How to Spot Top VA Agencies When Hiring Skilled Filipino Virtual Assistants

How to Spot Top VA Agencies When Hiring Skilled Filipino Virtual Assistants

By Beyond Business, June 17, 2025

Outsourcing to virtual assistants can either elevate your business or drain resources if done poorly. The real game-changer? Knowing how to identify the top VA agencies—especially when your goal is to hire a skilled Filipino VA who’s dependable, efficient, and aligned with your work culture.

In this guide, we break down what separates average providers from the truly elite recruitment-first agencies like BBVA.


Why the Right VA Agency Matters More Than You Think

When outsourcing to the Philippines, many business owners assume the process is plug-and-play. But VA success relies heavily on the quality of the hiring process.

Here's what often goes wrong:

  • Hiring from freelancer platforms with no vetting process
  • Relying on agencies that prioritise speed over fit
  • Bringing on VAs without clear role scope or training readiness
  • Lack of onboarding support or accountability

Top VA agencies solve all of the above before the hire is made.


Core Traits of a Top VA Agency

To hire skilled Filipino VAs that make a tangible impact, look for agencies with:

  • A recruitment-first model, not just placements
  • Deep expertise in Filipino talent markets
  • Clear, structured hiring processes, including skills testing and behavioural assessments
  • Client-centric matching, not candidate-first agendas
  • No long-term lock-ins or middleman interference

BBVA’s unique recruitment service was built to uphold these standards—giving business owners confidence in who they bring into their teams.


The Filipino VA Advantage: Still the Best in 2025

The Philippines remains the global leader in remote staffing for many good reasons:

  • High literacy and education levels
  • Cultural compatibility with North American businesses
  • Low attrition and high loyalty when well-managed
  • Strong digital and administrative capabilities
  • English proficiency and time zone adaptability

At BBVA, we leverage our in-country insights and local recruiter network to ensure you don’t just hire a VA—you hire a high-performing asset.


5 Red Flags That Mean You’re Not Dealing With a Top VA Agency

If you see any of these signs, it’s time to reconsider your source:

  1. No customised intake—just generic forms
  2. You’re asked to manage the VA directly without prep
  3. Candidates arrive untested
  4. Hidden fees or unclear pricing structures
  5. No support post-hire

These shortcuts can lead to mismatches, burnout, or even brand damage.

BBVA’s transparent, step-by-step process was designed specifically to avoid these common pitfalls.


The BBVA Process: Recruit with Confidence

Unlike other agencies, Beyond Business Virtual Assistants (BBVA) acts as your personal recruitment arm. We don’t run a bench—we build a pipeline based on your exact criteria.

Here’s how:

  • Discovery Call: We learn your business, personality, and priorities
  • Talent Mapping: Our recruiters shortlist and test candidates
  • Final Interview: You get 3–5 custom-vetted VAs
  • Hiring Support: We assist in onboarding, contracts, and expectations

Our success metric? You never needing to hire again for that role.


Make the Right Hire. Skip the Guesswork.

With the right support, hiring a skilled Filipino VA isn’t just easy—it’s transformative. But it starts with working with the right partner.

Book a free VA hiring consult with BBVA and get matched with professionals who are already pre-qualified to excel in your business environment.