Not sure how to format your resume? Download our free guide and template.
Decades ago, the idea of becoming a Virtual Assistant was something that seemed more like science fiction than reality. Today, many companies rely on these remote workers to provide administrative services ranging from phone call management and scheduling to record-keeping, research, and contact management. But how can you land yourself a role?
The first step to convincing the hiring manager that you have what it takes is perfecting your Virtual Assistant resume. In the following guide, we will be looking at how you can create an application that puts you (and your experience) in the best possible light. Read on to learn all about the tips and tricks you can use plus a virtual assistant resume example.
How to write a resume
Your resume is the golden ticket when it comes to landing that all-important job interview. Before you can get your foot in the door, you need to create a one or two page document that turns the hiring manager’s head. Luckily, we have you covered here. In this section, we will cover:
By the end of this section, you should feel confident when it comes to writing your Virtual Assistant resume. Follow our advice to make sure that you win over the hiring manager.
Choose the right format for your resume
Before you do anything else, you need to make sure that you get the format right. There are three main format options that you can pick from when creating a Virtual Assistant resume. They are as follows:
Reverse-chronological
Functional
Hybrid between a reverse-chronological and functional
Generally speaking, we recommend using the reverse-chronological format. This is the standard layout when it comes to applications. Chances are, it was what you learned in school. However, it is worth noting that it is not the only option. There are times when other formats work better.
For example, if you are new to the Virtual Assistant world — but have been working in a related field, such as admin — you might want to use a functional resume. This option allows you to highlight your skills and expertise over your experience. Using this approach means that recruiters can instantly see whether you have the right competencies to fulfill the role.
Create a stellar resume summary
When the hiring manager is searching for a virtual assistant, personality matters. That is where your resume summary comes into play. This short blurb is similar to an elevator pitch. It lets the reader know who you are, what you do, and why it matters.
Ensure that you have a short and snappy paragraph that gets straight to the point. You can also include some powerful action verbs into the mix. These words give your summary movement and help it pack a punch.
Get the length right from the start
Next up, let’s talk about the length of your Virtual Assistant resume. One of the common questions that candidates ask is how long a resume should be. Usually, the answer is that it should be no longer than two pages.
Most of the time, you should be able to confine it to just a single-page document. The most important thing here is that you include everything you need in your resume. You don’t want to leave out anything that adds true value here.
Of course, if you have years of experience, you might find that two pages does the job. Don’t shy away from this. Modern-day recruiters are by no means against this approach. Start out by writing a rough draft and see how long it is. You can then edit back and get rid of anything that doesn’t add to your overall application. Be clear about what works here and what does not.
Tailor your resume to the job at hand
If you’re using a one-size-fits all resume, this is your sign to stop. When you are applying for jobs, you need to trailer your application for each new role. This small and simple trick will help you instantly increase your chances of landing your next job interview. Let’s take a look at some of the straightforward ways in which you can tailor your virtual assistant resume:
Refer back to the job posting and see what the criteria suggests
Do some research on the business and/or client
Look at the media surrounding the company to which you are applying
When you have taken the above steps, you should be in a good position to tailor your resume to the role. Go through the document and ensure that you have put yourself in the best position.
Slide in some quantifiable achievements
Your virtual assistant resume will be full of big, bold claims. But can you back them up? Before you send your application off, make sure that you quantify your achievements. You can do this by using the STAR method in your resume writing. This approach allows you to instantly let the hiring manager know what results your actions had for the company as a whole.
Get past the applicant tracking system
Most companies now use applicant tracking systems, also known as ATS. If you want to make sure that your resume gets read by the hiring manager, you need to get past the ATS. One of the ways to do this is to look for keywords and phrases in the job advert. Use these throughout your resume to increase your chances of getting through this filtration system.
Recruiter resume examples
If you’re looking for some inspiration, look no further. We have a Virtual Assistant resume example for you to take a look at. Review it before you start working on your application to make sure that your resume is of the highest standard. As you can see below, we have created clear outlines for each part of the resume to make it easy for the hiring manager to digest.
Name
Title
City, State or Country if international
Phone | Email
LinkedIn URL
VIRTUAL ASSISTANT PROFESSIONAL
A highly talented, detail oriented Virtual Assistant and customer service advocate with experience providing exceptional support and ensuring projects are completed on time and with extreme confidentiality. Strive in fast-paced, virtual environments following established procedures and practices to exceed all customer expectations. Experienced in creating an effective, organized environment in which I can excel at focusing time on providing top level client support, resolving issues and developing relationships to ensure loyalty and growth. Unique skills set offering exceptional organizational/administrative skills combined with ensuring 100% customer satisfaction.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Customer Service
Multiple Project Management
Call Center
Office Management
Business Development
Relationship Building
Community Relations
Customer Loyalty
Document Preparation
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Virtual Assistant
Company | Location | Year to Year
Responsibilities
Deliver high-quality customer service via email support platform ensuring top level service to continue corporate growth.
Update company’s data base with new customer information and manage data retrieval of current customers, accurately and in a timely fashion.
Utilize problem solving skills to resolve customer issues and enhancing service levels.
Express compassion and empathy while developing strategic solutions for solving problems and addressing unsatisfactory customer experiences.
