Picture this - it's 2 AM and you're scrolling through job boards, looking for that perfect work-from-home opportunity that fits around your life.
Maybe you're tired of the daily commute, or you're a parent who needs flexibility, or perhaps you're that organized friend everyone turns to when they need help managing their chaos. You've discovered Virtual Assistant roles and thought, "This is it. This is what I want to do. " But now you're staring at a blank page, wondering how to translate your jumbled work history and life experiences into a resume that screams "I'm the organized, tech-savvy support person you need!"
Here's what you need to understand about Virtual Assistant positions - they're entry-level remote support roles where you become someone's digital right hand, handling everything from email management to calendar coordination, all from the comfort of your home office (or kitchen table, we don't judge). It's not about being an executive; it's about supporting executives and entrepreneurs who need someone reliable to handle the details while they focus on the big picture. And the best part? Your diverse background - whether it's retail, customer service, or managing a household - has already given you many of the skills you need.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through every element of crafting the perfect Virtual Assistant resume. We'll start with choosing the right resume format that showcases your most recent and relevant experience front and center. Then we'll dive into transforming your work history - even if it seems unrelated - into Virtual Assistant gold. You'll learn exactly which technical skills to highlight (spoiler alert - it's not just about knowing Microsoft Office), how to address those unique VA challenges like proving remote work readiness and time zone flexibility, and how to handle education requirements when formal degrees aren't always necessary.
We'll also cover the often-overlooked elements that can set you apart - from showcasing achievements that prove your reliability to writing a cover letter that demonstrates your communication skills in action, and selecting references who can vouch for your ability to work independently. Whether you're in the USA focusing on productivity metrics, in the UK emphasizing diary management skills, or anywhere else in the world highlighting your multilingual abilities, we've got specific tips to help you tailor your resume for success. By the time you finish reading, you'll have everything you need to create a Virtual Assistant resume that gets you noticed and landed in that perfect remote support role.
Here's the truth about Virtual Assistant positions - they're entry-level remote support roles that require you to showcase your organizational superpowers and tech-savviness from the very first glance. That's why the reverse-chronological format is your best friend here.
Virtual Assistant roles are all about proving you can handle the here and now.
Hiring managers want to see what you've been doing recently that proves you can manage calendars, handle emails, and juggle multiple tasks without dropping the ball. The reverse-chronological format puts your most recent (and likely most relevant) experience front and center.
Start with a crisp professional summary that captures your essence as a reliable, tech-savvy professional who can work independently. Think of it as your 30-second elevator pitch translated to paper.
Your Virtual Assistant resume should flow like this - Contact Information (including your time zone if applying for remote roles), Professional Summary, Work Experience, Skills, and Education. If you have relevant certifications or have completed online courses in project management tools or administrative software, create a separate Certifications section.
Remember, Virtual Assistant roles in the UK often emphasize diary management and correspondence handling, while US positions might focus more on social media management and digital tool proficiency. In Canada and Australia, bilingual abilities can be a significant advantage, so include a Languages section if applicable.
You're staring at your work history - maybe it's a patchwork of retail, customer service, or administrative roles. Perhaps you've been freelancing or managing a household.
How do you transform these experiences into Virtual Assistant gold?
The secret lies in reframing your experience through the Virtual Assistant lens. Every job where you've organized, communicated, or problem-solved has given you transferable skills. That retail job where you managed inventory? That's database management experience. The time you coordinated your child's school fundraiser?
That's event planning and stakeholder communication.
When writing your work experience, focus on achievements that demonstrate independence, reliability, and tech skills. Use action verbs that resonate with remote work - "coordinated," "streamlined," "implemented," and "managed."
Let's look at how to transform a basic job description into Virtual Assistant-relevant gold:
❌ Don't write vague descriptions that could apply to anyone:
Customer Service Representative | ABC Company | 2022-2023
- Answered customer calls
- Helped with customer issues
- Used computer systems
✅ Do write specific, quantified achievements that showcase VA skills:
Customer Service Representative | ABC Company | 2022-2023
- Managed 50+ customer inquiries daily via phone and email, maintaining 98% satisfaction rate
- Created and maintained customer database using CRM software, improving response time by 30%
- Developed FAQ documentation that reduced repetitive inquiries by 40%
- Coordinated with remote team members across 3 time zones using Slack and Asana
If you've been out of the traditional workforce - perhaps raising children or caring for family - frame these experiences professionally. Managing a household is project management. Coordinating family schedules is calendar management.
Being the family tech support is IT troubleshooting experience.
