So, you’re thinking about hiring a Virtual Assistant. Great move. You’re finally ready to stop being the CEO, receptionist, bookkeeper, social media manager, and human Google Calendar—all rolled into one.
But before you go handing over your inbox and to-do list, let’s talk about what actually matters when picking the right VA.
Spoiler alert: It’s not just about typing speed or if they know how to make a mean spreadsheet (though that helps).
Here are the top 5 must-have skills to look for when hiring a VA that’ll make your business life easier—and keep your blood pressure in check.
1. Communication Skills (Because Mind Reading Isn’t Real)
A good VA doesn’t just do tasks—they get what you’re trying to say even when you’re typing at lightning speed between meetings.
They should be:
✅ Clear, concise, and professional in writing and speech
✅ Proactive with updates and follow-ups
✅ Comfortable asking questions instead of guessing
✅ Able to adapt their tone to match your brand (or your mood that day 😅)
Trust us: A VA who can write a clean email, handle a client call, and send you updates without you begging for them is worth gold.
2. Tech Savviness (They Don’t Need to Code, But They Can’t Fear Google Docs)
You’re busy. You don’t have time to teach someone how to copy and paste.
Look for a VA who:
💻 Can learn new tools and platforms quickly
📲 Is familiar with basic software like Google Workspace, Zoom, CRMs, and project management tools (Asana, Trello, ClickUp)
📧 Knows their way around inbox organization, automation, and maybe even a little Canva magic
The right VA doesn’t have to be an IT genius—but they should definitely know how to troubleshoot, click around, and not break your email server on Day One.
3. Organizational Ninja Vibes
The whole point of hiring a VA is to make your business less chaotic, not more. That’s why strong organizational skills are a non-negotiable.
Your VA should:
📁 Keep digital files and notes tidy
📅 Manage your calendar like a boss
⏱ Prioritize and juggle tasks without needing daily reminders
📝 Use systems and tools to stay on top of everything (and you)
Basically, they should be more organized than you—and that’s a good thing.
4. Problem-Solving Skills (Because You Don’t Need Another “What Should I Do?”)
Look, stuff happens. A client doesn’t respond. A form won’t submit. A cat walks across someone’s keyboard and deletes an entire proposal (true story).
You want a VA who:
🧠 Can think critically and troubleshoot issues
🔍 Doesn’t wait around to be told what to do next
💬 Can offer better solutions and streamline your processes
💡 Anticipates problems before they even pop up
The magic words you want to hear from your VA? “I already took care of it.”
5. Trustworthiness & Discretion (This Is Not Optional)
A VA might have access to your inbox, client info, passwords, and calendar. If that doesn’t scream “high trust level,” we don’t know what does.
Your VA should:
🔐 Handle sensitive information with care
👀 Be professional, discreet, and respectful of confidentiality
💼 Treat your business like they’re part of it—not just punching in for a paycheck
Hiring someone you can count on gives you peace of mind. And peace of mind is priceless when you’re running a business.
Final Thoughts: Hire for Skills, but Keep the Vibes Right
Skills are important, yes—but so is finding someone you actually enjoy working with. Someone who understands your pace, your quirks, your coffee-fueled typos, and still gets the job done with a virtual smile.
At yesVIRTUAL, we match businesses with experienced, bilingual, and reliable VAs who tick all the boxes—and then some. From admin support to bookkeeping, customer service, and beyond, we’ll help you find the VA you didn’t know you couldn’t live without.
📩 Let’s talk about who you need on your team. Your future stress-free self will thank you.
