Hiring a Remote Personal Assistant (PA) goes beyond reviewing CVs and ticking off skills. You need someone who not only fits the role but also aligns with your company’s culture and workflow. Asking the right questions during the interview can help you assess their compatibility and set the foundation for a successful working relationship. Here are five insightful questions to ask before hiring a remote PA.
1. How Do You Prioritise and Manage Multiple Tasks?
Assessing Organisational Skills
Remote PAs often juggle various responsibilities, from scheduling meetings to managing communications. Ask how they prioritise tasks, especially when everything seems urgent. This question will provide insight into their time management and organisational abilities, which are crucial for remote roles.
Looking for Process and Tools
Pay attention to the tools they use, whether it’s project management apps like Asana or simple to-do lists. Their process will reveal how they handle complex workloads and deadlines.
2. How Do You Stay Productive While Working Remotely?
Understanding Their Remote Work Ethic
Remote work requires discipline and focus, so it’s important to understand how they structure their day. Are they proactive in maintaining productivity? Do they have routines or strategies to stay on track without direct supervision?
Identifying Their Work Environment
Ask about their home office setup or preferred workspace. A well-organised environment often reflects their commitment to the role and ability to deliver without distractions.
3. Can You Provide an Example of Problem-Solving in a Remote Environment?
Testing Problem-Solving Abilities
Challenges are inevitable, especially in remote roles. Asking for a specific example of how they solved a problem remotely reveals their resourcefulness and independent thinking.
Looking for Initiative
Seek signs that they take initiative to resolve issues without needing constant guidance. This is a key trait for remote PAs, who must often make decisions on the fly.
4. How Do You Communicate and Keep Track of Tasks?
Evaluating Communication Skills
Effective communication is critical for remote work. This question helps you understand their approach to staying connected and accountable. Do they prefer email, Slack, or video calls? How frequently do they update their supervisors?
Tools and Systems for Transparency
The tools they use to track tasks, such as Trello, Monday.com, or Google Workspace, offer insight into their ability to stay organised and transparent about deliverables, essential for building trust in a remote role.
5. How Do You Handle Feedback and Make Adjustments?
Gauging Receptiveness to Feedback
Remote roles require ongoing adjustments, and openness to feedback is key to success. Ask how they’ve handled constructive criticism in the past and how they adapt to new expectations. This shows whether they can improve and grow in the role, making them a long-term fit for your business.
Seeking Continuous Improvement
Look for candidates who see feedback as a learning opportunity. Their willingness to grow and adapt to your preferences will help ensure a successful working relationship.
Conclusion
When hiring a remote PA, it’s important to go beyond qualifications and experience. By asking these five key questions, you’ll gain valuable insights into their work ethic, communication style, and ability to fit into your company culture. These questions will help you find a remote PA who is not only skilled but also the perfect fit for your team.
