Why Did the Quiz Say I’m Not Ready?” Here’s What That Really Means and What to Do Next

You took the quiz.
You were hopeful, maybe even a little nervous.
And then — ouch — it told you you’re not ready to become a Virtual Assistant (yet).

Disappointing? Of course.
The last thing anyone wants to hear is “not yet.”
But let’s get one thing clear:

Not ready doesn’t mean not capable.

In fact, this result is a powerful checkpoint, not a dead-end.

In Episode 200 of the Sam + Jo VA Show, we break down exactly why the quiz might say you’re not ready and, more importantly, how to flip that feedback into your next big move.

Because here’s the truth:
You might not be ready right now, but you’re also not far off.

Why You Got the “Not Ready” Result

Think of this result as a friendly nudge. A little tap on the shoulder saying, “Hey, there’s
just a bit more groundwork to do.”

And that’s totally okay.

Here are the main reasons why the quiz might have given you this result and how to turn it into an opportunity:

1. You Don’t Have Transferable Skills (Yet)

If you’ve never worked in a role that involved administration, organisation, or customer service, the quiz might indicate that you don’t have the core skills needed to start as a VA.

This could be the case if:

• You’ve recently graduated and haven’t had much work experience.
• Your previous roles haven’t involved any skills related to the VA industry (e.g., admin, scheduling, writing, social media, etc.).

But here’s the good news: you’re not out of luck. If this is you, the quiz is simply telling you that you need to upskill before jumping into the VA world. That doesn’t mean you can’t become a VA, it just means you need to invest some time into gaining the skills you’ll need.

There are countless free or low-cost resources to help you learn the basics of virtual assistance, from YouTube videos to online courses. Upskilling can be done on your own time, without needing to go to university or spend tons of money.

2. Lack of Confidence

Another reason you might get the “not ready” result is simply because you lack confidence in your skills. Maybe you do have experience, but you’re feeling uncertain about whether it’s enough to be a successful VA.

If this is you, it’s time to stop comparing yourself to others. It’s easy to look around and see VAs with specialised skills and feel like you need to match that level to get started. But here’s the truth: general admin skills are more than enough to start.

If you’ve worked as an administrator or in a similar role, you already have the basic skills needed to become a VA. You don’t have to be an expert in accounting or social media to get started.

Confidence is something you can build over time, and once you realise that you’ve got the foundation, it’ll be easier to take the next steps.

3. You’re New to the VA World

You might be brand new to the VA space and still trying to figure out what it actually involves. You’ve heard of virtual assistants, but you’re not entirely sure what skills are needed or what services you could offer.

The good news? You’re not alone.

The VA industry is broad, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. There are dozens of services you could provide as a VA, from basic administrative work to more specialised tasks like website management, social media support, or email marketing.

If you’re just starting out, take this as an opportunity to do more research and discover the types of services you want to offer. Reach out to others in the industry, ask questions, and start to get clear on where you want to fit in the VA world.

What to Do After Getting the “Not Ready” Result

First things first: Don’t let the result discourage you. It’s just one step in your journey, and there are actionable steps you can take to get where you want to be.

Here’s what we recommend:

1. Upskill and Gain Experience
   If the quiz told you that you need more transferable skills, use this as an opportunity to upskill. There are so many online courses and resources that can help you learn the skills you need to become a great VA.
2. Build Your Confidence
   If you feel like your skills are there but your confidence isn’t, start small. Take on small projects, volunteer, or intern with someone to build your portfolio. The more you work, the more your confidence will grow.
3. Do More Research
   If you’re new to the VA world, take some time to research the different services offered. Get in touch with other VAs or join Facebook groups to ask questions. Start exploring different niches and services to see where you might fit in.

Keep Going, You’re Closer Than You Think

If your quiz result said “not ready,” don’t let it stop you.

It’s not a no. It’s a not yet.

You might just need a bit more experience, confidence, or clarity. That’s totally normal. Growth is part of the journey.

You absolutely can become a VA. This is just one step along the way.
Keep learning, trust yourself, and when you feel ready, take the quiz again.
You might be surprised by how far you’ve come.

Ready to check in again?

Take the VA Pathway Quiz to see your progress and discover your next step forward.