In today’s world, it seems like everyone is trying to do more with less time.
It is especially true for business owners and entrepreneurs.
Often, there isn’t enough time in the day to get everything done.
If this sounds like you, consider hiring a virtual assistant.
A virtual assistant can help you take care of some tasks that take too much of your time.
In this article, we will discuss how to find a virtual assistant and the different methods you can use today.
What To Look For in a Virtual Assistant
Before you can complete the process of hiring a virtual assistant (VA), you need to know what to look for.
1. Communication Skills
A VA should have excellent communication skills.
It is part of the very definition of a virtual assistant and its duties.
A VA needs to communicate effectively and efficiently through email, phone, and video conferencing.
2. Technological Skills
A virtual assistant must be comfortable using technology.
A VA will use different software, programs, and platforms.
For example, you might want your virtual assistant to use a project management tool like Asana or Trello.
3. Time Management Skills
Since a virtual assistant will take on some of your tasks, they must have excellent time management skills.
They will need to prioritize tasks and know how to manage their time efficiently.
4. Attention to Detail
When hiring a virtual assistant, pay attention to how they communicate with you.
Do they seem detail-oriented?
A good virtual assistant will ask questions and take the time to understand your needs.
5. Professionalism
Last but not least, look for a professional virtual assistant.
A professional virtual assistant will behave and communicate in a way that represents your company well.
What Is the Average Cost of a Virtual Assistant?
The average hourly rate for a virtual assistant is $15-$50.
Some excellent VAs can garner as much as $70 per hour.
However, the actual cost will depend on the type of work you’re hiring for and the experience of the virtual assistant.
For example, a VA who provides administrative support will likely charge a lower rate than a VA who provides marketing or graphic design services.
Always keep in mind that virtual assistants expect a living wage. Take into account their experience and skills and pay them fairly.
Where To Find a Virtual Assistant
Now that you know what to look for in a virtual assistant and how much they cost, where can you find one?
Here are some of the best places to start your search.
Best Countries to Outsource VA Work To
One way to organize your search for your virtual assistant is to look into the countries where they might live.
1. The Philippines
The Philippines represent one of the more popular outsourcing countries.
It’s not hard to see why when you consider how many people speak English there.
The Philippines offers a large pool of workers to choose from.
You can find virtual assistants with varying skills and experience levels.
The cost of living is relatively low in the Philippines, which means virtual assistants from the country will likely charge lower rates.
2. India
Another popular outsourcing country is India. India has the second-largest population in the world.
It means there is a large pool of workers to choose from.
One of the benefits of hiring a virtual assistant from India is that they are often more affordable than VAs from other countries.
The cost of living is lower in India than in many other countries.
3. Brazil
If you’re looking for a Brazilian virtual assistant, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.
Like the Philippines and India, you will probably find that Brazilian virtual assistants are affordable due to the lower cost of living in the country.
4. The US
You can find VAs with all types of skills and experience levels in America.
One of the benefits of hiring a virtual assistant from the United States is that they will likely have a good understanding of Western culture and how to conduct business expertly.
5. The UK
The UK is a smaller country, but it has a lot of talent to offer.
Similar to America, you will likely find VAs with your desired skills and ability to expertly perform virtual assistant tasks.
6. China
China is another country with a large population.
You may discover that hiring a Chinese virtual assistant will result in paying lower rates than VAs from other countries.
7. Singapore
Last but not least, Singapore is a place to look for a virtual assistant.
The country has a large population of highly educated workers.
You’re sure to find a virtual assistant with the skills and experience needed to perform your required VA tasks.
Sites To Find VAs On
Several virtual assistant websites exist that help with the VA hiring process.
1. Upwork
Upwork offers a convenient platform that connects businesses with freelancers.
You can use the site to post your virtual assistant job and receive applications from interested candidates.
2. Fiverr
Fiverr is a website that allows businesses to connect with freelancers who offer services in a wide range of industries.
Consider using the site to find virtual assistants with the skills you need to get the job done.
3. Task Virtual
At Task Virtual, you can connect with pre-vetted virtual assistants who have the skills and experience you need.
The site offers a convenient three-step process.
- Select a pricing plan
- Commit to the play via PayPal
- Send your task and have it done
4. FreeUp
FreeUp is a website that offers businesses a curated list of the best freelancers in various industries.
The company advertises itself as a conduit into the top 1% of online virtual assistant talent.
5. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a business networking site.
You can search LinkedIn to find virtual assistants in your network or to post your job and receive applications from interested candidates.
6. Virtual Staff Finder
At Virtual Staff Finder, you can gain access to dedicated Filipino virtual assistants.
The service sets you up with the following process.
- Sign up with a new account
- Receive recommendations based on your needs
- Test VA candidates
- Interview your top three choices
- Hire your preferred virtual assistant
7. MyOutDesk
MyOutDesk helps you scale your business faster by hiring VA help.
The company offers services essential for those in hybrid work schedule situations.
- Marketing
- Administrative support
- Sales development
- Inside sales
- Real estate help
- Recruiting
- Customer support
8. Indeed
Indeed is a job board where you can post your virtual assistant job and receive applications from interested candidates.
How To Find a Virtual Assistant
Let’s review tips for finding the most effective virtual assistant for your business.
1. Figure Out What You Want From a VA
To achieve success with the VA hiring process, become clear about what you want from a virtual assistant.
What tasks do you need the VA to complete? Do you require someone with specific skills or experience?
Do you need them to perform general tasks, such as documenting workflows?
2. Post a Job Ad
After you know what you want from a virtual assistant, it’s time to find candidates.
One way to find VAs is to post a job ad.
You can post your job ad on freelancing websites, such as Upwork or Fiverr.
You can also post your job on job boards, such as Indeed or LinkedIn.
3. Conduct Interviews
After you’ve received applications, it’s time to conduct interviews.
During the interview process, ask how the VA would approach the tasks you need them to complete.
4. Try Paid Test Work
After you’ve interviewed candidates, it’s a good idea to try a paid test task.
It will help you determine if the virtual assistant is a good fit for your business.
5. Hire the Right VA
After you’ve tried a paid test task, it’s time to hire the right virtual assistant.
When hiring a VA, consider the following factors.
- Skills and experience
- Ability to communicate effectively
- Willingness to learn new things
- Availability
6. How To Find a Virtual Assistant in the Philippines
If you’re looking for a virtual assistant in the Philippines, there is one certain way to find candidates.
Use the aforementioned Virtual Staff Finder service.
The company specializes in sourcing VAs from the Philippines.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you still have questions, here are the answers to two commonly asked questions.
What is the best way to find a virtual assistant?
There is no definitive answer to this question.
Different businesses have different needs, and what works for one company might not work for another.
To get started, use one of the methods we’ve provided above.
Is it hard to find virtual assistants willing to work?
No, it’s not hard to find virtual assistants willing to work.
There is a large pool of talented VAs available.
The challenge is finding the right VA for your business.
To do this, you need to become clear about your needs.
Wrapping Up
Now that you understand how to find a virtual assistant, it’s time to get started.
Remember, the key is finding someone qualified and trustworthy.
Do your research and take the time to interview candidates before making a decision.
Please leave a comment below if you have additional VA questions.
Or, begin your search by using the resources we’ve provided to you above.