Think of your skills section as your professional toolkit - the Swiss Army knife that proves you can handle whatever tasks come flying at you in the digital workspace. But here's where many Virtual Assistant applicants stumble - they list generic skills without understanding what actually matters in the remote support world.
Virtual Assistants live in the cloud.
Your technical skills section should read like a map of the digital tools landscape. Include specific software proficiencies - not just "Microsoft Office" but "Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUP, pivot tables)" or "Google Workspace (Calendar management, Drive organization, Forms creation). "
List project management tools you've mastered - Trello, Asana, Monday.com, or Notion. Include communication platforms like Slack, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams. Don't forget about specialized tools like Calendly for scheduling, Canva for basic design work, or Hootsuite for social media management.
Yes, soft skills matter, but listing "organized" or "detail-oriented" won't cut it. Instead, weave these skills into your experience section with concrete examples.
However, in your skills section, focus on specific competencies that Virtual Assistants need:
❌ Don't list generic soft skills:
Skills:
- Good communication
- Organized
- Hardworking
- Team player
✅ Do list specific, relevant competencies:
Skills:
1. Technical: Google Workspace Suite, Microsoft Office 365, Zoom, Slack, Asana, Calendly, LastPass, Dropbox, Basic HTML, Canva
2. Administrative: Calendar Management, Email Management, Travel Coordination, Expense Reporting, Data Entry (65 WPM), Meeting Coordination
3. Communication: Business Correspondence, Client Relations, Cross-cultural Communication, Written Communication in English and Spanish
Group your skills into categories that make sense for Virtual Assistant work.
Technical Skills should come first - these are non-negotiable in remote work. Follow with Administrative Skills that show you can handle the core VA tasks.
Round out with Communication or Industry-Specific skills if relevant to the positions you're targeting.
Now, let's talk about the unique challenges and opportunities that come with crafting a Virtual Assistant resume - the things that wouldn't necessarily apply if you were gunning for an in-office administrative role or a different remote position entirely.
Unlike traditional administrative roles, Virtual Assistant positions require you to prove you can thrive in isolation, manage your time without supervision, and troubleshoot tech issues independently.
Your resume needs to scream "I can work from home without hand-holding! "
Include any remote work experience prominently, even if it was just a few months during the pandemic. Mention your home office setup in your cover letter, but on your resume, focus on demonstrating self-directed achievements. Use phrases like "independently managed," "remotely coordinated," or "virtually facilitated" to reinforce your remote capabilities.
Here's something uniquely VA - time zone flexibility can make or break your application. If you're applying to Virtual Assistant positions, include your time zone in your contact information and mention any flexibility you have in your professional summary:
Contact Information:
Jane Smith | Virtual Assistant
Email: [email protected] | Phone: (555) 123-4567
Location: Austin, TX (CST - Available 6 AM - 6 PM, flexible for other time zones)
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/janesmith
Unlike designers or writers, Virtual Assistants can't easily showcase their organizational wizardry in a portfolio.
But you can create work samples - design a sample calendar management system, create a mock travel itinerary, or develop a standard operating procedure template. Link to these in a subtle line at the end of your resume or host them on a simple website.
Virtual Assistants aren't one-size-fits-all. A VA for a real estate agent needs different skills than one supporting a tech startup founder. Tailor your resume for your target industry. Applying to support real estate professionals? Highlight any experience with MLS systems or property management. Targeting entrepreneurs?
Emphasize your experience with startup tools and wearing multiple hats.
While not required, Virtual Assistant certifications can set you apart in a sea of applicants.
Include any relevant certifications prominently - whether it's a VA-specific program, Google Workspace certification, or project management training. These show initiative and commitment to the profession:
Certifications:
• Certified Virtual Assistant (VAClassroom) - 2023
• Google Workspace Administrator Certification - 2023
• Asana Certified Pro - 2022
• HIPAA Compliance Training - 2022 (for healthcare VAs)
Virtual Assistants often become trusted partners to their clients, so letting a bit of personality shine through can help. While maintaining professionalism, your resume can hint at your work style. Are you the "systems and processes" VA who loves creating order from chaos? Or the "jack-of-all-trades" VA who thrives on variety?
Let this come through in your professional summary and the way you describe your achievements.
Remember, Virtual Assistant roles are about building trust from a distance. Every element of your resume should reinforce that you're reliable, capable, and ready to be someone's remote right hand. Focus on demonstrating that you're not just looking for any remote job - you specifically want to excel as a Virtual Assistant.
Picture this - you're sitting at your computer, ready to apply for that Virtual Assistant position you've been eyeing.
