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Retired workers looking to earn extra income have quickly become one of the fastest growing segments of the work at home and virtual assisting market. Many hiring employers have discovered that the older workforce is a coveted group because they have solid and varied skills and experience, yet are not necessarily looking for executive level incomes.
"Retired workers who decide to become online virtual assistants are some of the most successful" said Mary Youngrenn, executive director and owner of VOT Virtual Office Temps. "We have retired professors, bankers, managers, lawyers, teachers, doctors and other top professionals. These backgrounds can easily translate to a successful online virtual assistant career in highly niched markets."
In Demand
One such retiree is Bob Williams of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, VOT member since 2006 who has been working part time as a virtual assistant specializing in training and education. Bob retired from the US Army and has found that his experience has allowed him to easily land work from home with the help of VOT. "I enjoyed my time in the service. I benefited from my experience in so many ways. I wanted to retire to spend more time with my family and pursue my hobbies but I didn't want to leave my field entirely. VOT helped me to get connected with a whole new genre that has allowed me to have the best of both worlds." Bob works part time for top colleges across the country providing online teaching, research and consulting and really enjoys his work. "I keep a very flexible schedule and have the benefit of being selective when it comes to virtual projects. Luckily there are many to choose from so I can pick something that I really enjoy."
Technology Limitations
There is one problem with retirees entering the virtual market, according to Youngreen: technology. "Many of our older workers are simply not prepared for the technology requirements of working in a virtual environment." This can include having outdated computers, hardware and software as well as not being familiar with important virtual tools that allow virtual assistants to operate from home. "Virtual workers simply must be technically advanced in their knowledge and skills but also with their home office environment. Employers need to know that they can reach you, communicate with you, and exchange files with you easily without errors."
According to Mary, hiring employers most often request the following:
Virtual Fax and Virtual phone number with voicemail
Webcam and Telephone Headset
Computer- 1 GHz or higher/1 GB RAM or more & 800x600 Monitor
High Speed Internet Access. DSL or Cable Modem only
Private home office with Internet access, long distance and a desk/chair
A full suite of software including office, spreadsheet, contact management, Powerpoint, database management, and others
Another necessary tool that is often overlooked is the importance of understanding and using the Internet and social media outlets to make and stay connected with hiring employers. "I don't know of any employers these days who are not checking for your online resume profile, your virtual assistant website and your Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin accounts. If you are not represented online then you will find it hard to land a virtual job from home" said Mary. Since employers do not get to meet you face to face, they rely heavily on the Internet to not only get to know their job seekers but also confirm that job seekers are knowledgeable of these services. According to Youngrenn, "There are few virtual jobs that exist today that do not require a social media presence and a professional virtual assistant website."
Luckily, with the abundance of free or affordable services, it is easy to set up accounts and websites.
Mary suggests that retirees use a template based Web Site Service that allows job seekers to easily create a virtual assistant website simply by pointing and clicking.
"And don't forget to Add your free Resume Profile to the VOT website. Not only is it free, but it is the only way for hiring employers to discover and communicate with you about their jobs and projects.
Posted On November 02, 2011
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