20 Virtual Assistant Interview Questions and Answers to Look For

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We love lists, and one of our favorite types covers virtual assistant interview questions and answers. If you’ve been following the Outsource School blog for a while, you’ve probably seen quite a few.

In this one, we want to take you through the interview process we like to use. We’ll also give some background on the top virtual assistant interview questions we use ourselves. This way, you can get a better understanding of what we do to hire the best fits time and again.

Experience and Red Flags

1. Tell me a little bit about yourself…Where are you from? What are your hobbies? What’s important to you?

We like to build some rapport at the very beginning of each conversation. Many times, this can make or break the interview. This is the beginning of the relationship, so you want to put candidates at ease. This removes the stress that they can feel, which can taint their answers. Interviews can be especially challenging for humble and shy people. You don’t want to evaluate them wrongly simply because they were nervous about talking to a new person.

When you ask personal questions like these, you can get a lot of important information. It’s not just about making someone feel comfortable. For instance, you can anticipate power or internet service interruptions based on a candidate’s location. This is especially important when outsourcing to the Philippines, for example. You can also recognize strong potential in the person if they have challenging hobbies.

2. How long have you been working as a VA?

This is an amazing transition question. It relates to what’s important to the candidate and also steps into the realm of work. You want to quickly establish that you value experience without being too harsh. This question early in the process helps them grasp that. It also helps you determine right away if the candidate has what you need.

Experience is a key factor in all hiring decisions. You need to know if a candidate has enough of it beyond the shadow of a doubt. If they can’t do the job, then you can move to the next candidate. That’s unless, of course, you are willing to work with them and get them up to speed. We do this from time to time if we see great potential in a candidate if they have rare qualities like integrity and loyalty.

3. Can you briefly describe your experience as a virtual assistant? What type of work have you had with your other
clients?

This line of virtual assistant interview questions and answers will dive deeper as you proceed. Initially, you want to know more about a candidate’s experience than just how long they’ve worked. You want to know their range and how flexible they are, too.

Asking these questions will also help you understand how confident they really are in their own skills and experience. Sometimes, people will “fake it ‘til they make it,” and you want to uncover that as soon as possible. If they have true confidence from experience, they will not make arrogant claims they can’t back up.

4. What tools and software are you proficient in for remote work?

When hiring a virtual assistant, you will have particular tasks in mind for them to do. These tasks often involve the use of certain tools, like Time Doctor. This question is to determine if a candidate knows how to use the specific tools that they will be using. They may have years of experience performing a task, but with different tools than you use or prefer to use. You also need to figure out if your choice of tools is more important than, say, the candidate’s attitude. Then you can move forward with the interview or part ways accordingly.

5. Please tell me about your experience with <<type of work you are looking to hire for>>?

This is a good example of interview questions for virtual assistants that dive deeper. You can hone in on the virtual assistant roles that you are looking to fill. They may have other strengths, but these should be your focus.

Probe further so you can get details that show you the quality of their work. For example, have they worked for 8 years doing the same simple tasks? Or, have they grown in the role, learning and applying new skills? Have they done different tasks for different clients?

6. What is your internet speed and backup plan in case of connectivity issues?

Always confirm if the candidate has the infrastructure available to do the job. They may be the best assistants, but if their internet is always down, they won’t be able to work. Ask them what internet plan they are on, and what speeds that gives them. Then ask them what they do to stay online in case their connection gets cut. You may also want to know how often storms hit their area. Ask as well how often the power gets shut off in larger areas surrounding their location. Then ask how long the interruptions usually last. This will tell you how often they will not be able to get to alternate sites or how long their backup systems will cover them.

7. Why did you choose to become a VA?

Some candidates talk about this when they answer the first question. Being a VA may be important to them for several reasons. Mostly, we hear that it’s because it allows them the flexibility to work while caring for their families, and still earn decent pay. Most VAs know that this answer appeals to clients, so be wary. Follow up, for example, by asking if they have children or are a primary caregiver to elderly parents. Then you can also learn more about how much time and attention they can actually give to your business.

