The appeal of virtual assistant work is strong for those coming out of the corporate world. The hours are often more flexible, the work can be done from home, and there is often a greater degree of freedom regarding job duties and workplace culture. However, transitioning from corporate to virtual assistant (VA) work can be challenging. It is crucial to approach the process deliberately to set yourself up for success. In this blog post, I will share tips for making your transition easier. So, if you’re ready, let’s get started!
1. Do your research.
Not all VA jobs are created equal, and it is important to carefully research the ins and outs of the industry, the job market, and individual companies before making any decisions. Consider asking these questions to yourself, as these will help you hit the ground running when starting your new career.
- What type of Virtual Assistant do you want to be? A general VA who can do all-around tasks, or a specialty VA that focuses on specialized functions?
- What services can you offer? – Administrative, Customer Service, Social Media Management, Content Creation, Web Development, etc.
- What technologies will you need to have and be familiar with? Different software such as Adobe Suites, Google Suites, CRMs, etc., and hardware such as laptop/desktop, a noise-canceling mic, webcam, etc.
- What industry do you prefer to work in? Healthcare and Real Estate industries are some of those with a high demand for VAs.
- How many hours are you willing to work? Do you want to do full-time or part-time work?
- What hours are you willing to work? Daytime, Night time, or flexible schedule?
- Are you going to be a freelancer or under a VA company? If the latter, what benefits and salary are you expecting to receive?
- What are the going rates for VA services that you’ll offer? Be sure to consider your desired hourly rate and any additional costs associated with providing your services (e.g., internet access, software subscriptions, etc.).
- What type of company culture do you feel most comfortable with? Some companies may have a more relaxed environment, while others may be more formal.
2. Update your resume and portfolio.
Your corporate experience may not seem relevant at first glance, but there are likely transferable skills that will be valuable in a VA role. Update your resume and portfolio to reflect your corporate experience and any other relevant skills or qualifications.
Virtual Assistants need to be highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to work independently. If you have these qualities, along with strong written and oral communication skills, you will be well-suited for a VA role.
In addition, Virtual Assistants must be proficient in the use of computers and various software programs. Be sure to list any relevant computer skills on your resume. Furthermore, many companies are now looking for candidates with multiple skillsets and the ability to be flexible in a fast-paced environment. By highlighting your qualifications and experience, you will increase your chances of landing a Virtual Assistant position.
For example, suppose you have experience managing a busy calendar or worked with a team of customer service representatives. In that case, this translates that you can schedule multiple client appointments and managing deadlines. If you have experience preparing presentations or reports, this can be translated into creating marketing materials or putting together proposals. If you’ve worked with a team of customer service representatives, that experience will be invaluable in a Virtual Assistant role where you may be managing multiple client schedules and deadlines.
Demonstrate your skills and experience, so you can show potential clients that you have the ability to meet their needs. Showcase your best works in a portfolio by building a branded website, an archive from google drive, or even just in a PDF format.
3. Take advantage of free resources.
It’s no secret that the virtual assistant world is constantly evolving. Even experienced VAs must continually learn to keep up with the best practices. Be prepared for a learning curve.
This can be a challenge, but it also makes being a VA so exciting. There’s always something new to learn, and you never know when you might stumble upon the next big thing.
Technologies and processes are constantly evolving, and it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends. Fortunately, many resources are available to help you remain abreast of new developments. You can go through online courses, attend virtual assistant meetups and conferences, or keep up with blog posts and podcasts from thought leaders in the industry.
By continually learning, you can ensure that you can provide your clients with the best possible service. And as a bonus, it can also help prevent boredom and keep you engaged in your work.
4. Build your network.
Get Connected with other VAs and Learn from their experiences. This will not only help you better understand the Virtual Assistant role, but it will also give you valuable insights into the industry as a whole. They can share information on the application process, training, working from home, and more. Additionally, they can collaborate on projects, refer clients to one another, and build a supportive community.
There are several ways to connect with other VAs, including online forums, social media groups, and VA networking events. When connecting with other VAs, be sure to ask questions and share your experiences as well. This will help you build strong relationships with others in the industry and learn about the Virtual Assistant role as much as possible.
By building up your network of VAs, you will not only learn a great deal about the industry, but you will also be better positioned to find work that suits your skills and interests. So if you’re thinking about becoming a virtual assistant, make sure to get connected with other VAs first. It will make all the difference in your journey to becoming a successful VA.
5. Stay consistent in your efforts.
Becoming a Virtual Assistant is not always easy, but it is definitely possible with enough hard work and determination. This means showing up every day and putting in the work until you will eventually see results.
Set aside time each day to work on building yourself. This may mean putting a daily or weekly goal and devoting a certain number of hours to reaching that goal. Furthermore, create a space in your home dedicated to your work as a Virtual Assistant. This will help you stay focused and motivated as you build your business.
Many Virtual Assistant companies are always in need of new Virtual Assistants, so it is important to stay persistent in your job hunt. The best way to do this is to set up a daily or weekly routine where you dedicate a certain amount of time to searching for Virtual Assistant jobs.
Remember, the key is to focus on your goals and stay disciplined. With consistency and discipline, you will be well on your way to making a successful transition from corporate life to the world of virtual assistants.
Ready to Be a Virtual Assistant?
Making the jump from a corporate job to becoming a Virtual Assistant can be both liberating and challenging. It’s important to have realistic expectations about what you can achieve in your first year as a VA and to set goals to help you grow your business. If you’re ready to make the transition, follow these tips to get started on the right foot.
Choose a reputable and growing company if you want the perfect blend of benefits and opportunities for those looking to further their career.
Core Virtual Solutions is here to help you take your career to the next level. Join our virtual workforce by applying here.
