Business professionals prefer staff members who are convenient and easy to access. More companies are looking to virtual assistants (VAs) for fast, effective hiring. If you plan to become a VA and want to work remotely, you need to know how to stand out among the growing competition. Here are several tips to become more productive and noticeable in your industry.
Research the Industry
Virtual assistance is part of the administrative industry that handles the basic running of a business or organization. Research the job of being a virtual assistant, including the main duties, salary, education or work experience required, job growth, etc.
As more companies transition to virtual platforms, the demand for virtual assistants will increase in the future. However, there are many professionals who are already established in the industry and have years of work experience. If you’re a newcomer, you’ll face a great deal of experienced competitors and will need to increase your qualifications as much as possible.
Provide a Specialization
Virtual assistants provide basic office duties from remote locations. They perform a wide range of secretarial tasks, such as:
- Computer typing
- Writing
- Editing
- Accounting
- Appointment setting
- Customer service
Some virtual assistants are more experienced in certain areas than in others. Their previous jobs may include those of call center agents, accountants, appointment setters, freelance writers or business managers. They may have worked as secretaries for law firms, nonprofit charities, schools or accounting firms.
Make your resume stand out more by providing one or more specializations. Target those companies that are looking for your specific skills and knowledge. For instance, if you have healthcare experience, target medical facilities that are looking for remote medical billers or assistants.
Every industry needs virtual assistants as the first point of contact between the customers and the employees. Choose one or two specific industries that you are most familiar with. Then, customize your resume and job application to make your skills more specialized.
Improve Computer and Technology Skills
Having advanced knowledge in the use of computers and software programs is essential nowadays. Nearly all office employees use computers at one point or another during their work shifts. If they’re specialists, they’re required to have knowledge in using advanced software programs and remote tools in their field, whether it’s accounting or business management. As you build your technical skills, acquire as much hands-on practice as possible and use technology whenever you can.
Determine the Type of Work
Determine the type of work that you want to do. Virtual assistants can work as remote independent contractors or employees that work on a part-time or full-time basis. They may work for small businesses or large firms that hire hundreds of virtual assistants. They can work as personal assistants for corporate executives, business owners or self-employed professionals. Some assistants work onsite for a few hours each week and then work remotely for the rest of the week. Others work temp jobs on contracts that last for several months up to a year.
Anyone can become a VA, but it takes special skills and knowledge to get noticed. This field already has tens of thousands of qualified candidates from all over the world. In addition, you’ll be working as an independent contractor, so you need the self discipline and motivation to succeed where other professionals have failed. Start by finding the right job site to promote your skills and work experience.
