Virtual assistants provide a diverse array of services from remote locations, functioning either independently or as part of a larger organization. They offer essential support to companies, agencies, or individuals by managing tasks such as customer service, accounting, scheduling, word processing, administrative duties, data entry, and others. 

For many, this role provides significant flexibility and control, making it an attractive option to work from home while balancing personal and professional commitments. The ability to choose work hours and tasks contributes to a fulfilling work-life balance in this growing field. However, before you hire one, you should know the essential qualities of a virtual assistant.

In this article, we will explore strategies for securing a virtual assistant role and some platforms where you can get virtual assistant jobs.

Preparing yourself as a Virtual Assistant

1. Develop skills for the job

To stand out to potential clients, virtual assistants must showcase specific skills on their CVs that reflect their expertise and align with their areas of specialization. These skills are crucial for effectively carrying out their responsibilities. 

For instance, a virtual assistant focused on social media management might leverage their computer skills to navigate various social media tools, create engaging content, and analyze performance metrics.

Key skills that are essential for virtual assistants include:

• Organizational Skills: Essential for coordinating schedules, arranging travel, managing calendars, and handling emails efficiently.
• Communication Skills: Important for answering calls, writing reports, responding to emails, and creating content, ensuring clear and professional interactions.
• Computer Proficiency: Necessary for utilizing various software tools, helping virtual assistants learn and adapt to new technologies.
• Customer Service Skills: Crucial for interacting with clients, addressing their needs, and resolving issues with empathy and patience.

By showcasing these skills, virtual assistants can position themselves as capable and attractive candidates to potential clients.

2. Determine the services you want to offer

Choosing the services you want to offer as a virtual assistant is essential for setting your pricing, gathering resources, and winning your clients. Below are some key sectors to consider:

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• Administration: Handling tasks like email management, scheduling, and preparing reports for executives.
• Bookkeeping: Maintaining financial records for small businesses or accounting firms.
• Social Media: Managing clients’ social media profiles, including content creation, scheduling, and performance analysis.
• Customer Service: Addressing customer inquiries, processing refunds, and setting up accounts.
• Graphic Design: Assisting with website design and creating marketing materials like logos and brochures.

Identifying a specific sector will help you effectively position yourself in the virtual assistant market.

3. Acquire appropriate equipment

To deliver high-quality virtual assistant services, establishing a suitable workspace is crucial. This involves acquiring the right equipment based on the services you intend to offer. For instance, if you plan to provide graphic design services, a good laptop with any necessary software is needed. 

Conduct research to identify the most appropriate software for your chosen sector and compare options based on features and costs. Additionally, consider obtaining a dedicated phone number to separate your work calls from personal ones. 

A printer and a headset can also enhance your setup, especially if you will be engaging in frequent phone calls, such as in customer service roles. By ensuring you have the right tools, you can effectively meet your client’s needs and maintain professionalism in your work.

4. Create a portfolio

Creating a job portfolio is essential for virtual assistants to showcase their skills and experiences to potential clients effectively. Start by gathering relevant information, and compiling a comprehensive list of your skills, degrees, certifications, letters of recommendation, work samples, community service experiences, and awards.

Next, organize your materials in a logical structure, beginning with your biographical information, followed by your CV, skills, and work samples to ensure easy navigation. Design is also important so use a visually appealing layout to present your accomplishments artistically. 

Finally, customize your portfolio for specific clients or organizations by highlighting relevant skills and qualifications from the job description. Consider adding a solutions section to demonstrate how you would tackle potential challenges. By following these steps, you can create a professional portfolio that stands out to potential employers and clients.

10 Platforms to get virtual assistant jobs

If you’re looking for virtual assistant jobs in the US and UK, there are several platforms that can help you find opportunities:

1. Upwork

Upwork is one of the most popular freelancing platforms in the world where you can create a profile and bid on virtual assistant gigs. It offers a wide range of job categories allowing you to showcase what you have to offer. 

