Interviewing a virtual assistant is not about finding the most impressive resume. It is about finding the right fit for how you actually work. A handful of well-chosen questions tells you most of what you need to know.
Ask about communication, not just skills
How do they prefer to receive instructions? How often do they check in? What do they do when they hit something unclear? A skilled VA who communicates poorly will frustrate you more than an average one who keeps you informed.
Probe for judgment
Describe a realistic scenario where instructions run into a snag, and ask what they would do. You are listening for someone who thinks, asks the right question, and does not freeze or barrel ahead blindly.
Understand their workload
How many other clients do they support? When are they available relative to your time zone? Clear answers here prevent the slow erosion of responsiveness that kills a lot of VA relationships.
Talk about the unglamorous work
Much of the role is repetitive and detail-heavy. A great VA takes pride in getting the small things consistently right. Listen for that, it matters more than enthusiasm for the exciting projects.