Getting Started: Steps for Hiring Your First Executive Assistant
Once you have decided that hiring a work-at-home virtual assistant is the right move for your business, there are several steps to take when getting started to ensure success for you and your new VA.
Consider the following:
1. Identify Your Needs - Take some time to consider what work needs to be done and if it is something that could be handled by a virtual assistant. List out the tasks that you no longer want on your to-do list or that no longer are the best use of your time. Then determine which skill sets are necessary to complete those tasks.
2. Research Potential Hires - Once you have identified your needs, it is time to start the search for potential virtual assistants. If you want a team to rely on for support, instead of just one contracted virtual assistant, a VA agency is the way to go. If one of the team members is out of the office, another can step in. There are many different virtual assistant routes you can choose from, based on the needs you identified in step one.
3. Vet Potential Candidates - Don’t just take someone’s word that they are qualified; ask them questions regarding their skillset and previous work experience so that you know exactly who you are hiring. You should also make sure that the candidate understands what the job responsibilities entail and ask them how they plan to work with you.
4. Monitor Progress - Monitor their work closely and provide feedback where needed. Using a task management board, like Monday.com, will help you monitor work without feeling like you are micromanaging. This will help build trust between you and your virtual assistant and ensure that everyone is on the same page going forward.
Following these steps when getting started with hiring your first virtual assistant will help ensure that you find someone who is qualified and a good fit for your business. With the right virtual assistant, you can offload work and free up your time to focus on other aspects of running a successful business.
Good luck!