Work from home. Become a virtual assistant today!

How do you become a virtual assistant?

You become a virtual assistant by building core admin skills, setting up basic tools, and finding clients online through freelance sites, VA firms, or a BPO company.

• You do not need a four-year degree to start.
• Simple training and certificates can boost your chances.
• You can find work as a freelancer, at a VA firm, or at a BPO.

More companies now hire online workers, including virtual assistants (VA). Many people also turn to freelance work to take on projects they enjoy. So virtual assistant roles have grown fast.

VA services are one of the most in-demand roles in remote work today. The good news is simple. Becoming a virtual assistant is easy, since it does not need complex qualifications to enter.

So here is how to become a virtual assistant, the skills you need, and the key stats you should know.

Virtual assistant: what is it?

A virtual assistant or VA is a person who serves a client remotely. VAs usually handle admin work. However, they can also do special tasks like digital marketing, social media management, and bookkeeping.

A typical VA works from home or from an office run by a BPO company. So this setup suits small firms and startups. They can hire help without extra office space or resources.

Duties and responsibilities

You can hire a general VA to handle most admin work, such as:

• Preparing reports and presentations
• Scheduling appointments
• Preparing travel itineraries
• Monitoring and answering email inquiries
• Ordering office supplies online
• Editing and proofreading important documents
• Coordinating physical and virtual events

Specialized VAs, meanwhile, take on roles that need more skill or certificates. For example, you can assign a specialized VA to these tasks:

• Social media management
• Research
• Digital marketing
• Content moderation
• Customer service

Average salary

Two things shape a VA’s pay: location and type. General VAs in the United States earn an average of about US$22 an hour. This rate shifts with skill, location, and certificates. Specialist VAs may earn more or less by field.

Location matters too. VAs in the Philippines and India often charge less. For example, Filipino VAs usually earn around US$10 an hour or US$500 per month. To see how rates differ by region, check this guide to virtual assistant salary around the world.

Virtual assistant vs personal assistant

One thing sets a personal assistant apart from a virtual assistant: location. A VA can do any task that works online. So they cover more than a personal assistant.

Having a virtual assistant gives owners more flexibility. They can work with a VA from anywhere during office hours.

On the other hand, a personal assistant (PA) works in-house, where the owner can watch closely. A PA handles admin work and physical tasks, like making coffee or going to the bank. Both roles add value. So owners pick one or the other based on need, urgency, and how they like to manage.

Become a virtual assistant

Professional VAs often have years of experience as assistants or clerks. However, you can now become a virtual assistant with little experience or few qualifications.

Education

You do not need a four-year degree to become a virtual assistant. Still, one can help you win clients. As an option, you can train and get certified through community colleges or online courses. For special VA roles, clients may look for training certificates and licenses.

Training and certification

Many websites offer online courses for general VA training. These range from free to a few hundred dollars. Certificates come with most courses once you finish. In addition, you can train for special roles to grow your skills.

Online virtual assistant courses

The market has many online courses for virtual assistant training and development. A certificate is not required. Still, these courses help you learn and apply new skills.

For example, sites like Coursera and edX offer courses in social media marketing, digital marketing, bookkeeping, and research for a small fee. You get a verified certificate after you finish the modules and pass the test.

Skills

A strong VA needs a few key virtual assistant skills to work well:

Organizational skills

As a VA, you must organize and keep office files in order. This matters most when you handle private files from many sources.

Time management

VAs juggle many tasks each day. So you need to manage your time well. As a result, you can rank tasks and finish more work fast.

Communication skill

A VA often talks to clients and suppliers. For that, you need strong effective communication skills. So you can reach out and work with your customer’s contacts better.

Computer proficiency

VAs use many online tools each day. So you need to be tech-savvy. You should be at ease with a laptop, word processor, spreadsheet, and social media tools.

Ability to multitask

Urgent tasks can arrive anytime. So you should move from one task to another with ease.

Equipment

VAs need only a working laptop or desktop, a webcam, VoIP, and a printer. Depending on the role, you may need extra tools and software. This can include apps for bookkeeping, photo editing, or social media.

Many free virtual assistant tools are also on the market. So you can use them for smoother work with clients.

Work environment

A typical VA works from home or in a VA office. Freelance VAs at home supply their own tools. Meanwhile, office-based VAs get everything they need, including internet and a desk.

Ways to get hired

You still need the right network, experience, and portfolio to get hired as a VA. So use these ways to land a virtual assistant role.

Join VA organizations

In the US, VA organizations offer networking and skills training. As a result, members can get hired and gain work experience.

Build an online profile

Win clients by building a profile on LinkedIn or freelance sites. From there, you can also find clients and projects. Many remote jobs for VAs are posted this way.

Create a portfolio

Gather your work and client reviews into a portfolio. So you can secure better, long-term contracts.

Consider specializing

Specialized VAs with years of experience can win better projects. So it pays to grow in one field.

Where to find virtual assistant work

VAs can find work online in several ways. For example, you can apply as a freelancer, join a VA firm, or work at a BPO that offers VA services.

Freelance websites

Applicants find VA work fast through freelance websites. You can post your service or look for short and long-term projects. This is a common way to start freelancing as a VA.

Most of these sites are open, since they do not vet users. However, be careful when you reach out to clients directly. So stay wary of freelance scams and fraud. In addition, many sites now offer skills tests to prove your knowledge.

Outsourcing companies

You can also apply to BPO companies, like HireSmart Staff, for VA roles. This is the best way to build a stable VA career.

So you get a regular salary with benefits, training, and room to grow. Through this route, the client and BPO handle all your work needs, from tools to office space.

Virtual assistant firms

VA firms attract talent through their own websites. The setup is much like freelance sites. However, to join a firm, VAs must pass a few skills tests. Then the firm matches them to a client. Not all VAs qualify, since firms curate the best from their pool.

Virtual assistant statistics

VA services are among the most sought-after roles today. Many owners find it handy to hire a VA for admin work online.

Hiring VAs helps companies in many ways. For one, it can save up to 70% of labor costs. So firms spend less on the resources they need.

Remote work also cuts their attrition in half, per a Stanford University study. This is because remote staff take fewer breaks and leaves.

VAs also tend to be happier and more driven. In fact, one study found that 97% of remote workers are happier than in-house staff. This is due to more balance and freedom.

The outlook is steady too. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, secretarial and admin jobs should show little to no change through 2034. So expect a competitive market for skills, tasks, and pay.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a degree to become a virtual assistant?

No. You do not need a four-year degree to become a virtual assistant. Still, training, certificates, and a strong portfolio help you win clients.

How much can a virtual assistant earn?

In the US, VAs earn about US$22 an hour on average. In the Philippines, rates often sit near US$10 an hour or US$500 a month.

What skills does a virtual assistant need?

A VA needs strong organization, time management, and communication skills. Computer skills and the ability to multitask also matter a lot.

Where can I find virtual assistant work?

You can find work on freelance sites, at VA firms, or at BPO companies. Building an online profile helps you reach more clients.

What equipment does a virtual assistant need?

A VA needs a laptop or desktop, a webcam, VoIP, and a printer. Some roles also call for extra apps like bookkeeping or editing software.

Key takeaways

• You can become a virtual assistant without a four-year degree.
• Core skills include organization, time management, and communication.
• US VAs average about US$22 an hour, while Filipino VAs earn less.
• You can find work as a freelancer, at a VA firm, or at a BPO.
• The admin job market is steady, so skills and specialization matter.