The first 10 roles agencies hand off, in the order that pays
Which seat to fill first, and how to tell if a task should come off your plate.
Most bad offshore hires were predictable. The warning signs were there before anyone signed. Nobody asked the right questions.
Here are the twelve I’d ask any VA company, including mine. You’re probably skimming, so each one has the answer to listen for and the answer that should make you walk away.
About the person
Question 1: Do they work for anyone else?
Good answerNo, they’re full-time and work only for you.
Red flag“They have a few other clients, but they’ll prioritize you.”
Question 2: How were they vetted?
Good answerA skills test, a live video interview, verified employment and a background check.
Red flag“We review every resume carefully.”
Question 3: How much real experience do they have in this exact role?
Good answerA number of years, plus work samples.
Red flag“They’re a fast learner.”
Question 4: Can I interview them before I commit?
Good answerYes, and you approve the final pick.
Red flagThey assign someone and you meet on day one.
About the setup
Question 5: Where do they work from?
Good answerA real office or a supervised setup, with backup power and internet.
Red flag“From home, they have good Wi-Fi.”
Question 6: What happens when the power or internet goes down?
Good answerA written plan, and you don’t pay for time they can’t work.
Red flagA shrug.
Question 7: How are my clients’ passwords handled?
Good answerA password manager, an NDA before day one, and access removed within 24 hours if they leave.
Red flag“Just send logins in Slack.”
About management
Question 8: Who manages them day to day?
Good answerThis is the big one. A named manager checks in with them, so it isn’t all on you.
Red flag“You’ll manage them directly.”
Question 9: How fast do they respond, and how do you know?
Good answerA published response standard that’s actually tested.
Red flag“They’re very responsive.”
Question 10: What will I see every week?
Good answerA short written report of what got done and what’s next.
Red flagRaw time-tracker access and nothing else.
About the exit
Question 11: What if it isn’t working in week three?
Good answerA free rematch, with a clear time window.
Red flag“Let’s give it a few months.”
Question 12: What does it cost to leave, or to hire them directly?
Good answerA written notice period and a published buyout schedule.
Red flag“We can discuss that later.”
The question behind all twelve
If you only ask one, ask number 8. Most offshore hires don’t fail because the person was bad. They fail because nobody was managing them except the agency owner, who was busy running an agency.
That was my story for a long time. I kept hiring good people and leaving them on their own.
