Where to Find a Virtual Assistant: Top Sources and Strategies

The support that helps you to manage your workload is really important. The advent of virtual assistants has come as a blessing for many, as they offer different kinds of remote help with all sorts of daily tasks and responsibilities. To make your choice of dependable virtual assistant easier, this article delineates major sources and methods to think about. Before you start the work to recruit a virtual assistant, it is crucial that you understand what that person will be doing.

What is the role of a virtual assistant?

A virtual assistant is capable of giving remote support that is administrative, technical or creative. They are in charge of emails, setting up meetings, researching, and managing social media. You can direct your efforts towards the expansion of your company by passing on the minor but time-consuming tasks to the virtual assistants. By outsourcing the roles of scheduling, research, and email management to online virtual assistants, you can concentrate on the growth of your business while they take care of the minutiae.

Virtual assistants are using advanced software tools to do their jobs. They are very good at using Trello or Asana to know what to do and when. Apart from that, they are also using Slack or Microsoft Teams for communication. The technology adaptability of virtual assistants will be a key point in your decision-making process when hiring for your business.

Specialized services for specific industries is one service VAs also offer. A virtual assistant in the real estate sector can, for instance, handle the listings, organize the open houses and get in touch with the buyers. The utilization of their skills can lead to an increase in the overall productivity of your company. In case you have already selected a virtual assistant, express your needs clearly so that he/she can meet them in the right way.

Trending Now

Hiring of a virtual assistant is a complete turnaround for businesses with respect to the handling of daily tasks. The practice of outsourcing to virtual helpers or other non-employees assists in the simplification of operations and leads to lower costs. Zippia reveals that annual job outsourcing reaches 300,000, with 59% of the firms opting for this route due to the savings. The very act of outsourcing allows the companies to hand over the routine work to the pros and the in-house employees are left to do the important activities. The Philippines and India are the most sought-after places for outsourcing, especially when it comes to call centers and tech support. A business should be very clear with its objectives if it intends to reap the benefits from outsourcing before engaging a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) service.

Identifying Your Business Needs

To strike a fruitful alliance, it is essential that you measure your workload and make a list of the particular skills you require. This analysis will help you where to find a virtual assistant who is going to satisfy your needs in a proper manner.

In the process of pinpointing your business requirements, take into consideration both the present workload and any future projects. Being proactive will enable you to hire a virtual assistant with the required skills and experience for the future trials.

Assessing Your Workload

First, it is necessary to make a list of routines, which include daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. After that, pinpoint the less productive and more time-consuming activities. By knowing what you have to do, you can delegate some of the work to a virtual assistant and thus allocate your time in a better way.

Going through your workload can also help you spot the recurring jobs which can either be automated or made simple through the use of technology. For example, if a tax calculator for freelancers is used, the financial management is no longer a cumbersome task and, thus, more time is available for a virtual assistant. By streamlining your operations and using technology, you can focus on the few important projects that still need your attention.

Determining the Skills You Require

Once you identify your workload, determine the skills you need in a virtual assistant. Focus on tasks that require specialized knowledge, like graphic design or content writing. This will help you in finding a virtual assistant that will help you succeed.

Also, consider the soft skills needed for good collaboration, like communication and time management. A virtual assistant with these skills can complete tasks efficiently and improve your working relationship. This boosts overall productivity.

Where to find a virtual assistant?

The moment you have realized your requirements, the next step will be to go through the best place to find a virtual assistant.

So many ways in which you can go about it. It is possible to find an assistant through means other than online freelancing platforms, which would be perfectly suited for your business.

Online Freelance Platforms

The job can be thoroughly described, applicants’ profiles can be checked and reviews written by the past employers can be read on freelance platforms. Such platforms are a great place to search for virtual assistants with different skills, backgrounds and locations. Take a look at their profiles and portfolios and then choose the one who suits your needs the best. Getting a virtual assistant via freelancer platforms is one method to do this:

• Upwork
• Freelancer
• OnlineJobs.ph
• Fiverr

One advantage that comes with using these platforms is the ability to see the ratings and reviews left by the customers before, who had hired the freelancers. This reveals the traits such as work ethic, communication and the virtual assistant’s performance in the data entry task. Dispute resolution services are provided by many platforms as well, thus adding an extra layer of security.

Virtual Assistant Outsourcing Companies

On the other hand, if a more personalized service is what you want, then working with virtual assistant outsourcing companies is the way to go. These companies are responsible for vetting and training the virtual assistants according to the specific quality standards. You will have access to pre-screened virtual assistant service candidates and continuous support and management. Make sure to clearly state your needs so they can assign you with the best fitting virtual assistant.

The process of selecting virtual assistant outsourcing companies is very strict and involves many steps. They interview applicants, test their skills and check their references to be sure about the capabilities of their candidates. This full vetting not only cuts the time you would have spent hiring the right candidate but also enables you to devote that time to other business tasks.

