When hiring a Virtual Assistant (VA), you need to find the right person for the job. As you may know, choosing the wrong VA for the role will be a big headache, not to mention a huge waste of time. Therefore, it makes perfect sense to ask the right interview questions, so you can identify the person that can fulfil your specific needs and job requirements. If you were hiring a PA, you would ensure you follow the necessary job interviews, so the same should apply to a VA.
Here are some question examples you can ask.
1.What are your primary skills and expertise?
You should determine if a prospective VA is qualified to assist you and has the specific skill set that matches the job description. To establish experience and background knowledge of your prospective VA, ask for a CV.
2. Will you be completing the work yourself or outsourcing?
Not all VAs carry out the work themselves as some tasks will be outsourced to someone on their team. If this is the case, then that is the person you need to speak with. You need to make sure you are hiring the right person – and you cannot do that if you are not speaking with them.
3. How many clients do you currently have and how many hours do you have available?
Once you have established how many hours you will need from your VA you need to check what hours they have available. Most VAs will already have a few clients, so it’s good to check how they manage their time and how you, as a client, will fit into that schedule.
4. What is the hourly rate, or do you offer packages?
VAs charge differently depending on the hours required and the type of work. Ask if they charge in advance or on completion, as each VA works and charges differently.
5. Check they have a Terms of Business.
Make sure your VA has a Terms of Business policy in place and you establish the working hours, timescales, notice period and payment terms. Have a clear understanding of how your VA works as it’s important to agree and understand this at the beginning of any business relationship.
6. Request references.
While there is probably reviews and testimonials on their website, or social media profiles it’s recommend that you contact either a previous or current client who can corroborate for the VA you are looking to work with. If there is any sign of hesitation on the applicant’s end when you ask this question, you might want to think twice before hiring that person.
7. Ask for their interests and hobbies.
Just like an interview find out about the person you will be potentially be working with. This is your opportunity to not only ask about skills but find out more about the person you will be working closely with.
8. Ask if they have any questions for you.
Any good VA will have plenty of questions to ask you to also establish if you are the right client for them. If they do not, this is another clear sign that maybe this person is not right for you.
