If you’re looking for a flexible way to earn a living, you may be wondering how to become a virtual assistant. We know that transitioning into a new career can be challenging, but we’re here to help. We’ve developed an informative and easy-to-digest guide to get you started. Let’s go!
If you want to find a job as a virtual assistant, start your search on ZipRecruiter. ZipRecruiter is free for job seekers and you can apply for jobs with a single click!
What Is A Virtual Assistant?
A virtual assistant is someone who provides remote support to a company or individual entrepreneur. Depending on your skillset and your client’s needs, you could work in any area of the business and may find yourself:
- answering phone calls
- drafting correspondence
- writing blog articles
- posting to social media
- generating sales leads
- filing documents
- conducting research
- making travel arrangements
Note: You could get tasked with anything your client wants to outsource, so there’s no limit to the types of responsibilities you can have as a virtual assistant.
How To Become a Virtual Assistant
You can become a virtual assistant by following this path:
Understand Your Why
Ask yourself why you want to become a virtual assistant. Understanding your why can help you make decisions and stay motivated when you run into a roadblock.
For example, if you want to become a virtual assistant to have more time to spend with family, you’ll probably decide not to overbook your calendar with client tasks. On the other hand, if your main goal is to bank as much money as possible for luxury travel, you may decide to work long hours.
Set Up Your Workspace
Set yourself up for success by setting up a dedicated workspace. You don’t have to have an entire office, but you should have a spot in your home reserved for working in and on your virtual assistant business. Be sure your workspace is welcoming, comfortable, organized, and fully stocked with all of the tools and supplies you’ll need.
Pro Tip: At a minimum, you’ll need a computer, cell phone, and internet service to get started. Over time, you may need a printer/scanner, an upgraded microphone or webcam, special software, or other equipment.
Related: Remote Work Tips
Identify Your Skills
Make a list of everything that you know how to do well. Then, narrow that list down into the most in-demand skills, such as writing, graphic design, social media management, customer service, etc. Finally, choose your favorite two or three skills from your narrowed-down list to focus on. Now, you have the basis for a lucrative (and enjoyable!) suite of services you can offer.
For more help on becoming a freelance virtual assistant, check out the best freelancing courses.
Create and Price Your Offer
Decide how to package your services. For example, do you want to offer support by the hour or on a per-project basis? How much will you charge?
Answering these questions when you’re green can be tricky, so it’s helpful to speak with more experienced virtual assistants to get some insight. And, remember, the services you offer and what you charge for them can and should change over time as you gain experience.
Advertise Your Services
Join The Break Community
Make sure it’s clear you’re available to work! Create an online portfolio, launch a website, get active on social media, and tell everyone you meet that you’re for hire.
Land Your First Gigs
Ask your friends and family if they or anyone they know could use your services. You may be surprised at who you already have in your circle. If that tactic doesn’t produce results, start networking with potential clients and other virtual assistants (they may be able to share leads with you).
You may also want to consider completing a small project in exchange for a testimonial you can use on your website. The endorsement could entice other business owners to work with you.
Warning: Don’t work for free for long. Testimonials are nice, but you deserve to get paid sooner rather than later!
Beef Up Your Portfolio
As you complete each project, highlight it in your portfolio. Then, you can use your increasingly impressive collection of work to land higher-paying gigs!
Tip: It’s also a good idea to prepare a virtual assistant resume so you are prepared when applying for jobs!
Virtual Assistant Skills
While the specific abilities you’ll need will vary by client and project, here are some non-negotiable skills you must have as a virtual assistant:
- Tech-savvy: You’ll spend your entire workday on a computer, so you’ll need to be a whiz at using the internet, sending emails, creating documents, and learning new software.
- Communication: You and your clients need to stay on the same page, and your prospects need to understand who you are and what you do. That means you need to have top-notch verbal and written communication skills.
- Organization: You’ll have to juggle a lot each day, so you must be organized to ensure everything gets done on time.
- Attention to detail: Your finished work product must be as close to perfect as possible, so your attention to detail has to be off the charts.
Pro Tip: It’s a good idea to learn new skills regularly (and sharpen the ones you have). That way, you’ll continue to impress your clients and prospects.
Where To Find Virtual Assistant Jobs
There are lots of places you can find virtual assistant jobs online. Here are three of our top picks:
ZipRecruiter
ZipRecruiter is a popular job board that can help you search for and apply to virtual assistant roles.
FlexJobs
FlexJobs is another job board that focuses on remote positions, such as virtual assistant opportunities.
LinkedIn is a social media platform for professionals and businesses, where you can look for jobs, advertise your services, and connect with potential clients.
For more information, read our LinkedIn review.
Pro Tip: You can also try to find work on freelance marketplaces, such as Upwork or Fiverr, or with agencies like BELAY Solutions.
How Much Do Virtual Assistants Make
According to ZipRecruiter, you can make six figures as a virtual assistant, but the national average is about $67,000 annually or $32 per hour. What you earn will depend on your location, your years of experience, and the type of work you do. Virtual assistants who offer extremely niche, yet in-demand services, tend to earn the most.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to become a virtual assistant?
To become a virtual assistant, you need a dedicated workspace equipped with a computer, phone, and internet connection, in-demand skills, the ability to market your services, and a desire to excel in the role.
How much money can you make as a virtual assistant?
You can make more than $100,000 per year as a virtual assistant, though you’ll likely earn far less than that initially.
Is it worth becoming a virtual assistant?
If you want to earn a lucrative living that’s location and schedule independent, becoming a virtual assistant can be worth it.
How do virtual assistants get clients?
Virtual assistants get clients through marketing, networking, getting referrals, and applying to posted jobs.
The Bottom Line
Now that you’ve read our guide on how to become a virtual assistant, we bet you’re ready to hit the ground running! Your next step is to revamp your resume using one of the best resume writing service providers we know. Then, you can search for virtual assistant roles on ZipRecruiter! Happy hunting!