2. Fiverr

Fiverr is a top-rated freelance platform that allows you to create a Gig in which you can offer your services as a virtual assistant at different price points. You can create listings for specific tasks, making it easy for clients to find you.

3. Freelancer

Similar to Upwork, Freelancer allows you to bid on projects and connect with clients looking for virtual assistance.

4. PeoplePerHour

People Per Hour is a UK-based platform that connects freelancers with businesses in need of various services, including virtual assistance.

5. LinkedIn

LinkedIn is an excellent platform for finding virtual assistant jobs in both the US and the UK. By leveraging LinkedIn’s networking capabilities and job search tools, you can effectively find virtual assistant opportunities and connect with potential employers.

6. FlexJobs

This is a job board specializing in remote and flexible job opportunities. FlexJobs features many listings for virtual assistant roles.

7. Time Etc

A platform that connects virtual assistants with entrepreneurs and businesses, offering flexible work opportunities.

8. Zirtual

A service that matches virtual assistants with busy professionals. Zirtual hires and trains its assistants, making it a good option for those new to the field.

9. Indeed

A general job search engine where you can find remote virtual assistant positions by filtering your search appropriately.

Companies That Hire Virtual Assistants

1. Virtual Assistant Jobs

Virtual Assistant Jobs is a dedicated job board that focuses on remote virtual assistant positions across various industries. It connects job seekers with opportunities in administration, customer service, social media management, and more.

Users can browse listings, apply for roles, and find information about required skills and qualifications. This platform offers a streamlined experience for both employers and individuals seeking flexible work in the virtual assistant field.

2. Ajilon

Ajilon is a prominent recruitment firm, established in 2011, that focuses on both permanent and temporary talent placement. Their expertise in talent acquisition ensures that organizations find the right fit for their needs.

Specializing in various sectors, Ajilon connects top-tier professionals in marketing, administration, management, customer service, human resources, non-clinical healthcare, supply chain, logistics, and operations with some of the world’s leading companies.

3. Boldly

Boldly is a fully remote virtual business services company with team members located across North America and Europe. Their commitment to quality service helps organizations streamline operations and enhance productivity.

Since its establishment in 2012, Boldly has been delivering premium virtual support to successful businesses, offering expertise in areas such as executive assistance, marketing, project management, bookkeeping, and more.

4. Equivity

Equivity specializes in providing virtual assistance services tailored for individuals and businesses. The company connects clients with skilled virtual assistants who offer support in areas such as paralegal work, marketing, and administrative tasks. By pairing clients with the right assistants, Equivity enhances productivity and helps streamline operations.

5. Fancy Hands

Fancy Hands is a virtual assistant service that connects clients with a network of remote assistants to handle various tasks on a task-by-task basis. Founded in 2013, the platform allows clients to request assistance with a wide range of activities, such as scheduling appointments, making phone calls, conducting research, and managing emails. 

Working for Fancy Hands allows you to choose your own hours and work on tasks that fit your skills and interests. The platform is designed to provide flexibility for both clients and assistants, making it an appealing option for those looking to offer virtual support in a dynamic environment.

6. BELAY

BELAY is a virtual solutions company that connects clients with a range of professionals, including virtual administrative assistants, webmasters, copywriters, and bookkeepers. Renowned as a national leader in bookkeeping solutions for nonprofits and churches, BELAY offers specialized services that cater to the unique needs of these organizations while enhancing overall operational efficiency.

7. Virtually Yours

Virtually Yours is a virtual assistant company that specializes in providing administrative support to businesses and entrepreneurs. They offer various services, including scheduling, email management, customer support, and more, to help clients streamline their operations.

Virtually Yours focuses on pairing clients with skilled virtual assistants who can adapt to their specific needs, ensuring personalized support. The company aims to enhance productivity and efficiency for businesses by handling routine tasks, allowing clients to concentrate on their core activities.