Hiring a virtual assistant can make a huge difference to your workload. When you’re trying to run a business, it’s easy to get buried under emails, admin, planning and constant small tasks. A virtual assistant steps in, takes those jobs off your hands and gives you more time to focus on the work that matters.
But finding the right person takes a bit of thought. There are plenty of VAs out there and not all of them will suit your business or the way you like to work. These six steps will help you choose someone reliable, organised and genuinely helpful.
Hire from a Reputable Company
If you’re new to hiring a VA, working with a trusted company can save you a lot of time. Instead of scrolling through endless profiles, a reputable agency will match you with someone who already has the right skills. They’ll check references, run tests and make sure the VA is a good fit before you ever speak to them.
It also reduces risk. You know the VA has been vetted properly and you won’t have to deal with guesswork or surprises later.
Look for Prior Experience
Experience matters when you need someone who can get stuck in from day one. A VA with background in your industry will understand your daily pressures, the type of customers you deal with and the tools you use. That means they’ll settle in faster and need less guidance.
If you can’t find someone with direct experience, don’t panic. Look for someone who has worked in a similar field or handled similar tasks. Skills like customer service, admin support or marketing work often transfer well between industries.
Know What You’re Looking For
Before you start hiring, take time to write down exactly what you need. If you’re looking at virtual assistant services in UK, it helps to be clear on the tasks you want covered and the level of support you expect each week.
It also helps to list the skills you consider essential and the ones that would be nice to have. You might want someone confident with spreadsheets, customer messages or social media updates.
Be Clear with Your Communication
Clear communication makes the hiring process smoother for both sides. Be upfront about what you need, what you expect and how you like to work. Talk about hours, tasks, deadlines and pay early in the conversation. This helps you filter out candidates who don’t fit your routine or your budget.
Time zone can also affect how well you work together. You don’t need to be online at the exact same time, but an overlap helps with quick questions and daily updates.
Look for Someone with Initiative
A great VA doesn’t just complete tasks. They think ahead, spot gaps and look for ways to make your life easier. Someone who shows initiative can add real value to your business.
During the interview, ask questions that reveal how they think. Give them a scenario and ask how they’d handle it. Ask about a project they’re proud of and why. You’ll quickly see who problem-solves and who waits to be told what to do.
Check Their Time Management Skills
Time management is one of the most important skills a VA can have. They need to juggle tasks, meet deadlines and stay organised without constant reminders. If they fall behind, it can create a knock-on effect for the rest of your business.
To check this, you can ask about how they plan their day and how they manage busy workloads. Some people use aptitude tests or small timed tasks to get a feel for their approach.
Do a Trial Before You Commit
A short trial period is one of the best ways to make sure you’ve found the right fit. It gives you time to see how they communicate, how they work and how they handle real tasks. It also gives them a chance to see if the role suits them.
Make sure you agree on a simple, written plan for the trial. Include hours, tasks and the option for either of you to walk away if it doesn’t feel right. A good trial protects both sides and helps you avoid long-term issues.
Hiring a virtual assistant is an easy way to lighten your workload and grow your business without taking on a full-time employee.
Read more:
A Step-by-Step Guide to Hiring the Right Virtual Assistant