You've got your skills down pat, your experience section is looking sharp, but then you hit the education section and wonder, "What exactly should I include here? " Let's clear the air right away - as a Virtual Assistant, you're entering a field where practical skills often trump formal degrees. But that doesn't mean your education section should be an afterthought.
Virtual Assistants come from wonderfully diverse educational backgrounds.
Some have business degrees, others studied liberal arts, and many have taken non-traditional educational paths through online certifications and specialized training programs. The beauty of this role is that there's no single "right" educational background - what matters is how you present what you've learned.
When listing your education, always use reverse-chronological order. Start with your most recent educational achievement and work backwards.
For Virtual Assistant positions, include not just traditional degrees but also relevant certifications, online courses, and specialized training that demonstrate your commitment to professional development.
Here's how to properly format your education entries:
❌ Don't write vaguely:
Bachelor's Degree - State University
Some online courses in administration
✅ Do be specific and include relevant details:
Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration
State University, New York, NY
Graduated: May 2022
Relevant Coursework: Project Management, Business Communications, Digital Marketing
Google Workspace Administrator Certification
Completed: September 2023
Many successful Virtual Assistants didn't follow the traditional four-year degree path, and that's perfectly fine. If you've been building your skills through online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning, these absolutely belong in your education section.
The key is presenting them professionally and highlighting their relevance to VA work.
For online certifications and courses, include:
❌ Don't list courses randomly:
Took some Excel courses online
Did a typing course once
✅ Do organize them strategically:
Professional Development & Certifications:
• Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) - Excel Expert, 2023
• Virtual Assistant Professional Certificate - International Virtual Assistants Association, 2023
• Project Management Fundamentals - Coursera, 2022
If you're transitioning into VA work from another field or have limited formal education, focus on relevant training and continuous learning. Employers looking for Virtual Assistants value practical knowledge and the ability to learn quickly over prestigious degrees.
Consider creating a combined "Education & Professional Development" section that showcases your commitment to acquiring relevant skills.
You might be thinking awards and publications sound a bit grandiose for a Virtual Assistant position.
After all, you're not applying for a Nobel Prize - you're looking to support busy professionals with their administrative needs. But here's the thing - recognitions and achievements, no matter how modest they might seem, tell a powerful story about your work ethic, reliability, and excellence in service delivery.
Awards for Virtual Assistants often come in forms you might not immediately recognize.
Think about it - have you received consistent five-star ratings on freelance platforms? Been recognized as "Contractor of the Month" by a client? Received a certificate of completion for finishing a challenging course with distinction? These all count and deserve a place on your resume.
Let's look at how to present these achievements effectively:
❌ Don't downplay or be vague about recognitions:
Got good feedback from clients
Completed some courses successfully
✅ Do quantify and specify your achievements:
Client Recognition & Performance:
• Maintained 5.0/5.0 rating across 50+ projects on Upwork (2022-2023)
• "Outstanding Service Award" - ABC Corporation for streamlining executive calendar management (2023)
• Top 10% completion rate for Virtual Assistant Certification Program - VA Academy (2022)
As a Virtual Assistant, your achievements often manifest as improved efficiency, cost savings, or enhanced productivity for your clients.
These quantifiable results are gold for your resume. Did you help a client save 10 hours per week through better email management? Did you implement a system that reduced scheduling conflicts by 90%? These are achievements worth highlighting.
While traditional publications might be rare for Virtual Assistants, many VAs create valuable content as part of their role or professional development.
Have you written process documentation that became the standard for a client's team? Created templates that are still being used? Contributed to a company blog about productivity tips? These demonstrate your communication skills and expertise.
❌ Don't hide your content creation skills:
Wrote some stuff for clients
✅ Do showcase your contributions:
Professional Contributions:
• Authored comprehensive VA onboarding guide adopted by 3 client companies (2023)
• Created 15+ workflow templates for project management, increasing team efficiency by 40%
• Contributing writer: "5 Time-Saving Email Management Tips" - ProductivityHub Blog (2022)
In the USA and Canada, including measurable achievements and performance metrics is highly valued.
UK employers appreciate professional development certificates and industry recognitions. Australian employers often look for evidence of continuous improvement and learning.
Tailor your awards section to emphasize what matters most in your target market.
References for Virtual Assistants carry unique weight because they're often the only "proof" of your remote work capabilities and reliability. Unlike traditional office jobs where colleagues might casually vouch for you, VA references need to speak specifically to your ability to deliver results independently, maintain professionalism across digital channels, and manage responsibilities without direct supervision.
Your reference list should tell a story about your evolution as a Virtual Assistant.
