Ace the Interview | Interview Tips for Virtual Assistants

Here's a quick tip to get out of "interview" mode and into "mentor" mode.

Make a copy of Tannia's Job Interview Cheat Sheet, and use it to keep your interview responses organized and easy find on the day of your interview.

Directions:

1. Open the link that's in the resource section of this lecture.

2. Go to File.

3. Select "Make a copy" or "Download."

4. Save it in your Google Drive or on your computer.

5. Write your interview responses, and use the Outline View to easily navigate the sections.

Also, even after you get the job, DON'T DELETE YOUR CHEAT SHEET!

Did you know that the newest (and coolest) free AI tool, ChatGPT, can role play as an interviewer?!

If you've never used this tool before, head to https://chat.openai.com/ to create a free account. Then, type this prompt into the chat box:

"I want you to act as an interviewer. I am a Virtual Assistant applying for a freelance position with [insert client, industry, niche details]. Help me prepare by asking me questions as though you were thinking of hiring me to assist with your business."

Now, ChatGPT will ask you random questions as though it is interviewing you. Think of this tool like the best on-the-fly prep you've ever had. No two questions will be the same, and the more you change up the prompt, the more varied its responses will be!

"Tell me about yourself" is the number one question VAs are asked in an interview. It's also the hardest question to answer. Let's start by talking about what this question is NOT asking.

Learn quick tips to highlight your greatest skills.

These hard and soft skills are making big waves in 2024. Are there any that you can include, or can learn?

Interviewing is like dating, and like dating, you don't want to name drop previous clients. The star of the show is YOU, so focus on your experience.

Concise is nice. The more concise and direct that you are in interviews, the more they'll remember you.

This tip will get you far in life! "And because of all of my experience, i know I'm a good fit for this job."

A simple recap of Tannia's lessons so far.

Tannia is a communication coach, and here's her best tip to project confidence!

Here's a great tip to help you choose your greatest strength.

Here are great tips to ensure you're actually highlighting secret, strategic strengths ;)

Breathing slowly and steadily is a simple way to ensure that you don't feel nervous, anxious, or black out from fear during an interview!

Researching the client before your interview is a must. Let's learn 3 ways to get acquainted with the client before you hop on a call!

Asking about your client's goals is a fantastic way to take control of the interview and get your client to do most of the talking.

Prepare your answer in the event that your potential client offers you a rate that's lower than you expected.

Learn about THE NUMBER ONE negotiation tactic.

A real life example of what silence can do during a conversation with a client.

Asking some thoughtful questions at the end of your interview is a simple way to show your enthusiasm about the client!

Quick recap.

Do VAs need a resume? My answer might surprise you.

Let's discuss common Q's that clients like to ask VAs.

How to prepare a ONE SENTENCE response.

Learn how to answer this - especially if you've never had a client before!

This is your opportunity to present the services that you DO offer versus the services that you DONT offer.

Before the interview, have a game plan about how you'd protect client data.

Learn how to answer this question and flip it back onto the client.

It's crucial that you have boundaries and hours of operation in place before you start working with a client.

Active listening is observing what verbal and non-verbal messages are being sent by your clients. In order to do this, you must pay attention to the other person very carefully. You cannot allow yourself to become distracted by whatever else may be going on around you, or by forming counterarguments while the other person is still speaking. Nor can you allow yourself to get bored, and lose focus on what the other person is saying.

Interrupting and talking over clients is a huge red flag that indicates that you don't respect their time. Let's learn how to avoid this or break this habit!

No one likes a trash talker! Here's how to remain diplomatic in your interview.

You're done with your client exploratory call! Now what?

In this audio lecture, you'll hear from me (the VA) and my potential client (product owner who sells directly to customers through social media).

This interview was 100% improvised. My goal as the acting VA is to provide an example for how you can project control and confidence on calls with your clients.

Let's take a quick look at my favorite contract service.

What happens if a client doesn't respond once you send a contract?