8. Are you comfortable with flexible working hours or working in different time zones?

The next few virtual assistant interview questions and answers may seem overly simple. We have found them to be vital, however, in avoiding false starts. You are investing a lot in the search for the right VA. Having them quit after one week because of things like the schedule or going on video is just crazy. This actually happens, though, so ask anyway, if only to confirm that they read your job post properly. (Sometimes they don’t grasp the part about the time zone and assume it’s in their time zone.)

9. Are you comfortable with video conferencing and screen-sharing tools for virtual meetings?

This question is more than just about being shy or not being able to talk at 2 AM. (Many people who work from home will avoid both audio and video calls because it would wake sleeping relatives.) Some people will conduct interviews from a nicer location and not want you to see the area in which they actually work. That’s a red flag. Some may look good on paper and interview well, but not actually have the best motives.

Still, if you prefer to work with them while on a call, you may not want to hire someone who prefers not to do it that way. The same goes for screen sharing. If you want to share your screen for training, they need to be ok with that. If you want them to share their screens when asking for guidance, they need to know how to do that.

On a side note, be wary of anyone who refuses to have their screens recorded during working time. They shouldn’t have anything on their screens that’s not related to work, so they shouldn’t have a problem with this.

10. What interested you in this position? What are you looking for?

This is a chance to get more information about why a candidate wants the specific job you’re offering. Sometimes you might get answers that surprise you.

11. We’re looking for someone to work <<insert schedule>>, does that work for you?

If you haven’t confirmed this yet, make sure you are very specific about it. Give them the days and hours you want them to be working, and get their ok on it.

12. The rate for this position is $X per hour. Are you comfortable starting at that rate?

Always confirm the rate that you are offering. We have come across many candidates who will interview for a job then complain about the rate after being hired. Sometimes they will not complain but will slack off because they aren’t happy with the rate. They might feel that the job doesn’t deserve their best because it pays too low. Always confirm that they are happy with the rate for the specific tasks they are expected to perform.

Attitude, Values, and Culture Fit

13. Give an example of a time when you had to handle a difficult client or situation. How did you resolve it?

The ability to properly manage difficult clients and situations is a rare skill. This question doesn’t mean that you are difficult to work with or that the work environment is toxic. You are simply trying to learn how a candidate will react or respond if problems arise on the job. When you ask about specific problem areas they faced, you learn whether you can depend on them to push through. You get an idea of whether they will complain about difficulties or adjust.

14. What are your strategies for maintaining work-life balance while working remotely?

Some people who don’t work in an office can have trouble with work-life balance. They may not be able to separate their work life and their home life. You need to confirm that anyone you want to hire knows how to draw the line. Otherwise, you can end up bearing the brunt of time management issues and burnout.

15. How do you handle feedback and criticism from clients or colleagues?

This is one of my favorite interview questions for virtual assistants. I always want to know if a candidate will accept correction to learn and grow from it. If they can’t receive criticism with a positive attitude, then I prefer not to work with them. Get examples from them to confirm their answers!

16. Do you consider yourself to be hard working? If yes,
give an example that shows your hard work ethic.

Listen closely to how a candidate answers this question. You can learn a lot about what they think of themselves here. Are they satisfied with where they’re at or do they want to keep improving?

17. Money or growth? Which do you value more? Why?

This is one of our all-time favorite interview questions for a virtual assistant. We want to hire people who value growth because we want them to grow. It helps them and will make them happier in the end. And as we invest in them, it helps us, too.

Final Questions

18. If you were to get the job, how soon could you start?

This question helps you understand how eager the candidate is to work with you. They should know more or less when you will need them, but you should confirm that they won’t grow impatient. It’s also a great way to wind down the interview comfortably.

19. Is there anything else I should know about you?

We always like to make sure that we leave an open space for a candidate to express themselves. This helps them feel more comfortable with the idea that they can go to you in the future if they need additional support on the job.

20. Do you have any questions for me?

This open question gives them the power, so to speak. It shows them that you are open to giving the information that they need. The best candidates will always have their own conditions because they know their value. With this question, they can confirm if you can provide the environment in which they can thrive.

What Is Outsource School?

Outsource School helps you to unlock the potential of virtual assistants and accelerate your business growth.

