Hiring a Filipino virtual assistant can be the perfect way to get the help you need while saving money on outsourcing costs. With their exceptional skills, strong work ethic, and cost-effective rates, Filipino virtual assistants are becoming a popular VA choice for businesses worldwide. In fact, the Philippines is home to over 1.3 million virtual assistants, according to Time Doctor, making it a hub for remote talent. This article will guide you through all you need to know before hiring a Filipino virtual assistant. You’ll learn about the essential skills and qualifications to look for, where to find the best candidates, and effective strategies for screening and interviewing. We'll also cover how to manage time zones, set up clear communication channels, and build a successful working relationship. Plus, we’ll dive into the legal and contractual considerations you need to keep in mind.

Overview of Virtual Assistant Services in the Philippines

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The virtual assistant market in the Philippines has seen a significant expansion over the past decade, driven by the increasing demand for cost-effective, offshore outsourcing solutions from international clients. As of 2022, the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector, which includes virtual assistant services, contributed approximately $26 billion to the Philippine economy and employed over 1.3 million people​​. The growth in this sector is attributed to the high level of education, strong English proficiency, and cultural compatibility of Filipino workers with Western countries. ​It’s also been backed by the local government support through various initiatives that have nurtured the industry, enhancing the skills and capabilities of the Filipino workforce and improving infrastructure to support remote work.

The trend of Filipino VAs working for international clients has never been more prominent. Data from Onlinejobs.ph, a popular platform for hiring Filipino remote workers, shows a significant increase in job postings for virtual assistants, with a 30% year-over-year growth in demand from 2021 to 2022​)​. There’s no doubt this surge is supported by the cost-effectiveness of hiring Filipino VAs, who typically earn between $3 to $15 per hour according to Datadiversity. There are a few key factors that led to more businesses outsourcing their virtual assistant needs to the Philippines, and we’ll be exploring them here. 

Why Should You Hire a VA in The Philippines? 

1. Cost-Effective Talent:

One of the primary reasons to hire a VA in the Philippines is cost-effectiveness. Filipino virtual assistants offer high-quality services at significantly lower rates than hiring onshore virtual assistants. According to PayScale, the average hourly rate for a Filipino VA is around 70% cheaper, making it an affordable option for businesses looking to reduce operational costs without compromising on quality. 

2. High English Proficiency:

The Philippines has a high level of English proficiency, which is crucial for clear and effective communication. The country ranks 18th out of 100 countries in the EF English Proficiency Index. This ensures that Filipino EAs can handle tasks requiring strong language skills, such as customer service, content creation, and live administrative support, without any communication barriers. It also ensures you and your new remote executive assistant can collaborate in real-time without any major hiccups 

3. Strong Work Ethic and Night Shift Culture:

Filipino EAs are known for their strong work ethic, dedication, and reliability. They often go the extra mile to meet deadlines and ensure the quality of their work. Additionally, the Philippines has a unique night shift work culture. This means that Filipino virtual assistants will most likely work near-identical business hours as their Western clients. The local night shift culture started with local remote workers joining forces to motivate one another through the nightly work hours by doing virtual coworking sessions, visiting late-work/study cafes, and having social groups with people who work the same schedules. This culture significantly increases your chances of finding a Filipino virtual assistant who’ll work the same schedule as you. 

4. Highly Educated Workforce:

The Philippines has a well-educated workforce, with many VAs holding degrees in various fields. According to the World Bank, the country has a literacy rate of 98.2%. This high level of education means you can find VAs with specialized skills in areas such as IT, finance, marketing, and more, tailored to your business needs.

5. A Large Pool of Tech-Savvy Professionals: 

The Philippines is a rapidly growing hub for the IT and BPO industries, with Filipino VAs being some of the most tech-savvy and English-proficient out there. They’re also among the most used to remote work and night shift dynamics, making them able to adapt to their new role with great agility. This large pool of talented virtual assistants available makes it easier for you to find the right remote executive assistant for a lower cost much faster than if you were limited by onshore hiring. 

How To Hire a Filipino Virtual Assistant

Finding the right Filipino virtual assistant is easier than you might think, with sveral platforms and agencies now specializing in connecting you with skilled professionals from the region. Here are some of the best places to start your search if you want to hire an EA in the Philippines!

Freelance Platforms.

