In Doubt About A Virtual Assistant?

By: Florie Lyn Masarate

Planning to get a virtual assistant but is having doubts about whether it is a good idea or not? Then this is for you.

Things that you should consider when you decide to hire a virtual assistant.

1. Professionalism.

You will get to speak with the virtual assistant in the initial interview process. Just like your ordinary employee, this is the stage where you get to ask questions. The manner in which the virtual assistant answers you will reflect how professionalism that person is.

Check out if the assistant is smart and respectful when answering questions. This is one way of telling how he or she will go about handling your clients and other matters once the virtual assistant is already working for you.

2. Personality.

Professionalism and personality go hand in hand. Having a great personality can mean a lot especially if the assistant is required to interact with clients. You surely would not want someone that is surly and rude when dealing with clients.

In addition, choose someone that is driven and enthusiastic about work. How the person carry himself is also another means of checking if that person has the confidence it takes to carry on tasks that will be assigned later on.

3. Skills.

The unlimited skills of virtual assistants are what make them valuable to their employers. Most of them are highly trained and skilled in different tasks. Another thing that sets them apart is their ability to adapt and learn about new things in the process of working.

You should set your skills requirement even before you hire a virtual assistant. Make a list of the most important skills you need and technologies that the assistant will use. Review the list with the virtual assistant during the interview so you are assured that the person knows about what you want done.

4. Experience.

It is always wise to ask first about past work experiences of the virtual assistant. It is also a good idea to check out the references presented to you. The more experience the virtual assistant has, the more you are assured that you are getting what your money is worth.

Take the time to check out past work like websites, contents and sample work. You can ask them to take some preliminary tests to see if the result jives with your expectations.

5. Availability.

Keep in mind that virtual assistants are not anywhere near you. This is why you need to come up with a work schedule that suits both of you perfectly. Are you fine with them working for you in real time or not? Are you also amenable with correspondence through emails or other forms of online communication?

Make sure that the virtual assistant is available whenever you need him or her. The important factor when hiring a virtual assistant is trust. And you need to be assured that the assistant will be able to keep up with the trust and the tasks that you have given.

Review the things above before and during the process of getting a virtual assistant. These things are the assurance you need when you still have doubts about whether you are getting the perfect virtual employee.