How to Find VA Clients: Real Platforms, Tips & Interview Secrets for Filipino VAs
How many times have you said this: "I want to work from home, but I don't know where to start." Once? Twice? Maybe every morning while stuck in traffic heading to your BPO shift?
In this very first episode of "From Kayod to Keyboard," hosts Roxy and Tata sit down with VA Masters recruitment powerhouses Anne Cudiria and Brielle to answer the biggest question every aspiring Filipino virtual assistant asks: Where do I actually find clients?
Whether you're a call center worker dreaming of flexible hours, a fresh graduate looking for remote work, or someone who's applied to dozens of VA jobs without success, this guide reveals the exact platforms, strategies, and insider secrets that actually work in 2026. No fluff, no scams, just honest talk from recruiters who review over a thousand applications every month.
🎧 Listen to the Full Episode
Want to hear the complete conversation with all the stories and tips? Listen to Episode 1 on your favorite platform:
📋 What You'll Learn in This Episode
- Meet the VA Masters Recruitment Team
- The Biggest Misconception About VA Work
- The Three Main Routes to Finding Clients
- Platform-by-Platform Breakdown
- Using Social Media to Find Clients
- How to Stand Out Without Experience
- Interview Horror Stories (And What They Teach Us)
- Red Flags: Are You Really Ready?
- Your 7-Day Quick Start Plan
- Questions & Answers
- Key Takeaways
Meet the VA Masters Recruitment Team
Before diving into strategies, let's meet the experts sharing their insider knowledge in this episode.
Anne Cudiria is the Training and Operations Manager at VA Masters. She's the person who works with VAs from day one, handling onboarding and ongoing supervision. If you get hired at VA Masters, Anne is likely the first person you'll work with closely.
Brielle (Brill) is a Recruitment Manager who's been reviewing VA applications for three to four years. She's seen everything from amazing success stories to, as she puts it, "memorable disasters." Her experience gives her a unique perspective on what separates candidates who get hired from those who don't.
Together with hosts Roxy and Tata, they break down the real process of finding VA work in the Philippines.
The Biggest Misconception About VA Work
Before discussing where to find clients, the team addresses the elephant in the room. What's the biggest misconception new VA applicants have?
"When you think about a VA, feeling of others, the newbies, the candidates, the ones that are applying, they will think that it's easy money. They will think it's easy, it's just work from home, I can do it in my pajamas and I can make dollars. But the reality is, it's still work." — Anne Cudiria, VA Masters Training and Operations Manager
This misconception matters because it affects how people approach VA work. Yes, you can work from home. Yes, you can earn in dollars. But VA work requires the same professionalism, commitment, and skill as any other job. The pajamas are optional, but the actual work is very real.
Brielle adds another critical point: timeline expectations are completely off. Many new applicants think they'll apply today and have a client tomorrow. The reality? Building a successful VA career takes time, persistence, and strategic effort.
The Three Main Routes to Finding Clients
According to the VA Masters team, there are three main ways to find VA clients:
- Freelancing Platforms - Websites specifically designed to connect freelancers with clients
- Social Media - Using LinkedIn, Facebook groups, and direct outreach
- Working with an Agency - Companies like VA Masters that match VAs with pre-vetted clients
Each route has advantages and challenges. Let's break them down in detail.
Platform-by-Platform Breakdown
The Big Three Platforms for Filipino VAs
Anne identifies the three main platforms VA Masters and Filipino VAs use:
| Platform | Best For | Competition Level | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| OnlineJobs.ph | Filipino-focused VA positions, direct employer-to-VA connections | High | Watch out for scams. Verify every opportunity before applying. |
| Upwork | International clients, project-based and long-term work | Very High | Escrow system protects both parties. Intense competition - you're competing with hundreds for one job. |
| Freelancer.com | Various project types | High | Less commonly mentioned but still viable for finding work |
OnlineJobs.ph: The Filipino VA Hub
OnlineJobs.ph is specifically centralized for Filipino VAs, which makes it popular but also competitive. The direct employer-to-VA model means no middleman, but it also means you need to be extra careful about scams.
Common scams to watch for:
- Fake job posts designed to collect personal information
- Clients asking for money upfront for "training" or "equipment"
- Requests for personal information way too early in the process
- Offers that sound too good to be true (because they probably are)
"If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is a scam." — Brielle, VA Masters Recruitment Manager
Upwork: High Competition, High Protection
Upwork is bigger and more international than OnlineJobs.ph. The escrow system protects both clients and VAs, which is a significant advantage. When a client pays for work, the money is held in escrow and released once the work is completed to both parties' satisfaction.
The challenge? Competition is intense. You can be competing with hundreds of applicants for a single position. Breaking into Upwork as a beginner requires patience and strategy.
How to Stand Out Without Experience
One of the most common questions: How can I stand out when I have no VA experience?
"You have to really personalize your profile. You have to personalize your proposal. We can also look into using AI for sure, it's very common nowadays. But it's something that has to be unique. It's not a copy and paste thing. And the clients can immediately tell if you have sent the same message to all the clients that you have applied in." — Anne Cudiria, VA Masters
Personalization is Non-Negotiable
Every proposal needs to be customized. Yes, you can use AI to help draft messages, but they must be unique to each application. Clients can immediately spot generic, copy-paste proposals.
