Lecture Notes

Introduction to the Session

• Speaker: Pauline Hwanja
• Welcome message, encouraging participation and engagement in the chat.
• Purpose: To provide insider information from a recruitment manager's perspective.

Session Agenda

1. Welcome and Introduction
2. Engagement Guidelines
3. Quick Check-in Activity
4. Fireside Chat with Guest Speaker
5. Q&A Session
6. Next Steps and Announcements
7. Closing Remarks

Engagement Guidelines

• Turn up energy and engage in the chat.
• Stay alert to gather valuable insights.
• Drop questions in the shared slide link for the Q&A.
• Listen, learn, and have fun.

Check-in Activity

• Participants shared their leisure activities: dancing, sleeping, cooking, etc.
• Edwin shared responses from participants about their leisure preferences.

Fireside Chat with Guest Speaker: Cynthia Omaya

• Title: Recruitment Manager at Athena.
• Focus: Insights into the recruitment process for virtual assistants (VAs).
• Key points discussed:
  • Definition of an Executive Partner: Optimizes client productivity and manages daily tasks.
  • Target Clients: Ambitious CEOs, founders, and executives.

Recruitment Process Overview

1. Initial Questionnaire
   • Assess availability, experience, and readiness to work as a virtual assistant.
   • Need to be 18+ and legally eligible to work.
2. Skills Assessment: Via Test Gorilla
   • Critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, typing speed, and time management.
3. Language Assessment:
   • Proficiency in English (B2 and above).
4. Interview with Recruiter:
   • Assess motivation, background, and fit for the role.
5. Skills Validation Call:
   • Practical assessment of skills via scenarios and tasks.
6. Offer Letter and Background Check.

Key Skills and Qualities for VAs

• Communication, dependability, adaptability, and tech-savviness.
• Importance of attention to detail in application materials.
• Tailor CVs for each application instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Common Mistakes to Avoid:
   • Using a generic CV.
   • Not demonstrating attention to detail.
2. How to Bid for Services:
   • Research market rates and quantify your skills.
   • Consider your expenses and value offered to clients.
3. Experience vs. Skills:
   • Focus on skills acquired through programs like ALX, rather than experience alone.

Conclusion

• Final Tips:
  • Be proactive in showcasing skills.
  • Treat recruitment as a two-way evaluation process.
• Invitation for more questions and closing remarks from Pauline.

Announcements

• Upcoming events and sessions outlined.
• Reminder to submit weekly deliverables on time.
• Feedback requested on the session for improvement.