This is the exact system Outsource School’s founders, Nathan Hirsch and Connor Gillivan, used to go from zero to 8 figures and 40+ virtual assistants with an exit in 2019.

Since being founded in 2020, Outsource School has helped 1,000+ business owners hire 2,000+ virtual assistants for their companies.

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Conclusion

We hope this set of interview questions for virtual assistants help you in your search for the best fit. The first set will give you a good basic understanding of each candidate. They will also set and confirm the non-negotiables. This way, you will know very early on if any candidate is not a good fit. We don’t want you to spend any unnecessary time or energy talking to someone who won’t work out in the end. The second set focuses on hiring soft skills. We never skip over these types of interview questions for a virtual assistant. This is where you get into the heart of things.

Want help outsourcing & hiring virtual assistants? We make it easy! Learn More, Speak w/ an Expert, or Request a Callback.

Julia Valdez

Julia is a career freelancer and agency owner turned coach for those seeking abundance and victorious living. A professional teacher and decades-long lover of the art of words on paper and the stage, she loves sharing actionable advice on life-changing topics. When she’s not helping freelancers and other small business owners grow, you can find her sharing lots of laughs over little crazy things.

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Virtual Assistant Skills and Qualities to Focus on When Hiring

What virtual assistant skills and qualities should I look for when looking for my next team member? Hiring for a position is more than just looking for people with the right sets of hard skills to complete the tasks. You need more than a content writer who can churn out excellent articles quickly. You want more than a graphic designer who is proficient in 3 different art tools. These hard skills are great, and necessary, but you also need hires to have certain soft skills. This is what helps you to work well with them. In this post, we are going to talk about qualities to look for in pretty much every hire regardless of the position, and why they are essential. The Changing Landscape of Virtual Assistant Skills Earlier the concept of hiring remote or hybrid employees was a new concept and business owners found it difficult to expect results from them. Now it’s a thing of the past! Hiring virtual assistants has become the new normal, as 70% of companies have turned to VAs as they bring a pool of different skill sets. Being only good at their job, like creative writing or administrative work, is not enough anymore. VAs need to develop specialized skills like technical know-how or better decision-making skills to deliver results. There is also an increase in demand (62%) for VAs with specific skills in various industries as they bring fresh ideas to the table. The evolution shows the aggressive changes in workplace demands, technological advancements, and the shift to remote-first business models. Essential Skills of a Virtual Assistant to Look For As a business owner, you need a virtual assistant who can help your business grow with their unique skills. You need to look for a strategic partner rather than just a task manager. Here are the top skills and qualities of a virtual assistant to look for when hiring: 1. Communication Skills First on our virtual assistant skills list is probably the most important – communication. Imagine what would happen if hires did not pass information clearly or concisely. The work pipeline would get clogged up. Individual team members would get confused about tasks. Misunderstandings would occur frequently and nothing would get done properly. Beyond speaking the same