Top 10 virtual assistant jobs and who's hiring

Wondering what it takes to be an ideal candidate for a remote job as a virtual assistant? These roles offer flexibility, making it easy to balance your personal and professional commitments. They encompass a wide range of responsibilities and industries, catering to diverse needs in the virtual work environment.

Join us in taking a look at the necessary skills, educational requirements, and types of experience that can help individuals thrive in these roles, whether they are full-time, part-time, work-from-home, or in-person positions. We’ll dive into the world of virtual assistant roles and uncover the key insights that will empower you to thrive in these dynamic positions.

1. Virtual administrative assistant

Average salary: $38,937 per year

As a virtual administrative assistant, your role is to provide remote administrative support to individuals or businesses. You'll perform administrative tasks similar to those of an in-person administrative assistant, such as fielding emails and phone calls, scheduling appointments, and organizing documents.

But you'll work remotely using technology and communication tools to stay connected with your clients. You’ll want a strong background in organization, time management, computer proficiency, and communication skills. Soft skills such as adaptability, attention to detail, and professionalism are considered some of the strongest traits for success in this role.

Previous experience in administrative jobs is advantageous, and while a specific degree is not always necessary, a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for this role. Continuously developing your skills, staying updated with technology, and showcasing your ability to work independently are essential in this role.

2. Virtual data entry assistant

Average salary: $39,000 per year

As a virtual data entry assistant, you’ll perform remote data entry tasks using online tools, making this a great role for a detail-oriented person. You’d want to have technical skills like exceptional typing speed, Microsoft Excel proficiency, understanding of customer relationship management (CRM) tools, computer literacy, and organizational skills. Soft skills like time management, communication, and problem-solving are other keys to success.

This is often an entry-level position, but some experience in data entry or related roles can help you stand out. A high school diploma is usually all that’s required, and you’ll want to look at extra certifications to boost your chances of landing better jobs.

3. Virtual social media assistant

Average salary: $35,987 per year

As a virtual social media assistant, you’ll provide remote support to marketing team members by managing social media accounts. Required skills include proficiency in social media platforms, content creation, analytics, and writing. But don’t neglect soft skills like creativity and communication since these can set you apart from the competition. This can be an entry-level position, but experience in social media management or content creation is beneficial. A high school diploma or equivalent is usually all you’ll need to qualify, but certifications or courses in social media marketing will enhance your skill set. Showcase your social media platform knowledge and content creation skills to stand out.

4. Virtual personal assistant

Average salary: $33,195 per year

This role provides remote administrative support to various individual clients. You’ll want a strong background in communication, computer proficiency, and research abilities. Soft skills like confidentiality, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills will be some of your most valuable assets. While there are entry-level positions available for this job title, some clients may require experience in administrative or executive assistant roles. A high school diploma or equivalent — and certifications in office administration or related fields — can help you become more attractive to potential employers.

5. Virtual office assistant

Average salary: $40,637 per year

As a virtual office assistant, you’ll provide remote administrative support and assist with tasks of an office manager such as bookkeeping, appointment scheduling, and handling email and phone communications. You’ll need the typical technical skills of an admin assistant, like organization, computer proficiency, and data management. Problem-solving and interpersonal skills are also critical ingredients in ensuring your success in this role. Experience requirements can vary — many of these jobs can be entry-level positions, but some can require years of experience in administrative or related roles. A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required, but certifications in office administration or project management can enhance qualifications.

6. Virtual executive assistant

Average salary: $60,777 per year

The most lucrative virtual assistant job might be that of a virtual executive assistant. Here, you’ll be providing remote administrative support to high-level professionals. You’re going to need to be proficient in organization, communication, and research abilities. Soft skills like professionalism and interpersonal skills are your bread and butter because you’ll be dealing with executives and high-level individuals. Several years of experience in administrative or executive assistant positions are typically required. You’ll need a high school diploma (or equivalent) and you will want to keep up to date with technology, certifications, and other avenues of professional development.

7. Virtual customer service representative

Average salary: $32,404 per year

Communicating with customers via phone, email, or chat to address inquiries is most of what you can expect from this role. You’ll need excellent communication skills, knowledge of the product or service your company offers, and technological proficiency to fulfill your duties. In addition, you will want to be adept at active listening and have a firm grasp of empathetic responses for numerous difficult situations that may arise. Generally, a high school diploma or equivalent is required and strong knowledge of Microsoft Office tools can help you stand apart from the crowd.

8. Virtual publishing assistant

Average salary: $40,424 per year

The job description for a virtual publishing assistant often includes proofreading and formatting manuscripts and managing publication schedules. A specific degree isn’t typically required, but a background in English, literature, or journalism can go a long way in helping you land this job. You’ll want to have some familiarity with publishing software such as Adobe InDesign or Microsoft Publisher. As you’ll be coordinating with various authors, editors, and other coworkers, your people skills are also going to come into play.

9. Virtual talent assistant

Average salary: $45,438 per year

You’re going to remotely support talent acquisition, management, and development in this role — working closely with talent managers or agents to facilitate the careers of actors, performers, or other professionals in the entertainment industry. Understanding production roles and the challenges that come with working in various locations is a good way to fit in here. Knowledge of talent agencies, casting processes, and industry trends can also be valuable. Entry-level positions may be available, however, experience in talent management or casting can help you stand out from the crowd.

10. Virtual program coordinator

Average salary: $49,657 per year

As a virtual program coordinator, your role is to remotely manage and coordinate various aspects of a program or project. You'll be responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing the program's activities, ensuring its smooth operation and successful execution. You’ll want to be efficient at managing timelines, resources, and deliverables. A varied set of soft skills will be useful, including a mix of leadership attributes, problem-solving acumen, and interpersonal skills.

Entry-level positions exist but positions that involve larger programs or more complex projects may require several years of experience as a program coordinator or project manager. If you have a degree in business management or project management, this may be the career for you.

Your virtual assistant job awaits

Virtual assistant roles cater to a range of industries, skill sets, and it offers a world of opportunities for anyone seeking flexibility and work experience. Embrace the virtual work environment and unlock your potential as you embark on a fulfilling career as a virtual assistant. Begin your search today with Handshake (https://joinhandshake.com/), where you can connect with top companies and clients looking for your particular set of skills, and set up job alerts so you never miss an opportunity.

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Top 10 virtual assistant jobs and who's hiring