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Hire a Virtual Assistant

Guide to Hiring a Filipino Virtual Assistant

Learn the steps to hire a Filipino virtual assistant and find out if an alternative option suits your needs better.

Prachi Bisht

• 18 min read
Guide to Hiring a Filipino Virtual Assistant

Time and resources are often stretched thin for small business owners and companies looking to scale.

Growth demands attention, and every task—from managing emails to coordinating schedules—can pull you away from what drives your business forward.

That’s where hiring a remote virtual assistant(VA) comes in.

The Philippines has become a global hub for virtual assistants, offering a skilled, English-speaking workforce known for their dedication.

Outsourcing to Filipino professionals is a way to delegate tasks efficiently while maintaining a cost-effective approach to scaling your business.

This guide will answer all your questions about hiring a Filipino virtual assistant and introduce an alternative solution to compare and decide what fits your needs best.

Whether you’re seeking administrative support, customer service, or specialized skills, this guide will provide a clear roadmap to hiring top-tier talent.

First,

What is a Filipino Virtual Assistant?


A Filipino virtual assistant is someone based in the Philippines who works remotely to help people or businesses with tasks like data management, inbox management, phone answering, organizing schedules, or even doing specialized work like content creation or bookkeeping.

Think of them as a personal assistant but instead of working in an office, they work online. They provide support to business owners, founders, entrepreneurs or for that matter any person around the world, usually at a more affordable rate compared to hiring someone locally in places like the U.S. or Europe.

The Philippines is known for its English-speaking population and strong work ethic, making Filipino VAs especially popular. They can work in different time zones, which is beneficial if you need someone to cover tasks during the night or on weekends.

What to Look for When Hiring a Virtual Assistant

Hiring the right VA can make or break your experience. Focus on these critical aspects:

Skill

Outline the tasks you want to delegate and match them to the VA’s expertise. For instance, if social media management is a priority, ask for past work examples or portfolios.

Attitude

A good VA is competent, proactive, and willing to adapt. Look for someone who can suggest improvements and go beyond basic instructions.

Communication

Effective collaboration depends on clear communication. Test their ability to grasp instructions and provide timely updates.

Where to Find Filipino Virtual Assistant?

Finding a Filipino VA is relatively easy through a variety of platforms:

Freelance Websites

Online marketplaces like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com allow you to browse profiles, view previous work, and hire VAs directly.

VA Agencies

Agencies such as The Outsourcer or Virtual Assistant Philippines specialize in connecting clients with trained professionals suited to specific needs.

Social Media or Personal Websites

Many Filipino VAs market themselves through platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, or their own websites, offering portfolios and client reviews.

With these options, you can easily connect with a qualified professional to meet your specific business needs.

To take your search a step further, outsourcing a Filipino virtual assistant through an agency offers a more streamlined and reliable approach. Let's understand how does it work?

How to Outsource a Virtual Assistant from an Agency

Outsourcing through an agency can provide you with a curated selection of VAs, helping you find the right fit for your business needs while minimizing the time spent on hiring and vetting candidates.

Pros of Outsourcing a Virtual Assistant:

  • Agencies typically have skilled virtual assistants who are proficient in a variety of tasks and keep up with current tools and techniques.
  • You might notice quicker results and improved efficiency.
  • It is usually less costly than hiring a full-time, in-house assistant.
  • You can save significant time to focus on other critical areas of your business.

Cons of Outsourcing a Virtual Assistant:

  • You’ll need to relinquish some control and trust the agency to handle tasks appropriately.
  • There is a financial cost involved, even though it’s often less than hiring in-house.
  • Finding and onboarding the right agency can take time and effort.

When weighing these factors, consider your resources, such as time, your team’s capacity to handle tasks internally, and your budget.

Assess your objectives and evaluate whether these can be achieved internally or if outsourcing will be more effective.

Take the time to analyze the advantages and challenges of each option before deciding.

Steps to Choose a Filipino Virtual Assistant Agency

  1. Research Potential Agencies: Seek recommendations from other businesses and read reviews on platforms like Trustpilot or Clutch. Evaluate the agency’s reputation by exploring client testimonials and case studies.