language, there are several signs that a person is a good communicator. Listens well and is attentive Takes notes Asks good questions Clarifies Can speak back instructions Relays instructions accurately Can give clear instructions 2. Computer Literacy VAs naturally need to be able to navigate the digital space well. This includes software, apps, tools, and search engines. They typically need to know how to do video conferencing, emails, and the like. They Should also be familiar with the tools in the Google and/or Microsoft suites. At a minimum, they need to be adept in the technologies needed to accomplish their job. A great VA will keep learning how to increase productivity. They will also take steps to become more effective by using new tools and even automation. Additionally, freelancers also need to know how to navigate virtual assistant websites and freelance marketplaces. 3. Creativity These qualities don’t just apply to positions that require creative virtual assistant skills. For instance, you don’t need to be a graphics designer, content creator, editor, or advertiser. Innovation is not job specific. VAs can exercise their creative muscles together with their problem-solving skills. This way, they can come up with new ways of accomplishing tasks. 4. Interpersonal Skills Interpersonal skills go hand in hand with communication skills. VAs need to be able to interact and deal with people at different levels. Most VAs you hire will go under a manager. You will also hire some to be these managers. Either way, they need to be able to work well with others. They must do this to be able to complete projects and attain common goals. Arguably, the best at this are VAs that have worked with several different companies with different cultures. They know how to: Adapt to personalities and teams Identify strengths and weaknesses Build connections and rapport 5. Attention to Detail Virtual assistants need to be detail-oriented. They do this when checking emails, entering data, and creating content. They also apply this skill when assessing the job description and rundown of roles and responsibilities. Some of the best virtual assistants are those who can spot mistakes that their superiors make. Then they can point them out, ask if it was intentional, and make suggestions to solve them. These qualities should be valued. Attention to detail shows that the VA takes initiative, takes responsibility, and cares about the job being accomplished well. 6. Time Management Skills Time management is essential, not only in the case of getting things done in an efficient time frame. It’s more than just meeting a deadline. For VAs, there is another layer. A lot of VAs are hired from overseas. This means they don’t always have the same time zone as the hiring company. They need to be able to accomplish their tasks. Then, they must allow room for questions and other concerns they may not be able to ask at any time of day. 7. Decision-Making Skills Nobody enjoys working with passive actors. VAs need to be able to think on their feet. This is based on their prior knowledge, prior experience, and given SOPs and instructions. A VA should take initiative and shouldn’t be overly reliant on their managers for every decision. 8. Project/Task Management Skills Hiring a VA for a management position can be tricky. A manager needs to be able to organize teams and tasks well. This includes having skills in project management software like ASANA, Trello, Zoho Projects, etc. These individuals can: Create and organize workflows Plan tasks in advance Communicate goals, milestones, and deadlines Delegate tasks Communicate with individuals and teams Set up meetings Execute tasks together with the team Track progress Review results before submitting the final output 9. Independence The best virtual assistants possess independence.

