how i became a virtual assistant with no experience | free resources + beginner tips

Summary

Abby shares her journey of transitioning from a teacher to a virtual assistant (VA) in 2023, despite having no prior experience or specialized skills. She emphasizes the importance of research, using free online resources like YouTube and Google, and creating a portfolio even without prior work experience. Abby encourages aspiring VAs to stay persistent, apply to multiple job platforms, and not be discouraged by competition. With dedication and consistent effort, she found her first client after two months. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and self-learning in the VA industry.

Takeaways

• 😀 Research is key to becoming a Virtual Assistant (VA) – start by searching for information on Google and YouTube rather than asking others directly.
• 😀 Don’t get discouraged by the overwhelming amount of free information online; it’s normal to feel lost at first.
• 😀 It’s not necessary to enroll in paid courses to become a VA. Many free resources can teach you the basics of VA work.
• 😀 Starting as a VA may take time – Abby took two months to secure her first client, but there’s no set timeline for success.
• 😀 The VA industry is competitive, so persistence is critical. Keep applying and learning until you land a client.
• 😀 Don’t expect immediate results when applying for VA positions, especially if you’re new. The competition is fierce.
• 😀 Creating a portfolio without experience is possible. Be creative and use any relevant work you can demonstrate.
• 😀 Job platforms like OnlineJobs.ph and Virtual Staff PH are excellent places to start looking for VA roles.
• 😀 Apply to multiple job platforms and be persistent, even if you don’t hear back right away. Keep applying every day.
• 😀 Tailor your application times based on where your potential clients are located, especially if they are in different time zones.
• 😀 Start with lower rates as a beginner, and gradually increase your pricing as you gain more skills and experience.

Q & A

How did Abby become a virtual assistant despite having no experience or skills?

Abby became a virtual assistant by starting with research, watching YouTube videos, and using Google to learn about the role. She avoided asking 'how to become a VA' in comments and instead searched for the information herself.

What was Abby's background before transitioning into becoming a virtual assistant?

Before becoming a virtual assistant, Abby worked as a teacher for three years before deciding to transition into the virtual assistant industry.

What is the key to starting a career as a virtual assistant?

The key to starting as a virtual assistant is research. Abby emphasizes using resources like YouTube and Google to understand the industry and learn the necessary skills.

Did Abby enroll in a paid course to become a virtual assistant?

No, Abby did not enroll in any specific paid courses to become a VA. While she did explore some courses for extra learning, she points out that there is a lot of free information available online to help aspiring VAs.

Is it necessary to have a course or formal training to become a virtual assistant?

No, formal training or enrolling in a course is not required to become a VA. There is plenty of free information available online, and self-learning can also help build the necessary skills.

What was Abby’s biggest challenge when starting her VA career?

Abby’s biggest challenge was not having a portfolio due to her lack of experience. She also struggled with feeling overwhelmed by the abundance of free information available online.

How did Abby overcome the challenge of not having a portfolio?

Abby used her creativity and shared tips on how to build a portfolio without prior experience on her TikTok. She advises others to create sample work and projects to showcase their skills.

How long did it take Abby to land her first client as a virtual assistant?

It took Abby two months to find her first client. She advises that there is no fixed timeline, and it can vary for different people, sometimes taking weeks, months, or even longer.

What is Abby’s advice regarding applying for virtual assistant jobs?

Abby suggests applying to multiple job platforms, not expecting immediate success, and being persistent. She emphasizes that it might take several attempts and encourages applying at different times, such as at night or early morning, to align with international time zones.

What platforms did Abby use to find virtual assistant jobs?

Abby used platforms like onlinejobs.ph, LinkedIn, Virtual Staff PH, and Upwork to find job opportunities as a virtual assistant.