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Most businesses are finding that it is better to stick to their core functions. As a result, businesses are outsourcing some of their administrative and support work to virtual assistants. If you have decided to use a virtual assistant, it is important to hire the right one for your business.

There are several factors you must consider before hiring a virtual assistant. While it is true that you can hire anyone to be your virtual assistant provided they have access to the internet, this does not mean that you should not take proper steps to screen the person before employing him/her as a virtual assistant.

The following pointers would help you decide whether to use a particular persons as a virtual assistant.

1. Experience with the Technology

There are a variety of software programs that virtual assistants can use to help you. When you are looking for a virtual assistant, you have to consider these programs and ask the person if s/he has the required experience with these programs. If possible, you should arrange for an initial run so you can test their proficiency with the program. The advantage in using virtual assistants is that you can use technology to help you save time. As a result, it is essential that a potential virtual assistant can use the required technology.

2. Speed of Work

The primary reason for using virtual assistants is to save you time. If the virtual assistant can’t complete the required tasks on hand, then there is no use hiring him or her. Before employing a virtual assistant, make sure you know how fast the assistant would work. How long would it take the assistant to accurately complete the tasks you would like them to do? Ask the person this question before employment so that you can be sure you are hiring the right assistant.

3. Work Process

You should not micro manage your virtual assistant as that defeats the purpose of hiring him or her in the first place. However, you have to know the process the virtual assistant is using to complete the work for you. Some virtual assistants outsource the work to others and try to make money on the wage arbitrage involved. Although this may not be a problem if it is done without loss of quality in the required work, it is vital that you and the virtual assistant come to an understanding on what may be done and not be done in the business relationship.

You should use the above tips as a starting guide in screening the many applications you would undoubtedly get when you advertise the role for a virtual assistant. We hope you would be able to hire an assistant that would help your business save valuable time. At Ace Employment, we can also help you save valuable time by assisting you in fulfilling your staffing needs.