So, you’re looking for a Virtual Assistant online, and you keep seeing references to “Unicorn” or “Rockstar.” And now, you feel pressured to find that kind of assistant. But what the heck does that even mean? What makes one worthy of such a lofty title?

Naturally, they will have a solid background in administrative work, have hands-on knowledge of Google Suite, and of course, a sophisticated grasp of your chosen language, to name a few fundamentals.

However, when searching for your Unicorn, it’s important to look for skills that cannot be taught. The following qualities should be present from the get-go, not expected to be developed “on the job.”

Cultured. They must relate well to a broad spectrum of individuals with an openness and respectful willingness to learn unfamiliar customs.

All-inclusive. Beyond “LGBTQIA-friendly,” they must be embracing of any “diverse” grouping to which they mightn’t relate on a personal level.

Versatile. Do they respond proactively to feedback? If not, move on. This one is imperative to building trust in someone that you may never meet from the waist down! (Zoom, folks. C’mon!)

Confident. You don’t want to feel like you’re tip-toeing around your assistant’s feelings all the time.

Productive. This may seem obvious, but not everyone knows how to manage their time well. f your assistant doesn’t possess such a basic fundamental, you risk them getting a bad case of “burnout,” which can lead to a not-so-pleasant or premature break-up.

Focused. They must have a keen eye for detail! When you’re too busy to proofread that resignation letter, you’ll want to feel assured something that important will be perfectly written.

Writing ability. (I’m not referring to copy-editing, which can be taught!) Does your V.A. have a knack for writing in your voice? I’ve had clients ask me to write very personal, sensitive material, which required paying close attention to their feelings, memories, and opinions. The only way to do that was through active listening and precision note taking.

And finally…

Empathic with a HIGH EQ. I cannot stress this enough. If your V.A. is doing personal relations work, knowing how to put a person at ease and possessing a keen ability to interpret social cues is a deal-breaker. And big perk – so much time will be saved if they “get” you – if you’re not constantly having to explain yourself.

By now, you might be thinking, “How the heck am I supposed to determine all that in one interview?” You’re not. This is why I suggest starting with a two (or three, if you are the gracious type) month contract. If by week 3, you find yourself breathing more easily, guess what? You’ve found that highly coveted “Unicorn!”

So, enjoy the ride, and….don’t forget to breathe.