Congratulations! You’ve decided to go for a virtual assistant job, a rewarding career that gives you better opportunities right from your own home.
Being a virtual assistant is not always easy peasy, but its rewards are abundant. And if you do things the right way, you’ll find that this is one of the best decisions you have ever made in your life.
How to Get a Virtual Assistant Job
Let’s start by answering the hows of the job.
Virtual assistants can be a business owner’s best weapon for growth. With someone like you around, they get to focus on what they do best and leave you to do the rest.
This is why virtual assistants are in high demand. Play your cards right, and you will land a long-term client who can pay well and give you the career growth you want.
Deciding what kind of virtual assistant you are
Before applying for a virtual assistant job, it’s important to understand what kind of virtual assistant you want to be first.
Think about your skills and training.
Do you have a way with words? Are you great at organizing things? Or do you find pleasure in resolving issues for others?
Once you understand what you have to offer, you can pave the right path toward virtual assistant success.
What kind of virtual assistants are out there?
Check this Beginner’s Guide on How to Be a Virtual Assistant (+ Bonus How Tos, Training, and Guides)
General virtual assistants
A general virtual assistant takes care of administrative tasks that business owners often do not have time to do.
It’s not that filing documents together, setting up appointments, and managing emails are not important. In fact, when these seemingly menial tasks are neglected, the business could go south as an effect.
However, business owners already wear different hats. This is where you, as a virtual assistant, can come in. By taking away some of the hats that the business owner wears, he or she gets to focus on growing the business.
Other tasks that general virtual assistants take care of include research, data entry, coordination with clients and vendors, booking hotels, restaurants, and flights, and a lot more.
Content Writer
Every business needs a talented writer who can create ad copy, blog posts, articles, web content, and other material that could prove useful in extending the business’s reach.
Sadly, not all business owners have the talent to string words together strategically. So if you have serious writing skills, then maybe you’re fit to become a content writer.
Aside from writing different kinds of content for your client, you may also be asked to do some keyword research and post your pieces on whatever platform your client is using.
SEO Specialist
Search engine optimization is the best way for any business to have its target audience find its content. This process requires tools and special know-how.
If you are knowledgeable in SEO, then this could be a potential VA post for you. SEO specialists are in demand, especially for business owners who invest a lot in their content.
Note that if you are a content writer and also have an extensive background in SEO or are an SEO specialist who can also write, you can play the role of both content creator and SEO expert. This would increase your salary without a doubt.
However, if the client has a huge demand for content, then the job may end up being too much for you. In this case, it only makes sense for the client to hire separate content creators and SEO specialists.
Other tasks that an SEO specialist would have to perform aside from optimizing content are keyword research, competitor research, and content strategy.
Social media VA
A social media VA is in charge of strategizing for and posting content across different social media platforms.
A social media expert would have to be knowledgeable in the different tools used to schedule posts around the clock and across different social media platforms. You would also have to have a deep understanding of how well each post performs through the use of different analytics tools.
This role may also require some competitor research and keyword research. Most of the time, the social media VA also collaborates with the content writer and SEO specialist to make sure their approach is working in the same direction.
Check this Employer’s Guide To Hiring a Social Media Virtual Assistant
Ecommerce VA
A lot of businesses sell their products online, either through their own eCommerce sites or through marketplaces like eBay or Amazon. An eCommerce VA takes care of this side of the business.
Some of the tasks included when you become an eCommerce VA would be posting products for sale, writing product descriptions, tracking inventory, answering inquiries, taking care of shipping concerns, etc.
Customer / Technical Support VA
As much as business owners would like to personally take care of their customers’ concerns, this is one of the most time-consuming tasks in a business. This is why there has to be a person dedicated to this job.
If you want to be a customer or technical support VA, you’ll have to be armed with loads of patience, amazing communication skills, and the yearning to bring resolution to other people’s issues and concerns.
