The Must-Have Skills for a Virtual Assistant

Hiring a virtual assistant (VA) can be a game-changer for your business. A skilled VA can take over administrative work, handle customer support, and improve overall efficiency, giving you more time to focus on growth. But with so many candidates out there, how do you know which one is the best fit?

Here are the key skills to look for when hiring a virtual assistant to ensure they bring value to your business:

1. Strong Communication Skills

Clear and effective communication is essential for any virtual assistant. Since VAs work remotely, staying on the same page is crucial for productivity and efficiency.

What to look for:

Written Communication: Can they craft professional emails and messages without errors?

Verbal Communication: Do they express themselves clearly on calls and video meetings?

Responsiveness: Are they prompt in replying to messages and keeping you updated?

2. Time Management and Organization

A great VA knows how to prioritize, meet deadlines, and keep your business on track.

Key traits:

Task Management: Can they distinguish urgent tasks from lower-priority ones?

Scheduling: Are they proficient with tools like Google Calendar or Asana?

Multitasking: Can they juggle multiple responsibilities without compromising quality?

3. Technical Know-How

Your VA should be comfortable using digital tools that support your business operations.

Important skills:

Office Software: Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace is a must.

Project Management Tools: Familiarity with platforms like Trello, Monday.com, or Asana helps with task tracking.

Basic Tech Troubleshooting: Can they handle common software or email issues on their own?

4. Attention to Detail

A small mistake can cause big problems. A meticulous VA ensures accuracy in everything they do.

What this means:

Data Entry & Accuracy: Are they careful when handling sensitive information?

Proofreading: Can they spot and correct errors in emails and reports?

Following Instructions: Do they complete tasks exactly as requested, without missing details?

5. Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking

The best virtual assistants don’t just follow instructions—they take initiative and solve problems on their own.

Key qualities:

Proactive Thinking: Can they anticipate challenges and suggest solutions?

Resourcefulness: Are they able to research and troubleshoot unfamiliar tasks?

Decision-Making: Can they confidently handle urgent decisions when needed?

6. Adaptability and Flexibility

Business needs can shift quickly, and a VA should be able to adjust to changing priorities.

Signs of adaptability:

Quick Learner: Do they pick up new software and processes with ease?

Flexible Schedule: Are they open to adjusting their hours for urgent tasks?

Resilience: Can they stay productive even in a fast-paced environment?

7. Trustworthiness and Confidentiality

A VA often handles sensitive business information, so integrity is a must.

What to consider:

Confidentiality: Do they understand the importance of data security?

Reliability: Can you trust them to follow through on commitments?

Professionalism: Do they maintain a high level of integrity in their work?

8. Customer Service Skills

If your VA interacts with clients, they should represent your business in a positive, professional manner.

Key attributes:

Empathy & Patience: Do they handle customer inquiries with understanding?

Conflict Resolution: Can they manage complaints calmly and effectively?

Professionalism: Do they reflect your business’s values in every interaction?

9. Industry-Specific Knowledge

Depending on your business, you might need a VA with specialized expertise.

Common areas of specialization:

Social Media Management: Can they create content and schedule posts effectively?

E-commerce Support: Are they familiar with platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce?

Basic Accounting: Can they handle invoicing and expense tracking with QuickBooks?

10. Teamwork & Collaboration

Even in a remote setup, teamwork is crucial. Your VA should integrate well with your existing team.

Collaboration skills:

Familiarity with Team Tools: Can they navigate Slack, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams?

Positive Attitude: Do they engage well with colleagues?

Openness to Feedback: Are they receptive to constructive criticism and willing to improve?

How to Assess These Skills in Candidates

To make sure you’re hiring the right VA, use these evaluation methods:

Skills Tests: Give them small tasks to test their abilities.

Behavioural Interviews: Ask about past challenges and how they handled them.

Work Samples: Review previous projects, emails, or reports they’ve created.

References: Check with past employers for insight into their reliability and skills.

Final Thoughts

Hiring a virtual assistant isn’t just about finding someone to offload work to—it’s about bringing in the right person to enhance your business operations. At Savvital, we specialize in connecting businesses with skilled VAs who meet these essential qualifications.

Ready to find the perfect VA? Let Savvital help you build the right team to support your business growth.