How to Hire a Freelancer or Virtual Assistant

Hiring a freelancer or virtual assistant can be a game changer for your business, but knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. This simple, actionable checklist takes the guesswork out of the process, walking you through every step—from budgeting and interviews to reviewing contracts and setting communication expectations. 

Whether you're hiring for the first time or refining your process, this guide ensures you don’t miss any critical steps. With practical advice and clear instructions, you'll be well-prepared to find and hire a reliable freelancer or VA, ensuring a smooth working relationship from the get-go. 

Bonus Links: For extra guidance, check out our blog articles on... 

How to hire a virtual assistant 

When to move from sole trader to a company – A guide for virtual assistants 

How to hire a virtual assistant – A step by step guide 

What’s included? 

Your template purchase includes: 

• Templates in Word format 
• Template User Guide pdf – Handy hints on how to update your template 
• Single user licence to edit, use and reuse the template as often as you need for your business 
• BONUS: Future template updates 
• BONUS: Video Guide – This video walkthrough is designed to guide you step-by-step through the template, providing clear instructions and assistance to help you successfully complete it with a few tips thrown in for good measure! 

Got questions?  Check out our FAQs below. 

• Step-by-Step Guidance: Follow an organized, practical checklist that walks you through the hiring process. 
• Budgeting Tips: Learn how to set clear expectations for hours and payment without overcommitting. 
• Interview Best Practices: Get advice on asking the right questions and assessing candidates effectively. 
• Credential Validation: Ensure your freelancer or VA is legitimate with simple steps to verify their background. 
• Contract Essentials: Understand the key points to include in your contract for a smooth collaboration. 

• Business owners and entrepreneurs looking to hire freelancers or virtual assistants for specific projects 
• Small business managers seeking a clear and structured hiring process for remote workers 
• Freelancers themselves who want to refine their client onboarding process 
• Startups, digital marketing agencies, and online businesses that need a simple, scalable staffing solution 

• To follow a step-by-step approach for hiring and managing freelancers or virtual assistants 
• To create clarity on budgets, tasks, and expectations before onboarding new hires 
• To avoid common hiring mistakes, such as skipping contract details or overpaying upfront 
• To ensure successful communication and long-term collaboration with freelancers or VAs 

IMPORTANT  

Purchasing our fill in your blanks templates for you to customise and ensure they suit you and your business needs, utilising our free resources or having a chat with us as part of a consultation doesn’t create a lawyer-client relationship between you and Foundd Legal (sorry!). It also doesn’t constitute legal advice. Please consult with a lawyer for any questions. 

We do offer templates for countries outside of Australia, you will see on the specific template page which country or countries the template is available for, just make your selection! Unfortunately at this time, we are only offering templates for the countries specified.  

Our templates are however customisable for countries outside of Australia, and whilst they are a good base and potentially save you money getting something created from scratch, it would be prudent to have a lawyer in your country to review the template especially if you have any questions.  You get a single user licence and can re-use the templates you purchase as many times as you want for your own business needs! But keep in mind we’re a small business just like you, offering a service and we need more people like you to help us continue to grow - just like you!  So from the bottom of our humble hearts, thank you for making a legit purchase and not sharing!  Use of this Site and your purchase of any digital products or downloading of any free resources, are subject to our Terms and Conditions. 

Have more questions?  Read our FAQs