A word of warning, though – this job will sometimes leave you at the other end of a customer’s ranting, screaming, and cursing. But it definitely is a rewarding experience once you turn that angry customer into a loyal brand ambassador the moment you bring solid resolutions to their concern.
Other virtual assistants
Just imagine how much work it is to build, maintain and grow a business – that’s also how many virtual assistants a business owner usually needs.
Other kinds of virtual assistants include:
- Account managers
- Bookkeepers
- Content editors
- Graphic designers
- Lead generation VAs
- HR and recruitment experts
- Transcribers
- Video editors
- Web developers
***Pro Tip***
Some people are just naturally talented and may have the skills to do a number of things that different VAs can do.
Even if this is the case for you, it is always best to assess what you do best and stick to that. Building a solid image as a virtual assistant with a specific specialization helps you build a stronger portfolio, especially if you’re just starting out.
Here’s how to get a virtual assistant job that perfectly matches your skillset.
Choosing the right platform
You’ve decided on what identity you want to have as a virtual assistant. Now, let’s work on setting you up on the right platform where you can find clients looking for the precise skills you have to offer.
There are two general kinds of platforms that you can encounter – virtual assistant services and virtual assistant marketplaces.
Virtual assistant services
Virtual assistant services often act as a middleman in the hiring process. They usually have account managers who assist clients in looking for the right VA. This means that you will most likely be talking to the account manager most of the time instead of the client.
Note that in some cases, VA services can stay in the picture long after you’ve been hired by their client. They may take care of your payroll and could even offer you a desk space if they have a local office.
Virtual assistant marketplaces
Marketplaces offer something basic – a place where you can build a profile and where clients can post job ads. There usually isn’t any account manager coordinating the process.
Going through a marketplace means having to do all the grunt work yourself. You’ll have to browse through job ads and manually send out applications.
However, this also means that everyone gets a fair shot at getting the job. You get to talk to clients directly and convince them why you’re worth the investment instead of having an account manager shortlisting people left and right without giving you a chance to make your case.
Note that there are also platforms where they apply a balanced approach to these two. Just make sure that you go through the terms and conditions of each platform you use thoroughly to avoid surprises in the end.
You may use these Best Ways to Apply for a Homebased Job.
Creating your online profile
Before you can get the chance to apply for jobs, you will most likely be asked to create an online profile first.
Don’t worry, this is just an online resume that clients will look at to make sure that you fit their requirements. The biggest challenge here is to usually make your profile stand out so that it can be noticed.
What’s included in your online profile?
- A decent headshot (not a cropped group picture nor a blurry photo of you making faces, please!)
- A witty headline (instead of saying you’re a content writer, you can say “content writing rock star)
- An overview of your skills (consider this your elevator pitch)
- Your work experience (make this extremely detailed, highlighting your biggest achievements in each post you handled in the past)
- Your training, skills, and certifications
- Other useful information like your master’s degree, training under influencers from your field, etc.
Remember that potential clients can take one look at your profile and decide that you’re not a good fit even without interviewing you. So make sure your profile is built to impress right from the top until the very bottom of that page.
Here’s a guide that teaches you how to create a great virtual assistant profile.
Looking for a virtual assistant job
Now that you’re all set up with a profile, it’s time to finally get you a job.
Normally, there are two ways to get a job as a virtual assistant. You can go through job ads, or your profile may show up in a client’s search.
Either way, let’s make sure you maximize your chances of getting hired.
Browsing through virtual assistant job ads
Every virtual assistant site has a search bar and a few filters that would allow you to browse through jobs that suit your skills and preferences.
Here are a few tips that can help you increase your chances of getting hired when applying through virtual assistant job ads:
- Use different keywords on the search bar. Don’t just concentrate on “content writer,” for example. You can also use keywords like a writer, article writer, blogger, etc. This will help you ensure that you don’t miss out on job ads that might use different wording.
- Don’t overuse the salary filter. A lot of clients are flexible when it comes to salary. Just because an offer is a little smaller than your ideal salary does not mean you should ignore it.