  1. Interview Shortlisted Agencies: Reach out to your top choices to discuss their expertise, how they approach tasks, their communication practices, and how they track and report progress.

  1. Review Proposals: Many agencies will present a proposal detailing how they can support your business. Carefully review their suggestions, ask questions, and clarify any doubts before moving forward.

  1. Make a Decision: Once you find the right agency, finalize the contract to outline responsibilities, deliverables, timelines, and payment terms.

Costs of Outsourcing a Filipino Virtual Assistant

The cost of outsourcing a Filipino virtual assistant varies widely, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per month.

Factors affecting pricing include the scope of tasks, the agency’s experience, and location.

Before signing a contract, discuss the payment structure—whether it will be hourly, monthly, or project-based—to ensure it aligns with your budget.

In the later section of this blog, I’ll discuss the various outsourcing models. But first, let’s explore how to measure the success of outsourcing a virtual assistant through an agency.

Measuring Success After Outsourcing

Once you’ve partnered with an agency, you’ll want to evaluate the results to determine if it’s been a good fit. Use the following steps:

  • Refer to the goals you set when hiring the agency.
  • Regularly review the reports and metrics provided by the agency.
  • Assess whether the virtual assistant’s work has positively impacted your business operations.

At the end of the contract period, revisit the performance and decide whether to continue the partnership or make adjustments.

Outsourcing Virtual Assistants: Understanding Your Options

When outsourcing virtual assistants (VAs) from an agency, it's important to understand the available engagement models and choose one that aligns with your business requirements.

Each model offers unique advantages and challenges, catering to different needs.

Here, I break down the primary outsourcing approaches to help you make an informed decision.

Fixed-Cost Model

The fixed-cost model is ideal for businesses with clearly defined project scopes. In this setup, the outsourcing agency delivers the agreed-upon tasks within a set budget and timeline.

Advantages:

  • You know the exact cost upfront, enabling precise financial planning.
  • The service provider assumes the risk of exceeding the budget or timeline.

Challenges:

  • Requires detailed project specifications to determine the cost and scope accurately.
  • Limited flexibility to make changes once the project is underway.

Time and Material Model (T&M)

The T&M model allows for flexibility by charging only for the time and resources utilized. This model suits projects with evolving requirements or uncertain scopes.

Advantages:

  • Flexibility to adjust project requirements as they change.
  • Transparent billing based on hourly rates, ensuring a clear understanding of resource utilization.
  • Suitable for projects with ongoing development needs or where scope is not predefined.

Challenges:

  • The final cost can be uncertain, especially for projects without a clear end.
  • Requires close monitoring to manage costs effectively.

Hire Dedicated Resources

The dedicated resource model provides the option to hire professionals who exclusively work on your tasks. Whether on a full-time, part-time, or monthly basis, this approach ensures a tailored commitment to your specific needs.

Advantages:

  • Access specialized expertise quickly and efficiently.
  • Flexibility to scale your team based on project demands.
  • Retain direct control over the hired resources, ensuring alignment with your goals.
  • Cost-effective compared to building and managing an in-house team.

Challenges:

  • Communication and collaboration between remote and on-site teams may require additional effort.
  • Administrative coordination for managing outsourced team members.

Which Model Should You Choose?

Each outsourcing model has its merits, but the hire dedicated resource approach is the most common choice for businesses looking to integrate long-term support into their operations.

This model combines flexibility, cost efficiency, and direct oversight, making it an excellent option for many.

By understanding these options, you can select an engagement model that aligns with your business objectives, ensuring a seamless outsourcing experience tailored to your requirements.

How To Hire A Virtual Assistant In The Philippines Seamlessly?

Remote hiring from the Philippines does have its perks from the perspective of reduction in overhead costs and exposure to a diverse, untapped talent pool.

It also puts you in competition with local employers, competitors, and global hiring agencies for the same talent pool.

As a company, when hiring a remote employee, there would be challenges that need to be addressed to keep operations seamless for your organization. 

Evaluate Which Tasks and Skills Are Required

Start by identifying the specific tasks you want from your Filipino virtual assistant. Categorize these tasks into daily, weekly, and monthly requirements to have a clear understanding of their frequency and importance. 

