About Home-Based Administrative Assistants

Home-based administrative assistants are skilled workers who remotely manage the daily operations of an office. Home-based administrative assistants look for job opportunities online at sites like Guru, Elance and Odesk. It is an increasingly popular profession, currently with as many as 30,000 home-based administrative assistants worldwide.

Function

Home-based administrative assistants are responsible for various office duties. The most important task for an administrative assistant is to make sure the office runs smoothly and that information is accurately handled. Administrative assistants organize the office, which includes filing documents, scheduling events or future tasks, and coordinating travel plans. Many home-based administrative assistants also handle phone calls and emails, and run errands for their boss.

Types

Home-based administrative assistants are known by many different names. This includes virtual assistants, secretaries, executive secretaries and personal assistants. Home-based administrative assistants either work part time or full time. Some home-based administrative assistants report in the office part time, doing the majority of work at home. Most home-based administrative assistants are temporary contractors, although some are full-time employees.

Potential

The biggest potential for home-based administrative assistants is the flexibility in employment. An administrative assistant can work for various companies at one time, depending on the demands on that company. As a contractor, home-based administrative assistants can set their own pay, and work by the hour, by the day or by the project.

Misconceptions

A common misconception about home-based administrative assistants is the idea that these workers are less motivated in a home setting. Some consider home-based administrative assistants to be unprofessional, but that perception is changing as more companies are hiring virtual administrative assistants.

Benefits

Those who work from home save money on transportation, clothing and dry cleaning bills. Mothers of young children may also save money on childcare. Another benefit for home-based administrative assistants is the ability to set personalized working hours.

Resources

• Work-at-Home Jobs