What Is a Virtual Assistant? Job Description, How to Become One, and Where to Find Jobs

"I keep hearing about virtual assistants, but what exactly do they do?" "Can I become one with no experience?" If you've been asking yourself these questions, you're not alone.

A virtual assistant (VA) supports businesses and entrepreneurs with back-office tasks remotely over the internet. As remote work has become mainstream, demand has surged, making it one of the most popular flexible work options available today.

This article covers everything you need to know: job duties, required skills, income expectations, how to become a virtual assistant from scratch, and where to find jobs.

What Is a Virtual Assistant?

A virtual assistant handles all tasks online using chat tools (Slack, Chatwork) and video conferencing (Zoom, Google Meet). Beyond traditional secretary duties like schedule management and email handling, VAs often take on bookkeeping support, SNS management, and a wide range of administrative work. Demand is growing from business owners and freelancers who need help but aren't ready to hire full-time staff.

Core Job Duties

Personal assistant tasks include schedule management, appointment coordination, travel and dining arrangements, and task reminders. Back-office work covers data entry, list creation, research, email and phone support, invoicing, meeting minutes, and document preparation. Accounting support includes expense reports, bookkeeping, payroll assistance, and social insurance paperwork. Web and SNS support ranges from website updates and blog posting to social media management and newsletter distribution.

Income Expectations

Hourly-based VAs typically earn ¥1,000–¥2,500/hour. Monthly fixed contracts start around ¥30,000–¥50,000 and grow with experience. Working 5–10 hours per week as a side job yields about ¥20,000–¥50,000/month, while near-full-time work can reach ¥100,000–¥300,000/month. Specialized skills in accounting or marketing command higher rates.

Essential Skills

No special certifications are required. The four core skills are: basic PC and IT tool proficiency (Office, Google Workspace, Zoom, Slack), strong text-based communication, schedule and self-management ability, and the ability to research and solve problems independently.

How to Become a Virtual Assistant: 5 Steps

Step 1: Define your ideal work style — hours, schedule, and whether it's a side job or full-time. Step 2: Audit your existing skills from past jobs. Step 3: Get comfortable with essential IT tools. Step 4: Apply to VA services or crowdsourcing platforms — choose ones with training support if you're new. Step 5: Build a track record and expand your skill set to land higher-paying and recurring projects.

Where to Find Virtual Assistant Jobs

VA service companies (Fujiko-san, CASTER BIZ, i-STAFF) offer team-based support with training. Crowdsourcing platforms (CrowdWorks, Lancers, Mama Works) provide flexible freelance opportunities. Job boards let you search for full-time remote secretary positions. Direct outreach via SNS or personal networks works well once you have a track record.

Pros and Cons

The biggest advantage is location and time flexibility — no commute, easy to balance with childcare or other commitments, and existing business skills transfer directly. On the downside, work-life boundaries can blur, income takes time to stabilize, and working alone can feel isolating. Holding multiple clients helps stabilize earnings.

Conclusion

Virtual assistant work is a flexible, location-independent career that anyone with basic office skills can start — no special certifications needed. Begin by assessing your available time and skills, then register with a VA service or crowdsourcing platform. Build small wins and you'll steadily unlock higher-paying, recurring work. Whether as a side hustle or a path to full freelance independence, take the first step today.