Tips on How To Hire a Virtual Assistant

I have been on either side of the fence so I assume, I may give you a superb outlook on this subject.

Hiring a VA is simply similar as hiring a secretary, accountant or any other employees within the "actual world". The only detail that can change, and obviously, is that hiring will likely be completed virtually - through the internet.

I'm certain, you could have heard of so many negative stories' on how their Virtual Assistants have messed up their project deadlines. However you will also discover out that there are further success stories on their hires. Often, even when the Virtual Assistant and entrepreneur haven't seen in person, they have cultivated a great working relationships.

It is because a lot of theVirtual assistants were former-executives or former employees that just chose to stay at home, for whatever their personal motives are. This means they're educated and experienced, waiting for his or her competence to be tapped by employers.

Now, how can an entrepreneur discover these kinds of VA? They're in every single place… There are lots of outsourcing firms that you should utilize like oDesk and Elance and you can even discover them on Craiglist.

Here are a couple of tips that you may use:

1. If you happen to publish a job, be particular with your needs. Do not just submit, Virtual Assistant wanted or I need search engine optimization specialist. It's important to be precise like, "I need a VA who will do the following: transcribing telephone conversation, answering business emails, sending out flyers by email, and so on, who can work four hours a day (PST timezone) and can converse and write English well." This may filter out these applicants who are not qualified.

And another suggestion is to place what I call "magic phrase" that an applicant ought to write within his application letter to be able to filter those "spam applicants", those who do not study the descriptions previous to applying. You wouldn't want these applicants.

2.When candidates apply, take time to review the application letters AND their CVs. Narrow down the variety of applicants by separating these with related experiences from your job opening.

3. Don't depend on their application letters, you need to interview them. And if you are planning to obtain their services long period, carry out a voice-chat interview or even video interview. You may gauge their potential by doing so.

4. Inquire recommendations. Though many employers needed to be unknown, there are some who might be keen to be interviewed or requested details about their Virtual assistants.

5. Go to forums. Ask around for recommendations for Virtual assistants. I am positive, many would be willing to provide out information on how they got their good Virtual assistants.

6. One other guaranteed approach is to tap small outsourcing agencies. It will give you a Va

7. According to your needs. Generally, they'd assign 2 staff, the Team Leader and the VA. You simply have to present the tasks and coordinate with the Group Leader. This may mean much less headache and less pressure in your part. You don't have to coach or check the Virtual Assistant anymore - the Group Leader will do that for you.

I have gone through the method and I agree that sometimes, it's frustrating that basic duties will not be being achieved accurately. But if you bought a gem Virtual Assistant, your life can be 10x better - and well, of course, lucrative. So what are you waiting for, Hire a VA now!

Good luck on your VA hunt!




Zarah Pimentel is first and foremost a very proud mom to a 4year old girl. She is a co-founder of Hire a VA, a company that outsources SEO Specialists and Virtual Assistants from the Philippines. She takes pleasure in with helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses by setting them free in doing menial tasks and assisting them in more ways they can imagine.

For more information about what she does, kindly visit her blog, Virtual Assistant Mom.