How to Find a Virtual Assistant - 5 Tips

Looking for a reliable virtual assistant that you can trust with your business? One of the downfalls of hiring a virtual secretary is that oftentimes you cannot meet them in person the way you would any other employee.

However, this does not mean that you still cannot succeed in finding a reliable, productive virtual assistant; you simply have to know the five tips on how to find a virtual assistant. If you keep these tips in mind finding the perfect virtual assistant does not have to be out of reach.

1. Look at agencies for guidance

If you are new to the idea of a virtual assistant and the Internet commerce world it may be in your best interest to use a virtual assistant agency.

It can be tricky to navigate the world of Internet scams and unreliable people so allowing an agency to screen potential candidates for you can be useful.

2. Coordinate chat times with potential assistants online

You may not be able to conduct a one on one interview with your potential virtual assistant, but a great deal of your communication will be online.

So test the waters by conducting an instant messaging interview or a phone interview. This will help clarify what both parties expect from each other which can lead to better results.

3. Institute a trial period

Professional workplaces have probationary periods for many of their employees as a standard hiring process.

So, take this principle to heart and consider instituting a trial period for any virtual assistant you hire to make sure that things work out before you hand over too many of your business needs.

4. Ask for references and proof of skills

Just because you are hiring a virtual assistant online does not mean that you should not expect references.

Conduct your hiring process the same way that you would any other hiring process and ask for references and proof of their skills.

5. Test out multiple forms of communication

Communication can make or break your working relationship when it comes to a virtual assistant since you cannot walk out of your office and talk to them.

Thus, you should make sure that all forms of communication your virtual assistant offers you work before you make your final decision.