You’re ready to hire an amazing virtual assistant for your team. The problem is you’re a bit stumped on how to write a job description to find the right one.
Don’t fret! We are here to help you create a fabulous virtual assistant job description that will help you find the best candidate for the role.
We are going to discuss what goes into a great virtual assistant job description and the must-have elements you need to include in it.
But first, let’s talk about why you need to know how to write a job description that stands out!
Why do you need to write a virtual assistant job description?
There are a few reasons why you might need to know how to write a job description the right way. As you grow your online business, you want to be sure you find a qualified employee or contractor that can help you continue building your business to new heights.
This means creating a virtual assistant job description that will attract quality candidates that will succeed in the role. For instance, if you are seeking out a VA to assist with your social media platforms, you want to curtail your job listing to those that have proven experience and skills in this area.
One of the biggest reasons is that the cost of a bad hire can be high for you. Hiring the wrong person means wasting time and money on someone that doesn’t work out. That’s the last thing you want for your business!
What goes into a great virtual assistant job description?
You want to be clear and specific on what skills and experience you desire your new virtual assistant to have. This means listing all of the details about the job responsibilities, skills required, and salary information to ensure that only qualified candidates will apply.
This will save you time from inquiries about the role because everything will already be outlined in your job description. You also want to include instructions on how to apply and if you desire a list of references, etc.
A few other things that we will cover in our list below are:
- Disclosure statements such as the equal opportunity act.
- Company information and background.
- Information about you, the founder!
Without further ado, let’s dive into how to write a job description that will attract the qualified VAs you are looking for!
7 Must-Have Elements of a Great Virtual Assistant Job Description
Below are the top seven elements you should use in your virtual assistant job description. These will help you find not only a qualified virtual assistant but one that will help you make your business flourish!
1. Clear Job Title
What’s the easiest but most essential thing to do when creating a virtual assistant job description? Use a clear job title for your listing. Think of what someone would search for when looking for a job in the role you are offering.
For instance, let’s say you want to hire a social media virtual assistant. Then that’s how the title should read first, with any fun or quirky additions at the end. Job sites act like search engines, kind of like Google.
If you write a job title that not many people would input in the search bar, chances are you won’t get too many candidates applying.
Remember the K.I.S.S. method when making your job title. Keep it simple, sweetie!
2. Role summary description
Think of your role summary as a book synopsis. A condensed yet powerful description of what the job entails. It should also include the candidate’s skills and qualifications and a brief overview of your business.
If you feel a bit overwhelmed about determining the job title and role summary for your virtual assistant, you should consider Six-Figure Systems! In this program, I coach my clients and help them figure out where to start and the exact steps they need to take to build a successful team.
3. Job responsibilities
One of the most important parts of your virtual assistant job description is the listed job responsibilities. You want to cover what you expect from your future VA and everything their role will entail.
If the candidate may be expected to take on additional duties as needed, be sure to specify that in the listing as well. Here are some examples of job duties you could highlight in your description:
- Manage social media sites such as Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
- Create engaging graphics via Canva, videos, and posts for all platforms.
- Schedule and maintain the social media calendar.
- Research current trends to help create posts that will build our following.
- Create and schedule a weekly newsletter.
- May require additional administrative tasks as needed.
Check out our post, “20 Virtual Assistant Services You Can Offer To Grow Your Business,” for ideas on what to include in your virtual assistant job description that aligns with what you need!
4. Skills needed and desired
Listing the skills needed AND desired is how to write a job description that will get you the VA you need. For instance, if you specifically need a VA specializing in social media or SEO content creation, you want to include the skills required to fulfill the role successfully.
This is important because you don’t want to hire someone that lacks the skills and knowledge for the particular role you are trying to fill.
For instance, if you need someone with SEO knowledge to assist in growing your blog, you want to list the specified skills required for the role. It may look something like this:
- SEO Experience required.
- Perform keyword & competitor research.
- Create informative and engaging blog posts that are SEO-focused.
- Experience with link-building.
- WordPress experience.
- Critical thinking and analytic skills.
If you are willing to train the candidate, then input that in your description. This may result in more applicants and you will have more of a selection of VAs to choose from.
Specify the tools/software/equipment required for the role
Another important thing to include in your virtual assistant job description is the tools, software, and equipment needed to do the job.
Do they need specific software to perform the job, or do you supply access to that? What equipment do they need?
For instance, if you are hiring a VA to assist with customer service, do they need a headset to speak to customers directly?
Think of what you are going to supply and what the VA will need to bring to the table to get the job done.
5. Compensation / Time / Location
You always want to include at least a starting hourly or project rate that you are offering for your role. This can save you and the candidates a lot of time. Make sure it is clear if it is an hourly rate or a price per month or per project.
For instance, a monthly rate may mean they make a certain amount each month even if the number of hours aren’t always the same. Also, list how many hours are expected to be worked or the project’s duration if you are not offering a permanent position.
Don’t forget to list location requirements, e.g., in the US, in the same time zone, or if they need to be available during particular business hours.
Not sure how to price your listing? Check out our blog post to see how much VAs can earn, so you know where to start!
6. Info on how to apply
Now you need to decide how your potential new VA can apply! Are you going to create a form they fill out or have them email someone from your team with their resume?
Consider the pros and cons of whatever method you decide on. For instance, having a job listing with your email can result in hundreds of applicants jamming up your inbox. So perhaps creating a post with a google doc form on your website or social media profiles may be easier to maintain.
Job boards may be great for getting the job listing seen by many applicants, but you will have to pay for the listing in most cases. Be sure to research the different ways you can list your job ad to help decide what is best for you.
7. Optional: Disclaimer Statements
Although this is optional, you may want to consider including some disclaimer statements in your virtual assistant job description. For example, many job listings include the Equal Employment Opportunity Act. This means that no one will be discriminated against for employment based on their race, religion, or gender.
Another vital disclaimer you could list is the Equal Pay Act. This act prohibits gender wage-based discrimination between men and women that perform similar roles that require the same skills and responsibilities within the company.
These are a couple of common disclaimers that employers will include in their listings to reassure potential employees they are an upstanding and fair workplace.
Optional Elements to Include in your Virtual Assistant Job Description
Some employers like to include a couple of additional things about the companies or themselves in the job description. Here are a couple of other things you could add:
Company Information and Background
You could include information about your company. For example, you may include:
- when and why your company was founded
- what the mission statement is
- what your company does and stands for
- why people might want to join your company.
Doing this will help potential applicants decide if they would be a good fit for the role and your company overall.
Information About You or the Founder
If you’re the founder of your own company or small business, you might want to include some information about yourself. If you’re not the founder, you might want to include some information about them.
Including information about yourself or the founder is how to write a job description that is personable and that will attract qualified employees!
Find the best VA for your business by writing a stand-out virtual assistant job description
Don’t be overwhelmed at the task of writing a virtual assistant job description. These key tips will help you write the perfect job ad that will attract the best VA for your business.
When you make your listing, remember to include a clear job title, list all job responsibilities, skills, tools required, starting pay, and required business hours.
By listing exactly what you want and the perks and benefits that come with the role, there is no doubt you will find an outstanding VA in no time.
Need help on your team? 👉 Submit your job description to our Find a VA service!