Step-by-step hiring process
1
List every task you want to delegate
Track your week and write down every recurring task. Group them into categories (admin, support, marketing, etc.).
2
Define the role clearly
Decide if you need a generalist (admin + inbox + scheduling) or a specialist (social media, bookkeeping, tech).
3
Set your budget and hours
Decide part-time (10-20 hrs/week) or full-time (40 hrs/week), and set an hourly or monthly rate.
4
Post the role or use a matching service
Write a clear job description with tasks, tools, hours, and required skills. Or skip the noise and use a VA agency.
5
Interview and run a paid trial
Interview 3-5 candidates, then pay top 1-2 for a small paid task. Real work beats any interview.
6
Onboard with SOPs and Loom videos
Record loom walkthroughs of every recurring task. This is your #1 investment.
What to look for in a candidate
Communication
Clear, timely written English (or your language of choice).
Proactivity
Asks smart questions and suggests improvements.
Tool fluency
Comfortable with your stack: Notion, Slack, Google Workspace, etc.
Reliability
Meets deadlines and communicates when blocked.
Red flags to avoid
- Vague answers about past experience
- Slow or unclear communication during interviews
- Refuses a paid trial
- Overpromises on every skill