15 Tips for Successfully Hiring and Working with a Virtual Assistant

As a business owner or start-up, it’s common to do everything on your own as it gives you a complete control over every aspect of your business. But now that you got the momentum going and all the small stuff adds up quickly than expected, it’s time to get help.

Today, we give you the tips for entrepreneurs working with a virtual assistant (VA) and hiring strategies that will help you get the right VA for your business.

What Areas of My Business Can Be Outsourced?

One of initial questions we usually get is how to use a virtual assistant. So, we begin by educating the clients of the major tasks you can outsource to a virtual assistant.

These tasks that can be categorized to address the two main parts of your business: Activities that run your business (customer service, web management, appointment setting) and activities that grow your business (online marketing, advertising, lead generation) and more.

Top Strategies to Hire A Virtual Assistant

1. Know exactly what to look for

Identify specific skill sets and talents that you would need from the start. In order to find the person most suited for the job, you must create a clear picture of the outcome that you desire and the function of the VA.

Hiring an online assistant is just like hiring office staff for your business, that’s why it’s important to be very clear on the tasks and assignments that you’re looking to outsource.

2. Set up your working systems and procedures

Now that you know why you need a virtual assistant, be sure to have your systems up and ready so the VA can have a reference on how things are done in your business. This includes documentations of your processes, online workflow, and ways to implement them.

When the virtual staff gets onboard, you can easily entrust the tasks to them, and they will also have a cheat sheet should the need arise.

3. Define job specifications and definition

Your job listing should have the following: What the work requires, the skills and qualifications you need, the duties you expect the VA to perform, number of hours and days per week you require (for short-term or long-term assistance), and the online platforms and tools you use in your business.

One of the top benefits of having a virtual assistant is that they have a wide range of skills and are willing to work extra hours on weekends. You can negotiate these terms during the interview.

4. What questions to ask on the interview

The following questions will help you how to work with a virtual assistant efficiently. These are background questions or basic selection criteria, skill questions, and teamwork questions.

5. Shortlisting candidates

First, make a list of things or qualities you can’t hire a virtual assistant without and use this as a guideline. You’ll be able to narrow down the number of applicants that you would consider for final interview. During the video call, check their communication skills, their personality, the way they present themselves, and how they respond to potential issues.

Related article: How to Hire a Virtual Assistant

How-to Tips for Using a Virtual Assistant

6. Define expectations

To set clear expectations, you need to conduct a trial with them or a demo work by completing an example task that they would do. This also means that you can put up a detailed list of the steps they need to take to complete your task.

7. Start with relatively easy, minor tasks

Don’t give a critical assignment right away. Delegate smaller tasks first so you can take a look at the VAs work process and determine the best ways to communicate with each other. Always ask the assistants if they understand the task and if they have other questions.

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Since 2009, Virtual Assistant Talent provides the best virtual assistant staffing services to help professionals from different industries such as the real estate, insurance, small business, coaching/consulting, and executive leadership.

Do you have any questions about virtual assistant duties you’re considering to outsource? 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.