A Guide to Finding Virtual Assistant Jobs for Beginners.
Well, hello there. So you’re here looking for virtual assistant jobs for beginners? Or perhaps you are a virtual assistant veteran, looking for some new opportunities?
Well, either way, you have landed in the right place.
Not only have I previously worked as a virtual assistant but I also started out as a complete beginner. And I trained, worked hard, learned how to get clients, and made a decent amount of money whilst working as a VA.
Being a virtual assistant is the perfect role for people who like to travel, move around or just work remotely, as it can be done from anywhere. It’s a job that offers a lot of freedom and flexibility.
So if you want relatable, actionable advice on how to find virtual assistant jobs for beginners, from someone who has actually been there and done it, then keep reading.
What Even is a Virtual Assistant?
No, this isn’t a stupid question, because if you’re a complete beginner at working online you might not know what a virtual assistant is.
A virtual assistant (also known as a VA) is a person who provides administrative, technical, or creative assistance to clients remotely. They can help with tasks such as data entry, scheduling appointments, managing emails, social media management, content creation, and other office-related tasks.
The client can communicate with the virtual assistant through email, phone, or video conferencing, and the VA will work on the client’s tasks, just like an in-person assistant, but they are not physically present in the same office.
Virtual assistants typically work from their own home office or remote location, using their own equipment such as a computer and internet connection.
They are self-employed or freelance and work for multiple clients at the same time. They’re hired on a contract basis by clients to provide a wide range of support services.
What Types of Virtual Assistant Jobs are Suitable for Complete Beginners?
Total newbie? No problem. Becoming a virtual assistant is one of those jobs that anyone can do with little to no experience.
And the chances are, you’ve probably already got skills that are transferable to working online.
These are the types of virtual assistant jobs that are good for complete beginners:
- Data entry: This type of work involves entering data into a computer system or database.
- Social media management: This role involves creating and scheduling posts, responding to comments and messages, and analyzing social media metrics for clients.
- Customer service: This role involves answering customer inquiries via email or phone, handling complaints, and providing support.
- Administrative support: This role involves tasks such as scheduling appointments, managing calendars, making travel arrangements, and organizing files.
- Content creation: This role involves creating written content, such as blog posts, product descriptions, social media posts, and email newsletters for clients.
- Virtual event coordination: Assisting in organizing and coordinating virtual events, such as webinars, webcasts, and podcasts.
Remember that some companies and clients may require a certain level of experience, but there are always opportunities for beginner virtual assistants to gain experience and skills in these areas.
Ultimately, it’s more important to be willing to learn new things and improve the skills you do have.
What Do I Need to Do First to Become a Virtual Assistant?
Even if you are a complete beginner, there are a few steps you can take to get started as a virtual assistant:
1. Develop your virtual assistant skills
As a virtual assistant, you may be required to perform a variety of tasks, such as scheduling appointments, managing emails, and creating content. It’s important to have a good understanding of the skills required for the job and to develop them if necessary. Now is the time to brush up on your typing speed, or watch some tutorials on the latest productivity software.
2. Create a portfolio
Having a portfolio of your work is extremely helpful when applying for virtual assistant jobs. It can show off the skills and experience you do have to potential clients or employers.
3. Network
Networking can be an effective way to find virtual assistant jobs. Connect with other virtual assistants, entrepreneurs, and small business owners on social media or through networking events.
4. Expand your virtual assistant network
Connect with virtual assistants in the same field or who have similar skills and find out what virtual jobs they’re working on. It’s also a good idea to get advice from more experienced virtual assistants on how to create an attractive portfolio and market yourself effectively.
5. Create a professional profile
Having a professional profile on platforms such as LinkedIn or Upwork can help you find virtual assistant jobs. Make sure to include your skills, experience, and portfolio on your profile.
6. Look for job opportunities
Look for virtual assistant jobs on job boards, freelance marketplaces, and virtual assistant job listing websites. Be sure to tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific job you are applying for.
7. Be prepared to start small
As a beginner, you may have to start with small tasks or projects before you can land larger assignments. Be prepared to work hard, be patient and stay persistent in your job search. The small stuff leads to better things—promise.
8. Understand the legal and financial aspects of being a freelancer
As a virtual assistant, you’ll be working independently, so you’ll have to take care of the boring stuff like your taxes, insurance, and other legal requirements. Make sure you understand the legal and financial aspects of being a freelancer.
Do I Need to Train First to Become a Virtual Assistant?
Yes, it is recommended to do some training, even if it’s just a little training. Training can be beneficial for becoming a virtual assistant, as it can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed for the job. And it helps you transition into the world of working remotely.
There are a few different ways to train to be a virtual assistant, including:
Online courses
Consider virtual assistant training programs. Many virtual assistant companies offer virtual assistant certification programs that will give you a better understanding of the industry and help you land virtual assistant jobs with more confidence.
