In the rush to fill positions quickly, many businesses make the mistake of lowering their hiring standards. While this might seem practical in the short term, it often leads to higher turnover, wasted training time, and lower productivity in the long run. Hiring an unqualified candidate, especially for critical support roles like a virtual assistant or administrative assistant, can cost your business more than you expect.

According to Harvard Business Review, a poor hiring decision can cost a company up to five times the employee’s annual salary when you account for lost productivity, rehiring, and training expenses. This statistic underscores the importance of maintaining high standards throughout your recruiting process, even when timelines are tight.

Hiring isn’t just about filling a gap; it’s about finding someone who aligns with your business goals, values, and work ethic. When hiring a virtual assistant, for instance, it’s not enough that they can complete tasks; they must also be able to do so efficiently. They must also be proactive, reliable, and capable of understanding your workflow. Similarly, an administrative assistant should be detail-oriented, organized, and skilled at managing communication and documentation.

Lowering your standards can lead to hiring individuals who might not deliver consistent results. Over time, this can erode trust within your team and create bottlenecks that affect your overall efficiency. A single weak link in your operations can delay projects, disrupt communication, and even harm your company’s reputation.

Maintaining high hiring standards starts with a clear definition of what you need. Create detailed job descriptions that include both technical and soft skills. For example, if you’re hiring a remote virtual assistant, list specific tools they should know (like Asana or Google Workspace) and outline communication expectations.

For an administrative executive assistant, emphasize the importance of multitasking, professionalism, and confidentiality. It’s better to spend a little more time finding the right fit than to onboard someone who won’t meet your expectations. According to Forbes, companies that maintain strict hiring criteria and use structured interview processes are 50% more likely to achieve higher employee retention rates.

Skills can be taught, but attitude and reliability can’t. The best hires are not just capable; they’re consistent, responsible, and take initiative. When evaluating candidates for a virtual assistant or remote executive assistant role, pay attention to how they handle feedback, communicate effectively under pressure, and demonstrate accountability.

You can use trial projects or paid test tasks to assess their performance before offering a contract. This ensures you’re investing in someone who not only meets your technical requirements but also aligns with your company culture.

When you hire well, the benefits go far beyond task completion. A great executive assistant, virtual personal assistant, or remote admin assistant doesn’t just lighten your workload—they anticipate needs, streamline operations, and help you focus on strategic priorities. They become an extension of your leadership, ensuring that every detail runs smoothly behind the scenes.

By maintaining your standards, you’re setting the foundation for long-term success. High-quality hires create stability, foster trust, and contribute directly to your company’s growth.

Never compromise quality for convenience. The time and effort you invest in finding the right person will pay off in productivity, reliability, and peace of mind. Whether you’re hiring a virtual executive assistant or an executive administrative assistant, remember that every hire shapes your company’s future.