Hi Everyone. I have question. I was wondering what should I be looking for in a sub-contractor when looking to build my VA team. I though about doing a Q & A to screen. Any suggestions on what great questions to ask? I'd love if the sub-contractors out there could answer this question for me too. Thank you so much!!

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Jenny Noriega of Top Hand Virtual Assistant Services

When I've hired other VAs to work with me in the past [this was only on a project basis, and only rarely though...] I went with VAs I know well from the forums and other social networking sites, but especially from this site. I looked for professionalism, clarity of thought in their conversations online, and checked out their blogs and websites [especially if writing was involved].

Here's a related conversation you might find interesting... and be sure to check out the Multi-VA Practices section.

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Hi Jenny,

That's a great question as I would like to get involved in subcontracting.

I'm not sure what others have done and I'll bee watching this thread but what about asking for references. I know that my clients are always willing to tell others how much they appreciate me and I'm sure everyone can agree that if a VA doesn't do well, no client is going to say that they do or did.....just a suggestion.

Warmly,

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Simone M. Pohl
Executive Virtual Services

Sometimes new subcontractors forget they need to answer two huge questions when offering services. First what specific adminstrative experience do they have? It's not a question to intimidate but so a contractor can know if the service is something they could use. Second ask them if they love doing that task. You may be able to get someone to fulfill the task but if they don't love it you won't get the most out of them.

Starting from the basics can save a lot of time when screening.

I would say - 1) Work Ethic: What is their work ethic? 2) Recommendations: I would suggest you obtain a LOR from at least 2 of their clients. And don't be shy about calling the references they give you. 3) Skillset: What skills do they bring to the table? Is what they are providing you with of value? 4) Their Expectations and Yours: What do they expect to make while working for you? How much work?

I think that you should consider a Q & A to get the ball rolling in conversation.

This is a very interesting thread. As subcontracting as a possible avenue for my business services, it is great to read what all of you think.

I agree with hbplifestyle and DHess here. There are questions that the potential sub VA must answer for the lead VA. The lead VA should be able to get a number of these questions answered on the sub VA's website - like their skill sets (services page) and experience (about me page). As for work ethic, if they love the work (a really good question, by the way), and, what are the expectations - those are questions that the sub VA should be prepared for and willing to answer.

As for references, if the sub VA is experienced as a VA, there should, of course, be testimonials on the website and they should be available to you to check out. If you are like me and not experienced as a VA (my business is in the planning stage and will open for business Sept 6, 2011), then you probably can negotiate a trial contract to see if you mesh as a team. The initial consultation should also give the lead VA a sense of the sub and how they are aproaching their business.

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Sandra Milligen
The VA Success Coach

I have a team of 10 subcontractors working with me, and I have changed my interview process a few times. I try to get as many questions out of the way during the application process as I can. I do this through the form on my website, then if everything looks good...I send a link to some more specific questions. If that looks good, I will move to a brief phone interview to ask and answer any specific questions. The first set of questions is about experience and availability...the second about what the individual would do in certain specific scenarios. I hope this helps some!

This is a very good thread. I have a client who has grown his business through subcontracting. One thing he suggested to me is, if at all possible, to start with people I know and trust who are in the same industry. I know that can be difficult as our industry is quite new, but I have a friend who wanted to become a virtual assistant and she's going to subcontract for me. I hope this works out!

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Nikki Anderson
Owner, LGC Virtual Services

Have any of you given a "skills test" to any of your subcontractors?

I've hear other multi-VA owners who say that they would hire subs and then later on find out that they didn't have the skills they said they had.

How have you handled situations like this?

I have hired subs who turned out to be less than ideal. I just didn't hire them again. On the rare occasion I need to hire someone I will stalk them first. Meaning I learn everything I can about them by reading their forum posts, blog posts or articles they write. If they seem suitable then I will give them a small job to see how they perform. If they do well then i will give them more work.

I've had subs who do amazing work but are too unreliable with their availability.

Its not easy.