When you’re looking for a virtual assistant on freelancer websites like Upwork, you might notice that some workers have little to no feedback. Or, you might find that the lowest rated workers are the ones who have actually completed work for someone else. What’s going on here?
When it comes to outsourcing your VA, you want to hire someone who will actually save you time. The goal is to create more time in your business so you can grow your business while they help you with day-to-day tasks.While hiring on Upwork can be very easy and convenient, there are a few things you need to look out for when hiring your first Virtual Assistant:
1. Does the worker have a good profile?
If a worker has a profile that is well-written, has many positive reviews from clients, and shows that they have experience with the type of work you need done, then this can be a good sign. You also want to look for someone who has been on Upwork for some time and has been focusing on VA work rather than just random gigs here and there.
Are they rated highly by their clients?
You should also look at the clients’ reviews of the worker. If they have good reviews, this can be a good sign that they are reliable and do good work. You can also read through their profile to see what other clients have said about them. Have they been on Upwork for a while? You want to avoid hiring someone who has only been on Upwork for a few months because they may not have enough experience with VA work or working online in general.
How much experience do they have as a Virtual Assistant?
You want to hire someone who has experience as a VA, and not just an “online job” in general. If they have been working online for years, this is a good sign that they know what they are doing. Are they responsive when you message them? This shouldn’t be too much of an issue since most workers will respond within 24 hours. But if you send them multiple messages or ask them questions about their work and they don’t get back to you right away, this could indicate that something is wrong with their service.
Are they willing to take on any type of task or only certain ones?
Most VA’s will have a list of tasks they are willing to do, but some may be willing to take on anything. If you want someone who is flexible with their schedule and can take on any type of task, this is something to keep in mind when hiring. Are they an expert in the field you need help with? This isn’t always necessary but if you have specific needs related to your job or business then it might be more important than just finding someone who is good at working online.
If they are only willing to do certain tasks, this could be a sign that they aren’t flexible. If you need someone who can take on any type of task, it may be best to look elsewhere.
Finding the right Virtual Assistant to help on Upwork can be tough. Follow these tips and you’ll be prepared to find the perfect freelancer for your needs.