- Read the entire job post thoroughly. Some clients love leaving hidden instructions to check how well you follow directions.
- Personalize each application. Most of the time, you’ll be allowed to send a cover letter of sorts. Don’t send a generic message for every application. If the job post mentions the name of the person in charge of recruitment, use that person’s name. Mention points on the job ad and relate them with your own skills and talent.
- Don’t let one bullet point stop you. If you match all of an employer’s requirements except for one single bullet point, try out for it just the same. Then, mention how you’re going to address that gap.
It can be tiring, and sometimes, it can take some time before potential employer emails you back. But don’t worry. While you’re waiting for responses, continue sending out applications to improve your chances of bagging the grand prize.
Receiving offers
Play your cards right, and you may not have to browse through hundreds of virtual assistant job ads before landing a great offer.
You can receive offers in two ways – either through a search made by potential employers or when the virtual assistant service matches you to a client based on your profile.
Either way, your profile is the key.
So make sure you have a detailed profile that waves your achievements around like a giant sparkling banner.
Don’t leave any information out, but don’t overdo it either. Avoid padding your profile just for the sake of making it look busy. Trust me, recruiters and potential employers have a knack for spotting BS.
Interested to know the Remote Worker Traits Every Employer Looks For? Click here!
Why You Should Be a Virtual Assistant
It’s true – some people sneer at virtual assistants because they feel that there’s no job security and no career growth.
They couldn’t be more wrong.
Let the naysayers continue their naysaying while you enjoy these perks of being a virtual assistant.
Work when it’s convenient
Why add yourself to the population squeezing through the rush hour traffic when you can decide on the time zone you want to work in?
Virtual assistant marketplaces and services give you access to clients from all over the world. This means that if you want to work in UK time, you have the chance to. If you want a virtual assistant job that follows EST, then you can be given that option, too.
In fact, if you’re given a post where output is given top priority over time, you can work anytime you want as long as you deliver results within the deadline.
Work anywhere
Do you want to work in bed? Go ahead.
Would you like to finish a task while eating lunch? Then bring your laptop to the dining table.
Is there a beach trip you’ve been planning for months? By all means, don’t cancel your plans. Just bring your laptop with you.
One of the biggest perks of having a virtual assistant job is having the freedom to work anywhere as long as you have your laptop and a decent internet connection.
Of course, you’d have to take care that you don’t overdo this part, too.
Just because you have the freedom to work from your own bed does not mean you won’t stretch your legs every so often. And just because you can finish tasks while you’re eating does not mean you’ll ignore the rest of the people eating with you.
Having a desk dedicated to working around the home will help you focus better and set healthier working habits. It’s also nice to try working at coffee shops or co-working spaces every so often. The change in scenery can help those creative juices flow out freely.
Here’s a guide on how you Avoid Virtual Assistant Scams
Wear anything
Some people wear uniforms at work, but that ends up getting boring after some time. Others have the freedom to wear either corporate or business casual attire, but they have to shop for new clothes every so often as well.
Well, when you start working remotely as a virtual assistant, it wouldn’t even matter if you work in your pajamas.
Not only will this setup save you from the trouble of having to worry about what to wear every morning, but it also helps you save up on shopping costs.
But what about those who frequently have video calls with their clients?
Easy peasy! Most of the time, virtual assistants just have a coat that they can put on top of whatever they’re wearing when it’s time for the call. They wouldn’t ask you to parade around the screen, so even if you’re wearing your oldest shorts at the bottom, no one would even know.
No travel woes
Traffic is one of the biggest challenges for office workers. Every single day, people spend hours on the road!
This means that when you get to the office, you’re already tired from being squished into the train or from elbowing your way through the crowds just to get on a bus. What kind of productivity do you expect to have in this state?
Traveling home from the office gives you the same dilemma. You get home so tired from work and your travel that you won’t even have the energy to have a decent conversation with your family.
