7 Things to check before hiring a virtual receptionist

Many companies are now dependent on virtual assistants for their day-to-day business calls and tasks. If you too are seeking someone similar to take care of your business needs, you must know how to interview them. In this article, we will majorly focus on the factors while hiring a virtual assistant. Before we shift to the main topic here are a few reasons why virtual receptionists come in the picture for small to large scale businesses.

Why is virtual receptionist/assistant important?

A remote virtual receptionist manages your calls, schedule, appointments, and other administrative tasks. They help you keep working from anywhere and anytime through them. A virtual receptionist is well-versed with modern tools and methods of call handling.

Hiring a virtual receptionist is important as it helps you improve business, processes, and services. By resolving customers’ queries, scheduling appointments, and routing calls they help grow business and also create a lasting business impression on others.  

7 Things to confirm while hiring a virtual receptionist:

• Are they experienced?

Before hiring any candidate you must first check if they have the right years of experience in the profession. A virtual receptionist must be aware of the basic duties, roles, and responsibilities to serve their clients and their customers. Some years of experience in call handling, call management, and client relations help in starting business with them immediately.

• Do they represent a company?

Try hiring a virtual receptionist from a reputed company. They must be hired by a registered company that offers several other services to grow their client’s business. Ask your remote receptionist more details about their company and its background. Hear from them their experience of working with the company. A satisfied employee will not let you down in your company expectations.

• Do they use modern tools?

Modern tools and techniques help in taking actions promptly as well as efficiently. As a business owner it would be challenging to train in-house receptionists with several other commitments and deadlines. Outsourcing a virtual receptionist doesn’t put you in the stress of dedicating a separate recruitment team and training team. They are well-trained and well-versed with modern tools and it is something you must confirm before hiring them.

• Are they capable to handle calls?

Can they handle work pressure and peak season? Call handling is one of the basic roles of a virtual receptionist. However, not everyone can handle the pressure, especially during peak or busy season. Discussing these will make them aware to be prepared for the work pressure at times. 

• Are they flexible to work in different shifts?

Sometimes business may demand strenuous working hours and late night shifts. As a virtual receptionist they are supposed to take calls any time of the day or night. Certain types of businesses such as hospitality, food, and travel may have different shifts. Your virtual receptionist must be prepared for the same. 

• Do they work 24/7?

Are your employees open to work 24/7? This is in context with the above point. You must clear these things with your candidate to set terms and conditions of working with your company.

• Are they available?

Lastly, all the above points fail if they are not open or available to join as per your desired date. If they are the right candidate for you and if you have patience to wait for them go ahead. You must not miss a good candidate for your business requirements.

If you are unsure of how to find a good virtual receptionist for your business, try visiting https://www.signpost.com/