Why the First Interview Matters?
You're on a video call with a potential virtual assistant (VA). Their resume looks solid, their time zone aligns with yours, and you're hopeful this is the one. But after the interview, you're left unsure: are they actually a top-tier hire—or just good on paper?
At Allsikes, we help U.S. companies hire vetted, high-performing remote talent from Latin America. We’ve learned that rockstar VAs leave signals in their very first conversation with you. You just have to know how to spot them.
What Makes a VA a 'Rockstar'?
Many VAs can check off basic boxes: they’re punctual, familiar with tools like ClickUp or Slack, and have experience managing calendars or emails. But what separates a rockstar VA from a mediocre one is mindset:
- Proactivity: They anticipate needs and take initiative.
- Ownership: They treat your business as if it were their own.
- Clear Communication: They’re responsive and articulate.
- Attention to Detail: Small things don’t slip through the cracks.
These qualities are often more important than any software skill—and they can all be uncovered in the first interview.
What to Look (and Listen) For in the First Interview?
- Proactivity: A proactive VA doesn’t wait to be told what to do. They suggest improvements, ask smart questions, and try to understand your business beyond the job description.
-What to ask: "Have you ever suggested a new process or tool to improve your client’s workflow? What was the outcome?"
-Green Flags: Answers that show initiative, a bias for action, or client impact.
-Red Flags: Answers that rely on following exact instructions only.
- Communication Skills: This isn’t just about English fluency—it’s about clarity, tone, and structure. Can they explain something clearly? Do they pause to think? Do they sound confident but humble?
-What to ask: "Can you walk me through how you handled a difficult client situation or project handoff?"
-Green Flags: Specific examples, logical storytelling, and balanced ownership.
-Red Flags: Overly vague, blaming others, or rambling responses.
- Ownership Mentality: Rockstar VAs don't just "complete tasks"—they see them through and think critically.
-What to ask: "Tell me about a time when something went wrong and how you handled it."
-Green Flags: Taking responsibility, solving the issue, and learning from it.
-Red Flags: Dodging blame or lacking follow-through.
- Attention to Detail: The best way to test this is to build it into the application process. For example, ask candidates to include a specific phrase in their application or follow formatting instructions in a trial task.
-What to ask: "Tell me about a time you caught an error before it became a problem."
-Pro tip: Notice if they refer back to details from your job post or use your company’s name correctly.
Common Interview Mistakes to Avoid
Many founders unknowingly sabotage their interviews. Here's How:
- Talking too much: The more you talk, the less you learn.
- Only asking about tools: You’re hiring for thinking, not typing.
- Skipping soft skills: Cultural fit and mindset are harder to train than tech.
Let the candidate talk. Watch how they think. And listen between the lines.
The Allsikes Vetting Process
At Allsikes, we pre-vet every candidate with these traits in mind. Our process includes:
- Language and Communication screening.
- Task-based evaluations.
- Behavioral interviews focused on initiative and adaptability.
- Cultural fit assessment based on your company's values.
We look for red flags so you don’t have to.
You’re Hiring to Grow, Not Just to Delegate!
Hiring a VA isn’t just about lightening your workload—it’s about making a strategic investment in your company’s growth. A rockstar VA will:
- Anticipate what you need before you say it.
- Own their responsibilities like a partner.
- Communicate clearly and efficiently.
- Save you time, money and mental energy.
The good news? These traits aren’t hidden. You can spot them—if you know what to look for.
But if you'd rather skip the guesswork and get matched with a vetted VA who checks every box, we're here to help.
Book your free assessment here.
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