For example, you might need help with inbox management, scheduling, customer service, or social media management. Once you’ve categorized the tasks, list the skills needed to perform them effectively. 

For instance, a VA managing social media should know how to use tools like Hootsuite or Canva.

Use resources such as job role templates on websites like Hubstaff Talent or OnlineJobs.ph These platforms offer detailed breakdowns of skills required for different roles, giving you a good starting point.

 For additional insights, refer to these detailed job descriptions:

Create a Clear Scope of Work or Job Description

A well-written job description is key to attracting the right candidate. Clearly define the role, responsibilities, working hours, and any tools or software you want your Filipino virtual assistant to be familiar with. 

Specify your preferred communication style. For example, daily check-ins via Slack or weekly updates through email.

Example of clear scope of work or job description:

I need a virtual assistant to manage our investor contacts. 

Responsibilities: 

  • Arrange meetings with potential investors
  • Confirm that support materials are sent both before and after the meeting
  • Track each investor and arrange timely F/U at regular intervals
  • Send out press releases
  • Manage our social media presence
  • Search the web for potential investors and attempt to arrange a meeting with one of our principals
  • Excellent English communication proficiency in MS Excel and Gmail.

Working Hours: 9 AM to 1 PM (US TIME)

Get a Free Consultation from the Top 3 Filipino Virtual Assistant Websites

After listing the clear scope of work or job description, start researching websites and schedule free consultations with at least three platforms.

This helps you evaluate pricing, the company’s vetting process, candidates’ working styles, leave policies, training programs, and more.

All the remote virtual assistant companies provide free consultations, so use this opportunity to gather information and make an informed decision.

Interview 3 Candidates

Now that you have scheduled free consultation calls and shared the scope of work with the finalized outsourcing company. Shortlist at least three candidates and conduct interviews to assess their compatibility. 

Prepare a set of practical questions to evaluate their skills and problem-solving abilities. For instance:

  • How would you handle an urgent customer service issue?
  • Can you walk me through your process for scheduling and managing a busy calendar?

Ask them to perform a small task, such as drafting an email or creating a sample report, to gauge their competence. 

Use Google Meet or Zoom for virtual interviews so you get a clear understanding of their communication skills.

Hire Candidates Trained by the VA Platform

Before making your final decision, inquire about the training programs offered by the platform you’re hiring from. 

Confirm that your chosen candidates have completed relevant training or certifications in tools like HubSpot or QuickBooks. This step ensures you’re hiring someone who is not only skilled but also familiar with industry standards.

Many Filipino virtual assistant companies provide continuous and rigorous training programs, such as a four-week boot camp, to ensure their VAs are well-prepared.

At Wishup, our VAs are trained in:

  • 70+ no code tools
  • Have 200+ skill sets
  • Get continuous training to upskill
Wishup VAs are Trained in AI Tools

Ask whether the VA is trained in these aspects.

If the answer is yes, it indicates they are well-equipped. If not, assess whether additional training would be feasible within your timeline.

Take Free Trial

Always opt for a free trial period before finalizing the hire. During this time, assign tasks and monitor their performance closely.

Provide constructive feedback to see how they respond to suggestions and adapt to your requirements. A successful trial is a strong indicator of a long-term fit. 

Skipping this step can lead to potential mismatches.

Avoid Freelance Platforms Like Upwork or Fiverr

While platforms like Upwork and Fiverr are popular, they often lack the long-term commitment and specialization you’ll find with dedicated VA platforms.

Many freelancers on these sites juggle multiple clients, which can affect the quality and consistency of their work.

Instead, use dedicated VA platforms like TaskBullet or 20Four7VA, focusing solely on virtual assistant services. These platforms have robust vetting processes, ensuring you hire a reliable and skilled assistant.

To understand more, check out these resources:

Sign a Contract

When you’re happy with the virtual assistant’s trial performance, finalize the agreement. Discuss and confirm the terms, timelines, and deliverables. Put these in a legal contract to protect both parties. Once signed, you’re ready to start the working relationship.

Following these steps, you can confidently find and hire a virtual assistant in the Philippines who meets your needs.