Develop procedures to increase the efficiency of numerous areas including filing and organizing records to increase our ability to efficiently retain/recover documents, reports and records.
Maintain a detailed delivery calendar to coordinate schedules and appointments.
Consistently praised for the quality and timeliness of reports, attention to detail, exemplary customer service delivery and team-player attitude.
Customer Service Representative
Company | Location | Year to Year
Responsibilities
Provided outstanding customer service, data entry, and processed orders for multiple clients exceeding all customer service expectations.
Updated company’s data base with new customer information and manage data retrieval of current customers, accurately and in a timely fashion.
Provided inbound/outbound support for Über driver on-boarding which increased customer referrals by xx%.
Accurately processed pledges for National PBS and Radio Pledge drives, kept confidentiality when obtaining credit card/checking information.
Handled complex problems and worked with customers to ensure all discrepancies are resolved quickly.
Provided exceptional customer service while assisting key clients.
Maintained detailed records of billing through reconciliation processes.
Customer Service Representative
Company | Location | Year to Year
Responsibilities
Updated company’s data base with new customer information and manage data retrieval of current customers, accurately and in a timely fashion.
Ran credit checks, disclosed credit results and obtained credit card/checking account information which increased the efficiency of data retrieval times.
Successfully established orders and scheduling for new prospects, with increased efficiency in a busy fast-paced environment.
Listened to the customer and analyzed the problem to offer a prompt resolution to ensure loyalty and business
Worked within a strong team to exceed all customer service expectations, proven by an increase in over 30% of customer service ratings
Solved a range of customer queries by providing timely and effective outcomes, resulting in first call resolution of issues.
EDUCATION
Complete School Name, City, St/Country: List Graduation Years If Within the Last Ten Years
Complete Degree Name (Candidate) – Major (GPA: List if over 3.3)
Relevant Coursework: List coursework taken (even include those you are planning on taking)
Awards/Honors: List any awards, honors or big achievements
Clubs/Activities: List clubs and activities in which you participated
Relevant Projects: List 2-3 projects you have worked on
Virtual Assistant resume: key hard & soft skills
The skills section – sometimes referred to as core competencies – is the driving force behind your Virtual Assistant resume. At a glance, the hiring manager should be able to see what talents you have and whether they align well with the criteria that they have outlined.
To get this right, you need to make sure that you have a decent selection of soft and hard skills. The hiring manager will be looking for a great all-rounder. That means someone who can not only deal with the business side of things, but can also work alongside them with ease. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the core hard and soft skills you need as a Virtual Assistant.
Virtual Assistant resume examples of hard skills
Data entry
Administration
Computer proficiency
Internet research
Social media skills
Email etiquette
Some graphic design skills
Business development
Document preparation
Multiple project management
Office management
Microsoft Office skills
Virtual Assistant resume examples of soft skills
Communication
Time management
Organization
Empathy
Relationship building
Attention to detail
Problem-solving
Adaptability
Resourcefulness
Conflict resolution
Writing skills
Collaboration
Customer loyalty
Self-motivation
Confidence
Feedback reception
Stress management
Virtual Assistant resume: summary & last words
Before you can take the next steps in your Virtual Assistant career, you need to make sure that your resume is doing its job. This document needs to tell potential employers and clients a captivating career story. What is it that makes you the perfect candidate for this vacancy? What skills and expertise do you bring to the table that other applicants tend to lack?
Make sure that you build a quantifiable achievement section that showcases your proven track record. Hiring managers are all about results. They want to make sure that you have what it takes to meet their demands from the offset. Follow the advice that we have outlined here to create an attention-grabbing Virtual Assistant resume that will boost your chances of success.
Introduction to ZipJob: Professional Resume Writers
Should you have any doubts about whether your resume is hitting the mark, it’s a smart move to let the professional resume writers help you along the way. The team knows what it takes to create an interview-winning resume that will support your long-term career goals.
You will be teamed up with a writer who has years of experience in resume development. The professional will help you navigate the application process and choose the best options for your next resume. If you want to stand out from the sea of other Virtual Assistant applicants, working with expert writers is the answer that you have been looking for. Get started today!
Why you should make use of our Resume Writing Services to land your next job as a Virtual Assistant
ZipJob’s resume writing services can elevate your application and help you get hired faster. It’s not simply about attracting the hiring manager’s attention, but also ensuring that you get past an employer’s applicant tracking system, or ATS. Our team uses the same technology as companies in this respect, which boosts your chance of your resume being read by a human.
Of course, you can be the best candidate in the world but if your Virtual Assistant resume is not formatted and written in an ATS-friendly way, you risk missing out. Should your application fall at the first hurdle, you will never get the opportunity to sell your skills to the hiring manager. Working with a team of experts means that you can increase your odds of passing the test. That gives you a better than ever chance of landing that all-important interview.
Resume Writing Service for Virtual Assistant: Let us write your resume
Whatever your career ambitions, our resume writing service can help you to reach them. The ZipJob team can work alongside you to support your needs at any given time. As a Virtual Assistant, you need to showcase your unique set of skills and value to potential clients. That can be a tall order. However, allowing the experts to help you is the secret to success.