Ideally, include a mix of direct clients, agency supervisors (if you've worked through VA agencies), and perhaps colleagues from collaborative projects. Each reference should be able to speak to different aspects of your VA skill set - one might emphasize your technical abilities, another your communication skills, and a third your reliability and initiative.
Create a separate document for your references unless specifically asked to include them on your resume. This keeps your resume focused while having references ready when requested.
Format them professionally with complete contact information and context about your working relationship.
❌ Don't provide minimal information:
John Smith - Former Client
Email: [email protected]
✅ Do provide comprehensive details:
John Smith
CEO, Digital Marketing Solutions Inc.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (555) 123-4567
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnsmithdms
Relationship: Direct client (2021-2023) - Managed executive calendar, email correspondence, and client onboarding processes
The distributed nature of VA work means your references might be spread across time zones and industries.
Always notify your references when you're actively job hunting and provide them with key talking points about your work together. Send them the job description so they can tailor their recommendation to emphasize relevant skills.
If you're transitioning into VA work, think creatively about references. Former employers who can speak to your administrative skills, organizational abilities, or remote work experience are valuable.
Instructors from VA certification programs, coordinators from volunteer projects you've managed, or clients from freelance projects (even if not specifically VA work) can all serve as references.
Many Virtual Assistants work with international clients, which can complicate the reference process.
When listing international references, include their time zone and preferred contact hours. For UK positions, ensure phone numbers include country codes. Australian employers often prefer email contact initially. US and Canadian employers typically expect phone availability, so confirm your references are comfortable with international calls.
Remember to maintain a reference tracking system. Note when you last spoke with each reference, which positions they've supported you for, and any feedback about their conversations with potential employers. This professional approach to reference management reflects the organizational skills that make great Virtual Assistants stand out.
Ah, the cover letter - that document that makes even confident applicants break into a nervous sweat.
For Virtual Assistant positions, your cover letter serves a unique purpose. Unlike many other roles where cover letters might feel like a formality, for VAs, it's your first chance to demonstrate the very skills the job requires - clear communication, attention to detail, and the ability to understand and anticipate needs.
Think about it from the employer's perspective. They're about to hire someone they might never meet in person, someone who'll handle important tasks remotely, often with minimal supervision. Your cover letter becomes a preview of how you'll communicate via email, how you structure information, and how well you understand their needs.
It's essentially a work sample disguised as an application document.
Your cover letter should mirror the organized, efficient approach you'll bring to the role. Start with a compelling opening that shows you've done your homework about the company or individual. The middle paragraphs should connect your specific experiences to their stated needs.
Close with a clear call to action that makes next steps easy for them.
❌ Don't use generic openings:
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to apply for the Virtual Assistant position I saw advertised. I have experience as a VA and think I would be good for this role.
✅ Do personalize and show understanding:
Dear Ms. Johnson,
Your recent LinkedIn post about struggling to balance content creation with client communications caught my attention. As a Virtual Assistant who's helped 12 entrepreneurs reclaim 15+ hours weekly through strategic task management, I understand exactly the challenges you're facing with scaling your consulting business.
Your cover letter must address the elephant in the room - remote work.
Employers need reassurance that you can work independently, communicate proactively, and deliver results without constant oversight. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed remote responsibilities, maintained communication across time zones, or solved problems independently.
Rather than listing every software you know, choose 2-3 tools most relevant to the position and briefly explain how you've used them to create value. For instance, instead of just mentioning you know Asana, describe how you used it to reduce project delays by 30% for a previous client.
❌ Don't just list tools:
I know Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Asana, Trello, and Slack.
✅ Do show practical application:
In my recent role supporting a marketing agency CEO, I leveraged Asana's automation features to create recurring task templates that eliminated 5 hours of weekly administrative setup, allowing the team to focus on client deliverables.
Virtual Assistant roles can vary dramatically, so use your cover letter to paint a clear picture of your capabilities through mini-stories. Did you coordinate a virtual conference for 200 attendees? Manage a complex international travel itinerary?
These specific examples help employers envision you solving their particular challenges.
Creating a standout Virtual Assistant resume doesn't have to be overwhelming. With Resumonk, you can build a professional VA resume that incorporates all these essential elements while showcasing your unique strengths. Our AI-powered suggestions help you craft compelling descriptions for your experience, while our beautifully designed templates ensure your resume looks as organized as you are. Whether you're transitioning from another field or looking to level up your VA career, Resumonk makes it simple to create a resume that opens doors to exciting remote opportunities.
Ready to create your Virtual Assistant resume?
