What Is a Virtual Assistant?

What Is a Virtual Assistant?

Let me tell you directly: a virtual assistant provides administrative services to clients while operating remotely. As an independent contractor, I work outside the client's office, usually from my home office, and I can access shared tools like calendars from anywhere.

If you're someone with years of experience as an administrative assistant or office manager, you might find this role fits well. Opportunities are expanding for those skilled in social media, content management, blog writing, graphic design, and internet marketing. With remote work becoming more common after the COVID-19 pandemic, expect the demand for skilled virtual assistants like me to keep growing.

Key Takeaways

Understand this: I'm a self-employed worker specializing in administrative services delivered remotely, typically from a home office. My tasks can include scheduling appointments, making phone calls, arranging travel, and managing email accounts. Some of us specialize in graphic design, blog writing, bookkeeping, social media, or marketing services. For employers, hiring me means flexibility to contract only for the services you need.

How a Virtual Assistant Works

Virtual assistants like me have gained prominence as small businesses and startups use virtual offices to cut costs, and larger businesses rely more on the internet for operations. Since I'm an independent contractor, your business doesn't have to provide benefits or pay taxes like for a full-time employee. I'm not the same as a salaried administrative assistant working from home, who has the same compensation and tax structure as other employees.

Working off-site means no need for a desk in your office. I cover my own computer equipment, software, and high-speed internet.

Fast Fact

Here's a quick note: in a study of over 50 career categories, FlexJobs identified virtual administration as one of the 20 fastest-growing remote career categories.

Virtual Assistant Duties

My duties vary based on your needs and our contract terms. I might handle clerical and bookkeeping tasks, post updates to social media, or write blog articles. I could also manage travel arrangements, schedule appointments, enter data, or handle online file storage.

Virtual Assistant Qualifications

There are no strict educational requirements to become a virtual assistant, but clients often prefer those with higher education or specialized training. You can find courses and certifications from online companies and community colleges for virtual assistant skills.

You need to be tech-savvy with strong computer skills and proficiency in common software and business programs. If specializing in bookkeeping, be adept at tasks like account reconciliations and double-entry bookkeeping.

Benefits of a Virtual Assistant

For you as a client, a key benefit is contracting only for the services you need. Some of us get paid by the task, not by the hour, unlike traditional employees who require payment for fixed hours.

If you're a small business owner, hiring me frees up your time to focus on growth and revenue. It's often easier and more cost-effective to outsource tedious tasks to someone skilled in them.

How to Hire a Virtual Assistant

With more freelance contractors working from home, web-based companies act as intermediaries between you and us. Sites like these have large pools of global talent with varied experience.

You can post task details and your maximum pay rate. We bid on the job, provide work samples, and sometimes you can interview via video conference to assess qualifications.

Special Considerations

Before hiring, create detailed instructions for tasks to ensure a smooth relationship. A written manual helps avoid misunderstandings in remote work.

How Can You Become a Virtual Assistant?

Previous experience as an administrative assistant helps, but it's not required. Even without it, take training courses for skills like Microsoft Office Suite. Use freelance networks like Upwork and Fiverr to find positions, or check traditional job boards and LinkedIn for opportunities.

How Hard Is It to Be a Virtual Assistant?

You'll face challenges like using various programs, prioritizing tasks, and answering to an employer, but all remotely without in-person interaction. This can be less stressful, though you won't have on-site technical support for issues.

How Much Can You Earn As a Virtual Assistant?

Earnings depend on the assignment and client. According to Indeed, the national average is $26.20 per hour for basic roles, but higher-skilled jobs like design pay more. Sites like Upwork let you set your rates, potentially earning more, and jobs appear on platforms like Robert Half, Monster, Indeed, and social media.

The Bottom Line

In essence, a virtual assistant like me is a remote administrative helper working on a contract basis for companies or individuals. I handle office management and can take on writing, editing, design, marketing, or social media tasks. Using technology, I complete work without being in the same physical office. Post-COVID, remote work has expanded, including in assistant roles and beyond.