When you have a remote virtual assistant job, you can wake up 5 minutes before you log in, grab your laptop from the bedside table, and log into work a minute early without your feet even landing on the floor.
Do you want to be Productive in a Remote Setting? Check this guide!
Lower costs
It’s funny how people don’t notice that sometimes, the cost of going to work leaves them with so little extra money from their salary.
Fare alone, when multiplied by the number of times you commute every month, can easily balloon to a huge amount. Food is also more expensive outside the home. And when you have to wake up super early every day because of the horrendous traffic, who has time to prepare a packed lunch?
When you work from home, you don’t even have to worry about gas or transportation expenses. Food is also cheaper at home because you can cook enough food to last you for a day at a lower cost.
Don’t forget the fact that you don’t have to shop for as many clothes because you won’t even get out of the house as often.
And if you really want to go 100% on your spending, you can skip taking a bath and brushing your teeth to save up on utility bills and the cost of toiletries.
Just kidding.
Some would argue that the energy used in charging their laptop and the monthly internet bills can also cost a bit.
But in almost every home, you already have internet. You already have a computer. So you’re already paying for those regardless if you work from home or not.
If you don’t have those yet, they’re still worth the one-time investment. Because of the savings you get and the salary you receive, the equipment will pay for itself over time.
Land Your Dream Job Online With These Insider Tips!
Higher salaries
The minimum wage in the Philippines is a super duper small percentage of the regular wages of people in the UK, the US, Australia, and other countries. This means that even if you ask for a salary that’s waaaaay beyond the minimum wage, it would still be more cost-effective for your potential clients to pay you than to pay someone from their locality.
This is why a lot of virtual assistants get paid more than a lot of regular employees here in the country.
You’ll be surprised to know that, especially for VAs with technical skills (graphic artists, programmers, etc.), they can be paid twice or thrice what an office-based position would give. These companies do not have to account for overhead expenses, so they would have more to give.
Opportunities for growth
A lot of business owners who hire virtual assistants are still in the startup phase, which means that as the business grows, there will be a lot of other job posts to fill – some of them at supervisory and management positions, even higher.
If you position yourself strategically and add value to the company through the work that you do, your client won’t even think twice about making you a part of that growth.
A lot of businesses with remote workers have seen considerable growth in the past decade, proving that location and proximity do not matter in this highly digital world. So if you’re the sole content writer for a startup today, you may find yourself managing an entire team of writers in the future.
More time with your family, friends, and yourself
The best benefit of working as a virtual assistant is that you get to spend more time with your family, your friends, and, most importantly, yourself.
Because of the flexible nature of a virtual assistant’s work, you get to be present for your child’s school programs or your friend’s bridal shower. You won’t even have to worry whether your vacation leave will be approved or not. If you want to spend some time alone out of town, you can freely do so while continuing to work.
This leaves you healthier and happier, something that a regular office-based employee often struggles with.
From Where To Apply?
Before getting into the topic, let’s learn about some trustworthy platforms from where you can hire a virtual assistant. It can be done either from a VA agency or from a freelancing platform.
Here are some VA agencies to look at:
Some best freelancing platforms to hire a Filipino virtual assistant are:
Final Tip
Let me leave you with a final tip that could dictate how well you’ll do as a virtual assistant.
Where you find your clients can dictate your future. So make sure you go to the right place to start off your journey.
eVirtualAssistants is highly recommended if you’re just starting out. It’s a newer platform, which means that you have better chances of landing a great client. Platforms that have been around for a long time are great, but VAs with more tenure often have the edge over the newer ones. This evens the playing field a little.
eVirtualAssistants also has guidelines in place that ensure your protection. You won’t have to worry as much about having a client disappear on you before you get paid for the job you finished. eVirtualAssistants protect both clients and virtual assistants by making sure everyone gets what they need.
Are you excited to kick off your virtual assistant journey?
Click on this link, and let’s get started on finding you a job!