When Ner Jan R. first ventured into virtual employment, she had no experience and little knowledge of what being a virtual employee entailed. Now, she stands as HireSmart Virtual Employees’ Top Virtual Employee (VE) for 2024, selected from more than 1,000 virtual employees serving U.S. businesses.

The recognition came with a choice between a new laptop computer or a travel voucher. In a decision that exemplifies her dedication to family, Ner Jan chose the laptop to give to her sister who is starting college.

Her client praised her “unwavering dedication, exceptional performance, and ability to consistently exceed expectations,” noting that “her contributions have significantly streamlined operations, improved efficiency, and enhanced customer satisfaction.”

“She consistently goes above and beyond in her work, not only meeting but exceeding expectations with her attention to detail and proactive approach,” her client said. “She anticipates needs and finds ways to add value, ensuring tasks are completed seamlessly and often improving processes along the way.”

You’ll Need a Holistic Approach to Combat U.S. Labor Scarcity

With a seven-year gap between Ner Jan and her next sibling, she embraced the role of supporting her family both financially and emotionally. While maintaining a full academic scholarship, she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in English language teaching, supporting herself by hosting events, writing research papers, and taking on freelance projects.

After college, she spent three years teaching English online to foreign learners, particularly Japanese students, during the pandemic. Her transition to virtual employment with HireSmart opened new opportunities for supporting her family, particularly her 18-year-old sister’s college education.

In her current role, Ner Jan serves as a customer relations agent, working closely with her supervisor as her “mini-me” version, overseeing vacation rental operations, and managing multiple facilities with over 2,000 tenants. Her client emphasized how she “fosters a collaborative environment and positively impacts team morale,” adding that “her warm and approachable nature fosters trust and collaboration.”

Core values: The Unseen Engine Driving Your Company’s Success

“She embodies the qualities of a top-tier team member — reliable, innovative, and solution-oriented,” her client said.

Beyond her Top VE recognition, Ner Jan was also crowned HireSmart’s “Referral Queen” for bringing in the most new virtual employees to the company in 2024.

“I promised myself during training that if I passed certification, I would share this opportunity with others,” she said. “Helping people has always been my passion.”

She created content videos, shared step-by-step processes, and developed instructions for aspiring HireSmart VEs.

“I live by the mantra ‘diligence beats intelligence,'” she said. ” While I earned honors in college, I don’t consider myself naturally intelligent — rather, I’m hardworking with the willingness and determination to pursue my goals.”

Can You Keep Up When Your Business Booms?

Her recipe for success includes taking detailed notes, creating scripts, watching YouTube tutorials, and seeking advice from colleagues.

Despite her busy schedule, Ner Jan maintains a healthy work-life balance, making time for hiking, visiting beaches, and exploring mountainsides on weekends. However, her greatest satisfaction comes from seeing her family thrive.

“What makes me truly happy is seeing my loved ones free from the financial burdens I once experienced,” she said.

Building Value Through Virtual Excellence

Stories like Ner Jan’s exemplify why more U.S. businesses are turning to HireSmart Virtual Employees for their staffing needs. The company’s rigorous selection process – accepting only one percent of Filipino applicants – ensures clients receive top-tier talent while providing meaningful careers for skilled professionals.

HireSmart’s comprehensive approach includes a 40-hour certification process before client onboarding, ensuring virtual employees are thoroughly prepared for their roles. This investment in training contributes to the company’s remarkable 98% successful placement rate.

For virtual employees, HireSmart provides more than just employment – it offers a career path with benefits, including health and dental coverage, educational scholarships for their children, professional development opportunities through leadership training, and a retirement plan in development.

For U.S. businesses, partnering with HireSmart means transforming their operations through dedicated virtual team members who take ownership of vital daily tasks. This allows business owners and in-office staff to focus on growth and strategic initiatives rather than getting bogged down in time-consuming administrative work. Clients consistently find that HireSmart VEs create a burnout-free environment for their staff by handling their most burdensome tasks, improving retention and workplace satisfaction.

A Tale of Better Staffing; How to Write It For Yourself

“Our certification process is our key to success,” said Anne Lackey, HireSmart Co-founder. “It allows us to ensure they have the necessary skills and talent to serve our clients. We have live trainers, including myself, so we can easily evaluate their skills. If I wouldn’t hire a candidate for my company, they won’t be processed through to our clients.”

To learn more about bringing a virtual employee like Ner Jan onto your team, click here to schedule a free consultation.