If you’re thinking about applying for virtual assistant jobs, be prepared to show a lot of initiative.
What does this mean?
Many clients in the VA industry are looking for people who can think for themselves and can work independently with little supervision.
Do you think you fit the description?
If you’re not sure and need a little more help in this department, here are ways to show initiative at work.
Ask Questions
Speaking up shows you’re interested in how your client’s business works.
This also allows you to better understand the ins and outs and how you can make improvements.
Just make sure to not ask the obvious questions.
Not only will they be annoying at some point, they might also reveal that you aren’t paying close attention.
Suggest Solutions
There’s always room for improvement.
So, don’t be afraid to offer solutions where and as you see fit.
Suggesting ways to improve internal processes shows that you’re observant and analytical.
Plus, it demonstrates your initiative and how you care about the quality of your—and your team’s—work.
Speak Up
Don’t be afraid to share your opinions or ideas.
Speaking up during meetings and other instances with coworkers can be daunting, especially if you’re a newbie or a woman.
So it’s all the more important for you to stay visible, especially if you work from home.
However, keep in mind to speak with purpose. (Don’t just talk for the sake of talking.)
If you and your team are discussing issues at work and you think you have a solution, say so!
Your manager will appreciate you for it.
Always Look for Opportunities to Learn
Don’t let your career go stagnant.
So, be on the lookout for opportunities to improve.
What fields related to your current work are you interested in? And how will the skills you’ll gain help you become better at your role?
You might not have the answers now, but take the time to reflect and evaluate yourself.
When you’re ready, ask your supervisors if you can take online courses that can benefit you and the company in the long run.
Ask for Feedback
Another way to show initiative is to request feedback.
Ask your managers to evaluate your performance.
This way, you’ll have an idea of what you’re doing well and what you need to improve.
Then formulate a plan for implementing changes that will address areas where you fall short.
Think About Your Teammates
Lastly, don’t forget to remember your teammates.
When you make suggestions or offer your opinions, do take other people into account.
You wouldn’t want to throw people under the bus just to get what you want at work.
When you see your virtual coworkers having trouble, don’t be afraid to offer help.
This demonstrates that you’re a team player and that you care about the team’s overall success and well-being.
Exercise Your Initiative at Work
Taking charge at work can be intimidating, especially if you’re an introvert.
Remote work often exacerbates this feeling. You don’t get to see your boss’s and team members’ expressions in real-time, after all.
Further, if any of your initiatives fail, there’s no one else to blame but you.
Still, being proactive is a plus for many supervisors. It shows that you aren’t someone who just sits back and simply follows directions.
However, it does take time to get used to showing more initiative at work, but just keep at it.
On that note, if you think you can demonstrate enough initiative, you might be fit to work online. Check out Remote Staff’s job listings, which have roles in several industries such as bookkeeping, data entry, writing, and of course, virtual assistance.
Remote Staff has also been around for 16 years (and counting)! The company offers a one-month salary guarantee (should your client go MIA) as well as government mandatory benefits. (Shows that we have initiative, right?)
Want to get started on your remote working journey? Register with us today!