How Much Does a Philippine Virtual Assistant Cost?

To help you understand the costs involved in hiring a Filipino virtual assistant, I’ll break down the factors influencing pricing and how to pay them securely and efficiently.

1. Skillset and Experience Level

The skillset and experience of a virtual assistant significantly impact their rates. When you are considering hiring a Filipino virtual assistant. Here are the two things to take into account

Specialized Skills and Expertise

When hiring a virtual assistant from the Philippines with specialized skills, such as social media management, graphic design, or bookkeeping, they often charge higher rates than general administrative assistants. 

Their expertise can save you time and improve the quality of your work.

Years of Experience in the Industry

Experienced Filipino VAs command higher rates because of their refined skills and ability to handle tasks independently. 

For example, a VA with seven years of experience in digital marketing will charge more than someone just starting in the field.

2. Job Responsibilities and Scope of Work

The complexity and range of tasks assigned to your VA also affect their compensation. A VA handling simple data entry tasks may charge less than someone managing customer service, creating content, or running ad campaigns. Clearly defining the scope of work helps ensure a fair rate for both parties.

3. Demand and Supply Dynamics

The Philippine VA market is competitive, but demand can influence rates. During peak seasons or when certain skills are in high demand, prices may rise. Additionally, the quality of education and language proficiency in the Philippines make their VAs more sought after, which can also affect pricing.

4. Time Commitment and Work Arrangement

Full-Time vs. Part-Time Virtual Assistants

Full-time VAs typically work 40 hours a week and may offer slightly lower hourly rates due to the steady income. Part-time VAs, on the other hand, charge higher hourly rates as they have fewer guaranteed hours.

Project-Based or Hourly Rates

If you have short-term or one-off tasks, hiring on a project basis might be ideal. Hourly rates can range from $10 to $30, depending on the VA’s skills and experience.

How to Pay a Virtual Assistant from the Philippines

Choosing the right payment method is essential for seamless transactions. Here are four popular options:

1. PayPal

  • Why Use It: PayPal is widely recognized and offers a secure way to send payments internationally.
  • Advantages: Quick transfers, user-friendly interface, and support for multiple currencies.
  • Considerations: Transaction fees can add up, especially for higher amounts. It’s suitable for both one-time and recurring payments.

2. Wise (formerly Transferwise)

  • Why Use It: Wise is known for its low fees and real exchange rates.
  • Advantages: Cost-effective for international transfers and easy to set up. It’s ideal for consistent payments to VAs.
  • Considerations: Transfers may take a few hours to a day, depending on the bank’s processing times.

3. Payoneer

  • Why Use It: Payoneer is popular among freelancers and virtual assistants in the Philippines.
  • Advantages: Lower fees compared to PayPal, and VAs can withdraw directly to their local bank accounts.
  • Considerations: Some users may find the registration process slightly more complex.

4. Direct Bank Transfer

  • Why Use It: Bank transfers are straightforward and widely used for recurring payments.
  • Advantages: Reliable for large payments and often incurs fewer fees than other methods.
  • Considerations: May take longer to process, especially for international transfers.

When selecting a payment method, consider factors such as transaction fees, currency conversion rates, and processing times to determine the best fit for your business needs.

Related Resource: Find the best ways to pay the virtual assistant 

What are the Best Websites to Hire a Filipino Virtual Assistant?

1. Pearl Talent (formerly Catena)

Pearl Talent specializes in sourcing highly skilled professionals globally, including virtual assistants from the Philippines, for placement in U.S. and European firms. Their focus is on connecting businesses with motivated, cost-effective talent.

Key Features:

  • Affordable Hiring: Clients can hire top-tier talent at a cost that’s 60% lower than traditional options.
  • Rigorous Selection: Pearl Talent selects only the top 1% of applicants, ensuring clients work with highly qualified virtual assistants.
  • Technological Advantage: The company uses advanced tools and systems to manage and support virtual assistants, delivering reliable and efficient service.
  • Global Expertise: With a strong understanding of international markets, Pearl Talent integrates skilled professionals into teams, enhancing business performance.

