Now that your sights are set on hiring a virtual assistant, the next challenge is to find the right candidate who fits the bill.
However, with various marketplaces and platforms on the market, how do you find the one without being overwhelmed?
Search for them in abundance in another country where the remote talent pool is overflowing.
Let’s delve into the different avenues to connect with a virtual assistant overseas and have a shot at success!
Who is a Virtual Assistant?
A virtual assistant is a remote professional who provides administrative support to business owners and entrepreneurs without needing to be in a physical central office.
Teaming up with a remote assistant overseas can be a game-changer for anyone struggling to keep up with personal and professional activities.
This remote setup alleviates your massive workload and reduces costs significantly while offering flexible solutions.
Why Outsource Virtual Assistants in Another Country?
Hiring a virtual assistant from another country is cheaper. This means you can save money and invest it in other parts of your business while still getting the support you need.
The global VA talent pool is overflowing, eager and ready to work for you. The chances of you finding the right person for the right job at a competitive price are sky-high.
Remote professionals thrive in other time zones, celebrating different holidays. So, when an urgent need to fill a shift on holidays comes, there are many eager-beaver VA overseas to choose from.
Hiring internationally is powering up your company’s workforce diversity. A work environment that welcomes diversity fosters openness, creativity and innovation.
Leveraging the skills of virtual assistants abroad allows you to expand the business on a global scale. You can broaden your market reach and connect with a much bigger customer base.
Where to Find the Best Virtual Assistant Overseas for Your Needs
You have to understand that VAs are not a one-size-fits-all solution. What works for them may not work for you.
So, how do you make certain that your chosen remote assistant is the right one for you?
Here are the most effective methods to connect with an online professional:
Online Marketplaces
One of the most common ways to outsource a virtual assistant overseas is to search freelance marketplaces like Upwork or Fiverr.
Numerous freelancing platforms link an entrepreneur to a freelance VA for temporary or long-term work.
So, what are the advantages of using this method?
Depending on the site, the hiring process in online marketplaces is fast and straightforward.
You can filter your candidate search based on your budget, location and skills.
You can scroll through profiles for a quick and thorough evaluation of skills and proficiency.
You can post a job listing and wait for VA proposals to roll in.
By veering your search into freelance marketplaces, you’ll be doing the legwork. There will be a mountain of options that demand your due diligence so you can separate the best ones from the mundane rest.
To help you sift the wheat from the chaff, check reviews and ratings from former clients. This will give you an idea of what to expect from your virtual assistant.
While using these platforms, there are certain things that you should be wary of.
These sites often charge fees that straddle between 10 to 30 percent.
Some applicants in online hubs send generic applications to many clients without reading through the job description.
Even when you land the VA of your dreams, there’s still the risk of them being snatched away by another client.
Overseas Outsourcing
One of the best gifts of the internet is how it becomes easy to connect with talents around the globe. With the varying levels of cost of living, you can access a diverse talent pool at competitive rates.
This is what allures many startups and small business owners to overseas outsourcing—working with skilled VAs at half the price of hiring full-time employees.
However, there are some challenges to consider.
The cost-saving is attractive, but you have to weigh the value your virtual assistant overseas brings to your company. Otherwise, you compromise quality service.
The difference in culture and language can pose communication challenges, which can affect work.
Security can be an issue, especially since different states have varying approaches to data handling. Thus, it is highly necessary to understand the legal framework of the country where you’re recruiting.
Independent Virtual Assistants
There are many VAs who go around online promoting their services independently. You’ll find them huddled on social media, on their own website and even on job boards.
But remember, just because they have a slick website doesn’t mean they’re a quality hire.
If you’re hiring outside of an online marketplace or an agency, you have no customer support the moment you encounter headaches. Thus, you have to make careful considerations on securing work and payments to protect your interests.
Virtual Assistant Agency
When it comes to hiring virtual assistant services, virtual assistant agencies are the pinnacle of outsourcing.
VA companies can offer you affordable rates to match quality VAs. At VAV, our pricing package starts at 835 AUD a month (4 hours a day, from Monday to Friday).
While you might think this pricing structure is steeper than what you’d pay overseas, it reflects the added value our remote professionals bring to your business.
The best thing about partnering with a virtual assistant company, like us, is that you can dodge the issues other options have in this list.
We do the groundwork—from hiring and vetting to onboarding. We ensure you get to work with a skilled virtual professional who aligns with your needs without getting frustrated by the little details.
Check out the major benefits of using a virtual assistant company to outsource VAs overseas.
Our online assistant signs a confidentiality agreement to safeguard your sensitive data.
Our team handles the billing and payment of your virtual assistants.
We offer continuous support if something goes wrong. For instance, we have replacements in case your VA gets sick to make sure you still get the support you need.
Find out how to end your managerial nightmares.
Which Country Is Best for Virtual Assistants?
When exploring virtual assistants overseas, the countries that stand out for having cheaper rates, a diverse skilled pool and language proficiency are as follows…
Philippines
Over 64% of Filipinos speak the English language, making the country a BPO global leader.
In addition, with its lower labour costs and strong cultural connection with America, the Philippines ranked 6th in Forbes's fastest-growing freelance market in the world.
India
Besides Hindi, English is the main language in India, with over 200 million proficient speakers. The country is one of the biggest global outsourcing centres in software development and is home to many big VA agencies. This makes it easy to find the VA you’re looking for at a lower price.
Singapore
Singapore is Asia’s tech hub. The country is flourishing with highly skilled remote workers, proficient in the English language. They have VAs versed in global business practises, giving you invaluable assistance if you’re expanding in Asian markets.
Which is the Cheapest Country to Hire a Virtual Assistant?
The decision to outsource remote professionals from abroad is prompted by cost-effectiveness. From the cost of living to labour costs, these factors drag the VA services costs down in these countries without compromising quality service.
Philippines
The Philippines has a lower cost of living and labour compared to first-world countries. This translates to competitive rates for quality VA services.
India
India has a massive but skilled labour force that comes with cheap operational costs and a strong business infrastructure. This leads to the country’s competitive virtual assistance pricing structure.
Indonesia
Over the years, this country has become a key player in virtual assistant outsourcing. Like India, Indonesia also has a large labour force with a low cost of living. The combination of both makes it an appealing place for hiring VAs.
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What’s the Key Takeaway?
Hiring a virtual assistant overseas is quite revolutionary for any company. With the right match, you won’t just lighten your workload but maximise productivity and efficiency.
However, you must first know where to look for the right VA. Consider your budget and your needs to land the star remote professional who can take your business further.
But by all means, a reputable virtual assistant company is the best way to hire a remote assistant.
VAV understands that time is your most valuable resource. That’s why we don’t want you to waste any of it by doing the heavy lifting.