Virtual Assistant

A virtual assistant is a remote employee who is trained and experienced to help you and your team on a range of tasks like email management, answering phone calls, managing company database, making travel arrangements, handling social media handles and much more. They operate out of their homes and work as per your time schedule and requirements.

Duties and responsibilities

Answer and direct phone calls

Manage communication and answer emails

Prepare and organize databases and reports

Manage social media accounts and replies

Handles customer and employer information confidentially

Take notes or transcribe meetings conducted online and share minutes of meeting

Schedule meetings

Manage calendar and appointments

Schedule meeting spaces and conference rooms

Arrange payments for vendors, travel, and sales expenses

Create purchase orders and track and manage payments

Manage filing systems, update records, and organize documentation

Prepare and create PowerPoint presentations and materials as needed

Online research for materials and sources for presentations

Job Requirements

Strong administrative and organizational support

Effective and professional verbal and written communication

Proficient with designing and report-making tools

Flexible with changing time zones

Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel)Experience with Google Docs, cloud services, and other technology tools.

Well-versed with technology

Highly organised multi-tasker and ability to work on multiple instructions

Demonstrates excellent time management skills

Self-directed and able to work without supervision.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Strong customer-service and presentation skills.

How Do You Become a Virtual Assistant?

To become a virtual assistant, you need a high school diploma, though many virtual assistants also have an associate or bachelor’s degree. Most companies prefer candidates with experience in administrative roles that required similar skills, such as filing, scheduling, organizing, and responding to emails and phone calls. To cultivate your administrative skills, obtain an entry-level position in an office. You may choose to develop specialized skills, such as managing cloud services or social media accounts, to make yourself stand out in the job market. Once you are proficient with standard office computer programs and have mastered other office assistant skills, seek virtual assistant positions with a company or through an agency that staffs virtual assistants.