Pricing Plans:

  • Managed Services: Costs between $2,500 and $3,000 per month per hire. This includes payroll, compliance, training, and free replacements if needed.
  • Direct Placement: A one-time fee of $7,500. Includes help with setting up hiring contracts, employer-of-record support, and a 90-day replacement guarantee.

2. TaskBullet

TaskBullet stands out with its unique prepaid bucket system, allowing businesses to purchase a set number of hours to use flexibly. Their virtual assistants specialize in tasks like data entry, administrative support, real estate services, and more.

Key Features:

  • Flexible Hour Rollover: Unused hours can be refunded, ensuring no wasted expenses.
  • Trial Offer: New clients can try their first 10 hours free, with no obligation.
  • Specialized Services: Virtual assistants handle a variety of tasks, including web development, marketing, research, and sales support.

Pricing Options:

  • Starter Bucket: $11 per hour for 20 hours.
  • Light Bucket: $9 per hour for 60 hours.
  • Expert Bucket: $6.50 per hour for 240 hours.

3. BruntWork

BruntWork provides fully remote work opportunities and connects businesses with highly skilled virtual assistants from around the world. They cater to various industries, including IT, customer support, and marketing.

Key Features:

  • No Contracts or Setup Fees: Clients pay only an hourly rate, which covers all expenses, including internet and equipment.
  • Flexible Schedules: Assistants are adaptable and can work night shifts or public holidays to suit business requirements.
  • Hiring Process: The average time to find and place a candidate is 14 days.

Services Offered:

  • Payroll management, bookkeeping, data entry, debt collection.
  • UI/UX design, web development, SEO, and Google Ads.
  • Other roles customized to business needs, starting at 20 hours per week.
  • Offers hourly pricing rate

Are Filipino Virtual Assistants the Best Choice Out There?

As remote work becomes a staple in the US, businesses are on the lookout for the best virtual assistants to enhance their operations.

Filipino Virtual Assistants have been a popular choice, but it’s worth examining whether they truly meet the needs of modern American businesses.

Understanding Filipino Virtual Assistants: Costs and Benefits

Hiring Filipino Virtual Assistants involves understanding both their advantages and the associated costs:

Holiday Pay: The Philippines has 18 official holidays, which can lead to higher costs for businesses due to the required holiday pay rates.

Mandatory 13th & 14th Month Pay: This requirement increases the annual cost of employing staff significantly.

Pro-Employee Labor Laws: The Philippines has strict labor protections, which can limit flexibility in managing workforce size.

Time and Tide Wait for No Man

For instance, you're sipping your morning coffee in New York, and your assistant calls it a day in Manila.

Working with someone on the flip side of the world means when you’re ready to rock, they’re ready to roll... into bed.

The 12-hour time difference is more than a hiccup—it’s a full-on burp in your workflow.

When the Winds Blow

Typhoons and internet woes—a combo as compatible as oil and water. When you need your assistant the most, Mother Nature might have other plans. 

In business, "Sorry, the typhoon ate my homework" doesn't quite cut it.

According to Statista’s 2024 Risk Index for Natural Disasters, the Philippines is highly vulnerable to various natural calamities due to its geographical location. 

Earthquakes rank with a risk index of 9.7 out of 10, closely followed by tsunamis at 9.4. The country’s position along the “Ring of Fire” exposes it to frequent volcanic eruptions and coastal hazards such as typhoons, flooding, and rising sea levels. 

Philippines 2024 Risk Index for Natural Disasters

These threats affected its population of over 100 million people.

The 11th and 12th tropical cyclones to hit the country this year affected at least 4.2 million individuals – approximately 1.3 million of them children – and displaced over 300,000.

In 2022 alone, tropical cyclones caused damage worth approximately 25 million Philippine pesos.

Jack of All Trades, Master of... Some?

Filipino Virtual Assistants shine bright like a diamond in roles that demand charm and chit-chat.

But when it comes to juggling multiple balls—think tech support or number crunching—they might not always be the expert you need.

Statistics to Keep an Eye On When Outsourcing to India

India dominates the worldwide outsourcing market with a large 37% stake, followed by the Philippines at 15%, according to Kittelson & Carpo Consulting. 


