We all know how important it is to hire the right person. The right person can make your work easier and help your business grow. On the other hand, if you hire the wrong person, it could set back your business and cause you extra time at work and stress. When hiring a remote administrative assistant, it can be tough to know exactly what skills to be on the lookout for. There are different skill levels of virtual assistants, so there is no “one-size-fits-all” level of skill a virtual assistant will possess. However, there are some clear-cut skills you will want to look for when hiring a virtual assistant.
Tech Savvy
If you’re hiring a remote administrative assistant, chances are you’re looking for someone who can perform all of their duties without having to ask for help. That means they have to be able to use the tools and platforms your business relies on, such as email, scheduling programs, and document-sharing platforms.
Resourceful
A remote assistant should be able to identify and solve problems on their own—and not just ones that are easy for them to solve. They should also be able to identify and solve problems that are difficult or impossible for them to solve (e.g., “I need this file by tomorrow morning” or “Can you find me an expert in this field?”). In other words, they should be capable of thinking outside of the box when faced with unexpected challenges!
Detail Oriented
A remote assistant is the right person to have at your disposal if you have a lot of tasks that need to be done and you’re looking for someone who can take care of them. They’re responsible for keeping track of everything, so they need to be detail-oriented. This means they’ll be able to keep your calendar organized, track any commitments you have made, and ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
Multitasking Ability
When managing several different projects at once, you must manage each one effectively while still staying on top of other aspects of your job. You’ll need multitasking ability to stay focused on what needs to be done right now while also remembering what’s coming up next.
Ability to Work Independently
A virtual administrative assistant should be able to work independently, but that doesn’t mean you should hire someone afraid to ask for help if they need it. A great virtual assistant will have all the skills and experience necessary to be successful on their own. Still, they’ll also be able to admit when they need assistance or a second pair of eyes.
Great Communication Skills
virtual assistants must communicate clearly with their clients to complete tasks effectively and efficiently. The best way to see if your candidate has great communication skills is through their writing samples. Whether in emails or regular correspondence, make sure they can write plainly and clearly on any topic.
Team Player
A virtual assistant is a team player, and they should be able to demonstrate that in their work. If you’re hiring them to work with your remote team, they should show that they can collaborate effectively with other remote workers. They should also be able to show that they can handle feedback, criticism, and ideas from others without getting defensive or feeling personally attacked.
Adaptability
Hiring a virtual administrative assistant is easier said than done. Not only do you have to find someone with all the right skills, but they also need to be able to adapt quickly as your needs change over time. Make sure your future virtual assistant can easily adjust their methods and processes when necessary, or else you’ll be stuck with someone who isn’t willing or able to evolve with your company!
Authoritative
A good virtual assistant is authoritative, meaning they have a strong sense of what’s right and wrong, and they’re confident in their own opinions. They don’t just take orders—they give them too. They’ll provide solutions to problems and go the extra mile to ensure you’re satisfied with their work.
Proactive
The best virtual assistants are proactive and can anticipate your needs. They can manage their own time effectively, so they have time to think ahead and prepare for what’s coming up next.
If you’re looking for a virtual assistant who can anticipate your needs and help you stay on top of things, look for someone proactive.
The skills of an administrative assistant
In summary, you should ask for competent (and hard-working) communication skills. Time management and attention to detail are also key. And because punctuality is a big deal for most companies, look for a candidate that understands time management and scheduling.
Ready to enhance your team with a top-tier remote administrative assistant? Contact us today to find your perfect match and drive your business forward!
Frequently Asked Quesions
Look for candidates with strong tech proficiency, resourcefulness, attention to detail, multitasking ability, independence, communication skills, and adaptability.
Ask about their experience with relevant tools and platforms, request examples of previous work involving technology, and consider administering skill-based assessments or tests.
Resourcefulness entails the ability to identify and solve problems independently, including tackling challenges beyond routine tasks and thinking creatively to find solutions.
Attention to detail is crucial as remote assistants are responsible for organizing tasks, managing calendars, and ensuring nothing falls through the cracks amidst multiple responsibilities.
Yes, effective multitasking is essential for managing various projects simultaneously while maintaining focus and meeting deadlines.
Clear and effective communication is vital for remote assistants to collaborate with clients and team members, convey information accurately, and understand task requirements.
Seek candidates who demonstrate adaptability and a willingness to adjust their approaches as business requirements evolve. Look for examples of past experiences where they successfully adapted to changing circumstances.
