Virtual Assistant

A virtual assistant refers to an independent contractor rendering the administrative services to the customers, while staying outside the client’s office. As a rule, a virtual assistant functions from home but, at the same time, is able to have remote access to the requisite documents, particularly to the common calendars.

In fact, individuals being virtual assistants have expertise in the sphere of workforce management. New perspectives are opening up for those who are experienced in social media platforms, content administration, blog post production, visual design, or online marketing. As far as telecommuting has gained traction, a market uptake for highly qualified virtual assistants is expected to increase. 

Operating principle of the concept

A need for the virtual assistants have multiplied as small businesses and budding companies use virtual office systems for lowering costs. Larger enterprises also intensify the application of the Internet for day-to-day transactions. Since the virtual assistant is a third party contractor, firms aren’t obliged to grant privileges and pay the same taxes as for an ordinary staff member.

In addition, a virtual assistant works in a remote mode, so a physical workplace, or a corporate presence is not necessary. It is anticipated that the employee accommodates equipment by their own, including the Internet, services of great utility, along with a laptop.

There is no doubt that having a virtual assistant presents a number of pros for the concerned parties:

• Customers may sign the contract only for the needed services without overpayments. Due to the agreed terms, particular virtual assistants charge for the pieces of work rather than for a business hour. A case in study can be the employees of administrative offices who receive a fixed salary. 
• Small business owners also benefit from hiring a virtual assistant as it exempts time for further business development and, as a result, higher income provision. So that exhausting and time-consuming duties lie on the shoulders of virtual assistants.

Responsibilities of Virtual Assistants

Usually, the duties of a virtual assistant are distinguished by customer insights and contract conditions. Certain categories discharge formal responsibilities, such as paper shuffling and bookkeeping. Others, in contrast, are in charge of posting social media updates, or creating content for blogs. A multi skilled virtual assistant carries out the following duties: trip arrangement, meeting scheduling, data input, and cloud document storage.

Competence level

Surprisingly, there are no strict educational standards to become a virtual assistant. Of course, clients are more entrusted to high-end professionals with a superior formation level. Particular firms even suggest their own courses and certificates for training virtual assistants. 

These specialists have to be technologically advanced and possess a wide range of expertise. Virtual assistants with bookkeeping proficiency are able to perform key accounting tasks, for instance, verification of costs and double-entry bookkeeping. 

Hiring Virtual Assistants 

Recently, the labor market has witnessed the growth of online businesses that act as intermediaries between potential work providers and contractors. It happens in connection with the virtual assistants’ expansion. Actually, there are lots of professional websites, where freelancers from across the globe exchange their expertise and tips. 

The mentioned sites allow clients to specify the needed type of a virtual assistant, as well as required tasks and remunerated rate. Then the prospective employee may file an application form and introduce their relevant experience to the client. The following stage is a job interview, othen in the form of a video conference. There comes a detailed examination of their qualification.