Why Indian Virtual Assistants from Wishup Might Be a Better Choice

Around the Clock, Around the Block

Whether you're burning the midnight oil or rising at the crack of dawn, these folks align their clocks to yours. Imagine having a right-hand man (or woman!), regardless of time zones.

Now that’s what we call a match made in virtual heaven!

Tech Wizards at Your Fingertips

Step aside, Silicon Valley; Wishup’s Indian Assistants are tech savants. From the latest AI to zippy project management tools, they bring a tech toolkit that’ll make your work super fast.

More Bang for Your Buck

Why pay top dollar when you can get top talent for less? The Indian assistants offer premium service without the premium price tag—its time for smart spending!

They Do Beat Us in Voice

Correction: They “Only” Beat Us in Voice 

If you want to outsource a voice process, go ahead with the Philippines. They Need Your Business. For everything else, there’s Wishup.

Indian Virtual Assistants bring a blend of empathy, technical skill, and adaptability, making them particularly suitable for sectors that require nuanced understanding and flexibility:

  • Healthcare: Their empathetic approach is perfect for managing sensitive patient communications and administrative healthcare tasks, enhancing patient care and operational efficiency.

  • Real Estate: Known for their negotiation skills and strategic thinking, Indian VAs can manage client communications, property listings, market analysis, and closing procedures, accelerating deal completions and enhancing customer satisfaction.

  • eCommerce: With a knack for multitasking and tech-savviness, they efficiently handle inventory management, customer queries, order processing, uploading the content of the SKUs and improving customer engagement.

  • Education and Training: Indian VAs can coordinate educational programs, handle administrative duties, and support e-learning platforms with strong organizational skills and technical aptitude, facilitating smooth operations for educational institutions.

  • Technology and Startups: Their ability to quickly adapt to new technologies makes them ideal for supporting fast-paced tech environments, managing projects, and implementing effective digital strategies.

Don’t believe our words; see what global leaders think of Indian talents.

Benefits of Hiring Virtual Assistant from Wishup: Alternative to Filipino Virtual Assistant

Top 0.1% Talent

We do the hard work, so you don’t have to. All our VAs are pre-vetted by the ex-entrepreneurs, and only the top 0.1% of candidates get to work for you.

All our virtual assistants (VAs) go through a rigorous vetting process:

  1. Resume and application form screening
  2. Aptitude test
  3. Written test (including English and email writing)
  4. Assignment
  5. Interview
  6. Background verification

In addition, we provide a 4-week training program to prepare them for deployment with clients.

Onboarding In 60 Minutes

In just 60 minutes, we set up your virtual assistant so you can focus on growing your business.

Experts in 70+ no code tools

Our VAs have experience with 70+ no-code tools and have worked across 50+ industries. This specialization helps them understand the unique needs of your industry. With knowledge of 70+ no-code tools, our VAs are the perfect fit.

200+ Skillsets

We take pride in offering VAs skilled in over 200 areas. Whether it’s project management, bookkeeping, healthcare phone answering, catalogue management, inbox management, or medical transcription, our VAs can handle your tasks efficiently.

Industry-Specific Expertise

Our expanded roster includes VAs with specialized industry knowledge, ensuring that every sector we serve receives expertly tailored support. We provide VAs to doctors, real estate companies, eCommerce brands, startup founders and 50+ industries.

VAs Trained in AI

We are thankful for being able to integrate cutting-edge AI training, which has significantly boosted the capabilities of our Virtual Assistants and equipped them to serve you better and faster with each passing day.

Workforce Management App

Your office travels with you through our employee management mobile app. Use it to manage your remote workforce anytime, anywhere. With this app, you can hire talent, add your team, track utilization, track leaves, keep an eye on productivity, and more. Learn about the Wishup office app.

Wrap-Up: Who Wears the Virtual Crown?

While Filipino Virtual Assistants do a stellar job within their arena, the versatility, tech, and time-zone agility of Indian Virtual Assistants from Wishup makes them the heavyweight champions for US businesses.

Your Move!

Thinking it’s time to make a switch, or simply curious? 

Why not leap over to Wishup and see how our Indian Virtual Assistants can help you with 150+ VA tasks?

Schedule a free consultation and get $100 off on your first hire.