Looking for a career you can do from anywhere – with real purpose, flexibility, and room to grow? You’re not alone, virtual receptionist roles are on the rise. Businesses everywhere are embracing remote support, and virtual receptionists are playing a vital role in helping them deliver a great first impression.
Whether you’re just starting out or exploring a career change, this guide is here to take you through everything you need to know, from the skills that set you apart to where to find the best opportunities.
What is a virtual receptionist?
A virtual receptionist is exactly what it sounds like, someone who handles receptionist duties, but works remotely. You’ll be answering calls, managing appointments, taking messages, and making sure every caller gets a great first impression – just as you would in a traditional front desk role, but from your own home.
You might work for one company, or across several. Some roles include live chat support or bilingual services. The core aim is the same: to represent a business professionally and make life easier for their team and customers.
Want to look at the day-to-day? Take a look at these typical virtual receptionist responsibilities.
Essential skills and qualifications for virtual receptionists
You don’t need a long list of formal qualifications to become a great virtual receptionist, but there are a few key skills that will help:
- Excellent communication – You’ll be the first-person people speak to, so being clear and professional is essential.
- Organization – From call handling to diary management, being one step ahead makes all the difference.
- Confidence with technology – You’ll be using systems like VoIP, calendars, and CRMs every day.
- Great attention to detail – Things like getting names right or picking up on tone will help to build trust quickly.
- Discretion – You may be handling confidential information, so a professional approach is key.
If you’re coming from a background in customer service or admin, you may already have a lot of what’s needed. Here’s our guide to the essential receptionist skills that really make a difference.
How to gain virtual receptionist experience
If you’re wondering how to become a virtual receptionist without any direct experience, here’s how:
- Volunteer or intern – Offer remote support to a small business or local organization to build your confidence.
- Start freelancing – Use platforms to take on small receptionist tasks and start growing a client base.
- Join an agency – Temporary roles can give you the experience and flexibility to grow your skills.
- Take online courses – From call handling to time management, there are lots of free or low-cost training options.
Where to find virtual receptionist jobs
There’s a growing number of opportunities out there for people with the right attitude and skillset. Here’s where to look:
- Job boards – Try sites like FlexJobs, Indeed, or LinkedIn. Search terms like “virtual receptionist jobs” or “work from home receptionist” can help surface the right roles.
- Freelance platforms – Use platforms or an agency if you’re starting small or want flexibility.
- Remote companies – Many growing businesses are hiring support roles that are remote from day one.
Virtual receptionist salary expectations
While salaries vary depending on experience, location, and the company you’re working with, here’s a general guide to what you can expect from a virtual receptionist salary:
- Starting out: Around $12–$16 per hour
- With experience: $17–$25 per hour
- Specialized or bilingual roles: $25+ per hour
You may also come across salaried positions, especially with companies like Moneypenny, where you’ll receive regular hours, training, and ongoing support.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a rewarding, flexible career that fits around your life and gives you the chance to make a real difference for businesses, becoming a virtual receptionist might be the perfect fit.
With the right virtual receptionist skills, a reliable setup, and a friendly, can-do approach, there’s nothing stopping you from getting started.
Still weighing up your options? You might also want to explore the difference between admin assistants and receptionists.
