There are 5 characteristics of a great virtual employee. We all know that outsourcing is here to stay and finding the help you need is a challenge for a lot of busy business owners. Here at HireSmartVirtualEmployees.com, we do not look for average virtual employees, we look for great virtual employees.

If you have plans of hiring Filipino virtual employees, we suggest that you look for these during the recruitment and interview phase. Our proven method for finding and vetting great virtual assistants has become the hallmark of our brand. However, we wanted to share with you the top 5 characteristics we look for when we are recruiting talent.

1. Communication Skills
Command of the English Language is what separates an average virtual employee from a great virtual employee. It is important that you select a virtual employee that clearly communicates and understand the English Language effectively, this is especially true when hiring globally. We certainly have all had the experience of calling an international call center and being frustrated by not being able to understand the person on the other line. This experience has left a lot of people afraid of outsourcing. (If you are worried about the quality of what you can expect from our VEs – check out Theriza’s English.) This means that you should talk with them as well as read their writing.

Yet, good communication goes beyond just being able to speak and write. Top-notch virtual employees also go beyond words to understand what you intend and mean. They become the “other you”. Of course, this takes time and training, but it is well worth the effort. At HireSmartVirtualEmployees.com. we screen for communication skills and let you determine the “fit”. The person who you connect with and who gives you the confidence you need to focus on other parts of your business.

2. Excitement
During the interview, determine if your aspiring virtual employee is excited by the opportunity to work with your team. How do they view the work you need them to do? Is it something new or have they had the experience before? Depending on the position, you need to review their personality to make sure it is in alignment. Asking a social butterfly to number crunch is probably not going to work and asking a number cruncher to talk on the phone is probably the kiss of death.

When we say “excitement” we use that term in the confines of the assigned role. However, you want to ensure that your hire is interested in performing at a high level every day.

3. Willingness and Ability to Learn
The opportunities to learn are endless. For some, it is a way of life for others it is a chore. A person who has a thirst for knowledge will eventually grow to be an invaluable part of the team. One of the ways you determine if a virtual employee has this thirst is to ask them when was the last time they learned something new and why. For the eager learner, they will easily share that they are learning and growing every day in some capacity.

Another question to ask is for them to tell you about a time when they were stretched beyond their skills and what happened. This will tell you about their problem-solving skills and their comfort level with adapting and learning.

4. Passion
Above their willingness to learn, great virtual employees will be very accessible and passionate about their work. When provided a task – no matter how big or small, they do it with enthusiasm and a willingness to go above and beyond. As such, as a manager, you need to be aware of this and be careful not to ask more of your virtual employee than what is reasonable. Most virtual employees we place will do whatever it takes to get the job done. Their very nature is to please you and make you happy. So don’t take advantage of that, but look for someone who has the attitude to go the extra mile when needed.

5. Intelligence
A great virtual employee does not have to be the smartest person on your team but needs to be smart enough. Remember, their job is to help you save time, effort, and hassle – so look for a virtual employee who possesses the skills that you are looking for, the attitude to get the job done, and the mindset to perform the tasks assigned to him or her.

Ultimately, the goal is to find someone who will not only keep your business in good hands but also someone to build a long-term relationship!

At HireSmartVirtualEmployees.com, we have placed many virtual employees who have helped dozens of clients expand their reach cost-effectively. Our mission is to help business owners get back to doing the business they love & outsourcing everything else. Book your FREE CONSULTATION here