Learn How to Hire Virtual Assistants Hiring virtual assistants is not an easy task. We are usually used to assessing people by conducting face to face interviews. As the person is remotely located, it is always difficult to know the person better. However, this should not deter you from hiring assistants. As they say, if you apply your mind you can charm the monkey out of the trees, likewise if you apply yourself tactfully you can always hire virtual assistants with ease. Virtual assistants have their own websites or belong to some agency. You can hire them directly or through an agency. Hiring them through an agency guarantees you the right to a certain extent. However, it is always important to hire an assistant only after you asses the person perfectly. It is only after you know about the capabilities of a person thoroughly that you can trust the person completely. How to go about selecting your virtual assistant? The following ways can help you zero in on an reliable and capable one: Ask about the person’s background. This will let you know about the person’s domain related experience. Ask about the computer programs they use. This will let you know whether their computer knowledge is good enough for your requirements. For instance, if you need a technical writer as an assistant, you must ensure that the person is familiar with tools like frame maker and robo help. Ask some domain related questions. This will give you some idea about the person’s depth of understanding of your field. Next seek references from the person. A good worker will readily give you a few phone numbers. One who does not have a good track record will always be hesitant to give you references. Ask other related questions, like typical turn around time, short notice availability, willingness to stretch etc. This will give you an idea about the person’s nature. After a candidate clears all of these rounds, you should seek some sample work. If required, g=assign him a small task and get the work done as soon as possible. The quality of work can give you an accurate insight into the person’s capabilities. When you hire virtual assistants in the above mentioned ways, you always get the right person to work with.