Join thousands of successful VAs who've landed their dream remote positions with Resumonk's AI Resume Builder. Start building your professional resume today with our intuitive platform, expert templates, and AI-powered recommendations.
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Picture this - it's 2 AM and you're scrolling through job boards, looking for that perfect work-from-home opportunity that fits around your life.
Maybe you're tired of the daily commute, or you're a parent who needs flexibility, or perhaps you're that organized friend everyone turns to when they need help managing their chaos. You've discovered Virtual Assistant roles and thought, "This is it. This is what I want to do. " But now you're staring at a blank page, wondering how to translate your jumbled work history and life experiences into a resume that screams "I'm the organized, tech-savvy support person you need!"
Here's what you need to understand about Virtual Assistant positions - they're entry-level remote support roles where you become someone's digital right hand, handling everything from email management to calendar coordination, all from the comfort of your home office (or kitchen table, we don't judge). It's not about being an executive; it's about supporting executives and entrepreneurs who need someone reliable to handle the details while they focus on the big picture. And the best part? Your diverse background - whether it's retail, customer service, or managing a household - has already given you many of the skills you need.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through every element of crafting the perfect Virtual Assistant resume. We'll start with choosing the right resume format that showcases your most recent and relevant experience front and center. Then we'll dive into transforming your work history - even if it seems unrelated - into Virtual Assistant gold. You'll learn exactly which technical skills to highlight (spoiler alert - it's not just about knowing Microsoft Office), how to address those unique VA challenges like proving remote work readiness and time zone flexibility, and how to handle education requirements when formal degrees aren't always necessary.
We'll also cover the often-overlooked elements that can set you apart - from showcasing achievements that prove your reliability to writing a cover letter that demonstrates your communication skills in action, and selecting references who can vouch for your ability to work independently. Whether you're in the USA focusing on productivity metrics, in the UK emphasizing diary management skills, or anywhere else in the world highlighting your multilingual abilities, we've got specific tips to help you tailor your resume for success. By the time you finish reading, you'll have everything you need to create a Virtual Assistant resume that gets you noticed and landed in that perfect remote support role.
Here's the truth about Virtual Assistant positions - they're entry-level remote support roles that require you to showcase your organizational superpowers and tech-savviness from the very first glance. That's why the reverse-chronological format is your best friend here.
Virtual Assistant roles are all about proving you can handle the here and now.
Hiring managers want to see what you've been doing recently that proves you can manage calendars, handle emails, and juggle multiple tasks without dropping the ball. The reverse-chronological format puts your most recent (and likely most relevant) experience front and center.
Start with a crisp professional summary that captures your essence as a reliable, tech-savvy professional who can work independently. Think of it as your 30-second elevator pitch translated to paper.
Your Virtual Assistant resume should flow like this - Contact Information (including your time zone if applying for remote roles), Professional Summary, Work Experience, Skills, and Education. If you have relevant certifications or have completed online courses in project management tools or administrative software, create a separate Certifications section.
Remember, Virtual Assistant roles in the UK often emphasize diary management and correspondence handling, while US positions might focus more on social media management and digital tool proficiency. In Canada and Australia, bilingual abilities can be a significant advantage, so include a Languages section if applicable.
You're staring at your work history - maybe it's a patchwork of retail, customer service, or administrative roles. Perhaps you've been freelancing or managing a household.
How do you transform these experiences into Virtual Assistant gold?
The secret lies in reframing your experience through the Virtual Assistant lens. Every job where you've organized, communicated, or problem-solved has given you transferable skills. That retail job where you managed inventory? That's database management experience. The time you coordinated your child's school fundraiser?
That's event planning and stakeholder communication.
When writing your work experience, focus on achievements that demonstrate independence, reliability, and tech skills. Use action verbs that resonate with remote work - "coordinated," "streamlined," "implemented," and "managed."
Let's look at how to transform a basic job description into Virtual Assistant-relevant gold:
❌ Don't write vague descriptions that could apply to anyone:
Customer Service Representative | ABC Company | 2022-2023
- Answered customer calls
- Helped with customer issues
- Used computer systems
✅ Do write specific, quantified achievements that showcase VA skills:
Customer Service Representative | ABC Company | 2022-2023
- Managed 50+ customer inquiries daily via phone and email, maintaining 98% satisfaction rate
- Created and maintained customer database using CRM software, improving response time by 30%
- Developed FAQ documentation that reduced repetitive inquiries by 40%
- Coordinated with remote team members across 3 time zones using Slack and Asana
If you've been out of the traditional workforce - perhaps raising children or caring for family - frame these experiences professionally. Managing a household is project management. Coordinating family schedules is calendar management.
