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Career Guide How to Hire Filipino Virtual Workers: A Complete Guide for Employers

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How to Hire Filipino Virtual Workers: A Complete Guide for Employers

Looking to hire a virtual assistant in the Philippines? From avoiding pricey bank transfers to using cost-effective services like PayPal and Wise, we’ve got all the tips you need to manage payments smoothly and keep your virtual assistant happy.

Cindy Angelia

Updated Aug 13, 2024

Hiring a virtual assistant (VA) can be a smart way to manage your workload without adding a full-time employee to your team.

For Singapore employers, the Philippines is a popular choice due to its large pool of skilled VAs who offer high-quality services at a lower cost. Whether you need help with administrative tasks, customer support, or specialized projects, a Filipino VA can provide the support you need to streamline your operations.

Platforms to Hire a Virtual Staff in the Philippines

When hiring a virtual assistant (VA) in the Philippines, selecting the right platform can make a significant difference in your hiring process. Here’s a detailed look at various platforms that can help you find the ideal VA for your needs.

1. OnlineJobs.ph

OnlineJobs.ph is a popular job board specifically designed for hiring Filipino virtual assistants. This platform allows you to browse through profiles of potential VAs, post job ads, and manage the hiring process directly.

On OnlineJobs.ph, you can create a job listing and review applicants' profiles to find a suitable VA. The platform provides contact details, so you can reach out to candidates, schedule interviews, and discuss job details like working hours and salary directly with them.

You will need to pay a fee for premium access to contact details. However, OnlineJobs.ph does not take a commission from the VA’s salary. This option is beneficial if you prefer to handle the hiring process yourself and have control over negotiations and arrangements.

2. Virtual Staff Finder

Virtual Staff Finder operates similarly to a recruitment agency. It specializes in sourcing virtual assistants from the Philippines and provides a curated selection of candidates based on your specific needs.

You start by signing up and detailing your requirements. Virtual Staff Finder will then present you with a shortlist of pre-vetted candidates. You can interview these candidates via video calls to select the best fit for your role.

Virtual Staff Finder charges a one-time fee for its services. Once you hire a VA through their platform, you handle the payment directly. This option is ideal if you prefer having a shortlist of qualified candidates without managing the initial recruitment process yourself.

3. Bottleneck Distant Assistants

Bottleneck Distant Assistants offers a service where they provide dedicated VAs for various tasks such as email management and web design. This platform remains involved even after the hiring process.

Once you hire a VA through Bottleneck, the company manages payments, changes to working hours, and additional services. This can be particularly useful if you want ongoing support and don’t want to handle administrative tasks related to your VA directly.

Bottleneck offers a comprehensive service that includes ongoing support. This may be advantageous if you require consistent management and want to streamline the administrative aspects of working with a VA.

4. Outsourced.ph

Outsourced.ph provides a range of remote staffing solutions beyond just virtual assistants. This platform caters to various roles, from administrative support to engineering and real estate.

Outsourced.ph offers an online dashboard to track the performance and management of your remote staff. This setup allows you to oversee projects and tasks more effectively.

Outsourced.ph is suited for larger-scale projects where you might need multiple VAs or additional roles. It’s a good option if you require more than just a virtual assistant and prefer a structured approach to managing remote teams.

5. Virtual Done Well

Virtual Done Well operates with offices in the US, Australia, and the Philippines. This platform provides a full-service approach to hiring VAs, offering additional support from their team.

You need to commit to at least 80 hours of work per month. Virtual Done Well handles the entire process, from recruitment to management, ensuring that your VA has the support of a professional setup.

This option is ideal if you need significant support and a professional infrastructure behind your VA. It’s suitable for tasks beyond basic administrative support, such as marketing or web development.

6. TaskBullet

TaskBullet uses a flexible “bucket” system where you purchase a set number of hours for your VA to work on tasks.

You buy a “bucket” of hours, which your VA will use as needed. This system is advantageous if you have fluctuating workloads and need help on an as-needed basis rather than a regular schedule.

TaskBullet offers a pay-as-you-go model, which can be more cost-effective for businesses with irregular or project-based needs. It’s a flexible solution for ad-hoc tasks and general administrative support.

7. Other VA Platform Options

In addition to the platforms mentioned, several other services can connect you with virtual assistants in the Philippines. Consider exploring:

VA Staffer
Pepper VA
24Task
OkayRelax
GoVirtuals

Each of these services offers different features and pricing structures. Researching these options can help you find a platform that best matches your specific needs and budget.

These alternatives provide various levels of service and specialization. Evaluating multiple platforms will help you choose the one that offers the best combination of features and cost for your business.

How to Determine VA Salaries

One of the main reasons to hire a Filipino VA is cost savings. Salaries in the Philippines are generally lower compared to the US, and you don’t need to provide office space or equipment.

Platform Fees

If you use a service like Bottleneck or TaskBullet, you’ll pay a subscription or set fee. For example, Bottleneck charges $1840 per month for a full-time VA, while TaskBullet’s buckets start at $220 for 20 hours.

Direct Salaries

If hiring directly, you’ll need to set the salary based on factors like workload, skill level, and experience. Average full-time salaries are around $600 per month, but this can vary. Higher salaries are expected for more experienced VAs or specialized skills.

Consider additional costs like health insurance and the “13th month” pay, which is common in the Philippines.

How to Pay Your Virtual Workers in the Philippines

When it comes to paying a virtual assistant (VA) in the Philippines, choosing the right payment method is crucial to ensure cost-effectiveness and efficiency. Here’s a detailed guide on how to handle payments:

Avoid Traditional Bank Transfers

Using traditional banks for international transfers can be costly and inefficient. Banks often charge high fees for international wire transfers and offer less favorable exchange rates. This can result in significant additional costs for both you and your VA. Additionally, the processing time for bank transfers can be longer, which may not be ideal for timely payments.

Popular Payment Methods

1. PayPal

PayPal is a widely used payment option for international transactions. It allows you to send money quickly and conveniently.

However, it’s essential to check the exchange rate PayPal offers. Often, PayPal’s exchange rate includes a markup, meaning you might pay more than the mid-market rate. Be sure to review the fees associated with PayPal transactions to avoid unexpected costs.

2. Wise Business

Wise (formerly TransferWise) is a popular choice for businesses due to its transparency and favorable rates.

Wise offers international transfers at the mid-market rate, meaning you get the true exchange rate without hidden markups. It also provides clear, low fees, which can be particularly advantageous if you make regular payments to your VA. Wise allows you to set up recurring payments, making it easy to manage monthly or periodic salary transfers.

3. Other Online Payment Services

There are other online payment platforms you might consider, such as Payoneer and Remitly.

Each service has its own fee structure and exchange rates. It’s important to compare these options to find the most cost-effective solution for your needs. Look for services that offer low fees, competitive exchange rates, and reliable customer support.

Setting Up Recurring Payments

If you plan to pay your VA on a regular basis, setting up recurring payments can streamline the process.

Services like Wise Business allow you to automate monthly or periodic transfers, reducing the administrative burden of making manual payments each time. This ensures that your VA receives their salary on time and helps maintain a smooth workflow.

By using these tips, Singapore employers can efficiently hire and manage virtual assistants in the Philippines, optimizing their operations while keeping costs down.

Try Epicareer for Employers to search Filipino talents in Customer Service, Virtual Assistant, Call Center Agent, and Business Development.

Cindy Angelia

Talent Acquisition Manager

With a strong background in HR and talent management, I am passionate about creating positive candidate experiences and fostering a culture of growth and development. My strategic approach to recruitment ensures we attract and retain the best professionals in the industry.

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