Tips for Creating a Virtual Assistant Resume
You should have a well equipped home office and the necessary certifications if you are going to offer services that require them, but one of the most important tools that a successful virtual assistant has is a well written resume. Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t know how to write a resume that gets noticed by potential clients.
If you are like a lot of people, you have been using the same resume for years. It’s usually the basic type that lists everything in chronological order with headings that are just plain boring. Most resumes of this type include headings such as:
1. Objective
2. Highlights
3. Work Experience
4. Summary
Most often you can find samples of resumes that use obsolete headings like these on websites that provide tips on how to write an effective resume. The problem with resumes like this is that they’re written using templates that a lot of freelancers use so aren’t effective and they get passed over. If this is what you’ve been using to get freelance projects, it’s time for an updated resume. When you want to be the freelancer that’s chosen for a virtual assistant position, compiling a list of the responsibilities that you had for previous positions doesn’t hold any interest for someone who wants to hire a person who can complete their project by a deadline. If you want to get the attention of a potential client, it’s important to highlight your unique qualifications and skills for the job.
One of the most important things to stress in your resume is that you have the necessary skills needed for the job you’re applying for. Even if you don’t have freelance or virtual experience, project managers hire virtual assistants that have the necessary qualifications, but also have the ability to work independently and get the project completed on schedule.
Your resume must not use the same tired headings and must look professional. To make improvements, start with your old resume but use a branding headline instead of a generic title. Choose a branding title that relates to your specialty. For example: Web Designer with 10 Years of Experience. Another way to create an effective headline that will get you noticed, is to add a keyword that’s relevant to the company’s ad. The point is that a compelling branding headline will set you apart, and you have a better chance of being hired for the project.
