Some freelancers begin taking on side projects, or leave their day jobs because they have a highly marketable skill and are ready to put their passion into a new challenge and way of doing things.
But let’s be honest. Some people just need a job. And there is nothing wrong with that!
What if I told you that there is a whole category of freelance work that you can get in on even if you are a beginner, without a robust portfolio and without a strong idea of what you want to do? Truthfully, there are a variety of virtual assistant jobs, no experience needed, ready for the taking.
If you’ve never heard of a virtual assistant position, it is pretty simple. A virtual assistant provides support to someone remotely. This might be through administrative tasks—scheduling, billing, followup phone calls, etc.—or other management, depending on the industry.
For example, a virtual assistant working for an ad agency might set client meetings, research media buys, forward invoices and even answer phone calls. A virtual assistant for a wedding planner, on the other hand, might handle things like floral deliveries, cultivating relationships with vendors, or scheduling onsite meetings.
Since the needs are so varied depending what type of business or individual you are working for, it’s easy to see why many postings are for virtual assistant jobs, no experience required.
Even if a posting does ask for experience, you might be surprised to discover that you have more experience than you think. Lot of skills needed for a virtual assistant can be learned from seemingly unrelated work.
In this article, we will explore the best places to find virtual assistant jobs, even with no experience, and the best way to present yourself so that you can land a new virtual assistant gig as quickly as possible.
Where to Find Virtual Assistant Jobs with no Experience
Finding quality virtual assistant jobs (with no experience needed) is a lot like looking for any other job. You first need to put together a strong resume, spread the word to your professional and personal network that you are on the hunt, and finally, look to freelance job sites for the latest advertised positions.
Sifting through the dozens of job sites out there is a huge task, but don’t worry, we’ve narrowed down the list to the top sites that post virtual assistant jobs to help you begin your search.
1. SolidGigs
Just Googling “virtual assistant jobs no experience” brings up more than 100 million results. Not only are they not all relevant, many of them are likely to be scams that can actually hurt you.
Enter SolidGigs. SolidGigs is different from other job sites because the jobs come to you, not the other way around. You’ll get a curated list of the best gigs on the internet, and you can specify what types of jobs you are interested in. So you will only see entry-level jobs within the field you are looking for. That way you don’t waste time applying for jobs that you are not likely to get.
2. FlexJobs
Flexjobs is a job site devoted completely to flexible and remote positions. Not only does the site have hundreds of virtual assistant listings, there are a variety of resources to help you find success in your job search.
Whether you need help creating a killer resume, need interview tips, or aren’t sure what type of industry your skills are a good fit for, there is a guide, blog post or webinar for you.
The only (minor) drawback to Flexjobs in your virtual assistant job search is that you must pay a subscription fee to apply for jobs. The paywall is worth it though, to ensure that every job you are looking at is a real posting. The staff screens each posting to filter out scams.
3. Freelancer
Freelancer.com claims to be the “world’s largest website for Virtual Assistant Jobs,” and they definitely have a wide selection of openings. It is free to sign up, and from there you simply create a profile and start bidding on jobs and entering contests. You will pay a fee ranging from 10-20% of the project fee, or sometimes a flat $5.00 rate.
Some freelancers find it challenging to bid on jobs in such a competitive space, but if you are committed to looking for “virtual assistant jobs no experience needed” postings and bidding on the ones that make sense for your skillset, you will eventually find that perfect fit.
4. Remote.co
Even before the pandemic forced everyone into a work-from-home environment, remote work was on the rise. Remote.co recognized this and created a job board specifically to connect workers and companies who are both interested in a flexible arrangement.
If you are looking to get into a virtual assistant position, no experience on your resume does not necessarily preclude from finding the remote job of your dreams. A simple search on Remote.co is a great place to start in finding openings that will work for you.
5. Fiverr
Fiverr is slightly unique in the world of freelance job sites, as you can post the services you are willing to offer, and companies looking for those services will approach you, instead of the other way around.
This setup put virtual assistant jobs within reach, even with no experience. You choose what skills to highlight, how to set up your portfolio, and then sell yourself in the best possible light.
Odds are, your qualifications will be exactly what someone else is looking for, so it doesn’t matter if you have never been a virtual assistant. Just remember that positing your profile is not enough––you should actively promote yourself on social media, and take relevant skills tests so that potential employers will know you can do everything you say you can.
6. Upwork
Upwork is one of the oldest freelance marketplace sites, and has evolved a great deal over the years. Lots of big brands work with Upwork to find qualified contractors, such as Microsoft, Nasdaq and AirBNB.
