Working as a virtual assistant doesn't require you to have certain credentials and qualifications. If you want a successful home business and don't have prior experience, offer services to your clients based on your existing skills. There are additional factors to take into consideration. You should have a well equipped home office and the necessary certifications if you are going to offer services that require them, but one of the most important tools that a successful virtual assistant has is a well written resume. Unfortunately, a lot of people don't know how to write a resume that gets noticed by potential clients.
If you are like a lot of people, you have been using the same resume for years. It's usually the basic type that lists everything in chronological order with headings that are just plain boring. Most resumes of this type include headings such as:
1. Objective
2. Highlights
3. Work Experience
4. Summary
Most often you can find samples of resumes that use obsolete headings like these on websites that provide tips on how to write an effective resume. The problem with resumes like this is that they're written using templates that a lot of freelancers use so aren't effective and they get passed over. If this is what you've been using to get freelance projects, it's time for an updated resume. When you want to be the freelancer that's chosen for a virtual assistant position, compiling a list of the responsibilities that you had for previous positions doesn't hold any interest for someone who wants to hire a person who can complete their project by a deadline. If you want to get the attention of a potential client, it's important to highlight your unique qualifications and skills for the job.
Your resume must not use the same tired headings and must look professional. To make improvements, start with your old resume but use a branding headline instead of a generic title. Choose a branding title that relates to your specialty. For example: Web Designer with 10 Years of Experience. Another way to create an effective headline that will get you noticed, is to add a keyword that's relevant to the company's ad. The point is that a compelling branding headline will set you apart, and you have a better chance of being hired for the project.
Should You Become a Virtual Assistant?
I get asked A LOT, what it's like being a Virtual Assistant. I am more than happy to share because I know there are many moms/women stuck in miserable dead-end jobs feeling like they have no options. I was in that same position once too; I know how "that" feels. But I think people also ask because they secretly want to know if I am starving to death or ready to fade away from boredom.I am happy to say, NO to both :)
Virtual Assistant Tips for Communication
If you're going to be a successful virtual assistant, then you absolutely have to be an effective communicator. In this line of work, you will be expected to communicate with your employers and, in some cases, with clients several times throughout the day. If you are not good at expressing yourself both verbally and with the written word, then there is no way that you can succeed. Fortunately, being a good communicator isn't all that difficult if you keep a few simple tips in mind.
Marketing Your Virtual Assistant Services + Top 10 Marketing Tips
When you make the decision to work as a virtual assistant, one of the most important attributes you can have is knowing how to market yourself. Millions of people sell the same products and services that you do, so it's essential that you learn marketing strategies that will make you stand apart from the competition. When you take the time to learn to do this properly, potential customers will come to you for what they need rather than a competing business owner.
