to work under pressure. Confirm the authenticity of any certifications or training programs listed on the resume by contacting the issuing organizations directly or requesting official documentation from the candidate.
It is also important to assess the candidate's familiarity with data privacy and security protocols, especially if they will have access to financial or client information. Consider running a criminal background check, particularly for roles with elevated system permissions or financial responsibilities. For candidates who will be handling integrations or system administration, verify their technical credentials and request examples of previous projects or implementations.
Finally, ensure that the candidate's references can attest to their soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and attention to detail. A comprehensive background check not only protects your organization from potential risks but also increases the likelihood of hiring a Wide Orbit employee who will contribute positively to your team and business objectives.
Offer Competitive Compensation and Benefits
- Market Rates: Compensation for Wide Orbit employees varies based on experience, location, and company size. As of 2024, entry-level Wide Orbit specialists typically earn between $50,000 and $65,000 annually in major US markets. Mid-level professionals with 3-5 years of experience can expect salaries ranging from $65,000 to $85,000, while senior Wide Orbit administrators and integration specialists often command $90,000 to $120,000 or more, especially in large metropolitan areas or at national media companies. Geographic location, cost of living, and the complexity of your Wide Orbit implementation will influence salary ranges. Offering competitive pay is essential to attract and retain top talent in this specialized field.
- Benefits: In addition to salary, a strong benefits package can help your organization stand out to Wide Orbit candidates. Health, dental, and vision insurance are standard, but additional perks such as flexible work arrangements, remote work options, and generous paid time off are increasingly important. Professional development opportunities, such as paid training, certification reimbursement, and attendance at industry conferences, are highly valued by Wide Orbit professionals who want to stay current with evolving technology. Other attractive benefits include retirement plans with employer matching, wellness programs, and performance-based bonuses. Highlighting your company's commitment to work-life balance and ongoing learning can make a significant difference in your ability to recruit and retain top Wide Orbit talent.
Provide Onboarding and Continuous Development
Effective onboarding is critical to ensuring your new Wide Orbit employee becomes a productive and engaged member of your team. Start by providing a structured orientation that covers your company's mission, values, and organizational structure. Introduce the new hire to key stakeholders, including sales, traffic, finance, and IT teams, so they understand how their role fits into the broader business context.
Provide comprehensive training on your specific Wide Orbit implementation, including custom workflows, integrations, and reporting requirements. Assign a mentor or buddy who can answer questions and provide guidance during the first few weeks. Set clear performance expectations and milestones, and schedule regular check-ins to address any challenges or feedback. Encourage the new employee to participate in user groups, training sessions, and industry events to expand their knowledge and network.
Finally, foster a culture of continuous improvement by soliciting feedback from your Wide Orbit employee about the onboarding process and system workflows. This not only helps them feel valued but also provides valuable insights for optimizing your operations. A well-designed onboarding program sets the stage for long-term success and integration, ensuring your Wide Orbit employee can make a positive impact from day one.
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