Virtual Assistants (VAs) are the unsung heroes behind successful businesses—handling calendars, inboxes, research, content, customer support, bookkeeping… the list goes on. But what separates a good VA from a great one? Here’s a breakdown of must-have skills employers look for, grouped by category and enhanced with top-tier examples.

1. Core Soft Skills 

Communication Skills
At the foundation of a VA’s role is communication—both written and verbal. They must craft clear emails, ask smart questions, coach team members, and even represent clients publicly. Excellent communication enables VAs to coordinate projects, troubleshoot issues, and maintain a professional voice across all channels. 

Organisation & Time Management
Juggling multiple clients and deadlines requires serious planning, prioritisation, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. VAs set appointments, manage calendars, and block time effectively—ensuring nothing falls through the cracks. 

Problem‑Solving & Adaptability
Remote work is full of curveballs—software glitches, last-minute tasks, shifting time zones. A world-class VA thinks on their feet, adjusts workflows, and resolves issues independently. The capacity to pivot quickly underpins long-term client trust. 

Attention to Detail & Reliability
A typo in an invoice or missed booking can have big consequences. VAs must proofread meticulously, follow instructions to the letter, and be the reliable backbone clients count on daily. 

2. Essential Technical & Hard Skills

Email & Calendar Management
These are baseline VA duties: triaging inboxes using filters and folders, drafting or responding on behalf of clients, organising calendars, managing invites and travel—all while avoiding scheduling conflicts. 

Computer & Software Proficiency
High familiarity with Google Suite, Microsoft Office, and project-management tools like Trello, ClickUp or Slack is critical. Even basic spreadsheet knowledge (pivot tables, formulas) is a competitive edge. 

Bookkeeping & Basic Accounting
Many clients rely on VAs for invoicing, expenses, reconciliation, or bill payments. Familiarity with QuickBooks, Xero, or Excel makes VAs invaluable financial partners. 

Research, Reporting & Data Entry
From market research to data spreadsheets, quality VA work often means collecting accurate information and summarising it in reports or dashboards. This skill empowers clients to make informed decisions quickly.

Customer & Client Service Support
When a VA is the first port of contact, they must be professional, clear, and on-brand—whether handling emails, chat, orders or complaints. This helps strengthen client relationships and drive loyalty. 

Content & Social Media Management (Optional)
If clients require content creation or social media management, VAs should be able to write, proofread, design graphics, schedule posts, and use tools like Hootsuite or WordPress effectively. 

3. Business & Professional Mindset

Self‑Motivation & Accountability
Working remotely requires discipline. VAs manage their schedules, meet deadlines without micromanagement, and show a track record of consistently delivering—qualities every client values. 

Reliability & Trustworthiness
Clients hand over their calendars, financial data, and brand voice. VAs must safeguard privacy, be trustworthy with sensitive material, and be unwaveringly dependable. 

Proactive Value‑Adding Attitude
The best VAs don’t wait to be told—they anticipate needs, suggest process improvements, and take initiative—becoming indispensable long‑term partners. 

4. Specialist & Niche Skills (Highly Desirable)

As the role evolves, specialist skills open new possibilities:

• Bookkeeping & Finance Support — ideal for VAs assisting small businesses or solopreneurs.

• Digital Marketing — tasks like social media analytics, PPC, SEO research, and email campaigns add big value. 

• Project Management — for VAs coordinating multi-step processes, timelines, or events.

• Advanced Data Entry & Analysis — using tools like Excel, Airtable, and basic SQL boosts effectiveness. 

Why These Skills Matter for Hiring

At RooCruit, we vet VAs according to these exact criteria—ensuring each match brings communication excellence, tech savviness, and proactivity. Platforms may vary in niche credentials, but strong core skills always stand out. For example, our recent analysis highlights that 16 % of part‑time pros perform core administrative tasks like diary and inbox management. 

If your business needs support with internet marketing, check out our detailed guide How to Hire a Virtual Assistant for Internet Marketing walks you through choosing the right skill mix, testing candidates, and onboarding successfully.

Also—unlock insight on What Tasks Can I Outsource to a Virtual Assistant? to tailor your new VA’s role based on essential and optional skills.

How to Showcase These Skills on Your VA Profile

Whether you’re a candidate or assessing potential hires, here’s a quick checklist:

The best‑in‑class VAs blend core soft skills, tech know‑how, a trustworthy mindset, and, where relevant, niche expertise. At RooCruit, this comprehensive skill set ensures a seamless fit for your team, boosting productivity and freeing you to focus on strategy—not admin.

Ready to hire or become a top-tier VA? Explore our expert insights, interview-ready templates, and fully vetted candidates to fast-track your ideal match.