Brielle adds: "It's very important to express your deep interest. You can show this by mentioning something specific about their business, showing that you did your research. Keep it short but impactful."
Create a Portfolio Even Without Clients
No paid clients yet? Create mock projects. Anne shares her personal strategy from before she became a VA:
- She asked friends who were already doing VA work to let her take on some of their projects
- She offered to help with a friend's small business
- She volunteered for local organizations
The goal is to demonstrate competence. Clients don't necessarily care if your portfolio pieces are from paid work or mock projects. They care that you can do the job.
Portfolio ideas for different VA roles:
- Data Entry: Create clean, organized spreadsheet samples
- Customer Service: Write sample email responses to common scenarios
- Social Media Management: Create mock content calendars and sample posts
- Executive Assistant: Design mock schedules, meeting agendas, travel itineraries
🎯 Action Step: Build Your Portfolio This Week
- Choose your specialty: Pick 1-2 VA roles you want to focus on
- Create 3-5 mock projects: Spend quality time making them professional
- Get feedback: Show your portfolio to friends or other VAs and improve based on their input
- Update your profiles: Add your portfolio pieces to OnlineJobs.ph, LinkedIn, or wherever you're applying
Interview Horror Stories (And What They Teach Us)
One of the most entertaining and educational parts of the episode is when Anne and Brielle share actual horror stories from VA interviews. These aren't just funny anecdotes - they reveal what NOT to do.
The Cursing Candidate During a Storm
Brielle shares a shocking story. She called a candidate about a position, and when the candidate answered, they were furious. "What? You're calling me about this and that? Are you crazy? We're on signal number 4!" The candidate even used profane words.
Brielle's reaction? She froze. Her feelings were mixed - part confusion, part hurt.
The lesson: Even during emergencies, professionalism matters. If you can't take a call, politely decline and explain. A simple "I'm sorry, I'm dealing with an emergency right now. Can we reschedule?" would have preserved the relationship. Instead, this candidate burned a bridge permanently.
Background Noise Disasters
Technical issues during interviews are common, but some are preventable. Brielle mentions candidates interviewing from the kitchen with background noise from cooking, people talking, or other distractions.
The lesson: Find a quiet space for interviews. Test your equipment beforehand. Use a headset. These small preparations show respect for the client's time and demonstrate professionalism.
The "I'll Try It for a Month" Mindset
Anne identifies a major red flag: candidates who say "I'll try this for a month and see if it works."
Why is this problematic? It shows lack of commitment. Clients are investing time and resources to train you. If you're approaching the job as a casual experiment, you're not the right fit.
The lesson: Before applying, decide if you're truly committed to VA work. Clients can sense hesitation, and it affects your chances of getting hired.
Red Flags: Are You Really Ready?
Not everyone is ready for VA work, and that's okay. Here are the red flags that Anne and Brielle watch for:
1. Cannot Commit to a Schedule
VA work requires schedule commitment. If you can't guarantee availability during your client's needed hours, you're not ready.
2. Unwilling to Invest in Basics
You need proper internet, a functional computer, a quiet workspace, and backup plans. If you're not willing to invest in these fundamentals, VA work will be frustrating for both you and your clients.
3. The "Let Me Try This" Mindset
VA work isn't something you casually try. It's a profession that requires commitment and continuous learning.
Can You Do VA Work Part-Time While Working Another Job?
Yes, but it depends. Some clients need you during specific hours. Others offer flexible arrangements. The key is being upfront about your availability from the start.
Anne emphasizes: "You really have to be upfront about your availability. It's the most important thing here in VA Masters because we want to be transparent to all the clients and the VAs that are working with us."
Your 7-Day Quick Start Plan
Ready to start? Here's a practical 7-day plan mentioned in the episode to get you moving:
Days 1-4: Build Your Foundation
Create your portfolio and samples. Even without paid clients, demonstrate your skillset. If you're focusing on data entry, build clean spreadsheet samples. If you're a customer service specialist, write sample email responses.
The episode emphasizes: "It doesn't matter if you have experience or not, what you want to show the client is your skillset."
Days 5-6: Start Applying
Choose two platforms - maybe OnlineJobs.ph and LinkedIn. Send personalized applications to five jobs on each platform.
Remember: personalized, not copy-paste. Research each company or client. Mention something specific about their business in your application.
Join legitimate Facebook groups for VA jobs. Two to three active groups are enough to start. Watch for scams.
Day 7: Prepare for Interviews
Set up your interview space:
- Find a quiet, professional-looking background
- Test your internet connection
- Test your webcam and microphone
- Charge your laptop fully (or have it plugged in)
- Prepare common interview answers
Tata shares from experience: "I've been through a lot of technical difficulties before. So the more prepared you are in terms of your workspace, your equipment, and of course your answers, the better prepared you are for being a VA."
🎯 Want the Easier Route?