Being the family tech support is IT troubleshooting experience.
Think of your skills section as your professional toolkit - the Swiss Army knife that proves you can handle whatever tasks come flying at you in the digital workspace. But here's where many Virtual Assistant applicants stumble - they list generic skills without understanding what actually matters in the remote support world.
Virtual Assistants live in the cloud.
Your technical skills section should read like a map of the digital tools landscape. Include specific software proficiencies - not just "Microsoft Office" but "Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUP, pivot tables)" or "Google Workspace (Calendar management, Drive organization, Forms creation). "
List project management tools you've mastered - Trello, Asana, Monday.com, or Notion. Include communication platforms like Slack, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams. Don't forget about specialized tools like Calendly for scheduling, Canva for basic design work, or Hootsuite for social media management.
Yes, soft skills matter, but listing "organized" or "detail-oriented" won't cut it. Instead, weave these skills into your experience section with concrete examples.
However, in your skills section, focus on specific competencies that Virtual Assistants need:
❌ Don't list generic soft skills:
Skills:
- Good communication
- Organized
- Hardworking
- Team player
✅ Do list specific, relevant competencies:
Skills:
1. Technical: Google Workspace Suite, Microsoft Office 365, Zoom, Slack, Asana, Calendly, LastPass, Dropbox, Basic HTML, Canva
2. Administrative: Calendar Management, Email Management, Travel Coordination, Expense Reporting, Data Entry (65 WPM), Meeting Coordination
3. Communication: Business Correspondence, Client Relations, Cross-cultural Communication, Written Communication in English and Spanish
Group your skills into categories that make sense for Virtual Assistant work.
Technical Skills should come first - these are non-negotiable in remote work. Follow with Administrative Skills that show you can handle the core VA tasks.
Round out with Communication or Industry-Specific skills if relevant to the positions you're targeting.
Now, let's talk about the unique challenges and opportunities that come with crafting a Virtual Assistant resume - the things that wouldn't necessarily apply if you were gunning for an in-office administrative role or a different remote position entirely.
Unlike traditional administrative roles, Virtual Assistant positions require you to prove you can thrive in isolation, manage your time without supervision, and troubleshoot tech issues independently.
Your resume needs to scream "I can work from home without hand-holding! "
Include any remote work experience prominently, even if it was just a few months during the pandemic. Mention your home office setup in your cover letter, but on your resume, focus on demonstrating self-directed achievements. Use phrases like "independently managed," "remotely coordinated," or "virtually facilitated" to reinforce your remote capabilities.
Here's something uniquely VA - time zone flexibility can make or break your application. If you're applying to Virtual Assistant positions, include your time zone in your contact information and mention any flexibility you have in your professional summary:
Contact Information:
Jane Smith | Virtual Assistant
Email: [email protected] | Phone: (555) 123-4567
Location: Austin, TX (CST - Available 6 AM - 6 PM, flexible for other time zones)
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/janesmith
Unlike designers or writers, Virtual Assistants can't easily showcase their organizational wizardry in a portfolio.
But you can create work samples - design a sample calendar management system, create a mock travel itinerary, or develop a standard operating procedure template. Link to these in a subtle line at the end of your resume or host them on a simple website.
Virtual Assistants aren't one-size-fits-all. A VA for a real estate agent needs different skills than one supporting a tech startup founder. Tailor your resume for your target industry. Applying to support real estate professionals? Highlight any experience with MLS systems or property management. Targeting entrepreneurs?
Emphasize your experience with startup tools and wearing multiple hats.
While not required, Virtual Assistant certifications can set you apart in a sea of applicants.
Include any relevant certifications prominently - whether it's a VA-specific program, Google Workspace certification, or project management training. These show initiative and commitment to the profession:
Certifications:
• Certified Virtual Assistant (VAClassroom) - 2023
• Google Workspace Administrator Certification - 2023
• Asana Certified Pro - 2022
• HIPAA Compliance Training - 2022 (for healthcare VAs)
Virtual Assistants often become trusted partners to their clients, so letting a bit of personality shine through can help. While maintaining professionalism, your resume can hint at your work style. Are you the "systems and processes" VA who loves creating order from chaos? Or the "jack-of-all-trades" VA who thrives on variety?
Let this come through in your professional summary and the way you describe your achievements.
Remember, Virtual Assistant roles are about building trust from a distance. Every element of your resume should reinforce that you're reliable, capable, and ready to be someone's remote right hand. Focus on demonstrating that you're not just looking for any remote job - you specifically want to excel as a Virtual Assistant.
