How To Interview And Hire A Virtual Assistant For Your Business

Before you hire a virtual assistant (VA), it’s important to consider what you need, what you can do without, and how much time you’re willing to spend on administrative tasks.

In this article I’ll review the steps involved in interviewing a project manager or copywriter for the purpose of hiring them as your VA.

The Importance of a Virtual Assistant

As a business owner, you understand the importance of having a reliable and trustworthy team to help you grow and manage your company.

But what happens when your business starts to outgrow your current staff?

This is where a virtual assistant can be a game-changer for your business.

A virtual assistant (VA) is an independent contractor who provides administrative, creative, or technical support to clients remotely. This means that they can work from anywhere in the world as long as they have an internet connection.

While it may seem like hiring a VA is a daunting task, it doesn’t have to be. By following these simple tips, you can find the perfect VA for your business:

1. Define the scope of work.

Before you start your search for a VA, take some time to sit down and think about the tasks that you need help with.

Do you need someone to handle your social media accounts? Do you need help with customer service?

Once you know what tasks you need help with, you can start looking for someone who specializes in those areas.

Need help defining a scope of work? Book a call with us here and we can help you out!

2. Set a budget.

Just like with any other employee, you’ll need to set a budget for your VA .

Most VA’s charge per hour, so it’s important to make sure you know how much time they’ll need before you start your search.

3. Know when to hire and when to outsource.

Just because someone has a degree in computer science doesn’t mean they should be doing your social media posts for you. When hiring a VA, make sure that the tasks you’re giving them are the things that only a human can do for your business.

4 Hire someone who fits with your team.

It might seem obvious, but if you work in a creative field like graphic design or marketing, it can be difficult to find someone reliable who is not only good at what they do but also meshes well with your personality and work style.

How to Interview and Hire a Virtual Assistant

When you’re running a business, there are a million and one things to do. It can be difficult to keep on top of everything, and that’s where a virtual assistant comes in.

A virtual assistant can take care of all the little tasks that take up your time, so you can focus on the more important aspects of your business.

But how do you go about finding and hiring a virtual assistant?

In this blog post, we’ll give you some tips on how to interview and hire a virtual assistant for your business.

1. Define the tasks you need help with

Before you start looking for a virtual assistant, it’s important to define the tasks you need help with. This will make it easier to find someone who is suited to your needs.

Do you need help with customer service, social media, or administrative tasks?

Once you know what kinds of tasks you need help with, you can start looking for candidates.

2. Look for someone who is organized and detail-oriented

When you’re interviewing candidates for a virtual assistant position, look for someone who is organized and detail-oriented. These are key qualities for any good virtual assistant.

You should also look for someone who is proactive, willing to take initiative and make suggestions for improving your business.

3. Get references and check them out.

If you’re not comfortable just going on the candidate’s word, ask for references from previous employers or people she has worked with before in a different capacity.

You can also do a Google search on her name to find out what others are saying about her online.

Here at FreeUp, we pre-vet the freelancers for you so every freelancer should have a detailed profile for you to be able to review.

How Much Should You Pay For a Virtual Assistant?

You may be wondering how much you should pay for a virtual assistant. After all, they are providing a service that can save you time and money. The answer to this question depends on a few factors, including the scope of work and the experience of the virtual assistant.

If you are looking for someone to perform general administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments and managing your email, you can expect to pay around $5 – $10 per hour.

If you need someone with more specialized skills, such as bookkeeping or social media management, you can expect to pay closer to $10 – $30 per hour depending on where the freelancer is located.

Of course, these are just general ranges. The actual amount you pay will also depend on the specific skill set of the virtual assistant you hire. It is always a good idea to negotiate rates with your virtual assistant before starting any work.

That way, you can be sure that you are both on the same page regarding compensation.

What is the Best Way to Manage Your Virtual Assistant?

Assuming you’ve already found the perfect virtual assistant for your business, it’s important to know how to best manage them.

After all, they’ll be an extension of your company and you’ll want to set them up for success.

Here are a few tips on how to manage your virtual assistant:

1. Define their role – Before your virtual assistant starts working, be sure to sit down with them and define their role within your company. What tasks will they be responsible for? What is their scope of work? By having a clear understanding of their role from the start, they’ll be more likely to hit the ground running and be productive from day one.

2. Set expectations – In addition to defining their role, it’s also important to set expectations in terms of hours, deadlines, communication, etc. By setting clear expectations from the beginning, there will be no confusion down the road and you’ll both be on the same page from day one.

3. Schedule regular check-ins – Even though your virtual assistant is working remotely, it’s important to schedule regular check-ins (weekly or bi-weekly) so that you can touch base and see how they’re doing.

Saving More Time Tomorrow

When you’re looking to hire a virtual assistant, it’s important to find someone who is reliable, trustworthy, and competent.

By following the tips in this article, you’ll be able to find the perfect freelancer for your needs.

Remember to ask specific questions about their experience, skills, and availability, and take your time to get to know them before making a final decision. With a little bit of effort, you’re sure to find the perfect virtual assistant for your business.

Looking for a highly qualified VA? Submit your first job request today!