Select an Exceptional VA for your Business with 5 Easy Tips By Fiona Kesby

 

Over the years I have recruited in many different industries (IT, Hospitality, Construction, Engineering & Recruitment), many types of positions (Admin to CEO, Blue collar to Engineering, Mainframe programmers to Java Developers) and in many different locations around the world (Australia, PNG, Fiji, Samoa, & Philippines), I have recruited on behalf of clients, internally for an employer and personally for myself and family businesses. My success rate has always been high. I often thought I had a sixth sense, until I read Malcolm Gladwell’s Blink!!

What I have applied in interviewing locally in Australia has served me well over the years and with international expat recruitment . Now applying my methodology to local talent in Cebu, Philippines with a different culture.

It is more than just the questions (email me at fiona@go-va.com.au and I will send you a list). Whether you choose to use a freelancer website, staff finding service or managed operations - the following 5 tips have helped me over the years and I hope it can help you too..

Yes it really is that easy - don’t over complicate it

Tip 1) The Resume is well formatted and the applicant has a history of longevity from previous employers. I personally look for 2 years plus +

Tip 2) Test.

• English, many people have excellent spoken English - the key is Comprehension. Do they really understand what you are asking them? Set the standard high on English Comprehension. There are many free online tools. Test yourself first to set the benchmark.
• Typing Test - heaps of free online to chose from. You want a fast accurate typist
• Most important test is a sample of the work you need them to complete. Eg if you are a recruitment agency get them to reformat a resume or reply to an email.
• Email written questions on a word document and ask them to complete. Pick from my top 20. This gives you a chance to see formatting, punctuation, sentence construction and grammar.
• Personality Profile. Use the same one you would for your own team. If you have never profiled before try a free online test there are many. Test yourself first to help compare. A free one to get you started http://www.16personalities.com/. ESTJ from experience has been the best fit for a VA. Followed by ESFJ.

Tip 3) Use hobbies and interests as a bench-mark. Chose someone with similar interests to yourself. I always look for a healthy allrounder. And run a mile if an applicant tells you their main hobby is “surfing the internet”...they will be spending their work time watching youtube videos and online gaming.

Tip 4) Choose a VA that has lived or traveled in another country. My own personal team have all worked in Malaysia, Singapore, Middle East and even Australia. It shows they can step outside their comfort zone and have experience working with Foreigners. They get my sense of humor and have a very similar work ethic.

Tip 5) Set the bar high on quality, and I mean on everything from their resume, tests, appearance (meet them virtually online), written and verbal communication skills - and don’t compromise - EVER! It is a marathon not a sprint. Take your time to hire - I mean in the search and when you find the right one - offer fast.

Fiona Kesby is the CEO of GO-VA.com.au an Australian owned and operated Managed Operations & VA Staff finder provider in Cebu, Philippines. Fiona currently lives in Cebu and has experience offshoring tasks since 2008. You can contact her on fiona@go-va.com.au