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19 Best Virtual Assistant Websites to Find Top Talent

Looking to hire the best talent from the top virtual assistant websites? There are millions of freelancers in the world. Yet, it can be difficult to find the right person for the job. Well, we’ve gathered the best freelance websites out there. This way, you can be sure you’re getting the real deal. TL;DR – Best Virtual Assistant Websites Here’s a quick view of the best virtual assistant websites that you can hire from: Fiverr Upwork Freelancer.com PeoplePerHour LinkedIn Zirtual Hello Rache OnlineJobsPH Virtalent 24/7 Virtual Assistants Virtual Staff Finder FreeUp Magic Woodbows Boldly VirtualStaff.ph Fancy Hands Indeed Time Etc With so many top-tier platforms to choose from, let’s find the perfect virtual assistant for your needs. Want to simplify the hiring process? Visit Outsource School and learn how to hire and manage skilled professionals seamlessly. Set up a consultation today! Perks of Hiring Through Virtual Assistant Platforms As a business owner, you know how overwhelming the workload can be. In such scenarios, you wish for an extra set of hands to handle your work. A website for virtual assistants (VA) might just be your most useful tool. These platforms are a treasure trove of skilled professionals ready to tackle tasks you simply don’t have time (or energy) for. Access to Global Talent: Why limit yourself to local talent when you can hire from any corner of the world? Virtual assistant platforms connect you to professionals worldwide, providing access to diverse skills and expertise. Cost Efficiency: Hiring through these platforms is usually cheaper than hiring a full-time employee. Many VAs work remotely, so you save on office space, benefits, and equipment. Flexibility: Need help for a one-time project or an ongoing task? Virtual assistant platforms offer the flexibility to hire talent on your terms—whether it’s for a few hours, weeks, or even long-term engagements. Time-saving: You can skip the hassle of traditional hiring and visit VA platforms. These websites streamline hiring and offer pre-vetted candidates, job templates, and recruitment support. Scalability: As your business grows, your workload will increase. Virtual assistant platforms let you scale your team without the long-term commitments of full-time staff, ensuring you’re always equipped to handle more. Things to Watch Out For When Using VA Websites While hiring a virtual assistant might take a lot of the pressure off your shoulders, there are some things to keep in mind to avoid outsourcing mistakes: Vetting Quality: Not all platforms offer the same standards when it comes to screening freelancers. Stick to platforms with strong vetting processes to ensure you’re getting professionals who deliver quality work. Communication Barriers: Time zones and language barriers can get tricky if your VAs are from different countries. Choose platforms that help with tools or tips to keep things smooth. Hidden Costs: Watch out for extra charges like posting fees or transactional costs. Always check for hidden costs upfront. Data Security: You might be sharing sensitive business information with your VA. Ensure the platform has strict security measures in place, and take extra steps like signing NDAs or using secure communication tools. Unclear Expectations: Miscommunication can harm your business. Be clear about your expectations, timelines, and deliverables from the start to avoid misunderstandings. 19 Top Virtual Assistant Websites With numerous virtual assistant platforms, how do you know which one’s right for you? Don’t worry—we’ve researched for you! Whether you need help with admin tasks, marketing, or specialized projects, there’s a platform tailored to your needs. Below are the 19 best virtual assistant websites covering a variety of industries, specialties, and budgets. Let’s dive in and explore! 1. Fiverr Fiverr is a freelance marketplace that allows you to choose from over 500 categories of jobs. The name comes from how they started offering online services for as low as $5. Now Fiverr is an industry giant offering long and short-term projects from affordable and competitive prices to premium rates. With Fiverr, you can quickly find talent, get to work, and accomplish tasks. You can also access Fiverr Business for teams and access exclusive features like talent matching, dedicated account managers, and collaboration tools. You can also upgrade to Fiverr Pro if you want access to the best vetted freelancers. 2. Upwork Upwork is one of, if not the best, virtual assistant websites on this list. This huge, award-winning marketplace offers a wide array of services. It’s home to millions of freelancers in almost 200 countries. You can access talent so easily in one of three ways. Talent Marketplace™ – Create a job post, review proposals, view freelancer profiles, read reviews on their profiles, and select the talent you want to work with Project Catalog™ – Pick the job you need from hundreds of project templates Talent Scout™ – For a project more than a month in duration, a recruiter can pair you with the best people for the job 3. Freelancer.com Freelancer.com is the largest freelancing and crowdsourcing marketplace. They serve clients worldwide with millions of worldwide talent from almost 250 countries. You can easily create a job post for any of the 1800+ categories. Get bites quickly and examine profiles to find the best fit. They also offer recruitment help to find the best talent. If you need managerial help, they also offer “co-pilots” to help you with your projects. You pay when you are completely satisfied. 4. PeoplePerHour PeoplePerHour is a freelance community and marketplace that has connected over a million clients to global talent. Their anti-fraud and money-back guarantee perks mean that they are a secure and trusted place to conduct business. Hire from over 3 million freelancers offering 8,000+ skills in as fast as 10 minutes. You can post a job, search for freelancers yourself, or search through pre-set bundles created by freelancers. You can also manage and track your project through Project Stream. 5. LinkedIn LinkedIn is a widely used digital business network that connects companies with individuals looking for work. This platform is not designed specifically for finding virtual assistants. However, it does act as a

