If you’re looking to outsource some of your work to a virtual assistant (VA)…
the Philippines is a great place to start. We’re Outsourced Doers, and we match time-strapped founders with Filipino VAs (we call our VAs ‘Doers’).
We go through the process of sourcing, interviewing, hiring, and training VAs…
then set them up with busy entrepreneurs. Throughout our business journey we have learnt a lot along the way. Here are our four best tips for finding a great VA in the Philippines:
1. Use a reputable agency.
There are dozens of agencies that connect businesses with Filipino VAs… so it’s important to do your research and find one that’s reputable and has good reviews.
Outsourced Doers is one of them. Pay attention to things like pricing… customer service… and the types of tasks each agency specialises in.
2. State your expectations.
This tip more so applies for those deciding to outsource directly to a Virtual Assistant. (The alternative option is to go through an agency like Outsourced Doers).
Regardless, it’s necessary to be upfront about your expectations. You don’t want to make a wrong hire, or work with an agency that cannot fulfil your needs.
When you’re creating your job listing, be clear about your expectations and what you’re looking for. Include details about the tasks you’ll need help with… the skills you’re looking for… and what hours you expect your VA to work.
This will give candidates a good sense of what the job entails and whether they’re able to meet your expectations.
By clearly stating your expectations upfront, you can save yourself a lot of time and hassle in the long run. This will help to weed out any candidates who aren’t a good fit for the job.
3. Give a skills test.
Once you’ve narrowed down your candidates, give them a skills test. This will let you see how they perform on tasks that are relevant to the job you’re looking to fill. You’ll then be able to identify the top performers and make sure they’re up to your standards.
Your skills test should include the areas you wish to outsource. For inspiration, here at Outsourced Doers, we train our VAs in the following:
– Tech
– Graphic Design
– Online Marketing
– Customer Support
– Website Building
– Social Media Management
– Lead Generation
– Automation Systems…
Just to name a few.
Don’t forget to consider the following when crafting your skills test:
– Language Test
– Speed Typing Test
– Psychometric Testing
There are then also other important things to look out for:
– Background Checks
– Police Checks
– Interview Skills
– Resume Quality and References
Now… These are all super important when it comes to making your first or next hire.
They are also very time consuming… which is why so many busy entrepreneurs instead choose to outsource through a company like Outsourced Doers.
4. Be patient
When searching for a Virtual Assistant, you need to be patient. With so many individuals offering their services online… it can be tempting to hire the first person you come across.
Yet, taking your time to find the right candidate will pay off in the long run. Not only will you find someone who is better suited to your needs… you’ll also avoid common problems that arise from working with an inexperienced VA.
So there you have it. Our four best tips for finding a great Virtual Assistant in the Philippines. By following these simple steps, you too can find someone who will help take your business to the next level.
Have you outsourced to the Philippines before? If so, what tips do you have for those just starting out? Let us know in the comments below!
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