Hiring a virtual assistant can be a game-changer for your business. They can help with a range of tasks, from administrative work to social media management, freeing up your time to focus on the important aspects of your business.

But the first step to finding a great virtual assistant who is a good fit for your company is asking the right questions during the interview process.

In this blog post, we'll break down the questions you should be asking during an interview to find a great virtual assistant.

Start with the basics:

1. What experience do you have as a virtual assistant?

Find out if they have worked remotely before and if they have experience with the type of tasks you will be assigning them. For example, a virtual assistant with relevant experience can hit the ground running, while someone new to the role may need more time to get up to speed.

2. How do you manage your time?

Time management is a crucial skill for a virtual assistant. You want someone who can prioritize tasks and manage their workload effectively. Ask the candidate how they manage their time and what tools they use to stay organized. A great virtual assistant will have a system to ensure they meet deadlines and complete tasks efficiently.

3. What's your ideal work environment?

Understanding their work style can help you determine if they'll align well with you and your team.

4. How do you handle confidential information?

It's important to know how they handle confidential information and what measures they have in place to ensure its security. For example, a great virtual assistant will be trustworthy and have a system to protect sensitive data.

5. How do you handle multiple projects at once?

Virtual assistants often work on multiple projects simultaneously, so ask them how they prioritize tasks and manage their workload when they have multiple projects. A great virtual assistant can balance multiple projects without sacrificing quality or missing deadlines.

6. What are your technical skills?

Ask them what software programs they are familiar with and their experience with tools such as email marketing, project management, and social media platforms.

7. What is your availability?

Virtual assistants often work flexible hours, but it's important to know the candidate's availability. Ask them how many hours they are available each week and their preferred working hours.

After you’ve covered the basis you’ll want to ask additional questions directly related to the role. These 9 bonus questions will help you decide if this person is a match!

1. Can you describe your previous experience working as a virtual assistant, and how did you handle the challenges that came with the job?
2. How do you prioritize and manage your workload effectively while working remotely, and what tools do you use to stay organized?
3. Can you tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult client or project and how did you handle it?
4. How do you ensure clear and effective communication with your clients when working virtually, and what methods have you found most effective?
5. What's your level of proficiency with various software programs such as Excel, Word, and Google Suite, and how have you used them in previous roles?
6. How do you stay current with the latest technology and software tools in the virtual assistant industry, and what resources do you use for self-improvement?
7. Do you use any productivity or AI tools?
8. Can you tell me about a project or task you completed that you were particularly proud of and what made it stand out?
9. How do you balance your work and personal life while working remotely, and what strategies do you use to maintain a healthy work-life balance?

With these questions in mind and the screening process created by Sally, you can confidently hire a great virtual assistant who can help take your business to the next level. Are you ready to find the perfect virtual assistant for you? Book a call today!