Employee Engagement and Retention Strategies for Ecommerce Businesses

Employee Engagement and Retention Strategies for Ecommerce Businesses Image source Success in the fast-moving world e-commerce is greatly dependent on employee engagement – and engagement is the key to employee retention. Employee engagement refers to the level of commitment, enthusiasm, and emotional investment that employees have towards their work and organization, which influences their performance and overall job satisfaction. Engaged employees drive innovation, productivity, and loyalty to the business for growth. High turnover, on the other hand, disrupts operations and increases costs. To lead in the competitive e-commerce space, organizations need to create an environment that makes employees feel valued, motivated, and committed. This article considers some practical strategies for doing so. This article is published as part of a sponsored collaboration. Build a Strong and Inclusive Workplace Culture Strong workplace culture forms the backbone of employee engagement. It shapes how employees relate to the company and their colleagues, informing their overall experience. The first step toward lasting engagement is defining the mission and values of your organization. Employees are more engaged in their work if they clearly see how it serves a greater purpose. Leaders can help promote this mindset by embodying those values themselves—that is, establishing trust and alignment with workplace core values. Inclusivity is equally important. An environment that celebrates diversity fosters innovation and teamwork. Establish policies that promote equity and ensure every voice is heard. A workplace where employees feel they belong encourages collaboration and loyalty. Transparency and open communication further strengthen culture. Regular updates, team meetings, and open-door policies create a sense of shared purpose and ensure employees feel their opinions matter. Invest in Employee Growth and Development Opportunities for growth rank highly as a driver of employee retention. Clear career advancement paths ensure motivation and loyalty among employees. Start with continuous learning opportunities. Given that eCommerce is highly dynamic, employees must always be able to evolve to cope with changes in both the industry and technology. As an employer, focusing on employee professional growth is essential to promote loyalty and employee retention. Provide access to workshops, online courses, and certifications that match company needs with individual aspirations. Another important investment is in the area of career development plans. Work with your employees to map out individualized roadmaps that detail their aspirations, along with actions required to achieve them. All this calls for regular check-ins to review progress and adjust plans if needed. Another main area of recognition is in personal growth. Recognize a job well done through promotions, bonuses, or words of praise. Employees who feel valued will be more likely to stay and contribute at higher levels as they grow their skill sets. Focus on Employee Well-being Ecommerce businesses are characterized by a fast-paced, high-pressure environment – placing employers under significant stress. It’s essential to support the physical and mental well-being of employees for long-term engagement. Equally necessary is mental health support. Share resources such as counseling services, mental health workshops, and stress management programs. Create a culture where talking about mental health is normalized and supported. Physical wellness initiatives can go a step further: ergonomic workstations, wellness programs, or fitness challenges. Employees whose health is considered in their work are more inclined to stay steadfast at their respective jobs. Leverage Technology for Engagement Image source Technology can greatly improve employee engagement in ecommerce businesses. Since most teams work remotely or across locations, digital tools help to keep them connected and collaborative. Collaboration platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams make communication much easier, so everybody is on the same page. Project management tools like Trello or Asana enhance the tracking of tasks and accountability. Standardized mechanisms for feedback are important uses of this technology. This may entail feedback from employee surveys, which provide the means of observing levels of staff engagement and permit active problems-solving in a way that is very proactive. Mechanisms for automating repetitive tasks would involve reducing the more mundane tasks typically performed by human labor through the use of AI or digital alternatives. However, it is important that this technology is not perceived by employees as threatening their job security. Where necessary upskilling of employees to leverage these technologies should be prioritized. Strengthen Leadership and Management It is leadership that determines how engaged employees will be. Great leaders instill confidence, lead, and motivate their teams effectively. First, developing leaders to adopt a coach-like attitude is essential. Leaders should approach their people with a personal touch when providing guidance, focusing not just on task completion but also on individual growth and development. Some basic skills that help build trust and rapport include empathy, active listening, and effective communication. These skills foster an environment where employees feel valued and understood. Transparency in decision-making is also critical. When leaders are open with employees about the company’s goals, challenges, and successes, it creates a sense of shared responsibility and trust among the workforce. This openness encourages employees to contribute ideas and solutions, enhancing their engagement. Lastly, strong leaders lead by example. By demonstrating commitment, positivity, and alignment with company values, they inspire employees to emulate these behaviors. This reinforcement of a culture of engagement not only boosts morale but also optimizes team performance, leading to greater overall success for the organization. Engaged employees are more likely to go above and beyond in their roles, driving innovation and productivity. Monitor and Adapt Engagement Strategies Employee engagement is not a once-off. It calls for continuous review and adaptation to changing needs and an ever-evolving marketplace. Key engagement metrics are important, as the saying goes – if you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it. Variables such as turnover rates, levels of absenteeism, and employee satisfaction scores are vital metrics. Review and analyze these data points regularly to spot trends and areas for improvement. Conduct exit interviews to understand why employees leave and use the feedback to sharpen your strategies. Listening to employees, even as they leave, gives insight into how to retain others. Be agile in approach. Ecommerce is a fast-changing industry, and the needs of

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How to Hire an Email Management Virtual Assistant (+ Benefits)

