What Skills Does a Virtual Assistant Need?

Working from home as a virtual assistant is a fast-growing job sector (and a money-making one at that!). So, it is no surprise that a lot of people choose to work remotely to either boost their current income or as their full-time employment even. That said, it is super important to stand out among the thousands of wanna be work-at-home professionals. You will need real skills that would make you the best person for the role.

Some remote positions require a more specific set of skills such as language teaching or bookkeeping. But if you want to get hired as a general virtual assistant, here are some of the must-have skills to win your coveted role.

1. Good written and verbal communication skills

Your prospective employers would come from anywhere in the world. And therefore, having good English communication skills is a must. If you cannot communicate effectively both in written and verbal modes, you will become a hassle instead of a help to the company. 

Virtual work means frequent team messaging, exchanging emails, having virtual meetings, and conferences. You will also need to know how to write or respond to emails in a professional manner and be able to understand instructions well. Virtual assistants are usually required to write reports and create standard operating procedures. Some of them are asked to create content for company websites and blogs. If you want to land a lucrative VA job, then start polishing up your writing skills ASAP. 

2. Technologically Savvy

Well you do not have to be highly techie. As a VA, all tasks are done on your computer. Having above-average computer skills would be useful if you want to excel in your work. You should know how to perform basic troubleshooting in case you get stuck as opposed to shooting helpless messages to your boss. Your employer will surely thank you if you know how to do things on your own as much as possible. Be resourceful in times when you do not know the answers. Sometimes a quick online search is your best bet. So apart from PC skills, you must possess great Internet research skills as well.

3. Word Processing Skills

As most of your clerical work is done “on virtual paper”, you must possess not just fast typing skills but also knowledge of the commonly used word processing software such as Google docs and Microsoft word and excel. Other VA positions may require highly advanced knowledge in these computer office suites, but at least knowing how to create documents, prepare spreadsheets, and manage files is essential in any remote admin work. 

4. Time Management and Organizational Skills

Virtual assistants have various tasks assigned to them. These tasks may come from your direct superior or from other colleagues at once! That’s why, having superior time management and organizational skills is imperative, so you stay organized (and sane!) while dealing with multiple assignments in one day. Being organized means being able to perform your tasks smoothly and effectively without getting too overwhelmed or worse - “paralyzed”. 

5. Leadership skills

You do not need a fancy title to be called a leader. There are times when as a virtual assistant you need to act on your own. Know when to use your intuition and make quick decisions when the situation calls for it. 

Finally, a good virtual assistant must always be reliable and open to learning and growth. While all the above skills are necessary for your VA job success, attitude also matters. Skills can be learned over time. But having a positive, honest, and reliable attitude also goes a long way when it comes to working remotely.