With the job market being tough and cruel these days, many people think that there’s no way they’ll be able to compete in such conditions. Hiring Managers and Human Resources Professionals are stunned that sometimes, a part-time receptionist position (with no benefits) can garner hundreds of responses. And with the economy making a steady, but slow recovery, there seems to be no relief in sight for many of the unemployed. What are these people to do, when unemployment runs out and there’s just not enough work? Why look for other means to make money.

Perhaps you’ve seen the ads – work from home, stuffing envelopes, making crafts, etc.? More often than not, these are scams. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. But not all online jobs are bogus. Many people are now joining the virtual workforce – thousands of skilled, willing and able people hiring themselves out to companies and individuals on a freelance basis. It used to be, you had to have some kind of skill – computer programming, graphics and design training – to be self-employed. But now, with the convenience of the internet and technology, people are actually hiring their own assistants – workers who may be located in another city, state or even county, who can perform basic tasks. These people set their own hours, their own rates based on their skills and do work for other busy professionals. Being a personal assistant has its perks, but it is a job like any other.

So how does one start? Of course, if you’ve had any experience in this field, then you’ve got an edge over other people. If not, then you can get training from some schools and even online schools.

Finding jobs can be a bit tricky, but sites like Elance, Guru, Two Minute Commute and Odesk has hundreds of job postings for virtual assistants. Just like any job, you’ll have to put your best foot forward – put together your resume, references etc. You’ll most likely have to put up a profile that lists all your experiences, skills and educational information. Competition can be tough, but you’ll have to persevere.

What kinds of work can you expect to get? Really, anything! Some people may want some simple, basic tasks – checking email, compiling lists, and organizing address books, research. Placing phone calls and scheduling appointments are a common task. AJ Jacobs, editor-at-large at Esquire magazine (via Tim Ferris’ The Four Hour Workweek website) recounts his experience of hiring a virtual assistant, who he had do everything from paying his bills to, “finding my son a Tickle Me Elmo.” Many companies also hire virtual assistants to do tasks which take too much time and resources of their on-site employees, such as creating labels for mailing, scheduling meetings, sending out marketing emails – there is a virtual buffet of work for virtual professionals!

Of course, you’ll want to stand out from other applicants – anyone can type into an excel spreadsheet or pick up a phone. One surefire way to do this is to find your own niche – a corner where you and only you rule this market. For example, if you have any medical background, you can do work with patient’s records or doctor’s offices. One hot niche is Internet Marketing and many businesses are clamoring for well-trained marketing assistants. Online marketing has grown exponentially in the past few years, and thus, these skill sets are becoming much more important than ever. Many of the earlier marketers learned on the job, but now many companies cannot afford to pay for their employees’ learning curve, which is why people who possess skills such as blogging, article submission, social networking, affiliate marketing, video editing and marketing support are in demand. Which is why many training centers offer such courses. VAClassroom.com offers one of the most comprehensive online courses, and is recommended by many professionals, both by virtual assistants and the companies that hire them. The course they offer is comprehensive and offers more than just reading materials – you get full access to their site, which includes a FREE 60-Day Trial to the popular VAClassroom Training Membership Program. Members can attend monthly meetings, participate in the discussion forums, watch videos and even join the virtual marketplace where they can network and possibly find jobs.

Another great resource is VAnetworking.com.  This is a community online for virtual assistants and virtual entrepreneurs to connect, share, discuss, promote & network their businesses.  They offer a free membership, discounts on virtual assistant business products and services , an RFP system for both Virtual Assistant and potential Virtual Assistant clients through their VAInsider club,  weekly online, live seminars with industry experts who’ve “been there, done that,” inclusion in the largest Virtual Assistant Article Directory online to help prospective clients find you faster and many other features.

So, check out VAClassroom.com and VAnetworking.com today and see how you can take full advantage of your full potential!