V.A. Interview Questions To Look Out For

When running a virtual assistant business, you’ll inevitably be interviewed with potential clients who want to know more about you before hiring you.This is one aspect of careers that does not go away once you make the switch to freelancing from 9-5s.

While you likely know of many interview questions, either from reading blogs online or indeed from applying for jobs in the past, some may catch you out.

We’ve avoided delving into the obvious ones like “what’s your availability?” and “what timezone do you work in”, instead focusing on the VA interview questions that you want to look out for and answer well.

1. “What Would You Do If You Didn’t Know How to Complete a Task Assigned to You?”

If this one comes up, don’t get defensive! It may sound a little presumptuous, but this is actually the sign of a great business owner who will listen if you are struggling with a task.

With this one, your business owner is looking for both initiative and communication skills. So you want to answer something along the line that you would take it upon yourself to learn the knowledge or skills required to complete the task, but you would seek further clarification or support if you needed it.

2. “Why Do You Want This Position?”

Alright, you probably did expect this one to come up, but it’s worth being covered anyway.

No, the answer is not “because rent is due soon”. 

Employers ask this to ensure that not only do you have the skills to do the job they need you to do, but you have the interest in their company to put some effort into it.

They’re looking for engagement with their brand - so make sure that you do a bit of research on the employer’s company beforehand. When you answer, try to relate your current career aspirations to their brand in some way. 

3. “Which Tools Do You Like Using?”

All VAs need some tool. In fact, pretty much every freelancer who works online from home needs some tools. Whether it’s time management, or organizational, or even content management systems, you’ll need some tools.

With this question, employers are looking for some initiative on your part and a sign that you know how you work and how to self-regulate yourself to remain productive. If you’re not using some tools already, it’s probably a good time to.

4. “What Are Your Security Measures?”

Cybersecurity is becoming a more prevalent concern for most people as more of their professional and personal lives are entrenched online.

With this question, employers are looking to see that you care about security and are taking the minimum basic steps; like using two-factor authentication, only connecting to private WiFis, and being up to date with your anti-virus defense.

Be Prepared to Answer Well…and Ask Well

Interviews are a natural part-and-parcel of the working world, so it’s a good idea for you to be prepared for them. Don’t overthink it, but do the necessary research to make sure you can answer honestly and succinctly.

But, don’t just answer questions well, be prepared to ask questions well too.

An interview is a two-way street, so make sure you’re asking the right questions to your potential employer. That way, you’ll know what you’re signing up for: your expectations, the company culture, and the working and communication style of your employer/co-workers.