The responsibilities of virtual assistants can vary based on many factors. They can be expected to respond to phone calls and emails, book accommodations and travel, and schedule meetings. They can conduct market research, maintain contact lists, attend virtual business meetings, offer customer service, create presentations, prepare spreadsheets, or maintain online records.

Hiring a virtual assistant can also help you handle accounting and billing, prepare meeting agendas and proposals, and other virtual tasks. Qualified virtual assistants may also work as legal assistants.

You can also hire a freelance administrative assistant. An expert virtual assistant offers freelance accounting services and is adept at planning and scheduling, thus ensuring your company and individual success.

You can even hire a personal assistant. They assist a higher-level executive or a manager with their administrative tasks, time management, and other activities.

A quality virtual assistant freelancer should have proven experience working in a virtual role and as a business assistant. They should be familiar with the latest technologies and software including cloud services, desktop sharing, and VoIP (voice over internet protocol). The VA you hire should have experience in managing online calendars such as Google Calendar. You should hire a virtual assistant who is experienced in using MS Office and other relevant word-processing applications as well. It is important that your assistant has an understanding of business operations, including business creation, marketing, budgeting, and contracts. Knowledge of basic office equipment is also important.

Assistants should have excellent communication skills and etiquette for email, phone, and chat. They should be well-organized and have strong time-management skills and customer service expertise. The right executive assistants will be able to work independently from remote locations. You should find someone who is proactive and takes initiative to help you succeed. It is also important when you are hiring to find someone who has strong interpersonal skills because the job requires interaction with people over different mediums. Hiring the right assistant will provide great value to your business. When you hire a virtual assistant, ask questions about their job and business experience, how they complete tasks on time, their specific methods for increasing productivity, and the value they can bring to the business. Asking lots of questions will help you hire the right talent you need for your business.