Discover 15 tips to successfully hiring virtual assistant for business growth and productivity.
As a business owner or start-up, it’s common to do everything on your own as it gives you complete control over every aspect of your business.
Now that your business gains momentum and small tasks accumulate quickly, it’s the right time to seek help and support.
Today, we share tips for entrepreneurs on working with a virtual assistant and hiring strategies to find the right VA.
Related article: When to Hire a Virtual Assistant
What Areas of My Business Can Be Outsourced?
One common question is how to use a virtual assistant; therefore, we educate clients on outsourcing major tasks.
These tasks are categorized into running the business, like customer service, and growing the business, like marketing.
Top Strategies when Hiring Virtual Assistant
1. Know exactly what to look for
Identify specific skill sets and talents that you would need from the start. First, know exactly what you want.
In order to find the person most suited for the job, additionally, create a clear picture of the outcome and VA’s function.
Hiring a virtual assistant is like hiring office staff, which is why it’s important to clarify tasks and assignments.
2. Set up your working systems and procedures
Prepare clear systems and workflows so hiring virtual assistants can easily follow your documented business processes.
When the virtual staff gets onboard, you can easily entrust the tasks to them, and they will also have a cheat sheet.
3. Define job specifications and definition
Your job listing should clearly state requirements, duties, hours, qualifications, and tools to ensure smooth hiring.
Moreover, hiring virtual assistants offer diverse skills and flexibility, so you can negotiate terms confidently during interviews.
4. What questions to ask during or hiring virtual assistant
The following questions guide efficient work when hiring virtual assistants, covering background, skills, and teamwork criteria.
- “Do you already have another job?
- “What is your favorite way to communicate?”
- “Will you work from home or anywhere else?”
- “What do you consider your best skills and strengths?
- “Which ones are your weaknesses?”
- “On a scale from 1-10, can you rate your XYZ skills?”
- “Can send me examples of your work?”
- “How do you manage to work with difficult team members?”
5. Shortlisting candidates in hiring virtual assistant
First, list essential qualities when hiring virtual assistants. Then, carefully evaluate applicants’ communication, personality, and problem-solving skills during interviews.
How-to Tips for Hiring Virtual Assistant
6. Define expectations
set clear expectations, conduct trial tasks with VA while providing detailed step-by-step instructions for guidance.
7. Start with relatively easy, minor tasks
Delegate smaller tasks first, assess the virtual assistant’s process, and confirm understanding by encouraging clear, consistent communication.
8. Using English with non-native speakers
Philippine VA excel in English; however, avoid complex terms and always use simple, clear language for communication.
9. Decide how often you’ll touch base with your VA
Effective communication with virtual assistants requires setting convenient schedules, requesting EOD reports, and arranging regular calls when needed.
10. Utilize the right tools
Don’t expect that the virtual assistant could do all of the work manually. You can help them increase their productivity by using the right tools either online or offline.
11. Train your virtual assistant
Introduce virtual assistants to your systems and tools, then provide training on unique business processes for smooth adaptation.
12. Keep files in the cloud
Using cloud storage like Google Drive or Dropbox is a practical way to manage files between you and the virtual assistant.
Create a shared folder so you can easily transfer and track the flow of both work and files.
13. Consider logistical issues
Other virtual assistant tips include preparing for logistical challenges, such as power outages or slow internet when hiring from the Philippines.
Therefore, work with a dedicated VA provider that pre-screens candidates and manages VAs to ensure reliability and punctuality.
14. Ask for ideas and suggestions
In the beginning, the VA may not volunteer feedback unless asked. Feel free to ask for feedback and recommendations during your periodic touch bases.
Ask virtual assistants for suggestions to improve tasks, as they may offer shortcuts, fresh ideas, or useful prior experiences.
15. Build a relationship
Finally, build a strong bond with your VA by asking about hobbies, weekends, family, and personal interests to connect better.
with a virtual assistant is easier with HR support, monitoring, and choosing a BBB-accredited company with replacement guarantees.
Since 2009, Virtual Assistant Talent provides the best virtual assistant staffing services to help professionals from different industries such as real estate, insurance, small business, coaching/consulting, and executive leadership.
Do you have any questions about virtual assistant duties you’re considering outsourcing?
CALL US at 1-866-596-9041 and discover how our highly qualified and trained virtual assistants can help in your everyday tasks and objectives