There are a variety of online courses available that can teach you skills such as time management, organisation, and software proficiency. Some websites, like Udemy or Coursera, offer courses specifically on virtual assistance.
I can highly recommend the guys I did my training with, Virtual Excellence Academy, who offer a free short course on becoming a virtual assistant called the 5-Day VA Challenge.
Books or eBooks
Books, remember those? It is possible to gain a comprehensive understanding of the virtual assistance industry and the skills you will need to succeed by reading books on the subject. A lot of books and eBooks are available online, including on Amazon and other bookstores.
To learn all about what a Virtual Assistant is and to figure out if it’s a good fit for your lifestyle and goals, try this free download Beginners Guide to Virtual Assistance.
Workshops and seminars
Attending online or in-person workshops or seminars on virtual assistance can provide you with hands-on training and the opportunity to learn from experienced virtual assistants.
Self-training
You can also train yourself by working on small projects, listening to podcasts, learning from online tutorials, and staying current with industry trends.
Virtual assistants often use tools like Slack, Trello and Hootsuite to communicate effectively with clients and manage projects. If you’re not familiar with these tools, take the time to get comfortable with them by watching tutorials and trying them out.
Although training to become a virtual assistant is not mandatory, and many VAs learn through experience, having completed some training means:
- It will greatly improve your chances of being hired if you have relevant experience, like working in customer service or administration.
- You’ll develop a solid understanding of the industry and skills needed, for tasks like time management, organisation, and software knowledge.
- Your application will stand out from other candidates when applying for virtual assistant jobs. Since it shows your dedication to the field and that you are willing to learn.
- Training teaches you ways to keep up with industry trends and continue learning as the virtual assistant industry is ever-changing.
And if all that sounds like too much hard work to do by yourself, why not try a free online course to gain some virtual assistant training?
I did my VA training with Virtual Excellence Academy, which runs a free short training called the 5-Day VA Challenge and they have a few intakes a year. The training even covers how to land your first client.
Where do I Find Virtual Assistant Jobs for Beginners?
If you’re just starting out on your virtual assistant journey, there are several good places to find virtual assistant jobs for beginners.
Check online job boards for remote work
To use online job boards to look for virtual assistant jobs, you can do the following:
- Search for virtual assistant jobs on popular job search engines such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and ZipRecruiter.
- Use relevant keywords such as “virtual assistant”, “remote assistant”, and “online assistant” when searching for job postings.
- Set up job alerts for virtual assistant jobs on the job search engines, so that you are notified when new job postings are added.
- Check online job boards that specialize in remote and virtual jobs, such as We Work Remotely, FlexJobs, and Virtual Vocations.
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your skills and experience as a virtual assistant.
- Apply to multiple virtual assistant jobs to increase your chances of getting hired.
- Follow up with the recruiters or hiring managers after you’ve applied for a job to show your interest and enthusiasm for the role.
Browse social media for virtual assistant jobs for beginners
If you’re using social media to look for beginner virtual assistant jobs, try these actionable steps:
- Create a professional profile on social media platforms such as LinkedIn and Twitter and use them for making connections. In particular, try LinkedIn for professional networking and job opportunities
- Network with people in your industry and join relevant groups to stay updated on job opportunities.
- Utilize hashtags relevant to virtual assistance, such as #virtualassistantjobs or #remoteassistant, to search for job postings on Twitter and Instagram.
- Share your skills and experience on your social media profiles to showcase your qualifications to potential employers.
- Follow companies and recruiters that frequently hire virtual assistants to stay informed about job openings.
- Keep your social media profiles updated and active, as potential employers may look at them as part of the hiring process.
Check virtual assistant job listing websites
If you’re looking for VA jobs on a virtual assistant-specific job listing website, you can do the following:
- Visit websites that specialise in listing virtual assistant jobs, such as 24/7 Virtual Assistant, Virtual Gal Friday, and VANetworking.
- Create a professional profile on the website to showcase your skills and experience as a virtual assistant.
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and qualifications for the virtual assistant role.
- Apply for the job by submitting your resume and cover letter through the website’s application process.
- Some websites may also offer a directory of virtual assistant businesses and entrepreneurs looking to hire a virtual assistant, you can reach out to them directly and inquire about the available positions.
- Take advantage of the resources, such as webinars, training and networking opportunities that many of these websites offer to help you improve your skills and increase your chances of getting hired.
Use freelance websites or freelance marketplaces
Freelancing websites, also known as freelance marketplaces, are excellent places for a complete beginner to find virtual assistant jobs. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr provide virtual assistants with convenient ways to connect with clients who need help with a variety of tasks.
