Today, it’s no longer a question of whether you need to hire a virtual assistant (VA) or not. The internet, social media, and smartphones have changed people’s lives so much that taking one’s business online has become a necessity. This is true whether you have a company that’s been passed down from several generations or you’re merely starting an online business.

Fortunately, you don’t have to go through the trouble of finding and interviewing possible candidates. There are many credible outsourcing companies like 20Four7VA that help entrepreneurs connect with the right person to make their life easier.

How to Find the Best Virtual Assistant for Your Business

On your end, you just need to know how to pick the best virtual assistant for your business. Have a look at these three tips to help your outsourcing efforts:

1 - Know the Tasks You Need to Outsource

Before connecting with a reputable outsourcing company, you must decide what tasks you need to let go of.

Do you need a content writer to make your website and blog more creative and appealing?

Does administrative work eat up most of your time?

Will a website designer make you more productive?

Being clear about the tasks you need your VA to do will help the outsourcing company pool the best candidates. When the outsourcing team has an overview of your job description, candidates can also decide if they have the appropriate skill set and relevant background for the job. 

2 - Conduct Appropriate Tests and Comprehensive Interviews

Many business owners fall short on this step. The clearest way to determine that a candidate is best for you is assessing their skills through appropriate evaluations.

Do you need a virtual personal assistant who will answer emails and manage the administrative side of your company? Have them do a typing and email correspondence test.

Do you need a VA to manage social media and general customer relations?
Give possible scenarios during the interview to find out how they will handle the situation.

Talking to the candidates through Skype or phone interviews will help you get to know them beyond their CVs. Besides, interviews will give you a feel if the candidate has the personality that will fit in with your work culture.

3 - Do a Background Check and Job Training

Checking in with your VA’s previous employers will give you another perspective of how they are as an employee. What are their strengths? What areas can they improve on? Find these out so you know what to expect when working with them. Once you decide that the candidate is fit to join your team, make sure to provide appropriate training.

Many business owners hand over tasks without appropriate orientation. The training does not have to eat up a lot of your working hours. It should just be sufficient enough to help the VA do their best work. Besides, orienting your VA from the get-go means minimum supervision and mistakes when they’re already settled in.

Conclusion

VA’s are there to help you manage your company, but for them to do that, you also need to do your end of the bargain. These tips on how to pick the right virtual assistant for your business will help you there.

Catherine vanVonno, our guest author, is the President and Executive Director of 20Four7VA, a global Virtual Assistant (VA) Service Provider.

She holds a doctorate degree in Applied Statistics, Research Design and Program Evaluation from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and has over 10 years experience in facilitating evidence-based strategic planning, product development, brand management, legislative communications, and medical policy. She is married and has four children.

You can also reach her on Twitter @20four7VA.