When hiring a Virtual Assistant, both experience and skills can be important. However, the right balance depends on your business needs and the role you are looking to fill.

Someone with years of experience is not automatically the best candidate. In many cases, the skills needed to perform the actual work are more important.

## Start with the tasks

Before comparing candidates, look at the tasks your Virtual Assistant will be responsible for.

If you need help with email management, research, data entry, scheduling, or general administration, focus on candidates who have the skills required to complete those tasks effectively.

For more specialised positions, relevant professional experience may become more important.

## Look at relevant experience

Experience is most valuable when it relates directly to your position.

A candidate may have worked as a Virtual Assistant for several years without having experience in the specific area you need. Another candidate may have less VA experience but already possess the exact skills required for your tasks.

Look at what someone has actually done, not only how long they have worked.

## Consider transferable skills

Candidates can develop useful skills in many different jobs.

Someone with experience in customer service, administration, marketing, sales, or office work may already have skills that transfer well to a Virtual Assistant position.

This is especially important when considering applicants who are new to virtual assistance.

## Think about what can be learned

Many tools and business processes can be taught.

If a candidate communicates well, follows instructions, stays organised, and is willing to learn, they may be able to quickly develop the additional knowledge needed for the role.

## Find the right balance

There is no universal rule that says experience is more important than skills.

For some positions, previous experience is essential. For others, practical ability, communication, reliability, and willingness to learn may matter more.

Focus on the requirements of the role and choose the Virtual Assistant who is best equipped to perform the work your business actually needs.