Are emails bogging you down? Do you feel like you’re spending way too much time at your desk answering them? Do you feel like your inbox could use some sprucing up? Maybe you need a complete email spring cleaning! Whichever it is, it sounds to us like you’re in need of an inbox management virtual assistant. The good news is that you can actually hire one today! But before you go there, we put together a few things that we think you should know about hiring an inbox management virtual assistant. In this article, we are going to be covering What Is an Email Management Virtual Assistant? Benefits of Hiring a Virtual Assistant for Email Management 11 Tasks to Hire an Inbox Management Virtual Assistant For How Much Does an Email Management VA Cost? What Are the Best Virtual Assistant Websites to Hire From? Case Study: How John Hired an Email VA & Saved 2 Hours Per Day Sign up for Outsource School and unlock our free hiring packet to help you get the best email management virtual assistant. What Is an Email Management Virtual Assistant? Also known as an inbox management virtual assistant, these individuals are responsible for handling your emails. Their duties involve organizing and sorting emails, creating folders and labels to categorize emails, color coding emails to make them easier to locate, and even deleting unnecessary emails or spam. An outsourced inbox VA will even do all of this for you before you get on in the morning! This way, you can start your with a clean and beautiful inbox and avoid all the stress that unkept email will usually cause. Now, that’s just the categorizing part of the job. You also have the replying side of things, which a more specialized email assistant can handle, too. When you think about all of that and the amount of time it could take you to accomplish a single day’s worth of emails, you start to see the value of hiring an email assistant. These people typically have developed efficient methods. They will implement proven processes to clean up your inbox and keep it that way. They may also use software programs, as needed and if you prefer, to help manage all the online correspondence. Benefits of Hiring a Virtual Assistant for Email Management Outsourcing email management impacts both your professional and personal well-being. It frees up your time, so you can undertake other tasks with less strain. Below, let’s highlight the main incentives for hiring an email management virtual assistant. Improved Productivity The average user spends about two and a half hours checking their work email daily, which increases to six hours when you include personal inboxes. This reduces the time spent on productive tasks. Hiring an email management VA frees up these hours, some of which you can allocate to your core business functions, improving productivity. Timely Responses Entrepreneurs understand the hassle of replying to daily client inquiries. Oftentimes, you might get overwhelmed and fail to reply to potential clients, losing business. Email management VAs monitor your inbox for new messages and quickly respond to customer inquiries and feedback. Confidentiality and Security Hiring an email management VA lets you control how many people access your messages, especially those containing sensitive business information. This is safer than allowing the whole in-house team to access your email. It also simplifies following up on security incidents like data breaches. Improved Work-Life Balance You should hire an email management VA if you often check your email when out of the office, including during social gatherings. The VA will respond to incoming emails and only contact you for issues that require your attention. This lets you enjoy your breaks from work and take up hobbies, improving your overall well-being. Professional Communication Email management VAs are trained in effective communication as part of their virtual assistant skills. They are proficient at handling customers, including using the right tone and observing cultural sensitivity. They also align the email responses with your brand communication strategy to give your business a professional image. Cost Advantages Hiring an email management VA is more cost-effective than recruiting an in-house personal assistant. The VA works remotely, so you need not increase your office space or invest in infrastructure to accommodate them. Tasks to Outsource to a Virtual Assistant for Email Management Deleting junk emails and keeping your inbox clear of any unwanted newsletters, subscriptions, or promos. Forwarding emails to the necessary people within your team or others Archiving old emails that might be useful later so you main box isn’t filled with old mail Responding to emails and setting up automatic replies Some email marketing like sending out mass emails such as newsletters and introductory emails to the selected list of customers Managing your contact list which involves sorting contacts in order of importance or priority, categorizing them with labels (customers, business partners, suppliers, internal team, etc.), adding new contacts, and deleting old ones Sorting emails in order of priority so you know which emails are urgent and which can wait Some customer support duties like answering customer inquiries Creating folders and applying labels to emails. Labels add specificity. Folders organize old and new emails for future reference. Setting up filters ensuring incoming emails go into the applicable folders tidying up your main inbox Answering emails about meetings and adding them to schedule How Much Does an Email Management VA Cost? Virtual assistants have a range of prices depending on a number of factors such as skill level, level of experience, scope of work, specialized knowledge, length of project, are you hiring a VA full-time or a part-time VA, and what country they come from. If you want an inbox management virtual assistant who does only the admin side of things, then in the U.S. you’re looking at an average of $10-$12 per hour. VAs from the Philippines and India are less costly both averaging around $6-$7 per hour. Now if you’re looking for a VA who can