If you are looking to hire a good virtual receptionist, you must know the basics of the hiring process. Without one, things may look challenging and complicated to hire a qualified virtual receptionist. Before we switch to learning the hiring process, let’s quickly discuss the purpose and role of a virtual receptionist.
Typically, the basic role of a live receptionist is to answer calls, schedule appointments, and extend communication for a business on behalf of the company or the business owner. One must look for a receptionist that also focuses on improving business image and growth. A few critical qualities that a virtual receptionist is expected to excel at include communication skills, organization skills, technical skills, stress management, problem-solving, empathy, multitasking, and social skills.
10 Simple tips to hire the best virtual receptionist:
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Note the skills expected by the company:
Before you begin the hiring process of a virtual receptionist, it would be wise to note the skills you expect for your business. Your online professional receptionist must possess or deliver these skills to meet company requirements. A few critical skills expected by every business owner include communication, customer service, multitasking, patience, detail-oriented, and more…
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Plan the interview process:
Plan the interview process before hiring the online service. What type of questions do you wish to ask your interviewee? What are your business requirements? How soon do you want them to begin your service? Many such questions are important to ask before you actually interview them.
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Discuss responsibilities:
Discuss responsibilities of the virtual receptionist. Prepare a list of expectations before hiring them. You must have clear expectations from your business so that the virtual receptionist is aware of what is expected from them.
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Share the list of requirements:
Make a list of requirements to discuss with your virtual receptionist. Other than taking calls and handling queries, if there are other roles to be performed by the virtual receptionist you must discuss it with your virtual receptionist.
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Learn the benefits:
Hiring a receptionist online can benefit you in several ways. Learn the several advantages of hiring professional virtual receptionist. You must ensure that you are hiring the right candidate to make the most of these benefits.
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Discuss cost and budget:
Discuss the cost and budget with your virtual receptionist before hiring them. It is important to know if you both think alike to prevent any confusion and arguments. You must mutually discuss with them and share your company’s budget.
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Discuss business expectations and deadlines:
Be clear of your business deadlines if your business demands critical closures on time. Certain calls are confidential and there are calls that are on priority. Your virtual receptionist must understand your business well before joining your company.
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Negotiate on the final offer:
Learn if the online reception company is open to negotiate on the final offer by your company. Some professionals are open to negotiate on their service fee to retain client relation and to maintain a healthy relation between the parties.
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Perform a background check:
Before making the final call on the hiring process, you must also perform a background check. Your background check must include opinions from others, referrals, reviews, and ratings of the company as updated by other clients.
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Note mutually discussed points:
Prepare a document that includes mutually discussed points and everything related to the hiring agreement. This document must go as a final agreement between the parties on taking over the receptionist role.
A live receptionist saves you time, efforts, space, and money in several ways.
