What Is a Virtual Assistant?
A virtual assistant is an independent contractor who delivers administrative services to clients while working outside the client’s office. Typically operating from a home office, virtual assistants access necessary planning documents like shared calendars remotely.
Virtual assistants often have years of experience as administrative assistants or office managers. New opportunities are emerging for those skilled in social media, content management, blog writing, graphic design, and internet marketing. With working from home becoming more accepted for both employees and employers, particularly post-COVID-19, the demand for skilled virtual assistants is soaring.
Key Highlights
- Virtual assistants specialize in offering administrative services to clients from a remote location, usually a home office.
- Typical tasks include scheduling appointments, phone calls, travel arrangements, and managing email accounts.
- They may also offer specialized services in graphic design, blog writing, bookkeeping, social media, and marketing.
- Employers benefit by contracting only for the specific services needed, providing flexibility.
How Virtual Assistants Work
As businesses look for cost-effective operational methods, virtual assistants have gained popularity. Being independent contractors, virtual assistants do not require workplaces within the office premises, nor do businesses have to provide benefits or pay the same taxes required for full-time employees.
Virtual assistants are responsible for their own work setups, including computers, software programs, and high-speed Internet.
FlexJobs lists virtual administration as one of the top 10 fastest-growing remote career categories.
Virtual Assistant Duties
The duties of a virtual assistant vary based on the client’s needs and the contract terms. They may range from clerical and bookkeeping tasks to handling social media updates or blog post writing. Virtual assistants are also proficient in managing travel arrangements, appointment scheduling, data entry, and online file storage.
Virtual Assistant Qualifications
Though there are no specific educational requirements, many clients prefer virtual assistants with higher-level education or specialized training. Some online companies and community colleges provide courses and certification in virtual assistant skills.
They should be tech-savvy, possessing a high level of proficiency in commonly used software and business programs. Virtual assistants specializing in bookkeeping should be skilled in basic accounting tasks like account reconciliations and double-entry bookkeeping.
Benefits of a Virtual Assistant
For clients, one significant advantage is the flexibility to contract for services as needed. Depending on the agreement, virtual assistants might be paid by task rather than by the hour, offering more cost-effectiveness.
Small business owners find virtual assistants invaluable in freeing up time to focus on business growth and revenue generation. Outsourcing tedious and time-consuming tasks to a specialist is often more efficient and economical.
How to Hire a Virtual Assistant
The digital employment market is flooded with platforms that connect freelancers and contractors with employers. Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and other freelancer-oriented sites offer vast talent pools with wide-ranging expertise.
Clients can post task details and their budgets, review bids, and evaluate samples and résumés. Some clients may arrange video conferences to further assess the qualifications of potential candidates.
Special Considerations
For a smoother working relationship, clients should create detailed instructions for tasks their virtual assistants need to perform. A written manual can minimize misunderstandings in remote working environments.
How Can You Become a Virtual Assistant?
Though previous administrative experience is helpful, it isn’t a necessity. Prospective virtual assistants can pursue training in essential software and business programs. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr serve as marketplaces for such roles, and traditional job boards and networking sites offer additional opportunities.
How Hard Is It to Be a Virtual Assistant?
Challenges similar to those faced by in-person assistants exist, such as managing multiple programs and prioritizing tasks. The key difference lies in remote operation, requiring adept use of technology to compensate for the lack of in-person interaction and instant technical support.
How Much Can You Earn As a Virtual Assistant?
Earnings vary depending on the assignment and employer. The national average is approximately $25 per hour for basic administrative tasks. More specialized roles, such as design, can command higher pay. Virtual assistants set their rates on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, with some even securing positions on traditional job sites like Indeed or Monster.
The Bottom Line
A virtual assistant is a remote administrative professional, often functioning on a self-employed or contract basis. They perform a myriad of business-related tasks, from office management to writing, editing, design, marketing, and social media. Their remote nature offers flexibility and efficiency for both the assistant and the employer.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual roles have expanded in scope, demonstrating the adaptability and necessity of remote working arrangements.
Related Terms: remote work, freelance, administrative assistant, outsourcing, virtual office.
References
- Flexjobs. “10 Growing Career Fields with Fully Remote Jobs”.
- Indeed. “How To Become a Virtual Assistant (With Little to No Experience)”.
