1. Do you need to pay in advance or after the work is complete?
Many VAs charge upfront – check the terms and conditions before you start the trial. LocalVPA works in advance to payment as long as a contract is in place.
2. Have they had experience in working with your office platforms or something similar?
Ensure your chosen VA has some experience and skills in using the platforms you need. However a technically minded VA will not usually have difficulties in learning a new App.
3. How many hours a week do they have available?
Ask how many hours are available in case you need to increase your hours at a later stage. Make sure that any monthly hours agreed in the initial contract can be increased or decreased later down the line.
4. Do they live/work near enough to meet occasionally?
The great thing about VAs is that they are independently based. But if you end up working together for any length of time it’s nice to know you can get together for a face to face meeting occasionally.
5. Do they have a LinkedIn profile and can you see their references and past experience?
Just like taking on any other employee you need to make sure your data is safe and that someone responsible and conscientious is working for you. They should have some references – check out any previous roles and references on LinkedIn. Be sure to look at all the skills of your PA – they will be on LinkedIn – work out how else your VA may be able to help your business.
6. How often will you have catch up meetings?
Agree from the start how often you will have a catch up meeting and insist on a regular slot to be scheduled in the diary.
7. Do they have insurance and are they registered with the ICO?
Check your VA has professional indemnity insurance and is registered with the UK Information Commissioners Office. Check that they understand their GDPR responsibilities and have a Privacy Policy.
8. Can you see their T&Cs?
Check out their Terms and Conditions before signing up – GDPR, payment terms, work delegation and extra costs are all items to look out for. What happens with holiday and sickness and who covers on days off?
9. Can both parties sign an NDA ?
Make sure both parties sign Non-Disclosure Agreements before starting work.
10. Can you have a trial run before signing up?
Ask for a trial before final contracts are signed. The NDA should be signed before the trial starts. The trial period is for both parties to ensure they are happy and understand the working agreement. You don’t want to feel bound to a working contract with someone who is not suitable for the job!
Good luck and contact LocalVPA if you are looking for an extra pair of helping hands...
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