How to find a Virtual Assistant Job
Are you looking for a virtual assistant job?
First, what are you really good at as a virtual assistant? Do not go out and look for anything that is a virtual assistant job.
I looked over Virtual Assistant Jobs on oDesk and many different kinds of things come up.
- Virtual Assistant Wanted – Outbound call center.
- Virtual Assistant Wanted – Joomla Expert
- Virtual Assistant Wanted – Data Entry
- Virtual Assistant Wanted – Web Design
- Virtual Assistant Wanted – Blog Writer
- Virtual Assistant Wanted – Video Production
- Virtual Assistant Wanted – Executive Assistant
- Virtual Assistant Wanted – ASP/PHP/IIS/APACHE/Windows/Eclipse BIRT manager to oversee several ongoing projects
- Virtual Assistant Wanted – Spanish Language PR
As you can see from this list, just going out and looking for a Virtual Assistant Job is going to be like finding a needle in a haystack. Forget calling yourself a virtual assistant and start thinking about what your special skills are. Market those skills – and provide services virtually.
The reason that people are trying to hire “Virtual Assistants” is the perception that they should be much cheaper than consultants. BEFORE YOU LEAVE ME AN ANGRY COMMENT – That is not my opinion. I am telling you this because it is important to understand how the marketplace precieves you.
Instead of calling yourself a virtual assistant, call yourself something that shows you have a specialty.
- Virtual Executive Assistant
- Virtual Marketing Assistant
- Virtual Web Manager
- Affiliate Manager
- Virtual Blog Writer
- Freelance Copywriter
- Virtual PR Specialist
- ETC
I know some readers do not agree and vigorously defend the title Virtual Assistant, but it is not about what Virtual Assistants want, it is about the perception from buyers in the marketplace. And yes, there are plenty of exceptions to this. A good virtual assistant is worth a lot, I agree.
If you are trying to find a virtual assistant job, you will find fewer opportunities, but much better opportunities, if you focus on your best skills.
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Hi Ron! Thanks for your comment about networking in Cleveland. I have to agree that the “Virtual Assistant” title comes with the connotation of a lower price.
Pricing services in general is tricky. Any tips for freelancers looking to set a fair rate? I had a lot of trouble with this when I started out, and I am still hearing from colleagues in the same field that my rates are too low. At the same time, I don’t know what the economy will bear – especially in Cleveland.