Working from home has become the new normal in 2022, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A tremendous entry-level remote job is working as a virtual chat agent. With a reliable internet connection and a customer service-focused demeanor, you can quickly get started on this new career path.
If you’re wondering what you need to know about how to become a virtual chat agent, keep reading. This article will tell you everything you need to know about getting hired and excelling in your new role as a virtual chat agent.
What Does A Virtual Chat Agent Do?
Virtual chat agents respond to inbound customer correspondence about a company’s products or services via live chat.
Many companies use virtual chat agents instead of call center agents because it is more cost-effective, and research shows customers prefer to chat online rather than talk on the phone.
Virtual chat agents typically provide general customer service, including answering common questions, resolving problems, and even helping to sell products and services.
You can also find skilled virtual chat agent positions in specialty industries like software or technology.
Your communication with customers is recorded through whatever application you are communicating through, but you may also be required to register notes and comments about your interactions with customers.
As a virtual chat agent, you are the first contact someone will make with a company.
To be successful in this type of role, you must enjoy communicating with others and can maintain a friendly and professional demeanor at all times.
How Much Money Can I Make As A Virtual Chat Agent?
Most virtual chat agents make an average salary of $35,000 annually.
There is the potential to make more depending on your experience and if the company you work for offers performance bonuses or incentive programs.
Rates vary depending on your geographical location as well.
What Skills Do I Need To Get Hired As A Virtual Chat Agent?
Before you apply for a job as a virtual chat agent, you want to make sure you have the right skill set to succeed in the position.
Most companies will provide detailed training for all new agents to learn the business basics, but it’s helpful to have some foundational skills.
Strong Customer Service Experience
The first thing that any company looks for in a virtual chat agent is an excellent customer service experience.
It would help if you had experience working directly with the public in any capacity, whether it’s as a receptionist, retail sales associate, or customer service agent.
The most critical skills for virtual chat agents are:
Even if you worked in customer service in a completely different industry than the virtual chat agent position you are applying for, the skills are transferable and relevant.
Make sure to highlight your experience, including the volume of customers you are used to working with, how you worked to solve their problems, and what you did to ensure customer satisfaction.
These attributes are essential for any virtual chat agent.
Fast, Accurate Typing Skills
As a virtual chat agent, you will be working entirely on your computer. You must have the ability to type quickly and accurately.
You will be the first line of communication for customers, so you can order without spelling or grammatical errors and use a professional tone.
Some companies may require typing tests as part of the application process to prove your typing speed and accuracy, so you must be prepared. Many free or inexpensive online typing tests and courses can help you design and improve your typing abilities.
Comfort Using Computer Applications
Although you don’t need to be a computer whiz to be a virtual chat agent, you should have a baseline of comfort with using computer applications.
You will be responsible for updating databases, sending and receiving emails, launching different applications and chat platforms, and more, so you should be comfortable learning new technologies.
The good news is that most companies offer extensive training for virtual chat agents, but you will need to navigate basic computer applications quickly and confidently.
Time Management Skills
You will have a constant flow of inbound chat requests when working as a virtual chat agent, so you must know how to manage your time well to succeed.
It is imperative if you are working from home.
Although you will report to a manager or supervisor in your department, you are responsible for keeping yourself on track daily and getting your work done.
You will be responsible for being available during set shifts or on-call times, depending on the structure of the company you work for, so it’s essential to manage your time wisely.
Do I Need A College Degree To Be A Virtual Chat Agent?
Most entry-level virtual chat positions only require a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent.
Some companies will also consider relevant work experience instead of a high school diploma.
If you are working in a highly specialized industry that requires additional knowledge, some college or a college degree may be required.
It is common in software, technology, engineering, and other industries where a certain baseline of knowledge is needed to communicate effectively.
How Do I Find Virtual Chat Agent Jobs?
As many companies are adding virtual chat agents to their customer service strategy, more and more jobs are popping up every day.
There are a few different ways to find a virtual chat agent job:
Online Job Boards
You can find a wide range of virtual chat agent jobs using online job boards like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, or LinkedIn. Many companies use these popular boards to post their openings to find many different options.
Because of the popularity of these sites, you will likely find hundreds of virtual chat agent job postings listed.
Make sure you are applying to job postings posted recently for best results.
To search successfully on these sites, narrow your search to specific industries that you are interested in, set a salary range, and make sure you have selected that you are looking for remote work.
Apply Directly
Suppose you are worried about getting buried in a large stack of virtual chat agent applications when applying through a job board. In that case, you can always consider directly contacting companies that interest you.
Search the “Careers” section of companies you would like to work for and see if they are looking for any virtual chat agents.
Even if there aren’t any positions that match what you’re looking for, consider sending your resume to the human resources department if there is contact information on the website.
Make sure to follow up via email or phone on your application status.
Companies get hundreds or even thousands of applications for their postings, so it’s essential to stay in touch to have the best chance of getting hired.
Work With A Recruiter
If you need some help with your job search, consider working with a recruiter to help you find a virtual chat agent position.
Look specifically for a recruiter specializing in customer service or administrative functions, as they would be most likely to have contacts looking for virtual support.
References and Further Reading
What a Virtual Chat Agent Is and How to Become One (ZipRecruiter.com)
Salary for a Virtual Live Chat Agent (GlassDoor.Com)
The Best Side Hustles for Stay-At-Home Moms
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