Picture this - you're sitting at your computer, ready to apply for that Virtual Assistant position you've been eyeing.
You've got your skills down pat, your experience section is looking sharp, but then you hit the education section and wonder, "What exactly should I include here? " Let's clear the air right away - as a Virtual Assistant, you're entering a field where practical skills often trump formal degrees. But that doesn't mean your education section should be an afterthought.
Virtual Assistants come from wonderfully diverse educational backgrounds.
Some have business degrees, others studied liberal arts, and many have taken non-traditional educational paths through online certifications and specialized training programs. The beauty of this role is that there's no single "right" educational background - what matters is how you present what you've learned.
When listing your education, always use reverse-chronological order. Start with your most recent educational achievement and work backwards.
For Virtual Assistant positions, include not just traditional degrees but also relevant certifications, online courses, and specialized training that demonstrate your commitment to professional development.
Here's how to properly format your education entries:
❌ Don't write vaguely:
Bachelor's Degree - State University
Some online courses in administration
✅ Do be specific and include relevant details:
Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration
State University, New York, NY
Graduated: May 2022
Relevant Coursework: Project Management, Business Communications, Digital Marketing
Google Workspace Administrator Certification
Completed: September 2023
Many successful Virtual Assistants didn't follow the traditional four-year degree path, and that's perfectly fine. If you've been building your skills through online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning, these absolutely belong in your education section.
The key is presenting them professionally and highlighting their relevance to VA work.
For online certifications and courses, include:
❌ Don't list courses randomly:
Took some Excel courses online
Did a typing course once
✅ Do organize them strategically:
Professional Development & Certifications:
• Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) - Excel Expert, 2023
• Virtual Assistant Professional Certificate - International Virtual Assistants Association, 2023
• Project Management Fundamentals - Coursera, 2022
If you're transitioning into VA work from another field or have limited formal education, focus on relevant training and continuous learning. Employers looking for Virtual Assistants value practical knowledge and the ability to learn quickly over prestigious degrees.
Consider creating a combined "Education & Professional Development" section that showcases your commitment to acquiring relevant skills.
You might be thinking awards and publications sound a bit grandiose for a Virtual Assistant position.
After all, you're not applying for a Nobel Prize - you're looking to support busy professionals with their administrative needs. But here's the thing - recognitions and achievements, no matter how modest they might seem, tell a powerful story about your work ethic, reliability, and excellence in service delivery.
Awards for Virtual Assistants often come in forms you might not immediately recognize.
Think about it - have you received consistent five-star ratings on freelance platforms? Been recognized as "Contractor of the Month" by a client? Received a certificate of completion for finishing a challenging course with distinction? These all count and deserve a place on your resume.
Let's look at how to present these achievements effectively:
❌ Don't downplay or be vague about recognitions:
Got good feedback from clients
Completed some courses successfully
✅ Do quantify and specify your achievements:
Client Recognition & Performance:
• Maintained 5.0/5.0 rating across 50+ projects on Upwork (2022-2023)
• "Outstanding Service Award" - ABC Corporation for streamlining executive calendar management (2023)
• Top 10% completion rate for Virtual Assistant Certification Program - VA Academy (2022)
As a Virtual Assistant, your achievements often manifest as improved efficiency, cost savings, or enhanced productivity for your clients.
These quantifiable results are gold for your resume. Did you help a client save 10 hours per week through better email management? Did you implement a system that reduced scheduling conflicts by 90%? These are achievements worth highlighting.
While traditional publications might be rare for Virtual Assistants, many VAs create valuable content as part of their role or professional development.
Have you written process documentation that became the standard for a client's team? Created templates that are still being used? Contributed to a company blog about productivity tips? These demonstrate your communication skills and expertise.
❌ Don't hide your content creation skills:
Wrote some stuff for clients
✅ Do showcase your contributions:
Professional Contributions:
• Authored comprehensive VA onboarding guide adopted by 3 client companies (2023)
• Created 15+ workflow templates for project management, increasing team efficiency by 40%
• Contributing writer: "5 Time-Saving Email Management Tips" - ProductivityHub Blog (2022)
In the USA and Canada, including measurable achievements and performance metrics is highly valued.
UK employers appreciate professional development certificates and industry recognitions. Australian employers often look for evidence of continuous improvement and learning.
Tailor your awards section to emphasize what matters most in your target market.
References for Virtual Assistants carry unique weight because they're often the only "proof" of your remote work capabilities and reliability. Unlike traditional office jobs where colleagues might casually vouch for you, VA references need to speak specifically to your ability to deliver results independently, maintain professionalism across digital channels, and manage responsibilities without direct supervision.
