3 Pro Tips for Hiring an Assistant Virtually

There are several small business benchmarks that demonstrate that you’re on the path to success. One of the biggest markers of success is when you need someone to help you manage your day-to-day activities. If you’re in that position, that doesn’t mean you have to expand your office to accommodate a new person. 

You can hire an assistant, virtually! Virtual assistants perform all the tasks of a traditional assistant without coming into the office. Read on for some killer tips for hiring an assistant for your business!

1. Set the Details of Job

Before you can post the job, it’s important to take some time to determine what the scope of the assistant job will be. Do you want them to screen phone calls, make appointments, or communicate with your customers? Every job duty comes with a requisite skill that your applicants will have to have. 

Once you have the duties down, you need to determine elements of the job like the hours of the job. Do you want them working full or part-time? What are the working hours for the ideal assistant?

Finally, since they are a virtual assistant, you must list the required equipment to perform the job. How much equipment and software will you give them to help perform the job? Will there be a stipend for high-speed internet?

2. Narrow Down the Applicants

Once you post the job posting, the applications will start rolling in. Plan on leaving the posting up for two or more weeks in order to capture as many applicants as possible.

Review the resumes and determine which applicants you want to interview for the job. Generally, employers select five or six potential candidates to interview for the job. You can do a phone interview, or if you want a face-to-face interview, you can conduct the interview via Zoom or FaceTime.

If you’re looking to limit the amount of time you spend reviewing applications, you can also hire here. You can browse freelance assistants and contact the ones that grab your attention.

3. Start with Smaller Projects

Once you’ve selected a promising applicant to hire, it’s important to set a probation period. Most employers make their probationary periods anywhere from 90 days to six months. This gives you leeway to let the assistant go if they don’t end up being a good fit.

If you want to get a good feel for what your new assistant can do, start them out with smaller projects to help them succeed right off the bat. As their confidence grows, give them more complex responsibilities. 

Hiring an Assistant for Your Business Doesn’t Have to Be Difficult!

Learning how to hire an assistant is the first step toward embracing the success your growing business is having. While it can be tempting to hire the first person who applies, be sure to take your time and explore your options. There’s no substitute for hiring an incredible assistant, and you’ll be so glad you waited!

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