The $8.00/hr Virtual Assistant

I come across plenty of ads on craigslist.org and other places for a Virtual Assistant or an Administrative Assistant on a contract basis – the job requirements go from simply taking or making phone calls to a list a half-page long.

What really blows my mind is if the qualifications and knowledge request is as long as half a DinA4 page, how can the pay offered be only $8-15.00/hr?

Here is a great example :

“QUALIFICATIONS:
• Must have Microsoft Word experience and knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
• Types at least 50 wpm with tremendous attention to detail (grammar & spelling)
• Relevant degree or equivalent
• Minimum of 2 years working experience in a business environment with a customer service focus
• Professional and polished image a must
• Excellent written and oral language skills
• Ability to multi-task with confidence
• Familiarity with Website maintenance
• Understanding of and adherence to standard business protocol
• Can establish, develop, maintain and update filing systems
• Research various topics and collect information to support various projects, at the President’s request
• Create PowerPoint presentations, and occasionally work with the Designer to put together client materials and information
• Can manage the backend operations for teleclasses
• Prepare frequent web statistical reports as requested
• Has a computer at home for 'home work'
• Has dependable transportation

“The starting rate is $12-$15/hour and bonuses are possible. The person will be paid as a 1099 and will have a current/valid business license within Scottsdale, is bonded and has their own liability insurance. There is no benefit plan. Start date is June after 6/11 (hopefully sooner if we find the right person right away).”

How can they expect someone in his or her right mind, with a solid education AND business knowledge to accept work at pay like that? How is it that they want to “hire” the person on a contractor basis? This is an oxymoron in itself, by the way.

Now for anyone out there who is thinking about signing on as an independent contractor for a low hourly rate, I would like to ask you to have a look at the free service-pricing sheet offered by the Virtual Assistance Chamber of Commerce. It is a great tool to discover what you need to charge to cover all your costs including insurance and taxes.

If you go to through the process, you will quickly realize that a rate of $8-$15/hr is anything but realistic, especially if you have to pay your own taxes, insurance etc.