Almost everyone wants to become a virtual assistant these days.
This of course does not come as a surprise – a lot of people have heard of the numerous benefits that come with being a VA. From flexibility and work-life balance, to cost savings and efficiency, the number of VAs in the market has nearly doubled.
This also means that competition has become a lot more fierce.
Having recognized the advantages of outsourcing, the demand for skilled VAs have also increased in the industry. One is going to need to stand out from the rest of the crowd in order to beat the competition. One of the sure ways to win the race is to build a robust resume. This guide will help you build a compelling resume that showcases your skills, experience, and value to potential clients.
Understand your role as a Virtual Assistant
Before diving into the specifics of resume building, it’s important to understand what being a virtual assistant entails. They perform a wide range of tasks, from administrative support, social media management, customer service, accounting and more. They also support an even wider range of industries – from Marketing, Sales, IT Services, Legal Services, and even Advertising – it seems like the sky’s the limit in the world of VAs.
It is important to ask yourself questions about your role as a VA. What kind of support will you like to specialize in? Is there an industry you’d like to immerse in? What skills do you have? Do you need to polish them?
Build your resume according to these questions to hit your target goals from the get go. Emphasize your skills and interests in your resume and get ahead in the competition.
Now that we’ve got that settled, let’s discuss the important parts of a resume:
- Contact Information
- This is one of the most essential parts of your resume. Make sure you provide accurate information for when they want to contact you. Ensure that the information is current and professional. Try to include your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable).
- Professional Summary
- Some employers don’t read the entire resume, so provide a summary where they can learn all the important facts about you in a snap. Make sure that it highlights your expertise, experience, and what you can bring to the table. This should be concise, attention grabbing, and sets the tone for the rest of your resume.
- Skills
- List down the skills that are relevant to the position. Don’t throw all the skills into this section as it might confuse and overwhelm the employer. Make sure to tailor this section to match the job description you are applying for.
- Experience
- Detail your professional experience in reverse chronological order. Make sure to include the company name, your job title, and the dates of employment. Also focus on quantifiable results and accomplishments, so that employers can have a better grasp of your capabilities.
- Education
- Include your highest level of education completed. Don’t forget to mention your courses and certifications – but make sure that they are relevant to the position you’re applying for.
- Certifications and Training
- Highlight any additional training or certifications that are pertinent to your VA role. Like the section on Education, make sure you only include those that are relevant to the job.
- References
- Finally, don’t forget to add your references. Make sure to choose contacts who can give accurate testimonials on your capabilities as a VA. Ensure you have permission to use their contact information.
Aside from building a resume that contains the essentials, it’s also important to craft it in a way that impresses the readers. Here are some foolproof tips for crafting a standout resume:
- Customize for Each Job
- There is no “free-size” resume that fits all jobs. It is important to tailor your resume according to the position you are applying for. Take into consideration the kind of industry you are trying to enter as well as the goals of the company.
- Use Actions verbs
- Action verbs make your resume sound more professional. Try to incorporate verbs such as “managed”, “coordinated”, developed”, or “implemented”.
- Quantify Achievements
- Whenever possible, use numbers to demonstrate your experience and accomplishments. Quantifiable achievements will make your resume sound more compelling.
- Keep it Concise
- Less is more. Overwhelming data may confuse your employer and make your achievements harder to stand out. Aim for a one-page resume if you have less than 10 years of experience – if you are more seasoned, two pages will suffice.
- Proofread
- A typo can leave a bad impression. Ensure that your resume is free of typos and grammatical errors. A polished resume reflects attention to detail and professionalism.
A resume is a reflection of you on paper, so make sure that it accurately reflects who you are to whoever reads it. Whether you are an aspiring virtual assistant or a seasoned professional who has been building and polishing their skills throughout the years, build a resume that shines brightly as your potential. Make each page professional with a hint of your personality and uniqueness. With a resume that truly represents you, you can open any door you want in the VA world.