Perks, starting salary, and more: A beginner's guide to becoming a virtual assistant
So you want to be a virtual assistant?
Just recently, a VA got the surprise of her life when she unexpectedly met none other than Hollywood star Zac Efron during an online call with a client.
Gilliane Azuro recounted her experience in a now-viral Facebook post, sharing that her client Caleb introduced her to a "guest," who turned out to be the international actor.
“This is Gilliane, my assistant from the Philippines. She’s the best,” Caleb told Zac, who then greeted the VA. “Hi Gilliane! How are you?”
“Literally have no idea what I said back, except I remember I said 'Lemme take a pic,' and he did a peace sign,” she recalled.
Did the trending post pique your curiosity about the job and its perks? Here's what you need to know about becoming a virtual assistant.
What does a virtual assistant do?
First things first, it's important to familiarize yourself with the duties of a virtual assistant if you want to give it a shot.
Virtual assistant Rene Paolo Isyasa (Paolo Speaks on Facebook), who also conducts VA trainings online, explained to PhilSTAR L!fe that a VA assists a client by performing administrative tasks for them remotely.
“Originally, VAs do administrative tasks, but the VA term right now may also refer to freelancers who do different kinds of work such as digital marketing, web development, bookkeeping, etc.,” he noted.
In this job, you only need to invest in a desktop computer or a laptop, a good internet connection, a web camera, and a nice headset, preferably one with noise cancellation.
Rhoanne Dairocas, who is also a VA, shared that you must have communication skills, tech proficiency, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail. She also noted that since this role lets you be your own boss, you must stay disciplined, organized, and open to continuous learning.
More than the technical skills, Isyasa stressed the importance of soft skills like adaptability, time management, teamwork, and more.
“The better you can communicate with your client, the better. Some aspiring VAs think it's their technical skills that get them hired. While that is partly true, it's the soft skills that get you hired and promoted,” he told L!fe.
How to be a virtual assistant
If you don't know where to start, Isyasa suggested picking a skill or niche first. “It can be bookkeeping, graphic design, media buying—anything that can be delivered online is a good skill to offer.”
Next, prepare your resume and portfolio so the client can properly assess if your skills fit the role you’re applying for.
You can find opportunities on Upwork, Fiverr, Linkedin, and OnlineJobs.
Isyasa said customizing your cover letter per client might help. “This is so clients will know that you took your time into applying and not just copy-pasting. The key here is perseverance. The more personalized applications you submit, the higher your chances of getting hired. It's a numbers game,” he said.
Dairocas also suggested creating your personal brand and highlighting your skills on platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, or even TikTok if you want to connect with a wider audience.
“Network strategically and offer value upfront. Share helpful content or tips about productivity, social media, or administrative tasks to showcase your expertise,” she told L!fe.
The next step would be meeting the potential client on video conferencing platforms like Zoom or Google Meet. While this is an interview, Isyasa suggested being proactive during the meeting.
“Don't treat it like an interview where the client asks questions and you answer. Instead, think like a consultant, probe your client's needs, and tell them how you can help them. This will boost your chances of getting hired,” he said.
The last step is securing a contract, which should include the scope of work, timeline, and budget. “This is to ensure that you are protected from overtime, late payment, etc.,” Isyasa explained.
It's important to note that VAs are required to pay taxes, so make sure you're officially registered at the Bureau of Internal Revenue as a self-employed individual. You would need to pay income tax on a quarterly and annual basis, which would depend on how much you're earning.
Salary and perks
According to Isyasa, a new VA can earn around P30,000 to P40,000 per month, which could increase depending on your experience and portfolio. If you apply through a VA agency, however, you might get around P15,000 to P30,000 per month.
“It's a financially rewarding role since VAs get to earn in dollars while maintaining a peso lifestyle,” he said.
When asked about the perks that come with the job, virtual assistant Jamaela San Diego told L!fe that you get to acquire new skills and information that can hone and expand your abilities and services. "This also lets you be in control of your rate. You [can] adjust your income or pay rate in proportion to how much more you can provide to your clients."
San Diego likewise shared that working remotely as a VA gives you the privilege to choose your work environment.
“I love that I have the option to work from anywhere—all I need is a laptop and good internet connection. I enjoy working from home, but if I want a change of environment, I can also work in cafes or even at the beach,” she said.
Isyasa added that you can enjoy the freedom of time if you're a VA. "It's easier for you to plan vacations or go on trips because you can bring your job along with you."
Dairocas noted that working with international clients can also help widen your professional network and perspectives about others.
It's undeniable that the industry is competitive. Once you land a VA job, how can you keep a client?
"Consistently deliver high-quality work, communicate proactively, and go the extra mile when possible. Building trust and reliability also leads to long-term relationships and referrals," she advised.
Isyasa holds VA training that helps newbie freelancers pick the right skills to offer and stand out in the industry without hard-selling or lowering their rates. If interested, you can sign up for it here for P1,500 per session.
