About the author

Darren Cronian, the author of this guide, has spent nine years securing remote jobs and building a successful freelancing business. His goal is to help people find remote work. Read more >
Last Updated: 5 October 2024

You can leap if you’ve been working in an admin role and are ready to switch to remote work. Administrative assistants possess a highly sought-after skill set that is well-suited to many entry-level remote jobs — especially when businesses move online. The good news is that you don’t need to start from scratch.

Many companies seek the experience you’ve gained managing schedules, organizing workflows, and handling communication.

This guide will show you how to leverage your admin skills to land an entry-level remote role. We’ll discuss the types of jobs that match your background, how to prepare your resume and LinkedIn profile for the remote job market, and tips for standing out in a sea of applicants.

You’ll have a roadmap for landing that entry-level remote job and turning your admin experience into a thriving remote career.

How Can I Land a Remote Administrative Assistant Job?
How Can I Land an Remote Administrative Assistant Job?
Types of Remote Jobs for Admin Assistants

Your background as an administrative assistant has given you a wide range of skills: time management, organization, communication, and problem-solving. These abilities are in high demand for remote positions.

Here are some entry-level remote roles where administrative experience shines:

1. Virtual Assistant (VA)

As a VA, you’ll do what you already know—handling emails, scheduling appointments, managing documents, and supporting day-to-day operations—but you’ll do it remotely. Many small business owners, entrepreneurs, and freelancers hire VAs to keep their businesses running smoothly without needing an in-house assistant.

2. Customer Support Representative

Remote customer support could be a great fit if you have strong communication skills and enjoy problem-solving.

This role involves answering customer inquiries via phone, email, or live chat, troubleshooting issues, and providing helpful information. Your organizational skills can help keep track of customer queries and solutions.

3. Data Entry Clerk

Data entry is a simple but necessary role for many companies. This role involves inputting, organizing, and managing data in spreadsheets or company databases. If you’re detail-oriented and fast with a keyboard, this entry-level remote job requires little more than focus and organization.

4. Project Coordinator

A step up from administrative work, a project coordinator helps manage tasks and deadlines for team projects. You’ll likely use online tools like Trello or Asana to track progress and ensure everything stays on schedule. This role draws heavily on time management and communication skills.

5. Social Media Assistant

If you’ve ever helped manage your company’s social media or have a knack for creating content, you could transition into a remote role as a social media assistant. This role involves scheduling posts, engaging with followers, and creating essential content for platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

6. Executive Assistant

Many executives and high-level managers now work remotely and need dedicated assistants to manage their calendars, travel arrangements, and communication. If you have experience supporting leadership in an office environment, you can leverage those skills for a remote executive assistant role.

Start by identifying the remote job types that interest you most. Read job descriptions for virtual assistants, customer support, or social media assistants. This task will give you an idea of what employers are looking for and help you determine where your skills fit best.

Tailoring Your Resume and LinkedIn for Remote Jobs

Your resume is often the first thing a potential employer sees, and if you’re applying for remote work, it’s crucial to emphasize the skills and experience that make you a great remote employee.

Even though your previous roles might have been in an office, you can easily tailor your resume to reflect your readiness for remote work.

Highlight Remote-Ready Skills

On your resume, focus on skills crucial for remote jobs—communication, time management, organization, and self-motivation.

Even if you haven’t worked remotely before, show how you’ve managed independent tasks, handled projects with minimal supervision, or collaborated with team members in different locations.

Add a “Remote Work Skills” Section

Consider adding a section to your resume that specifically mentions remote-related skills. For example, say your experience using collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or Google Drive, and how you’ve kept communication flowing with colleagues or clients.

Rework Your Job Descriptions

When describing your previous administrative roles, focus on tasks that translate well to remote work.

For example, if you managed someone’s schedule, you can describe it as “coordinated complex schedules and managed multiple priorities across different time zones,” highlighting how you can adapt to a remote setting.

Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile

Many employers search LinkedIn for potential candidates, so your profile should be as strong as your resume. Ensure your LinkedIn headline reflects your interest in remote work (e.g., “Virtual Assistant | Admin Professional | Seeking Remote Opportunities”). In your summary section, highlight your skills, experience, and interest in remote roles.

Update your resume and LinkedIn profile to emphasize skills like time management, communication, and self-discipline—qualities employers look for in remote workers. Tailor each application to highlight the skills most relevant to the specific role you’re applying for.

Where to Search for Entry-Level Remote Jobs

Finding remote jobs requires knowing where to look.

While traditional job boards like Indeed or LinkedIn do list remote positions, there are several platforms dedicated explicitly to remote work that can help you find entry-level roles faster.

1. We Work Remotely – This site is one of the largest remote job boards, offering positions in various categories, including customer service, administration, and virtual assistance. It’s a great place to find fully remote or remote companies offering remote-friendly positions.

2. Remote.co – A well-organized platform where you can find remote job listings across various industries.

3. FlexJobs – While FlexJobs requires a subscription, it curates high-quality remote, part-time, and freelance jobs. Many administrative and entry-level roles are listed here, and you can search specifically for your desired job type.

4. LinkedIn – You can filter your LinkedIn job search by “remote” and set alerts for relevant entry-level positions. Make sure to join LinkedIn groups focused on remote work, where members often share job openings.

Spend 20 minutes exploring remote job boards like We Work Remotely or FlexJobs. Bookmark roles that interest you, and make note of any recurring skills or qualifications. This task will give you a clearer picture of the available jobs and how to position yourself.

Acing the Remote Job Interview

Landing an interview is an important step, but nailing it is the key to getting the job. Remote interviews differ slightly from in-person ones, so being prepared for the unique challenges is essential.

Prepare for Common Questions

Employers will likely ask why you want to work remotely and how you plan to manage the challenges of working from home.

Be ready to talk about staying organized, meeting deadlines, and staying motivated without supervision.

Showcase Your Communication Skills

Since remote jobs rely heavily on clear communication, highlight how you’ve effectively communicated with teams in past roles. To stay connected, mention your experience using tools like Slack, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams.

Prove Your Time Management Abilities

Employers want to know that you can manage your time without the structure of an office. Use specific examples from your admin roles to show how you’ve prioritized tasks, managed schedules, or juggled multiple projects simultaneously.

Set Up a Professional Environment

Since the interview will likely be virtual, ensure your background is clean and distraction-free. Test your internet connection and equipment ahead of time to avoid technical glitches. This preparation shows you’re ready for remote work and can handle virtual communication without issues.

Practice answering common interview questions, especially those about time management and remote work. Set up a quiet, professional-looking space in your home to conduct video interviews. This task will help you make a polished impression when the time comes.

How can I land a remote administrative assistant job?

Transitioning from an administrative role to an entry-level remote job is a natural progression—you already have the organizational and communication skills that remote employers value.

With some strategic adjustments to your resume and job search, you’ll be well on your way to landing a remote position that aligns with your abilities.

What’s one small change you can make today—updating your resume, joining a remote job board, or practicing for an interview—that will bring you closer to landing a remote role? Start there, and the rest will follow.

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