Frequently Asked Questions About Working As A Virtual Assistant

&camp

DOES IT TAKE A LONG TIME TO GET HIRED AS A VIRTUAL ASSISTANT?

As with any job, success doesn't happen overnight or without much effort. You get what you put in, and it takes hard work, dedication and perseverance. Virtual Assistant jobs are highly competitive with some projects receiving thousands of resumes from qualified applicants. In general, those with top notch skills, references and education are selected first. If you have applied to ten or more virtual assistant opportunities but have not received an interview you will need to re-evaluate your resume, skills and education.



We offer free career tools that will get you hired including an online resume portfolio and tips to make it great! register for free HERE to start building your online resume portfolio.









WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU NEED TO BECOME A VIRTUAL ASSISTANT?

A small segment of the people attracted to the Virtual Assistance profession are those with little to no qualifications or only entry-level skill sets who are looking for a way to make a quick buck with no effort. That won't happen in this business, and veteran Virtual Assistants vehemently discourage that mentality as it both disrespects and misrepresents the profession.

You must have outstanding administrative, Internet and computer skills along with a fully functional and equipped virtual office to get hired. Plus you'll need a dynamic resume package that includes an accomplishment based resume and cover letter.


Entry-level skills and experience simply will not afford the ability to serve clients well. Business owners need Virtual Assistants with top-of-the-line administrative expertise. If you feel that your skills may not be competitive with those of other job seekers we highly recommend that you consider obtaining a VOT certification (or other credential).

Another option would be to complete a few entry level projects (such as in virtual sales, virtual customer support, or virtual marketing.) These projects might offer a lower salary or require sales work but they will provide you with valuable experience that you can then use to qualify for highly competitive administrative and project management opportunities.




VOT requires that you have the following tools, skills and background:


- A degree or at least 2-3 years of experience in your field of interest. A certification is helpful but not required. (Certified Virtual Assistants are almost always in demand and are sometimes hired quicker however, certification is NOT required to be hired.) Read more about our certification program HERE


- A good Credit Score. We do require that you submit your score along with your resume. Your credit is an important tool in determining your ability to complete projects from your home. Hiring managers need to see that you not only have ongoing access to a home office, a computer, the Internet and a telephone line but also that you have no late payments to these services. (For instance, a candidate with late mortgage/rental or Internet service payments may find difficulty in being selected for a virtual assistant job). Please be sure that all of your payments on your home office including phone and Net access are up to date! Obtain your Free Credit Score here!


- An excellent resume. Your resume should be accomplishment based and focused on your area of expertise. Employers will want to see a full resume portfolio online so please Create your free resume portfolio HERE

• At least three references (they will be checked)


• An online resume Post Resume Now


• Dependable email (aol, yahoo, hotmail are problematic). We suggest Gmail
  
  
• Experience with the Internet, email and file attachments
  
  
• Virtual Assistant networking free business cards preferred by employers


• You will also need some basic resource materials including:
  1. standard office procedures guide
  2. Admin and Secretarial Handbook
  3. Virtually Successful: 8 Simple Ways for Virtual Assistants to Find (and Keep) Clients