Being a virtual assistant is not only about getting tasks done but essentially it means being able to have an unwavering commitment to a client’s business. Sure, being well versed in computer programs or software is necessary but more than this, a VA’s work ethics are equally important. Why? Let’s admit it, your VA will a hundred thousand miles away and the only means for connection is the internet. This fact alters the stakes a bit; it makes values a vital part of an assistant’s job application.

So,as business owners, what are the specific characteristics you need to look for in a virtual assistant? Check out the list below as we enumerate the the qualifications you’ll need:

1. Reliability

This involves precision and consistency with regards to the tasks being handed to the assistant. Since the employee is physically absent, he should be someone who can be left alone or work with minimum supervision but can still generate desired results. He or she can prove to be reliable by simply being able to show up online promptly and meet deadlines.

 2. Accountability

Any employee who is ready to own mistakes and fix them is definitely an asset to your company. It is unfortunate that mistakes occur but what’s imperative is an employee’s ability to admit fault, face consequences and take necessary corrective actions. An assistant admitting his or her lapses is the first step to solving the problem. Furthermore, being able to face consequences ensures that future mistakes will be avoided. And of course, a personal assistant who admits an error can better detect the cause of the problem and consequently solve it at a much faster rate.

3. Punctuality

Being prompt tells a lot  about your virtual assistant more than how he finishes his tasks. It tells you how organized and how in control he is. The simple fact that he is able to get online on the time that both of you agreed on, means he can be counted on. Most importantly, it tells you how much that individual values your company.

 4. Confidence

As a business owner, you are aware that attitude is as important as aptitude. With that in mind, you would want an online assistant who has self-confidence. This relates not only on how confident he is about his skills but also about how he presents himself to you and your customers. An employee exuding confidence will certainly help your company present a positive image to your clients.

5. Optimistic

If optimism and confidence were towns, they would be in the same city. Both of these traits go hand in hand and are keys to becoming successful. An online assistant with a positive attitude can help you achieve company goals. They are adaptable to change, complain less and are solution-oriented. A bonus feature is that they also act as potential motivators for their less-optimistic peers.

 6. Diligence

A virtual assistant is known to be diligent if he or she is not being negligent with regards to his tasks, careful when acting out his responsibilities, and persistent about getting the job done. This person is the type of worker that propels himself to work on his own without the need to being told what to do. He or she usually takes the initiative to accomplish what needs to be done.

 7. Open-Mindedness

A employee who is open minded is not disapproving of other people’s ideas; which makes them approachable and easier to team up with. One who is open to new ideas and is susceptible to change has a higher chance to succeed in the workplace. This is so because he is able to see alternative solutions to a certain problem rather than being blindly fixated with his ideas and beliefs. This also entails that he  adapts to any situation, possesses a cooperative attitude, and easily adjusts to company changes.

 8. Modesty

While it is normal for an assistant to be informative about his accomplishments, it is definitely a plus factor if he does this moderately and in a humble manner. A good employee knows the true estimate of his achievements, how it affects his ego as a professional and has the decency to act accordingly in the workplace. Bragging, be it in a normal setting or in the workplace, is most certainly irritable and unnecessary.

 9. Trustworthiness

Since the virtual assistant is far away and is physically absent, a higher degree of trustworthiness is to be expected from him than those working in house. Trust is proven to be a valuable currency in the professional field and is even more so in personal relationships. He is the type that is driven to live up to your expectated tasks and work behavior. He is honest about his mistakes, knows how to keep his promises and exhibits loyalty to you and your company.

10. Creativity

Creativity paves the way for innovative ideas which contributes to the competitive advantage of your firm. It has contributed to various original ideas that the company can use or that acts as solutions to a pressing situation. It is now a trend for companies to encourage creativity because it helps to maximize the skills and opinions of the employees that can have a positive impact to the company. Thus, it is imperative to look for a virtual assistant who exhibits creativity even before the hiring process.