Watch Out for Danger Signs: Know How to Spot a Good Virtual Assistant

Many business owners get headaches when hiring virtual assistants because the process is time- consuming and tedious. But it is your duty to know the ‘person’ in your applicants.

Pay close attention to the dangers that getting a virtual staff entails. What are these?

1. Poor communication skills
Communication is the foundation for a good relationship with your virtual assistant. If during the interview process you don’t understand what your remote staff applicant is talking about, then you can sense there’s something wrong with her communication skills. You may also check if she understands you either. If there’s a written test, check out on spelling error and wrong grammar usage. Certainly, you would want an efficient remote worker who can be relied upon to handle your emails, phone calls and all communication methods for that matter. With Staff Remote, you will never go wrong. And before making a final decision you can interview your candidate through Skype or by phone.

2. Unverifiable references
You should all the more be insistent in asking for references because you’re hiring someone whose physical presence you don’t require. If the previous employer/s can’t be reached, that’s something to think about. Don’t accept what looks like a resume written hastily. This may not reflect the skills you’re looking for. Ask for a comprehensive resume so that there will be no more lengthy interviews. Take time to read through on her previous work. Don’t just believe her if she says she can do what you require. It’s such a big risk. With Staff Remote, you don’t encounter such risk.

3. Delayed responses to calls and emails
Any applicant will put her best foot forward during job interviews. What you don’t know is that, this may not be the ‘real’ person. When she doesn't answer your calls and emails promptly, this can be something suspicious. What would you do if you have hired her and then she suddenly becomes hard to reach?

4. Disrespect to contracts that are currently enforced
Be wary of applicants who don’t speak well of their previous employers. Look for a candidate who’s tactful when discussing previous employers. This will reflect her loyalty and integrity. Watch out if your applicant decides to quit her current job in order to work for you.

You may know of other dangers. Share them here and leave your opinion.
To save you from the hassle of recruiting, contact Staff Remote to give you highly reliable and efficient virtual staff. Check out the website http://www.staffremote.com.

Offshore Outsourcing Need Not Be a Problem with Staff Remote

A lot of doubts, fears and worries are naturally experienced by corporations who are thinking of offshore outsourcing. What could these be and how do you handle them if you’re the one faced with such? Read on to discover.

With technology advancing, a lot of companies are now taking advantage of outsourcing to locations in the so-called low-waged countries like the Philippines. It gives them the following benefits: cost efficiency, the availability of resources and IT infrastructures, the right educational and skills level, the time zone aspect as well as the geographical accessibility.

However, these are not the only important factors to put in mind. In fact, there are other equally important elements to prepare for in offshore outsourcing. These include management and control, communication and discipline as well as a competent representative on the spot. Below are other basic factors you also need to consider before hiring your staff remote service provider.

Delivery
What if the third party vendor fails to deliver? Even with all the best intentions, signed contracts and superb technology, failures or delays could exist unexpectedly. You have to assess if this circumstances have a significant impact on your business performance. If so, you need to consider a change in strategy like hiring multiple providers instead of only one. But if your provider has the skills to reduce risks without compromising quality, then that can be a point for discussion. With a very highly dependable partner like Staff Remote, risks like these are often managed professionally.

Language/Culture
How’s that again? You’ll keep asking this over and over again if you and your outsourced worker don’t understand each other well because of differences in language. Pronunciation and accents among other things have such a tremendous implication to outsourcing. Furthermore, cultural differences include religions, modes of dressing, social activities, and even the way a question is answered or using expressions/clichés. Outsourcing relationships will most likely be affected which could in turn, hamper the flow of work. This can even lead to a disastrous project outcome. In this case, mutual understanding between you and your staff remote is of utmost importance.

Staff Remote has readily available, qualified and highly motivated workforce. Businesses availing of its services at competitive prices can realize cost benefits and profits. Why not visit the website www.staffremote.com so you can see for yourself?