# Virtual Assistant Onboarding Checklist (First 2 Weeks)

> The first two weeks determine whether a VA relationship compounds or stalls. Use this checklist before and after day one. ## Before day one - [ ] List tools and access (email, calendar, CRM, Slack, Notion) - [ ] Record 5–10 min Loom walkthroughs for your top 3 tasks - [ ] Define…

Canonical URL: https://www.orcarw.com/blog/virtual-assistant-onboarding-checklist
Published: 2026-06-12
Category: Hiring
Author: Orca Team

The first two weeks determine whether a VA relationship compounds or stalls. Use this checklist before and after day one.

## Before day one

- [ ] List tools and access (email, calendar, CRM, Slack, Notion)
- [ ] Record 5–10 min Loom walkthroughs for your top 3 tasks
- [ ] Define response-time expectations and escalation rules
- [ ] Set a weekly check-in slot (15 minutes is enough)

## Week one

- [ ] Assign **one** recurring task only — inbox triage or scheduling works well
- [ ] Review output daily; give specific feedback, not "looks good"
- [ ] Document decisions in a shared doc the VA can reference
- [ ] Confirm time tracking or task log format

## Week two

- [ ] Add a second task lane if week one is stable
- [ ] Ask the VA what slowed them down — fix tooling gaps
- [ ] Decide: extend hours, add a trial deliverable, or adjust fit

## Red flags to address early

- Missed deadlines without proactive notice
- Repeated questions answered already in SOPs
- Work output that needs full redo (usually unclear brief, not bad VA)

## Orca-specific tip

You can message multiple VAs and run a **$30 trial** on the best responder before committing weekly hours. Browse [best responders](/virtual-assistants?sort=responds&source=blog_onboarding) or read [how to interview a VA](/blog/how-to-interview-a-virtual-assistant).