8 essential dos and don’ts of hiring virtual assistants

Hiring virtual assistants often means recruiting remote staff, frequently from outsourcing hubs such as the Philippines.

Growing businesses are able to tap into talented, English-speaking professionals to support a wide range of operations. These companies reduce overhead, delegate routine tasks, streamline administrative work, and gain flexibility in staffing

According to Nikkei Asia, the Philippines supplies about 13% of virtual assistants on Upwork, highlighting its role as a global talent hub. Over 1.5 million Filipino VAs serve international clients, offering an affordable, educated workforce well‑versed in remote collaboration.

To help firms, this article outlines eight essential points, covering the dos and don’ts of hiring virtual assistants. Read on to hire wisely and build a productive, reliable remote support team.

What services virtual assistants offer

Hiring a virtual assistant can feel like gaining an extra set of hands without the added costs of in-office staff. Business owners looking to save time and scale faster often turn to skilled professionals in the Philippines, one of the most trusted sources for virtual support.

Reputable platforms like VirtualStaff.ph connect companies to experienced Filipino VAs who bring strong communication skills, technical know-how, and a strong work ethic to the table.

These seasoned remote professionals specialize in an array of services such as:

Administrative support

Filipino virtual assistants handle day-to-day administrative work, including calendar management, email handling, data entry, and file organization.

These routine tasks, although simple, consume hours of a business owner’s time. Delegating them allows leaders to focus on higher-value activities.

Customer service

Companies hire seasoned VAs to manage customer inquiries through email, phone, or chat. Filipino VAs are known for their professional tone and excellent English proficiency, making them ideal for front-line support roles.

They help maintain a positive brand image and keep customers satisfied.

Social media management

Remote assistants can schedule posts, respond to comments, track analytics, and develop basic content. Business owners looking to maintain an active online presence often outsource this role to tech-savvy VAs who understand various social media platforms.

E-commerce support

For online sellers, Filipino VAs assist in managing product listings, processing orders, coordinating shipments, and handling returns. They also communicate with customers, making them valuable assets to any e-commerce operation.

Bookkeeping and invoicing

Some experienced virtual assistants specialize in finance-related tasks such as managing invoices, tracking expenses, and using accounting tools like QuickBooks or Xero. Their support helps business owners stay organized and avoid financial discrepancies.

Hiring through VirtualStaff.ph provides access to pre-vetted professionals who are ready to support your growing business.

8 dos and don’ts of hiring virtual assistants

Hiring a virtual assistant can be a winning move, especially for busy entrepreneurs and small business owners trying to reclaim their time. However, finding the right VA requires more than just scanning resumes and setting up interviews.

Without a clear strategy, organizations risk hiring someone who doesn’t align with their goals or work style. To avoid setbacks and make the most of this investment, it’s important to understand these dos and don’ts of hiring virtual assistants:

1. Do define the role clearly

Business owners should outline what tasks the virtual assistant will handle. A clear job description that lists responsibilities, required skills, tools, and expected working hours helps attract qualified candidates who know exactly what’s expected.

2. Do hire through trusted platforms

Using reputable providers like VirtualStaff.ph increases the chances of finding pre-vetted, skilled Filipino VAs. These platforms handle the sourcing and screening process, saving business owners time and reducing hiring risks.

3. Do communicate expectations early

Setting expectations from the start helps avoid confusion. This includes work hours, communication methods, task deadlines, and performance benchmarks. Open and early communication builds a productive working relationship.

4. Do invest in onboarding

Spending time on proper onboarding helps the VA adapt to workflows faster. Sharing company tools, resources, and procedures early gives them the direction they need to contribute effectively.

5. Don’t rush the hiring process

Choosing the first applicant without proper screening can lead to mismatched skills and costly turnover. Take time to interview, test, and evaluate multiple candidates before making a decision.

6. Don’t ignore time zone differences

Failing to consider time zone compatibility can disrupt collaboration. Hiring someone available during your business hours or willing to work a flexible schedule supports smoother communication.

7. Don’t micromanage

Constant oversight can reduce trust and negatively impact morale. Delegating tasks and allowing VAs to manage their workflow shows confidence in their abilities and encourages accountability.

8. Don’t skip performance reviews

Neglecting regular check-ins or feedback leads to misalignment over time. Periodic reviews help identify areas for improvement and keep tasks on track.

Following these dos and don’ts of hiring virtual assistants helps create a smooth working relationship and unlock long-term support for your firm.

Hire reliable full-time remote staff with VirtualStaff.ph

VirtualStaff.ph connects businesses to over 1,000,000 pre-vetted Filipino virtual assistants and professionals ready for full-time remote work. Companies gain access to skilled talent across various roles while saving on overhead costs.

The VirtualStaff Seat System offers a simple, plug-and-play way to hire reliable, full-time Filipino professionals for $500–$1,500 a month through one platform. Create an account and add your first VirtualStaff Seat in minutes. Start with one or ten, it’s up to you!

Build long-term, dedicated remote teams without the hassle of traditional hiring and scale confidently with trusted, high-quality talent ready to deliver.