Interviewing VAs just on job tasks is not enough. I strive to have initial meetings to be more than just the tasks that need to be done, because any professional can figure out what you want and find/learn to do it your way. It takes good communication to execute any task.

It really is about finding the right fit for both client and VA.

Very nice blog. Provide us a great level of insight into hiring a virtual assistant.

However, any method we choose to find an assistant (either by search engine or freelancer websites), we must know and understand capabilities of our VA, got to know each other in order to make long-term association.

Finally, I must say it is very difficult to find a VA who is in sync with your working style, if you want to keep them for long.

Thanks
J

I have a business that I hope to be launching soon. It should have been MUCH sooner but I kept going through programmers that were recommended by online acquaintances and months have slipped by me with this business.

I decided to find a programmer on my own and after doing a few searches on Google targeting specific keywords like CSS, Wordpress and so on I came across a gentleman by the name of Keith.

I quickly discovered ODesk thanks to Keith’s e-mail address and found that he is a member of that freelance site. While my arrangements with him are outside of ODesk I have created an account on that site and will probably end up using it to find other highly talented people like Keith.

I highly agree with your recommendation but I would caution people to keep in mind that it isn’t always the freelance web portal that provides the quality; it is still necessary that you get to know your freelancer / Virtual Assistant and their capabilities.

JJ

And we who HIRE VA’s have to understand, it’s a two way street. If you’re a jerk, can’t pay on time or have no clear vision of what you want or don’t listen – YOU might be the one who gets fired.

Ramon Ray, Editor & Technology Evangelist, Smallbiztechnology.com

It is most probably better to get referrals from people you know as you may never meeet the VA. Try a video interview through MSN or Skype. This will give you a better idea of the VA’s work envirnoment. You might be able to see how well organised they are from what you might be able to glance.

David’s last blog post..PROTECT YOURSELF FROM FRAUDALENT PROMOS

I’ve seen some clients love one particular VA and a few other clients completely dislike that very same VA.

Most of the time the biggest disagreement is based off of personality clashes so make sure you get to talk to your potential VA a couple times to get an idea of not only what their abilities are but also how well your initial conversations play out.

JJ

I accept “thank you” gifts up to $1,000.00 via cash, check, money order or Western Union Moneygram.

Aaron at FullTiltBlogging.com’s last blog post..Lead Blogging: Seducing the Subscriber

Sincerely,

Teresa Morrow

Most of the networks have a form that prospective clients can fill out to get VA responses. And the networks are about building up the industry, providing training and coaching, and accreditation.

These are usually a much better avenue to go to in order to engage the services of a professional VA with industry backup and support when needed. Also through these networks, it means the VA you engage has others to refer to if you need services that the one VA can’t provide, thereby building up a team of support services. It also means that if he/she is ill or plans to go on leave, you will have access to backup support with complete handover and assured confidentiality.

Kathie Thomas, A Claytons Secretary’s last blog post..What Dictionary Are You Using?

http://www.VirtualVocations.com

It was amazing the difference in quality over the other places I advertised.