What does a Virtual Assistant do?
Published 4 min read
A Virtual Assistant is an online administrative assistant. They can perform a variety of tasks, such as managing email, scheduling appointments, and providing customer service.
Virtual Assistant job duties include:
- Answering phone calls and emails on behalf of the business owner
- Scheduling appointments and managing calendars
- Booking travel arrangements
- Creating and sending out invoices
- Managing social media accounts
- Creating and editing blog posts and other website content
- Handling customer service inquiries
- Assisting with event planning and coordination
- Performing light bookkeeping and accounting tasks
Virtual Assistant Job Requirements
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the job requirements for a Virtual Assistant can vary depending on the employer. However, in general, most employers will require a Virtual Assistant to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent, and some basic computer skills. Additionally, some employers may prefer or require a Virtual Assistant to have prior experience working in an administrative or customer service role. While there are no formal education or certification requirements for becoming a Virtual Assistant, completing a training program or course could give you an edge over other candidates when applying for jobs.
Virtual Assistant Skills
- Time management
- Organization
- Scheduling
- Communication
- Writing
- Editing
- Research
- Data entry
- Social media
- Graphic design
- Marketing
- Customer service
Related: Top Virtual Assistant Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Virtual Assistant
A Virtual Assistant (VA) is an independent contractor who provides administrative, creative, and/or technical services to clients remotely. VAs are usually self-employed and work from home, setting their own hours and rates.
Becoming a VA is a great way to start your own business or earn some extra income on the side. It’s also a flexible job that can be done around other commitments.
If you’re interested in becoming a VA, here are some tips to get started:
1. Determine what services you can offer.
Think about the skills and experience you have to offer clients. Do you have experience with customer service, social media, administrative work, or data entry? Maybe you’re a whiz at graphic design or creating PowerPoint presentations. Whatever your skillset may be, there’s likely a demand for it as a VA.
2. Research the market rate for your services.
When setting your rates, be sure to research what others in your area are charging for similar services. You don’t want to price yourself too high and risk losing potential clients, but you also don’t want to undervalue your services and end up working for less than you deserve.
3. Create a portfolio of your work.
If you have any previous work samples to show potential clients, be sure to include them in your portfolio. If you don’t have any existing samples, create some mock projects to showcase your skills. This will give potential clients an idea of what they can expect if they hire you.
4. Set up a professional website or online profile.
Having an online presence is essential for any business these days, and that includes VAs. Potential clients will likely search for you online before hiring you, so it’s important to have a professional website or online profile (such as on LinkedIn) that showcases your skills and experience. Be sure to include links to your portfolio so that clients can see examples of your work.
5. Market yourself through word-of-mouth and online directories.
In addition to having an online presence, another way to market yourself is through word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied clients or by listing yourself on online directories for VAs (such as Upwork). These platforms can help you find new clients and grow your business.
Related: Virtual Assistant Resume Example
Related: Virtual Assistant Interview Questions (With Example Answers)