Walk into the interview already prepared.
The 30 questions clients ask VAs most, how to structure each answer, and examples you can adapt. Then practise out loud with a 2-minute timer until it stops feeling scary.
Practice mode
Pull a random question, start the timer, answer out loud. Record yourself on your phone if you can stand it. Most good answers land between 45 and 90 seconds.
Press Random question to start.
If you hit zero, your answer is too long. Clients start checking email around the 90-second mark.
The 30 questions
Read the framework, then write your own answer before you open the example. Copying the example word for word is how you sound like every other applicant.
"What's your rate?" without underselling
This is where most Filipino VAs lose money. They have the skills, then panic and drop their number before the client has said a word.
Before the call
- Know your number. Work it out with the rate calculator. Write it on a sticky note next to your screen.
- Know your floor. The lowest you'd accept for this exact scope. Below it, you walk away politely.
- Know the market. Beginners commonly start around $5 to $10/hour, or PHP 25,000 to 40,000/month full-time on OnlineJobs.ph. Specialists charge more.
On the call
- Say one number, then stop talking. The silence feels long. Let it.
- Tie it to the scope. A rate for "inbox and calendar" is not the same as a rate for "inbox, calendar, social media and bookkeeping".
- Never say "I'm flexible" first. That tells them your number is fake.
- Trade scope, not rate. If they push, remove tasks instead of dropping your price.
Say this
For inbox, calendar and travel booking at 40 hours a week, my rate is $7 an hour. That includes a written end-of-day report every day.
I want to make sure we're in the same range. What budget did you have in mind for this role?
When they say it's too high
I understand. At $5 an hour I can cover inbox and calendar only, and we can add travel and research once you've seen the work. Would that work?
If their budget is below your floor, say so and leave the door open: "That's below what I can do for this scope. If the budget changes, I'd be glad to talk again." Clients respect that more than a desperate yes.
Pre-interview checklist
Do this the day before, not 5 minutes before. Your ticks are saved. Reset them before your next interview.