In today’s fast-paced, remote-first world, hiring a virtual assistant (VA) isn’t just about saving time—it’s about adding real value to your business. But not all virtual assistants are created equal. The best VAs go beyond task completion; they become proactive, reliable partners in your company’s growth.
So, what actually makes a great virtual assistant? Whether you’re considering hiring one or becoming one, here are the key traits and skills that separate the best from the rest.
1. Proactivity Over Reactivity
Great VAs don’t wait to be told what to do. They anticipate your needs, take initiative, and think ahead. Whether it’s following up on an email thread, scheduling a call you haven’t asked for yet, or suggesting improvements to a workflow—they’re one step ahead.
🧠 A proactive VA doesn’t just follow orders—they solve problems before they happen.
2. Strong Communication Skills
Clear, professional communication is at the heart of every successful VA-client relationship. A top-tier VA knows how to manage tone, ask clarifying questions, summarize information, and keep you updated—without overwhelming you.
Whether via email, Slack, or Zoom, they ensure nothing gets lost in translation.
3. Fluency in English and Cross-Cultural Communication
At Virtual Assistant Solutions, we pride ourselves on connecting companies with VAs who are 100% fluent in English and comfortable working with North American business standards. The ability to communicate clearly and confidently across time zones and cultures is critical for building trust and efficiency.
4. Tech Savvy and Adaptable
Today’s VAs need to be more than just organized—they must be comfortable using a wide range of digital tools. From project management software (like Monday.com, Trello, or Notion) to CRMs, email tools, and AI platforms, a great VA adapts quickly to your tech stack and is eager to learn new systems.
5. Organizational Mastery
Time management, task tracking, follow-ups, calendar coordination… the best VAs are masters of structure. They help keep your business running smoothly by turning chaos into clarity and missed tasks into completed goals.
6. Discretion and Trustworthiness
A virtual assistant often has access to sensitive business and personal information. That’s why integrity and confidentiality are non-negotiable. The best VAs treat your business as if it were their own—with care, discretion, and responsibility.
7. Coachable and Committed to Growth
At VAS, we don’t believe in static roles—we believe in growing talent. That’s why we provide ongoing 1-on-1 coaching for all of our assistants. The most successful VAs are those who welcome feedback, constantly improve, and evolve alongside the companies they support.
Final Thoughts
A great virtual assistant isn’t just someone who gets tasks done. They’re an extension of your team—someone who brings structure, support, and a fresh level of performance to your operations.
If you’re ready to experience what it’s like to work with a fully trained, proactive, and high-performing VA, we invite you to explore our services.
👉 Start your journey with VAS today at virtualassistantsolutions.com/careers