Your reference list should tell a story about your evolution as a Virtual Assistant.
Ideally, include a mix of direct clients, agency supervisors (if you've worked through VA agencies), and perhaps colleagues from collaborative projects. Each reference should be able to speak to different aspects of your VA skill set - one might emphasize your technical abilities, another your communication skills, and a third your reliability and initiative.
Create a separate document for your references unless specifically asked to include them on your resume. This keeps your resume focused while having references ready when requested.
Format them professionally with complete contact information and context about your working relationship.
❌ Don't provide minimal information:
John Smith - Former Client
Email: [email protected]
✅ Do provide comprehensive details:
John Smith
CEO, Digital Marketing Solutions Inc.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (555) 123-4567
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnsmithdms
Relationship: Direct client (2021-2023) - Managed executive calendar, email correspondence, and client onboarding processes
The distributed nature of VA work means your references might be spread across time zones and industries.
Always notify your references when you're actively job hunting and provide them with key talking points about your work together. Send them the job description so they can tailor their recommendation to emphasize relevant skills.
If you're transitioning into VA work, think creatively about references. Former employers who can speak to your administrative skills, organizational abilities, or remote work experience are valuable.
Instructors from VA certification programs, coordinators from volunteer projects you've managed, or clients from freelance projects (even if not specifically VA work) can all serve as references.
Many Virtual Assistants work with international clients, which can complicate the reference process.
When listing international references, include their time zone and preferred contact hours. For UK positions, ensure phone numbers include country codes. Australian employers often prefer email contact initially. US and Canadian employers typically expect phone availability, so confirm your references are comfortable with international calls.
Remember to maintain a reference tracking system. Note when you last spoke with each reference, which positions they've supported you for, and any feedback about their conversations with potential employers. This professional approach to reference management reflects the organizational skills that make great Virtual Assistants stand out.
Ah, the cover letter - that document that makes even confident applicants break into a nervous sweat.
For Virtual Assistant positions, your cover letter serves a unique purpose. Unlike many other roles where cover letters might feel like a formality, for VAs, it's your first chance to demonstrate the very skills the job requires - clear communication, attention to detail, and the ability to understand and anticipate needs.
Think about it from the employer's perspective. They're about to hire someone they might never meet in person, someone who'll handle important tasks remotely, often with minimal supervision. Your cover letter becomes a preview of how you'll communicate via email, how you structure information, and how well you understand their needs.
It's essentially a work sample disguised as an application document.
Your cover letter should mirror the organized, efficient approach you'll bring to the role. Start with a compelling opening that shows you've done your homework about the company or individual. The middle paragraphs should connect your specific experiences to their stated needs.
Close with a clear call to action that makes next steps easy for them.
❌ Don't use generic openings:
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to apply for the Virtual Assistant position I saw advertised. I have experience as a VA and think I would be good for this role.
✅ Do personalize and show understanding:
Dear Ms. Johnson,
Your recent LinkedIn post about struggling to balance content creation with client communications caught my attention. As a Virtual Assistant who's helped 12 entrepreneurs reclaim 15+ hours weekly through strategic task management, I understand exactly the challenges you're facing with scaling your consulting business.
Your cover letter must address the elephant in the room - remote work.
Employers need reassurance that you can work independently, communicate proactively, and deliver results without constant oversight. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed remote responsibilities, maintained communication across time zones, or solved problems independently.
Rather than listing every software you know, choose 2-3 tools most relevant to the position and briefly explain how you've used them to create value. For instance, instead of just mentioning you know Asana, describe how you used it to reduce project delays by 30% for a previous client.
❌ Don't just list tools:
I know Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Asana, Trello, and Slack.
✅ Do show practical application:
In my recent role supporting a marketing agency CEO, I leveraged Asana's automation features to create recurring task templates that eliminated 5 hours of weekly administrative setup, allowing the team to focus on client deliverables.
Virtual Assistant roles can vary dramatically, so use your cover letter to paint a clear picture of your capabilities through mini-stories. Did you coordinate a virtual conference for 200 attendees? Manage a complex international travel itinerary?
These specific examples help employers envision you solving their particular challenges.
Creating a standout Virtual Assistant resume doesn't have to be overwhelming. With Resumonk, you can build a professional VA resume that incorporates all these essential elements while showcasing your unique strengths. Our AI-powered suggestions help you craft compelling descriptions for your experience, while our beautifully designed templates ensure your resume looks as organized as you are. Whether you're transitioning from another field or looking to level up your VA career, Resumonk makes it simple to create a resume that opens doors to exciting remote opportunities.
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