Social Media and Professional Networks

Connecting with virtual assistants is made easier with the use of social media platforms, for example LinkedIn and Facebook groups, as the communication is direct. You will have the opportunity to interact with the candidates and get to know their qualifications and experience in the fields of administration and social media management. A good way of finding the right skilled virtual assistants is also by joining professional networks and participating in industry forums.

When you opt for social media to look for a virtual assistant, be careful. Make it a point to thoroughly research and authenticate the candidates’ credentials. Ask for references from industry colleagues as a way of checking their reliability.

Diving into various sources certainly raises the odds of coming across the ideal virtual assistant. The perfect virtual assistant will be able to work alongside your company without any issue and assist you in achieving your objectives.

Strategies for Hiring the Right Virtual Assistant

Now that you have imagined possibilities, let strategies do the effective assisting for hiring the right virtual assistant.

While hiring, keep in mind not only the technical skills but the cultural fit as well. A virtual assistant who has the same values as you will blend in quite effortlessly and even have better understanding of your needs.

Crafting an Effective Job Description

A job description having a great impact is the main factor that draws in the qualified candidates. Clearly and explicitly stating all the responsibilities of the position, required competencies, and the particular software or tools that the job seeker must know is a necessity. Speak and write extreme about the working hours, the periods when the worker will most probably be online, and moreover the communication means that the employer prefers for customer support. This will all done through an easy eliminatory process for you to identify the less suitable candidates.

Besides, furnish the candidates with the information regarding the values and the culture of your company. This will not only help the applicants in recognizing their compatibility with your company but also it will increase the probability of the role being a long-term future success.

Conducting Thorough Interviews

After you have made the candidate list, it is time to do extensive interviews. Via video calls, judge their skills in communication and the level of professionalism. Make inquiries about their past activities, ability to think critically in problem situations, and their way of handling tough times. This gives you a pretty good idea of their being “your kind of person” or your values totally opposing.

Think of giving a small practical task during the interview round. This will help you to have a glimpse of the exact skill and the candidate’s efficient manner. It will aid you in making a decision that is more substantial.

Evaluating Skills and Experience

Skills and experience of the applicants have to be tested at the time of recruitment. Ask for work examples or task performance that relate to your company. This way, you get the evidence of the candidate’s skills and make a more informed choice.

Consider getting references was also from previous clients or employers. This is helpful in gaining an understanding of their performance and dependability. A history of good performance can tell a lot about the person being right for the virtual assistant role.

Onboarding Your Virtual Assistant

The moment you have a virtual assistant that best fits the description, the next thing is to subject them to a pleasant onboarding experience. This stage is necessary for their becoming part of your enterprise and helping their successful acquisition.

Setting Clear Expectations

Talk about what you expect as regards to deadlines, quality, and communication. Be it a verbal or written, an exhaustive laydown of your business practices and policies will be a great help to your virtual assistant in getting around your organization and being an efficient worker.

Not only in the course of onboarding but also your company’s core values and mission should be imparted. The working together to accomplish your business goals will give the employee that sense of purpose and motivation. Besides, it will always be the case that your virtual assistant has completely bonded with his/her role.

Establishing Communication Channels

Without a doubt, the selection and creation of efficient communication channels with your virtual assistant are essential for smooth cooperation. Talk about preferred ways like e-mail, instant messaging, or project management tools. Consequently, establishing a way that fits both will provide a surety of timely updates and coordination.

On top of that, the onboarding process also involves the periodic check-ups, which are extremely important. They help you give feedback, sort out issues and check progress. Open communication will not only build trust but also rapport, meaning your working relationship with the virtual assistant will be strong.

Providing Necessary Training and Tools

During the onboarding stage, make the virtual assistant undergo training and give necessary tools. This means access to the software, online resources, or detailed steps. Properly equipping them with the right tools means they can provide virtual assistant services successfully.

Why not form a training regimen that encompasses both technical skills and outlines your company’s culture and expectations? The virtual assistant will be able to be assured and empowered in their new role.

It is essential for the virtual assistant to have the drive to inquire and to explain any unclear points every time it is necessary. An open-door policy like this will lead to a supportive environment where they will freely ask for help.

FAQs About Finding a Virtual Assistant

Conclusion

Utilizing top-notch sources and efficient techniques, it is possible to recruit virtual helpers whose roles align with the objectives of your business. Identify what you need, scrutinize the candidates well, and create a fruitful partnership. A virtual assistant can be an asset that helps you to divert your attention from trivial matters. To the main purpose of your business, which is to grow.

Do you want to make your business operations more professional with a Virtual Assistant? Then, HelpSquad Health is the right place for you. Our experienced and bilingual agents are ready to assist you 24/7 in areas such as customer service, back-office tasks, and research. And all this is available at the starting rate of only $9 per hour. Grab this opportunity to enhance your efficiency and turn your focus on business growth. Contact us now and see the difference a virtual assistant dedicated to you can create.