How I Hire Skilled Filipino VAs for Under $1K/Month

TL;DR

OnlineJobs

The Job Board for Virtual Workers in the Philippines.

Build your team of talented and affordable remote workers at Online Jobs

Introduction

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the world of hiring Filipino virtual assistants (VAs) using the OnlineJobs platform. As someone who has been growing and managing a team of Filipino-based VAs since 2017, I’ll share my proven strategies for finding the best talent, screening out time-wasters, and securing highly skilled workers who can commit 40 hours a week to your company – all for less than $1,000 a month. We’ll explore the pros and cons of hiring from the Philippines, the types of jobs you can outsource, and the step-by-step process of posting a job, weeding out bad candidates, viewing profiles, conducting background checks, messaging applicants, and running trials. By the end of this guide, you’ll have the knowledge and tools to build your own team of talented and affordable remote workers.

OnlineJobs Pros & Cons [00:28]

Pros

• Lower cost of living in the Philippines allows for lower wages
• Remote jobs are highly sought after due to traffic congestion in the Philippines
• Ethical hiring practices – providing good wages for Filipinos starting their careers
• Access to a large pool of talented workers in various fields

Cons

• 14-hour time difference between the Philippines and the United States
• Communication may take place at odd hours due to the time difference
• Potential cultural differences in the adoption of English language
• Copywriting tasks may be more challenging due to language barriers

Job Types [01:58]

Suitable Jobs for Filipino VAs

• SEO
• Graphic design
• Video editing
• Web development

Jobs with Limited Success

• Copywriting – cultural divide and language barriers may impact quality

Job Board [02:43]

Searching for Candidates

• Use the search function to find VAs with specific skills (e.g., graphic design)
• Filter results by full-time availability and monthly rate
• Negotiate rates based on the candidate’s experience and the job requirements

Salary Guide

• OnlineJobs provides a guide for low, medium, and high rates for each job category
• Example: WordPress developer – around $630 per month
• Example: Project manager – around $850 per month (typically work hours more congruent with yours)

OnlineJobs Pricing [03:47]

Free Account

• Post up to three jobs per month
• Limited ability to engage with VAs or hire workers

Paid Subscriptions

• $69/month plan or $99/month plan
• Required to talk to workers and hire them
• Annual plan offers up to 70% discount ($350/year for the top plan)

Benefits of Annual Subscription

• Cost of doing business and ensuring ability to take time to hire the right VAs
• Avoid rushing the hiring process to fit within a single month
• Allows for a thorough hiring process without feeling pressured to find the perfect candidate quickly

Posting a Job [05:56]

Using Natural Language

• Fill out the job post form using language similar to how you would communicate with the VA
• Gauge the applicant’s ability to communicate via written word, as most communication will be through text

Weeding Out Auto-Replies

• Set a designated subject line for applicants to use (e.g., “Dynamic WordPress Developer”)
• Archive applications that don’t follow the specified subject line

Weeding Out Bad Candidates [07:07]

Additional Requirements

• Ask for specific information, such as the applicant’s three best websites
• Strict screening process – any signal of not paying attention to detail results in disqualification

Resume Request

• If an applicant follows the subject line and other requirements, request a resume
• Allow the opportunity to correct the mistake of not including a resume initially

Evaluating Portfolios

• Some applicants may provide a portfolio link instead of specific examples
• If the applicant acknowledges reading the job description and provides a compelling portfolio, consider reviewing their work

Viewing Profiles [09:51]

Employer Reviews

• Pay attention to employer reviews, which are typically left when a VA performs poorly
• Negative reviews can serve as a warning to other potential employers
• Be cautious of hiring VAs with negative reviews, even if they try to explain the situation

Online IQ Tests

• VAs may take online IQ tests, with scores over 100 considered excellent, especially given that English is not their first language

Personality Tests

• Some VAs take personality tests, which can provide insight into their strongest traits

Background Checks [11:30]

ID Proof Score

• OnlineJobs verifies the VA’s identity, address, email, phone number, and government ID
• A 99 ID proof score indicates the VA is a real person and not a scammer

Time Proof Software

• Time Proof is a time tracking software provided by OnlineJobs
• If a VA is using Time Proof, it may signal that they are working multiple jobs simultaneously
• Approach the VA about the issue or consider terminating the employment if their performance is unsatisfactory

Jobs Applied For

• Check how often a VA is applying for jobs
• Frequent job applications may indicate the VA is a freelancer or part of an agency looking for multiple clients
• Aim for a consistent, reliable VA who can provide undivided attention to your company

Messaging Applicants [13:47]

Initial Chat

• Invite promising applicants to your team communication tool for a chat
• Keep the initial chat brief (15-20 minutes)
• Ask about their work history, interests, and family life
• Inquire about their computer and internet connection to ensure reliable work

Paid Trial Offer

• If the chat goes well, extend an offer for a paid trial
• Provide trial projects relevant to the job (e.g., video editing, web development)
• Assign tasks and provide a clear timeline for completion (16-24 hours, or 2-3 working days)

Trials [14:41]

Assessing Trial Performance

• Evaluate the quality of work submitted during the trial period
• Assess the VA’s reliability and communication during the trial
• Make a decision on whether to offer a full-time position based on trial performance

Extending Trial Periods

• If the VA’s work is high-quality but there are reliability concerns, consider extending the trial period
• Use your judgment and trust your instincts when evaluating a VA’s potential
• Be flexible and adapt the trial process as needed to ensure a good fit for your company

OnlineJobs

The Job Board for Virtual Workers in the Philippines.

Build your team of talented and affordable remote workers at Online Jobs

Key Takeaways

Hiring skilled Filipino VAs for under $1,000 per month is achievable with the right approach and platform. OnlineJobs.ph offers access to a large pool of talented workers, but it’s essential to carefully screen candidates, conduct background checks, and assess their performance through paid trials. When posting a job, use natural language and set specific requirements to weed out auto-replies and unqualified applicants. Pay attention to employer reviews, ID proof scores, and the frequency of job applications to identify reliable and dedicated VAs. Extend the hiring process as needed to ensure a good fit, and don’t hesitate to offer additional trial periods if a VA shows promise but has some reliability concerns. By following these strategies and trusting your instincts, you can build a team of talented, affordable, and reliable remote workers to help grow your business.