Freelance websites are a popular choice for finding Filipino virtual assistants. Websites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr have thousands of profiles of VAs from the Philippines. These platforms allow you to review ratings, read reviews, and compare rates to then hire an assistant straight on their interface. According to Upwork, the Philippines is one of the top countries for virtual assistant services, with many highly-rated professionals available.

Online Job Portals.

Job portals specifically catering to local professionals are another excellent way to hire a Filipino virtual assistant. Websites like OnlineJobs.ph and VirtualStaff.ph are dedicated to connecting businesses with Filipino talent. These platforms often have extensive vetting processes to ensure the quality of candidates. OnlineJobs.ph, for example, has over 500,000 profiles of Filipino workers, making it an extensive resource for finding skilled Filipino VAs.

Staffing Agencies.

Staffing agencies specializing in virtual assistants can provide a more curated selection of candidates. Agencies like A Team Overseas (That’s us!) offer comprehensive services, including candidate screening and onboarding support. Firms like ours handle the administrative aspects and recruitment logistics allowing you to focus on integrating the VA into your team instead of having to worry about hiring them. 

Social Media and Networking.

Leveraging social media platforms can also give you great results when looking for a Filipino virtual assistant. As you probably know, LinkedIn is a powerful tool for finding professional virtual assistants. You can post job listings or search for profiles with relevant experience and skills. There are also Facebook groups dedicated to Filipino virtual assistants, such as "Filipino Virtual Assistants" and "Online Filipino Freelancers," which are active communities where you can find recommendations and direct applications.

Local Colleges and Universities. 

For specialized tasks, consider reaching out to local colleges and universities in the Philippines. Many institutions have career services that connect students and graduates with job opportunities. This can be particularly useful if you need a VA with a specific educational background or set of skills. The Commission on Higher Education in the Philippines oversees numerous programs producing highly qualified graduates each year.

Trusted Referrals. 

Never underestimate the power of referrals. Asking for recommendations from colleagues or business networks can lead to finding reliable virtual assistants. Personal referrals often come with trusted insights into the VA's work ethic and skills, making the hiring process smoother and more reliable.

Our Tips for Hiring a Virtual Assistant in The Philippines

Set Up Multiple Communication Channels.

When working with offshore teams, especially within the Philippines, it’s best to set up multiple communication channels in case of an emergency. It’s possible for the power to go out or the internet to lag, and the best way to avoid wasting business hours is to have a backup plan. This can be a cellular phone plan + WhatsApp communication, a nearby late-night coworking space, or whichever arrangement you see fit, What matters here is that you’re able to communicate with your EA even if they lose internet. 

Nudge Them to Speak Up.

People in the Philippines are extremely polite, which is for sure an advantageous quality. Still, sometimes you’ll need to encourage them to speak up a little more than what you’re used to. This is the best way for them to be more assertive in their role and find their footing faster. 

Understand They Value Stability.

While Filipino VAs have a similar work culture to the US and Canada, there are still a few lingering cultural differences. One of the main ones will be that you’ll notice your VAs prefer stable pay with a good employer to receive KPI-based bonuses and performance-based incentives. This stems from their sometimes-toxic call center culture, and it allows VAs to live a more relaxed existence while allowing you to think of them as secure long-term partners. 

Get Them a US Phone Number.

If you want YouTube Filipino virtual assistants to make US phone calls, you probably need to give them a local number. Otherwise, North American organizations like banks, insurance companies, and travel providers might not respond to their calls, delaying your projects further by generating extra credential work for you. To avoid this, take out a simple eSim wifi plan and instruct them on how to use it to maximize their efficiency when doing calls for you. 

Ready To Hire EAs in the Philippines? We Can Help!

Hiring a Filipino virtual assistant can help you streamline your business operations, allowing you to access skilled support at the most competitive rates. The Philippines has a great talent pool to choose from and a night shift culture that motivates local EAs to work in complete sync with US time zones. All in all, this offshore outsourcing location offers amazing value at an incredibly low cost. If you're ready to take the next step, A Team Overseas can help you find the perfect Filipino virtual assistant tailored to your needs. We have a track record of connecting businesses with top-tier talent and offer founder-led support throughout the entire engagement to ensure a smooth and productive partnership. Get in touch today to schedule a free discovery call!