Where to Find Virtual Assistant Jobs as a Beginner
Virtual assistant work is a flexible way to earn from home. Learn what VAs do, the skills clients look for, and the freelance marketplaces, agencies and job boards where beginners find work.
In this article
Looking for a way to earn extra money from home? Becoming a virtual assistant (VA) can be a great way to supplement your income, or even build a full-time remote career. But where do you find virtual assistant jobs when you don't have experience yet?
As more businesses rely on remote teams, demand for people who can handle online tasks has grown. Employers look for VAs to take on customer service, administration, data entry, social media and much more. The key is knowing where to look and which skills clients value.
What is a virtual assistant?
A virtual assistant provides administrative, technical or creative support to clients remotely. Most VAs work from home, but you can work from anywhere with a reliable internet connection.
Typical VA tasks include:
- managing email and calendars;
- customer service and answering calls;
- data entry and research;
- social media management;
- bookkeeping support;
- writing, editing and basic design;
- travel booking and general admin.
Many businesses now outsource these tasks to skilled freelancers, so there are plenty of opportunities for people with the right skills and attitude.
Skills that help you land VA work
You don't always need formal experience, but these skills make you more attractive to clients:
- clear written and spoken communication;
- organisation and time management;
- confidence with common tools like Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, Zoom and project management apps;
- reliability and responsiveness;
- a specialism, such as social media, bookkeeping or customer support, that sets you apart.
Where to find virtual assistant jobs
There are three main routes: freelance marketplaces, VA agencies and staffing firms, and job boards. Pay and requirements vary widely, so read each listing carefully and check current terms on each platform before you sign up.
Freelance marketplaces
Upwork
Upwork is one of the largest freelance marketplaces, with VA projects for every level from beginner to expert. You create a profile, submit proposals for projects and build a reputation through client reviews. Upwork charges freelancers a service fee on their earnings. As you collect good reviews and repeat clients, you can raise your rates. Both hourly and fixed-price jobs are available.
Fiverr
Founded by Micha Kaufman and Shai Wininger, Fiverr is a marketplace where freelancers sell services, called "gigs", to buyers. You can package VA services such as inbox management, data entry or research into clear offers with set prices, and buyers come to you. Fiverr takes a commission on each order.
Guru
Guru connects employers with freelancers offering everything from data entry and research to project management. It supports hourly and fixed-price work, and client feedback on your profile helps you win future jobs.
TaskRabbit
TaskRabbit connects people with "Taskers" for everyday jobs. There's no specific "virtual assistant" category, but you can offer services like personal assistance or office administration and set your own rates. Some tasks require being there in person, so you'll register in a specific location, and there may be a registration fee in some cities.
VA agencies
Agencies match clients with assistants. They often provide more stable, long-term work, though some look for more experienced applicants.
Belay
Belay provides virtual assistants, bookkeepers and other remote support to businesses. It offers flexible, remote work, and its VAs are matched with clients based on their skills.
Boldly
Boldly (formerly Worldwide101) supplies "business-grade" remote assistants and other professionals to companies. Unlike many agencies, it hires its team as employees rather than contractors. It tends to look for experienced, senior-level candidates, and assignments are usually long term, so it's a good goal to work towards once you've built some experience.
Vicky Virtual
Vicky Virtual provides virtual receptionist services, handling calls, appointments and messages for businesses. The role is mostly phone-based, and multitasking, quick learning and computer confidence matter more than prior experience.
Staffing firms
Large staffing companies often list remote administrative and assistant roles alongside temporary, contract and permanent jobs.
- Robert Half. A global staffing firm founded in 1948, with roles in administration, finance, accounting and more. You can search by job title, skill and location, create a profile and apply online.
- Randstad. One of the world's largest HR services and staffing companies, headquartered in the Netherlands, with remote and admin roles in many countries.
- Kelly. A US-based global staffing company founded in 1946, offering temporary and permanent positions, including office and administrative work.
- Beacon Hill Staffing Group. A Boston-based staffing firm with divisions covering administrative, creative, finance, HR, legal and technology roles, offering temporary, contract and direct-hire positions.
Job boards
Indeed
Indeed is one of the world's biggest job search engines, gathering listings from company websites and job boards. Search for "virtual assistant" or "remote administrative assistant" and filter by location, job type and experience level.
LinkedIn is the leading professional network and a great place to find VA roles. Search for keywords like "virtual assistant" and "remote", use filters for job type and experience, and keep your profile up to date so clients and recruiters can find you. Posting about your services can also bring in clients directly.
Remote OK
Launched in 2015 by developer and entrepreneur Pieter Levels, Remote OK is a popular board dedicated to remote jobs. Listings are updated frequently and often show salary ranges, company details and required skills.
We Work Remotely
We Work Remotely is one of the best-known remote job boards, with listings across customer support, admin, marketing and more.
Tips for landing your first VA job
- Start with a niche. Offer a clear set of services, such as social media scheduling or inbox management, rather than "anything".
- Build a simple portfolio. Include examples of your work, such as a sample content calendar, a spreadsheet you've organised or a project you've managed.
- Write tailored proposals. Address each client's specific needs instead of sending generic applications.
- Start small and collect reviews. Early positive feedback is the fastest way to win better-paid work.
- Watch out for scams. Legitimate employers won't ask you to pay to get a job or to cash cheques on their behalf.
Conclusion
There are plenty of places for beginners to find virtual assistant work, from freelance marketplaces like Upwork and Fiverr to VA agencies, staffing firms and remote job boards. With the right skills, a professional profile and a bit of persistence, a VA role can give you flexible hours, a steady income and the freedom to work from almost anywhere.
