Several companies are relying on virtual assistants, given the evolving nature of business and the fact that remote work is becoming increasingly popular. Virtual assistants are remote employees who provide administrative support to businesses. They perform tasks that an executive assistant typically handles, such as making phone calls to clients, keeping track of finances, and organizing calendars. Knowing what their job entails can help one kickstart a career as a virtual assistant.

Roles and responsibilities of a virtual assistant
Virtual assistants can handle a wide range of tasks, depending on what their clients ask for. If an individual is working as a virtual assistant for multiple clients, they may even handle completely different tasks for each one. That being said, in most cases, they are required to handle a fixed set of responsibilities.

1. Answering calls
A virtual assistant must answer phone calls from clients, business partners, or customers. They are also required to identify and forward important calls to their clients.

2. Handling bookkeeping
Virtual assistants are also expected to handle bookkeeping tasks, such as billing and accounting. For that, they need to have a basic understanding of finance.

3. Managing schedules
Creating calendars for clients, managing their schedules, and keeping track of meetings are a few other responsibilities that a virtual assistant must take on.

4. Updating social media pages
Virtual assistants may also be required to manage their clients’ social media accounts. Sometimes, they may have to create brand-related content for the pages, regularly update them, and engage with followers.

5. Monitoring emails
Besides phone calls, virtual assistants are usually also required to manage email communications for their clients.

6. Handling travel arrangements
Making travel arrangements and bookings according to their clients’ schedules is also a common responsibility given to virtual assistants.

7. Making presentations
Virtual assistants may also be required to make some presentations for their clients, as per the brief given.

Skills required to be a virtual assistant

1. Communication
A virtual assistant’s key responsibility is handling phone calls and email communications for their client. This is why it is crucial for them to possess good verbal and written communication skills.

2. Time management
A virtual assistant may have to handle several client tasks within a day. So, to ensure they can effectively handle and complete each task, they need to have good time management skills.

3. Organizational skills
Along with time management, organizational skills are also important for virtual assistants. Properly arranging their pending tasks, ongoing tasks, and completed tasks ensures that all work gets done and there are no unnecessary hiccups and oversights. It also helps them maintain all the records for their clients in an orderly manner.

4. Creativity
Virtual assistants are often required to create content for their clients’ social media accounts. Sometimes, they may even have to write blogs and posts for their clients. For such tasks, being creative and being able to think outside the box is crucial. This ability also allows one to suggest creative ideas and innovative solutions to their clients.

5. Accounting
One of the most common roles of virtual assistants is managing their clients’ bills and financial transactions. To get this done, they need to have basic accounting skills.

6. Typing
In some cases, virtual assistants may also be required to transcribe meetings and respond to multiple emails quickly. So, having quick typing skills can help them handle such tasks.

Benefits of being a virtual assistant

1. Remote working
One of the biggest advantages of working as a virtual assistant is that it is a remote job. So, from the comfort of their homes, virtual assistants can manage administrative tasks for their clients worldwide. Plus, one can even get work done while traveling.

2. Flexibility and work-life balance
Virtual assistants also have the freedom and flexibility to set their working hours and schedules. They can inform their clients about their working hours and handle their duties during that time period. This also helps them maintain a good work-life balance.

3. Low overhead costs
Virtual assistants do not need to travel to their workspaces or offices, removing any travel costs associated with work. They also do not need to spend money on buying formal wear for the workspace. They only require a laptop, a good internet connection, and phone service to carry out their work.

4. Freedom to set rates
Most virtual assistants work as freelancers rather than full-time employees. This means they can decide how much they want to earn rather than agree to a company’s salary offer.