Welcome to today’s blog post where we delve into everything about becoming a Virtual Assistant. Just in case it has ever come across your mind to become a virtual assistant, you’re in the right place. You are about to know how to kickstart your career as a VA, from essential skills and resources to where you can find the best job opportunities.
Did you know that Virtual assistants are 78% more cost-effective than full-time and on-site employees? The average hourly pay for a Virtual Assistant in 2024 is around $19.19. We have gone from calling them secretaries, to administrative assistants and now that we are all online, we call them Virtual Assistants.
But who is a Virtual Assistant?
A virtual assistant provides administrative, technical, or creative support to businesses and entrepreneurs, remotely. VAs handle tasks such as email management, scheduling, social media management, customer service, and more. It is a flexible and versatile role which can match any of your skills and interests. Businesses of all sizes are looking for talented individuals who can help manage their administrative tasks remotely.
As you know that in every field, there are recipes to success. A virtual assistant requires a good mix of hard and soft skills, some of which are:
- Organizational Skills
- Time Management
- Communication Skills
- Problem-Solving
- Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and project management software.
Starting Out
What is worth doing is worth doing well, that is why you should equip yourself with the adequate knowledge as a VA. It’s easy to find a host of resources to help you become a virtual assistant. You can start out by taking online courses from platforms like Udemy, Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
Here’s another great news, ALX is about to launch a free Virtual Assistant Course, be sure to register for a good knowledge ride.
Where to Find Virtual Assistant Jobs
Since you won’t be learning for only knowledge’s sake, we might as well look at the top places to find a Virtual Assistant Job.
1. Upwork and Fiverr still stand out as the most popular freelance marketplaces where you can create your profile and bid for jobs.
2. LinkedIn: Create a stunning and professional profile and connect with your future clients.
3. Facebook Groups: Staying with people of like minds will have a long term positive impact on you. You can join groups for Virtual Assistants which help you to learn more and also limk up with other VAs.
4. Twitter: Follow relevant hashtags like #VirtualAssistantjobs and top influencers to discover job postings and connect with industry professionals who need your services.
Getting Your First VA Job
Create a Professional Profile
Make sure your professional profiles are on LinkedIn and other platforms to showcase your skills and experience.
Build a Portfolio
Even if you’re just starting out, create sample work to show potential clients what you can do. You can offer your services to your friends and gain experience to add to your portfolio.
Network Actively
Engage in online communities, attend webinars, and reach out to experienced Virtual Assistants for advice and mentorship.
Start Small
Don’t be afraid to take on smaller projects to build your experience and reputation. In other words, do not be afraid to crawl so you can fly.
We have established that becoming a Virtual Assistant is a flexible job that allows you freedom as well as a major/side income. The right skills and some grit from you will get you there. You can successfully scale your way and build a robust Virtual Assistant career but only if you start. When your funds start rolling in, HerVest is your go-to platform to invest your income as well as save for rainy days.