Being a virtual assistant (VA) is a great way to leverage your skills and work remotely. To land your first VA gig, you'll need a compelling application package including a cover letter and resume. Here are some tips to craft yours:
COVER LETTER
Tailor it: Don't send a generic letter! Research the company and highlight specific aspects of the job that appeal to you and where your skills align.
Start strong: Grab attention in the first paragraph by introducing yourself and mentioning the position. Briefly state why you're a great fit.
Focus on value: Show how your skills benefit the company. Use action verbs and specific examples to showcase accomplishments from past roles (volunteer work counts!).
Call to action: End by expressing your enthusiasm and interest in an interview.
R E S U M E
Keep it clear and concise: One page is ideal, especially for your first VA role. Use bullet points and white space for easy readability.
Focus on relevant skills: Highlight skills mentioned in the job description like communication, administrative tasks, social media management, or project management.
Quantify achievements: Use numbers to showcase the impact of your work. For example, "Increased social media engagement by 20%"
Use strong action verbs: Replace "responsible for" with verbs like "managed," "coordinated," or "developed."
Proofread meticulously: Typos and grammatical errors scream unprofessionalism. Double and triple-check before submitting.
Here are some additional resources that you might find helpful:
Cover Letter Tips: https://hbr.org/2014/02/how-to-write-a-cover-letter
Resume Tips: https://zety.com/blog/how-to-write-a-cv
Building a Portfolio as a Virtual Assistant
As a VA, a portfolio isn't mandatory, but it can give you a competitive edge. Here's how to create one:
Focus on showcasing your skills: Did you manage social media for a previous client? Increased website traffic for a local business? Include visuals and data to demonstrate your impact.
Start small: Even samples from volunteer work or personal projects can be valuable.
Keep it online: Create a website or use online portfolio platforms like Behance or Dribble to showcase your work.
By following these tips and showcasing your skills and enthusiasm, you'll be well on your way to landing your first virtual assistant job!
Building Your Application Arsenal: Cover Letter & Resume
The Tailored Touch is Golden: Generic applications are a dime a dozen. Make yours shine by researching the company and highlighting specific skills that align with the job description.
Cover Letter: Hook, Line, and Sinker: Grab attention in the first paragraph by introducing yourself and mentioning the position. Briefly showcase why you're a perfect fit.
Action Verbs are Your Best Friend: Replace passive phrases like "responsible for" with dynamic verbs like "managed," "coordinated," or "developed" to show the impact of your skills.
Quantify Your Achievements: Numbers speak volumes! Did you increase social media engagement for a past client? Boost website traffic for a local business? Include data to showcase your value.
Keep it Clean and Concise: One page is ideal for your resume, especially as a new VA. Bullet points and white space are your friends for easy readability.
Proofread Like a Pro: Typos and grammatical errors scream unprofessionalism. Double and triple-check everything before hitting submit!
The Secret Weapon: Building Your VA Portfolio
While not mandatory, a portfolio can give you a serious edge. Here's how to create one:
Focus on Skills, not Filler: Did you manage social media for a client? Streamline website traffic? Showcase your achievements with visuals and data.
Start Smart, Even if Small: Samples from volunteer work or personal projects can be valuable.
Embrace the Digital World: Create a website or use online portfolio platforms like Behance or Dribbble to present your work in a professional and accessible way.
By following these steps and showcasing your skills and enthusiasm, you'll be well on your way to becoming a virtual assistant rockstar!
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