Why Filipino Virtual Assistants?
The Philippines is a global hub for skilled, English-speaking remote professionals. Filipino VAs are known for:
- Strong communication and written English
- Cultural compatibility with Western businesses
- Loyal, long-term work ethic
- Affordable hourly and salaried rates
When I first started outsourcing, I tried marketplaces like Upwork and Fiverr. But with markups, inconsistent availability, and steep learning curves, I always felt like I was renting help—not really building a team.
Hiring directly through OnlineJobs.ph gave me full control over who I hired, how I trained them, and how we worked together long term.
What is OnlineJobs.ph?
OnlineJobs.ph is a job board built specifically to help businesses and solopreneurs find full-time, part-time, hourly—or even project-based—remote workers from the Philippines.
You don’t need to go through recruiters or pay per-hire fees. For a flat subscription ($69/month on the Pro Plan), you can access over 3 million Filipino resumes and get unlimited job postings.
Why I Love OnlineJobs.ph:
- No middlemen—hire your way
- Negotiate salary directly and save $$$
- The pool is massive (hello 10,000 new profiles a month)
- Built-in tools like payroll and time tracking
- Cancel any time with money-back guarantee
If you’re scaling with systems and want cost-effective help for recurring tasks—OnlineJobs is 🔥.
Step-by-Step: How to Hire a Filipino VA on OnlineJobs.ph
This is the hiring process I use when bringing on a new VA or marketer. I’ve refined it over the years—so you’re getting the lean, no-fluff version that actually works.
Step 1: Sign Up for an Employer Account
Go to OnlineJobs.ph and click on the “Create an Account” option as an employer.
- Use your real business email
- Fill out your name, business details, and hiring goals
✅ Pro Tip: Upgrade to the Pro Plan ($69/mo) as soon as you’re serious. You can post jobs for free—but you can’t contact applicants until you upgrade. Don’t waste a week waiting.
Step 2: Post a Targeted Job Description
The #1 mistake I see? Vague job posts.
Be crazy clear about:
- Skills required 📋 (e.g., graphic design, email marketing, scheduling)
- Tools they need to know (Google Suite, WordPress, Notion, etc.)
- Hours expected (part-time, full-time, hourly availability)
- Payment frequency (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly)
Example Description for a Content VA:
Looking for a remote Filipino VA to write and schedule blog posts using WordPress, manage my social media calendar in Trello, and assist with email marketing (ConvertKit). Must have excellent written English and availability to work 20 hours/week on US time.
Step 3: Use Advanced Filters to Search Resumes
Even with a great job post, I like to proactively search for top candidates using OnlineJobs.ph’s search tool.
Filter by:
- ID Proof Score (over 70 is ideal—it verifies their real identity)
- Skill categories (admin, marketing, design, bookkeeping, etc.)
- Desired salary range (most start at $3–$8/hour)
- Availability
- Years of experience
Don’t get overwhelmed by volume—focus on 5–10 solid profiles and send a personalized message.
Here’s my go-to vetting system:
- Initial Application Test
Ask them to follow a short instruction in your job post. (e.g., “Reply with your favorite productivity tool in the subject line.”)
The ones who skip it? Gone. - Email Questionnaire
- What tools have you used at work?
- What kind of work do you enjoy most?
- Are you currently working with other clients?
- Paid Test Task
Give them a 1-hour relevant task—like a social media caption sample or Canva design
Pay them even if you don’t hire—it builds trust from day one - Zoom Interview (Optional)
I usually only do this for full-time hires, but you’ll get a feel for communication and personality
Once you’ve chosen your VA, it’s time to make the hire official. Agree on:
- Pay rate and how you’ll send payment (more on that next)
- Hours per week and work schedule
- Communication channels (Slack, email, Notion, etc.)
- Tools and access permissions
Start with a 2-week trial where you both get comfortable. Set clear goals. Provide SOPs or a Loom video walkthrough of what you expect.
Want to pay quickly and save on fees? Use OnlineJobs’ EasyPay feature—it’s faster and cheaper than PayPal.
Step 6: Track Hours With Timeproof (Optional)
OnlineJobs includes a time-tracking tool called Timeproof, which:
- Tracks screen time and mouse movement
- Sends automated reports
- Adds accountability for hourly workers
You can turn it on or off—just depends on your workflow. Some folks love it; others just prefer a weekly deliverables check-in system.
Step 7: Keep Communication Crisp and Regular
Even the best VAs need clear expectations.
- Host weekly check-ins or async video updates
- Use tools like Slack, Trello, ClickUp, or Notion
- Give feedback consistently—positive or constructive
Build a relationship—not just a task list. That’s how you unlock long-term loyalty and growth.
How Much Does a Filipino Virtual Assistant Cost?
Here’s a ballpark of typical starting rates on OnlineJobs.ph:
- Entry-Level Admin VA: $3–$5/hr
- Skilled VA (Content/Social/SEO): $5–$8/hr
- Specialized Roles (e.g., Web Dev, Paid Ads): $8–$15/hr
But remember, you negotiate rates directly—unlike on Upwork where platform markups can hike costs up by 20%.
Why OnlineJobs Beats Upwork and Agencies
Personally, I’ve used both Upwork and Wing Assistants before moving to OnlineJobs permanently.
Here’s why:
- No middleman = You control the hire and salary
- Flat fee = Unlimited hires
- Massive talent pool = Faster match
- Cancel anytime = Zero commitment
It’s built for people who want lean operations—not bloated staffing systems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take to hire using OnlineJobs.ph?
You can start receiving applications within hours of posting. Most users find a solid VA within 5–10 days.
Can I hire for just part-time help?
Absolutely. Many VAs are open to 10–20 hours/week gigs. Make sure to specify this in your post.
Do I need to pay taxes or handle legal paperwork?
Not typically. Filipino VAs are independent contractors. Just agree on a pay schedule and keep good records on your end.
Do they work my timezone?
Many do—especially full-time hires for US, UK, and AUS clients. Confirm this during the vetting process.
Final Thoughts: Build Your Dream Team Now
The smartest thing I did for my solopreneur business was letting go of the idea that I had to do everything myself. Hiring a skilled Filipino VA wasn’t just a productivity play—it changed my energy, focus, and actual output.
OnlineJobs.ph helped me build a reliable remote team without burning cash on agencies or bloated platforms.
If you’re serious about growing with leverage, hiring your first (or fifth) VA is the next logical step.
Happy hiring,
Eli Mercer
Founder of NextGenAIFinder | Automation & Content Nerd | Team-Building Solopreneur