Upwork allows you to search for specific kills or for a specific virtual assistant posting. Once you find results, you can scan for the ones with “Entry,” listed over the experience level label. Many Upwork jobs are beginner-friendly. This is a great feature when you are searching for virtual assistant jobs and no experience is on your resume.
6 Tips to Land Virtual Assistant Jobs with no Experience
So now you know what a virtual assistant does, you know finding a listing that reads, “virtual assistant jobs no experience required” is not impossible, and you know where to look for opportunities.
What you don’t know is how to land that first job!
Whether you are just starting out in the workforce, or you are changing directions in the middle of a career, or coming back to work after a hiatus, there are lots of reasons you may lack experience as a virtual assistant. Don’t let that discourage you.
The role of a virtual assistant varies so much from place to place, and there are so many companies looking for extra help in the current economy, a virtual assistant job is within reach if that is what you really want to do.
To help you get started, here are 5 tips to help you land those elusive virtual assistant jobs––no experience needed.
1. Review Your Resume
Everyone has skills. The fact that you have no experience with a specific job does not mean that you aren’t qualified to do the work.
Think about past jobs you have had, classes you have taken, experiences that have shaped you and anything you are good at. From this, create a list of skills that may be useful in a virtual assistant position.
These kinds of skills might include typing, customer service, bookkeeping, scheduling, computer coding, social media management, content creation, design, project management, data entry, email management, recommending products, travel planning, research, sales, and more.
The list is almost endless. Also include any software you have experience with. Anything you can do really well is on the table. Think about what your family and friends ask you for help with. It’s a good bet those are marketable skills.
2. Improve Your Portfolio
Now that you know what types of skills will make you a good assistant, you are ready to create a killer profile that will help you land the best virtual assistant jobs, no experience or not.
Choose several of the skills you possess that you think you could do even better. Sign up for courses that will help you build on your talents. There are lots of online classes that allow you to learn remotely and at your own pace. Many of them offer certificates that you can add to your overall resume. This kind of validation is invaluable. What you lack in experience you can make up for in qualifications.
You can also beef up your portfolio by taking on smaller projects that show what you can really do. Remember that help family and friends are asking you for? Offer to do those projects, do your best work, and then showcase what you have done for potential employers.
3. Determine Your Pricing
One of the mistakes people make when they are looking at entry level freelance jobs is setting the wrong price. Aim too high, and you won’t get hired. Set your rate too low, and you will soon be frustrated that you aren’t making enough money for the time and energy you are putting in.
Start with searching for virtual assistant jobs. No experience listed in the requirements is a bonus, because that is a more direct comparison to what you are offering.
Seeing what others are charging and what businesses are willing to pay helps give you an idea of where to set your pricing. From there, you can raise your rates for each special skill or certificate you have. IT skills are likely more valuable than basic typing, for example.
4. Get Your Name Out There
When your resume is put together and your rates are set, you are ready to let people know you are looking for a virtual assistant job.
Start with a few basic things. Build a website that looks professional and plays to your strongest talents. Share the link and a short note on all of your social media channels. If you have the time and skill, you might even think about making a promo video you can share.
Finally, let your personal and professional network know that you are looking. More jobs are found through word of mouth and connections than you might think. Your connections may know someone looking for a virtual assistant, or be looking themselves! Someone that knows and trusts you is more likely to recommend you for virtual assistant jobs.
5. Begin Applying For Jobs
There are so many places to look for virtual assistant jobs with no experience (refer to the list above for ideas). In the beginning, it can be difficult to land a position, but the more positings you apply for, the higher your chances are of landing that first one.
Keep at it. If nothing is happening due to your lack of experience, fine tune those skills, add a few new ones, revamp your website, and try again.
6. Ask For Feedback
As Sherlock Holmes famously said, “Data, data, data.” Whenever possible, ask for feedback. Ask friends and family what they think of your website. Ask any business owners you know what they might be looking for in a virtual assistant.
In some cases, you can even ask for feedback from people who did not hire you. If they are willing to give their reasons for going in a different direction, those comments are worth their weight in gold. Based on what they say, you can change up your presentation or even work to gain new skills.
Best of luck!
You don’t need a long list of virtual assistant jobs on your resume to find work. Begin with the skills you have, present yourself as the professional you are, and you will be well on your way to landing that first position.
Once you are in, you will no longer have to look for virtual assistant jobs no experience required. Instead, you will have experience to draw on and to add to your resume. So make that first job count. Do great work, and you will be off on the first step of a promising and fulfilling freelance career.
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