How to Get Started as a Virtual Assistant

Now that you know more about being a Virtual Assistant, let's chat about how to get started. There are many different paths that you can take to find Virtual Assistant work, and trust us, there is plenty of work to go around! 

Before you apply

Before you begin applying for jobs, it's important to take these key steps:

• Update your resume: Having an up-to-date resume is one of the best tools when looking to apply for jobs. Spend some time researching industry standards, the relevant skills needed for the jobs you are interested in, and what might have changed about the job search industry since the last time you updated your resume. You can even get a professional review of your resume on sites like Indeed. 

• Take an analysis of your skills and experience: Do you have enough skills and experience to be hireable as a Virtual Assistant? There are many entry-level positions out there, but it can be worth your time to strengthen your knowledge of common platforms and tools that VAs work with. 

Where to find work

Family and Friends

One place that you can start out as a Virtual Assistant is to source family and friends. Chances are someone you know has a small business and needs some extra help. This can be a simple way to find work as a Virtual Assistant, though not every friend or family member makes a good employer. This pathway requires some evaluation if you are willing to risk your relationship with this person for the work experience. You can also ask friends and family for a referral to someone that they know looking for administrative help! 

VA Agency

There are many virtual assistant agencies out in the workforce these days. Some agencies require a detailed and lengthy interview process that can be a turn-off for some. Those without much relevant experience do tend to struggle to be hired by agencies as well. Working with an agency can be a great place to start as you typically have client relationship managers that help to set you up for success, manage the client's expectations, help you troubleshoot issues, and have a lot of experience helping VAs to find the right type of client to work with. Working with an agency is not for everyone, but can be a great place to start.

Upwork

Upwork can be a great place to find clients looking for administrative support. You can apply on the job boards to job listings from professionals and companies looking to hire freelance work and/or create a candidate profile and wait for clients to contact you. Upwork is a reputable place to freelance, but be wary of scams from those looking to pay off the platform. 

Becoming Successful

We will dive deeper into this topic in another post. But the best way to become a successful VA is to work hard, communicate well, ask for feedback from your clients, and stay consistent. 

Certificates and Starter Programs

If you have done a bit of research about becoming a virtual assistant, you have probably come across an online course about learning to be a VA. Some educational institutions offer specialized certificate courses in things like project management, bookkeeping, digital marketing, and other useful skills. These can be great, reputable ways to grow your skills and prepare you for a role as a Virtual Assistant. There are some online courses, created by individuals, that offer great training and skill development for aspiring VAs, but we encourage you to do your research and tread carefully with these!

If you are a current VA, we would love to hear how you got started! If you are an aspiring VA, let us know which of these pathways sounds like the right move for you!