While the role of a virtual construction administrative assistant is not necessarily a new job, we know many construction executives have no idea what the role is and how they can outsource construction tasks.
But we have seen firsthand just how impactful a construction administrative assistant can be to the company’s overall effectiveness and efficiency when it comes to a variety of general office duties and even specialized projects.
If you are curious about how a construction administrative assistant can help your business, check out these frequently asked questions we get about the role. Then, once you are ready to see for yourself how you can benefit from hiring a construction administrative assistant, reach out to our team to get started!
What is a construction administrative assistant?
A construction administrative assistant is a full or part-time employee who provides administrative support in a construction company. This role can really cover a broad range of tasks and responsibilities but generally can include things like scheduling meetings, answering incoming phone calls, managing pay requests, processing expense reports and assisting with project coordination.
They are really a jack-of-all-trades that can help project managers and executives with the tedious, time-intensive tasks that your team does not have time for.
What are some of the benefits of hiring a virtual administrative assistant in construction company?
One of the great things about the digital age we are all working in is the ability to hire and find a construction administrative assistant virtually. That means that the role is flexible and often a cost-effective solution for construction companies.
We have talked in previous blog posts more in-depth about the advantages of adding administrative assistance to your company, but here are a few reasons why hiring specifically a virtual administrative assistant is even more beneficial for businesses:
- Access to a larger talent pool outside of your own geographic area.
- Save money on overhead costs since you will not need to supply office space or full-time benefits.
- Gives your project managers and other staff time to focus on strategic projects.
- Seasonal support when you need it based on your specific business and construction projects.
What is the role of an administrative assistant in a project?
Since each construction business is a bit different, the role a construction administrative assistant will play in your projects is really up to you. That is the great thing about the flexibility you can have when it comes to filling the construction administrative assistant job.
For example, if you need added marketing support, we can help you find a construction administrative assistant that has specialized experience in marketing, social media and email campaigns. Or maybe you need more administrative support in the bookkeeping and accounting area of your business. We can help you find someone that has experience with financial record keeping and other duties related to your company’s bookkeeping and accounting.
You will be able to dictate the job description to find the position you need most.
How do I find the administrative support that I need?
The first step in finding the best administrative support is to understand really what your construction company needs specifically. If there is an area that you need more administrative support or are struggling to maintain on your own, that is where a construction administrative assistant can step in to provide you with the help you need.
In your first call with our team, we will work with you to understand what kind of administrative duties you need to be filled and explain how a construction administrative assistant can help with those essential responsibilities.
What is the role of project managers in a construction company?
While a construction administrative assistant acts in some ways as a project manager, there are of course differences between administrative support and full-time professional construction project managers.
While a project manager in a construction company is the lead professional responsible for overseeing projects from inception to completion, the administrative assistant is there to help them. They can help coordinate and direct construction workers, assist with scheduling and focus on project completion.
What are the potential challenges of working with a virtual construction administrative assistant and how can they be avoided?
Nothing is perfect, and even the best virtual administrative assistants can present some challenges when working virtually. But, with the right heads up and understanding of what is at stake, you can work around any issues and avoid challenges.
A few potential challenges we see when working with a virtual assistant in construction services include:
- Maintaining clear communication
- Building trust and setting clear expectations
- Staying on top of productivity and progress
To avoid these challenges, we will work with you and your employee to set those clear communication channels and expectations upfront, so there is no misunderstanding about what is expected. We will use project management tools to track progress and implement regular check-ins and updates to maintain a strong working relationship.
How do I find a virtual construction administrative assistant?
The construction administrative assistant job is a pretty specialized and unique type of virtual assistant. So, it can be challenging to find the right one for your company that meets your unique needs. That is where we can take the heavy lifting off your plate and find the right administrative assistants for you.
You will not have to spend your time combing through resumes and scheduling interviews — we will do all that for you.
Should I hire a virtual construction administrative assistant on an hourly or project basis?
It is really up to you! If you are working on a lot of special projects or have a lot of incoming project contracts, then hiring on a project basis could be a great way to ensure you have the coverage you need for your workload. But, if you are in a slower period of time or just need minimal administrative assistance, an hourly basis could work best for you.
We can work with you to figure out which payment method is best for your workload and specific needs.
Ready to hire a virtual construction administrative assistant for your construction business?
Take the guesswork out of hiring and let Virtual Construction Assistants find your perfect administrative project manager. We know the construction industry and are here to support you.
Give us a call or reach out today to get started!
