Virtual Assistant

What does a virtual assistant do?

Virtual assistants do much of what an administrative assistant does, but remotely. They manage inboxes and calendars, book travel, prepare documents, update spreadsheets, handle customer messages and sometimes manage social media or bookkeeping. Many work as independent contractors for several clients, which offers flexibility but means finding your own work.

Typical responsibilities

• Manage email and calendars
• Schedule meetings and appointments
• Prepare documents, spreadsheets and presentations
• Respond to customer or client messages
• Handle basic research and data entry
• Coordinate travel and events

Skills and qualifications

Useful skills

• Organization and reliability
• Clear written communication
• Email, calendars and cloud documents
• Video-meeting tools
• Working independently
• Protecting confidential information

Common qualifications

• No specific degree or license is required
• Experience in administrative or office work is the most common background
• A reliable computer, internet connection and quiet workspace
• Independent contractors need to manage their own taxes and contracts

Working conditions

Where the work happens

Home office, working with clients by email, chat, phone and video. Hours may be flexible or set by client needs and time zones.

Physical demands

Mostly seated computer and phone work.

Remote work

Common. Many listings offer it. Remote virtual assistant jobs

Part-time work

Common. Many listings offer it. Part-time virtual assistant jobs

Pay

Pay varies by employer and location, and we don't estimate it. Current listings that state pay show it on each job. For national figures, see the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (opens in a new tab).

How to get started

1. List the specific services you can offer, such as calendar management, document preparation or bookkeeping support.
2. Make sure you are comfortable with cloud documents, shared calendars and video meetings.
3. Tell your network you are offering virtual assistant services; past colleagues and small business owners are likely first clients.
4. Decide whether you want to be an employee of a staffing company or an independent contractor.
5. Use written agreements, protect client data and avoid any job that asks you to handle money transfers for strangers.

Experience that transfers

• Administrative or executive assistant: The tasks are nearly identical, just done remotely.
• Office management: You already juggle schedules, vendors and documents.
• Customer service: Responding clearly and quickly to messages is central to the role.
• Running a small business: You understand what owners need help with.

Frequently asked questions