As Roxy mentions in the episode: "If you want the easier route, apply to VA Masters. Let us do the heavy lifting."
Working with an agency means they handle client matching, vetting, and often provide training. It's a competitive process, but if you make it through, you're connected with legitimate, paying clients.
💬 Questions & Answers from the Episode
Q: How long does it actually take to land your first client?
A: There's no magic number, but expect weeks to months, not days. Brielle points out that timeline expectations are often "completely off" for new applicants. Success depends on your preparation, how many applications you send, how well you personalize them, and sometimes just timing and luck. The more prepared and persistent you are, the faster you'll land that first client.
Q: Should I apply to many positions or focus on quality applications?
A: Both. Apply to multiple positions (quantity matters), but each application must be personalized and high-quality. The episode emphasizes sending applications to at least five jobs per platform, but never copy-paste. Research each client and customize your message.
Q: What's the most important factor in getting hired?
A: Authenticity. Anne's final advice is powerful: "Be true and authentic when you do the interviews. That will make or break everything. Because people, candidates, recruiters, they will all know that you're saying the truth." Recruiters can spot fake enthusiasm and exaggerated skills. Be honest about what you can do and demonstrate genuine interest in the work.
Q: How competitive is the VA Masters hiring process?
A: Very competitive. Anne mentions a six-stage process where they're "looking for the best of the best." But Brielle shares the upside: "If you make it through, you are connected with real paying clients who value your work." She even mentions instances where clients gave unexpected bonuses to VAs who performed well. The competition is tough, but the payoff is worth it.
Q: What should I do if I don't get hired right away?
A: Keep learning and improving. Anne's advice: "Never stop learning, guys. There are times when we'll be rejected, there are times when it will not be a success for us. But if you continue to learn and to know more, acquire skills, the time will come when we will be able to accept the jobs that we aspire to."
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- VA work is real work: Don't fall for the "easy money in pajamas" myth. It requires professionalism, commitment, and actual skills.
- Three main routes to clients: Freelancing platforms (OnlineJobs.ph, Upwork, Freelancer.com), social media (LinkedIn, Facebook groups), and agencies like VA Masters.
- Personalization is everything: Never send generic, copy-paste applications. Research each client and customize your proposal to show genuine interest.
- Create a portfolio without clients: Use mock projects, volunteer work, or help friends' businesses to demonstrate your skills. Clients care about competence, not whether the work was paid.
- Watch for scams: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Never pay upfront for training or equipment. Verify opportunities before sharing personal information.
- Prepare your technical setup: Clean workspace, reliable internet, functional equipment, and backup plans. Test everything before interviews.
- Be authentic in interviews: Recruiters can tell when you're being genuine. Honesty about your skills and real enthusiasm for the work matter more than exaggeration.
- Manage your expectations: Success takes time. Brielle's advice: "Manage your expectations. We all start from the bottom. We don't have shortcuts to what we want."
- Keep learning: Even if you face rejection, continue improving your skills. The right opportunity will come if you stay persistent and keep developing yourself.
Ready to Start Your VA Journey?
From Kayod to Keyboard brings you real stories, insider tips, and actionable strategies from Filipino VAs who've made it. Subscribe to never miss an episode!
Subscribe to the Podcast📻 More Episodes You'll Love:
- Episode 2: Creative VA Skills - Social Media Management Reality Check
- Episode 3: Work-Life Balance - Real Talk with Mommy & VA Manager Anne
- Episode 4: Q&A - Your Most Asked Questions Answered
Anne is the Operations Manager at VA MASTERS, a boutique recruitment agency specializing in Filipino virtual assistants for global businesses. She leads the end-to-end recruitment process — from custom job briefs and skills testing to candidate delivery and ongoing VA management — and has personally overseen the placement of 1,000+ virtual assistants across industries including e-commerce, real estate, healthcare, fintech, digital marketing, and legal services.
With deep expertise in Philippine work culture, remote team integration, and business process optimization, Anne helps clients achieve up to 80% cost savings compared to local hiring while maintaining top-tier quality and performance.
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: +13127660301
Using Social Media to Find Clients
Beyond traditional platforms, social media can be a gold mine for finding VA work - if you know how to use it.
LinkedIn: The Professional Approach
Brielle shares specific strategies for LinkedIn success:
Optimize your profile like a resume. Your LinkedIn profile should highlight your VA skills, experience, and specialties. Use keywords that clients search for. If you specialize in email management, make sure that phrase appears in your profile.
Engage with posts in your niche. Don't just lurk. Comment on posts, share insights, participate in discussions. If you're interested in recruitment VA work, engage with recruitment-related content. When clients search for VAs, they use specific terms related to their niche, and your engagement helps you appear in those searches.
Don't just lurk - participate. Join professional communities on LinkedIn. Share your knowledge. Ask questions. The more active you are, the more visible you become.
Facebook Groups: Community and Opportunity
Filipino VA Facebook groups can be effective for finding work, but you need to be patient and careful. These groups often have a mix of legitimate job postings and scams.
The benefit? You're joining a community. You can learn from other VAs, ask questions, get support, and occasionally find great opportunities. Just verify everything before applying.