What to Look for When Hiring a VA

The virtual assistant industry has grown enormously in recent years, which is brilliant news for business owners who need support. But it also means there's a wide range of quality out there — and knowing what to look for can make the difference between a working relationship that transforms your business and one that creates more work than it saves.

Here's my honest guide to finding the right VA for you.

1. Relevant Experience

Not all VAs are the same. Some specialise in social media, others in bookkeeping, others in executive admin. Think about what you actually need, and look for someone whose background matches. That said, don't underestimate the value of broad experience — a VA who's worked across multiple industries adapts more quickly to new businesses and tools.

2. Clear Communication

From your very first interaction, pay attention to how a VA communicates. Do they respond promptly? Are their messages clear and professional? Do they ask good questions, or do they just tell you what you want to hear? Communication style matters enormously in a VA relationship — because you'll be relying on it every day.

3. Professionalism and Proper Business Set-Up

A good VA should be properly set up as a business — registered as self-employed, with professional indemnity insurance, and ideally ICO registered if they're handling any personal data on your behalf. Don't be afraid to ask. At MI Virtual Services, I'm ICO registered, insured by Hiscox, and operate with a full contract and NDA for every client.

4. A Clear Onboarding Process

The best VAs have a process. They don't just dive in — they take time to understand your business, your preferences, and your pain points before getting started. If a VA is willing to start work without any kind of discovery conversation or onboarding, that's a red flag.

5. Transparency About Capacity

A VA who takes on more clients than they can handle will inevitably let someone down. Ask directly about their current capacity, how many clients they work with, and how they manage their time. Honesty here is a really good sign.

6. Good Fit — Personally and Professionally

This one is harder to define but easy to feel. You're going to be working closely with this person, potentially sharing sensitive information about your business. You need to trust them. You need to like them. Take the discovery call seriously. Notice how you feel afterwards. Your instincts are usually right.

7. References or Testimonials

Ask to speak to a current or previous client, or look for genuine testimonials on their website. What do their clients say about them? Are the reviews specific and detailed, or vague and generic?

Finding the right VA takes a little time up front — but when it's the right fit, it genuinely changes the way you work.

If you'd like to find out whether I'm the right fit for your business, I'd love to have a conversation.

[Book a free discovery call here]

MI Virtual Services offers virtual assistant support to UK business owners, from email and diary management to social media and invoicing. Get in touch at megan@mivirtualservices.com or call 07397 564904.