Virtual Assistant Skills You Need To Become a Top VA
Also known as a virtual receptionist or a virtual professional, this person is usually an administrative assistant who does not have a fixed office space and performs the tasks of a secretary. For example, they might update the calendar, manage emails, social media and so on.
However, some virtual assistants fill in some more advanced roles due to their particular skill sets.Â
For example, a virtual assistant might do copywriting, conduct SEO research, or create powerpoint presentations. Virtual assistants are often self employed or own their limited or LLC company. This means they work for themselves, and the company offering their services for is their client. Due to the low hourly rate, virtual assistants generally work for multiple companies at once.
In case you want to get hired as a Virtual Assistant, there are a few hacks you can do to land this type of job. We’ve written a detailed step by step guide with CV examples here.
Is a Virtual Receptionist the Same with Virtual Assistant?
Yes, it can be. Plenty of Virtual Assistants do the work of a Virtual Receptionist due to their skill sets that qualify them.
A virtual receptionist can do the work either in an office or anywhere in the world. For example, this person can be employed by a Virtual Office company and offer phone answering services or manage and scan the mail of clients as well as calendar management.
Alternatively, they can have their own company and be a Virtual Receptionist for different clients across the globe.
High Demand Skills for Virtual Assistant
This is probably one of the most loose job description you’ll ever see in the world. Virtual assistants can help companies or business owners with almost any kind of imaginable task. We’ve listed some of the most demanded skills for VAs below:
- Writing
- Editing and Proofreading
- Marketing and PR
- Communication
- Organization and Time Management
- Transcription
- (Web) Design
- Data Entry
Most Common Soft Skills for a Virtual Assistant (VA)
- Trustworthy: Make sure you keep your word and try to deliver more than asked. Some testimonials can do wonder too!
- On time: It’s not mandatory to be on the same timezone as the client. However, you must be on time in meetings and respect the deadlines no matter where you are located.
- Good communicator:Â Since they work remotely, VAs have to be adept at communicating by email and phone.
- Organised and disciplined:Â VAs have to be organized to keep track of assignments for different clients.
- Tech savvy:Â The best VAs have a wide range of computer skills and are proficient at the most commonly used software programs.
- Multi tasking:Â VAs need to be comfortable jumping from one task to another as individual clients make new requests.
Virtual Assistant Most Common Tasks and Responsabilities
- Newsletter Design and Content Creation
- Email Automation
- Marketing Automation Tools Assistance
- Social Media Ad Set-up and Management
- Content Creation Services (Copywriting, Updating)
- Landing Page Creation
- WordPress Updates and Management
- (Web) Design Changes
- Shopify Customer Support
- SEO Analysis and Research
- Webinar Setup and Planning
- Live Webinar Assistance
- Resume Writing
- Proofreading
- Transcription
- Telemarketing / Lead Generation
- Internet Research
- Customer Service
- Responding To Blog Comments
- Blog Traffic Analysis and Insights
- Maintaining Editorial Calendar
- Ghostwriting
- Social Media Graphic Design
- Video Editing
- Powerpoint Presentations
- Ebook Content And Design
- Creating Infographics
- Logo Design / Graphic Design
- Payments And Invoicing
- Accounting / Bookkeeping Services
- Email Reminders
- Calendar Management
- Creating / Managing Databases & Crm’s
- Scheduling Social Media
- Setting Up Affiliate Programs & Affiliate Management
- Running and Managing Contests And Giveaways
- Press Releases
- PR Management
- Travel Research & Booking
- Cold Calling and Emailing
Common Tools and Technical Skills for Virtual Assistant
The job description of a Virtual Assistant can vary immensly (just like the skills needed) and therefore the digital tools used for the job can be extremelly variate too.
As a VA, you might be using only the WordPress CMS for some clients, but you could be using a plethora of data tools like Google Analytics and Ahref if your role is focused on insights.
Even if they might sound intimidating for a newbie Virtual Assistant, these skills can be easiy acquired by doing a quick course on Udemy or Skillshare.
And the cool part is…you’ll take them with you wherever you go and you’ll become an expert with time.
OK, now let’s see what tools you are more likely to use in a VA role
- WordPress/Elementor – Content Writing and Editing VA roles
- Mailchimp/Constant Contact/Aweber – Email marketing VA roles
- Google Analytics/ Search Console – Data Analytics VA roles
- Ahrefs/SEM Rush – SEO Research VA roles
- Photoshop/Canva – Design VA roles
- Google Calendar/Outlook/ Office 365/Google Drive – Receptionist and Transcription VA roles
- Mention/Later/Buffer – Social Media Management VA roles
- Booking.com/Kayak/Sky Scanner – Travel and Booking VA roles
- Zendesk/Intercom/Livechat – Online Customer Support
Job Market Predictions for Virtual Assistants
According to a new study from Upwork, two million Americans have started freelancing in the past 12 months. This has increased the proportion of the workforce that performs freelance work to 36%.
As soon as the pandemic hit, the percentage of postings in the US that were temporary jumped from 24% to 34% according to he job site ZipRecruiter.
Moreover, due to Covid 19 and the rise of determined contracts has pushed freelancing as a legitimate and respected career path. This is a very interesting development, especially for people looking into doing Virtual Assistant work.
Not very long ago, freelancers were regularly seen as less competent, as people who couldn’t find or keep a full-time job, or were freelancing until they found a permanent position. Not anymire. Upwork and other platforms point out that most full-time freelancers prefer continuing to freelance over full-time employment.
This is a great sign for freelancers and especially Virtual Assistants who are looking to work on their own terms and have flexibility in their schedule by working from anywhere. Yes, this type of gig economy doesn’t offer stability or too many employer benefits, but it sure does give you freedom.Â
Covid 19 has given many areas of freelancing a significant lift. More individuals than ever before are attracted to the lifestyle and opportunity it offers, and have greater confidence that it can be a successful and satisfying alternative to full-time employment. As most experts see it, the freelance revolution is just shifting in a higher gear.
Almost certainly, as freelancing grows, it will attract more people from diverse backgrounds.
Even professionals who are full-time are increasingly demanding benefits similar to the ones of the freelancers.Â
They are asking for greater flexibility their hours, more choice in the assignments they have to doand more opportunity to work remotely and find greater work-life balance. Not too mention saving up on the commute type.
As people get used to this new working environment, the switch to freelancing is just a question of time, not preferences.
Virtual Assistant- Payment and Working ScheduleÂ
When it comes to working the working environemnt, VAs typically work from home because most of their tasks are done over the internet or via telephone.
However, some virtual assistants preffer to rent space in a shared-office or coworking environment.
In terms of working hours, VAs can generally set their own hours. They may have to work evenings or odd hours and even weekends depending on the time zone of the client.
Virtual Assistant Salary
- Median Annual Salary: $39,850 ($19.93/hour)
- Top 10% Annual Salary: More than $65,510 ($32.76/hour)
- Bottom 10% Annual Salary: Less than $25,720 ($12.86/hour)
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
So, are you ready to work as Virtual Assistant?
We’ve written a detailed guide with tips and tricks on how to obtain a Virtual Assistant role here.
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