When using freelance marketplaces to look for virtual assistant jobs, you should do the following:
- Sign up for an account on a popular freelance marketplace such as Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer or PeoplePerHour.
- Create a professional profile that showcases your skills, experience, and qualifications as a virtual assistant.
- Upload a well-written resume and a professionally done profile picture.
- Browse through the available job listings and apply for virtual assistant positions that match your skills and qualifications.
- Tailor your cover letter to the job you are applying for, highlighting your relevant experience and qualifications.
- Once you’re hired, make sure you deliver high-quality work and communicate effectively with your clients to build a positive reputation on the platform.
- Utilise the platform’s messaging and project management tools to communicate with clients and complete tasks efficiently.
- Some freelance marketplaces allow you to set up a portfolio of your previous work, make sure you include your best work there to showcase your abilities.
- Take advantage of the platform’s feedback system, as a good feedback score can increase your chances of getting hired for future projects.
Contacting small businesses directly
Another great way of finding virtual assistant roles is to contact small businesses or entrepreneurs directly and inquire about open positions.
For example, if you’re interested in working for a particular company as a virtual assistant, reach out directly via email. Most companies have an “About Us” page on their website that will include contact information.
Send a personalized virtual assistant job application and show them why you’re the perfect person for their needs.
- Research small businesses and entrepreneurs in your area of interest and expertise, such as social media marketing, graphic design, or customer service.
- Look for businesses that may benefit from having a virtual assistant, such as those with a growing customer base or those that are expanding their operations.
- Create a professional resume and cover letter that highlights your skills and experience as a virtual assistant.
- Reach out to businesses and entrepreneurs via email, phone, or LinkedIn message and introduce yourself and your skills as a virtual assistant. Be sure to mention your relevant experience and qualifications.
- Offer to provide a free trial period or a discounted rate for the first month to showcase your abilities and value as a virtual assistant.
- Don’t forget to follow up with the business or entrepreneur after your initial contact to check.
- Network with other virtual assistants and entrepreneurs in your area, they may be able to connect you with businesses that are looking for virtual assistants.
- Once you have secured a virtual assistant job, make sure to provide high-quality work, and communicate effectively with your client. Building a good relationship with your client can lead to long-term assignments and potential future opportunities.
Keep in mind that many virtual assistant jobs may not be listed as ‘virtual assistant’ positions. Other titles such as ‘administrative assistant’, “customer support’ or ‘executive assistant’ may also refer to virtual or remote positions.
Therefore, it’s important to keep an open mind when searching for virtual assistant jobs and to look beyond just the job title.
What are the Best Freelance Websites for Finding Virtual Assistant Jobs for Beginners?
Now you know what type of jobs to go for as a beginner virtual assistant, you need to know where to look for them.
There are several freelance marketplace websites that are popular among virtual assistants, which include:
- Upwork: One of the largest and most popular freelance websites, Upwork offers a wide variety of virtual assistant jobs.
- Fiverr: A popular platform for freelancers, Fiverr has a large selection of virtual assistant jobs and allows you to market your services to potential clients.
- PeoplePerHour: A UK-based freelance platform that offers a wide variety of virtual assistant jobs.
- Freelancer.com: A popular platform that offers a wide variety of virtual assistant jobs, including data entry and social media management.
- Guru: A platform that specializes in connecting businesses with freelancers, Guru has a large selection of virtual assistant jobs.
- SimplyHired: A job board that lists a large selection of virtual assistant jobs, as well as other types of remote and flexible positions.
- Indeed: One of the most popular job boards Indeed is a great place to find virtual assistant jobs, as well as other types of remote and flexible positions.
I know it seems like a lot of options and that can be overwhelming.
Therefore, I can only recommend that you be persistent and apply to multiple jobs, as the competition can be high on freelance marketplaces.
So have a look around on multiple platforms and create a profile on a few of them to increase your visibility and reach out to more potential clients.
Many freelancing websites have their own built-in messaging system, so use it to your advantage to communicate with the client. Ask questions, and make sure you understand the job requirements and expectations.
And for a more in-depth review of these freelancing platforms, check out our post on what the best freelance websites for beginners are.
Final Thoughts on Finding Virtual Assistant Jobs for Beginners
Finally, don’t forget to use your network. Ask family, friends, friends of friends, and colleagues if they know of any virtual assistant opportunities you can apply for.
You never know who might have the perfect virtual assistant job for you. Or even just a small starter job – which is great for building that experience you want.
As a beginner, no matter which virtual assistant job you choose, the most important thing is to make sure you’re enthusiastic or passionate about it.
Small things will lead to bigger things and doing a good job for a client, will result in that client referring you to someone else. And that leads to more work.
Keep at it newbie, I believe in you. 🙂 💻
Until next time.
Your Friendly, Neighbourhood WorkOnlineSlayer.
