Hiring a virtual assistant (VA) is the trend of the digital age, allowing businesses all over the world access to world-class talent. In particular, the Philippines is one of the top outsourcing hubs in the world. According to the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), the country boasts 1.44 million full-time outsourced employees. How can businesses harness this powerful opportunity to optimize operations? This blog will cover how to hire a VA from the VA with practical tips and insider information.
Why Hire VAs from the Philippines?
Before we uncover the secrets to hiring the best VAs in the Philippines, let’s look into the reasons why the Philippines is Asia’s top outsourcing hub.
Skillset
In 2022, there were 1.6 million graduates from state-run higher education institutions in the Philippines. This points to the booming number of professionals in the country. Businesses will be able to hire experts in the fields to provide quality service.
English Proficiency
As the Asian country that ranked second on the 2021 English Proficiency Index, the Philippines is home to a largely English-speaking culture. English is not only one of the nation’s official languages, it is also taught from a young age. This makes communication seamless and efficient.
Cost-Effectiveness
The cost of living in the Philippines is lower than in most Western countries. By hiring offshore, you can save on overhead expenses and hire VAs at a fraction of the cost.
24/7 Operations
Working the graveyard shift is not new in the Philippines. With a robust BPO sector, numerous employees are accustomed to adjusting to whatever time zone you prefer.
Hiring a VA from the Philippines: A Step-by-Step Guide
Identify Your Needs
It’s crucial to list the responsibilities you want the VA to do before starting the hiring process. Finding the VA who is the best fit for the job will depend on your knowledge of the specific duties or projects you wish to assign.
Insider Tip:
It might be best to start small. What tasks do you need outsourced but that you also already perform well? One way to test whether your company can outsource successfully is to test the waters. You can easily detect whether you have hired the right people if you know what good work looks like in their role.
Look for a Reputable Outsourcing Partner
This is the secret to successfully outsourcing your tasks: looking for a reliable outsourcing partner. When you work with an outsourcing partner they already know the ins and outs of hiring Filipinos VAs. All you will have to do is sit back and wait to hear from your new set of skilled employees.
Insider Tip:
Search for client reviews and check the company’s website. When you read client reviews you are going to see a glimpse of the results you will experience if you partner with them.
Define the Terms of Employment
Another important tip for business owners is to establish your terms before you seek out VAs. What is your budget for the role? How many hours will your VA be working? Be specific and establish boundaries so that you can find the right people to join your team.
Insider Tip:
Be clear about your terms of employment before you hire anyone. It can be a hindrance to your virtual employees’ onboarding and hurt their performance if you have any disagreements in the long run.
Check References and Test Skills
If you work with an outsourcing partner, you can skip this step. However, you can also take part in the recruitment process and oversee the selection and testing that can ensure you have the best talent in your virtual office.
Insider Tip:
While interviews and resumes are standard practices in recruitment, checking references and testing skills aren’t always done by employers. However, this step can save you time and money if you want talented people on your team.
Compose an Agreement
Be clear about the terms you established in step 3. Draft a contract for both you and your VA to sign to ensure everyone is agreeable to the terms of employment.
Insider Tip:
After you choose who you want to hire, don’t be afraid to let them reach out with any questions. It’s always best to forego any mismatched expectations before you start working together.
Onboarding
The onboarding process is an important part of the hiring process. You want to start on the right foot and so does your VA. Make sure to provide clear instructions and encourage open communication to foster a problem-solving attitude.
Insider Tip:
Onboarding might be overlooked by some businesses; however, getting a good headstart can help your virtual employee excel. Hopping on a virtual meeting can be helpful to help everyone understand the expectations of your partnership.
The Bottom Line
Numerous businesses are choosing strategically to hire a VA from the Philippines to streamline operations and cut costs. The Philippines stands out as a top location for virtual help thanks to its large pool of skilled people and robust BPO sector. By taking the above-mentioned actions, you may incorporate a Filipino VA into your company’s operations easily, ensuring development even during difficult economic times.
Approach hiring virtual employees with a reliable team on your side with Managed Outsourced Virtual Employees or MOVE. Reach out to gain insights on your outsourcing journey.