Full-Time vs Part-Time/Task-Based – What Virtual Assistant Works Best and What Tasks They Can Handle
By For Employers, Hiring and Managing Global Talent

Some businesses and entrepreneurs need someone full-time, integrated into operations.
Others just need help with specific tasks or busy seasons.
So the question is: which is right for you – and what can you delegate at each level?

After placing international VAs for businesses across industries, here’s what I’ve learned and how things are done with Virtual Assistants.

Full-Time VA: When You Need One

A full-time VA is ideal if:

  • You have multiple recurring tasks or processes
  • You want someone integrated into your operations
  • You need consistency and reliability
  • You plan to train them on specific tools, systems, or even processes that replace internal roles

Tasks a full-time VA can handle:

Admin & Operations

  • Email & calendar management
  • Document and file organization
  • Customer support
  • CRM updates and reporting
  • Travel planning

Specialized or Role-Based

  • Bookkeeping support
  • Payroll support
  • Recruitment coordination
  • Marketing operations
  • Project or operations management

Full-time VAs can evolve into operational roles, becoming an extension of your team rather than just a helper.

Part-Time or Task-Based VA: When This Makes Sense

Part-time or project-based VAs are best if:

  • You need help occasionally or seasonally
  • Tasks are simple, repeatable, or well-defined
  • You want flexibility without committing to a full-time role

Tasks a full-time VA can handle

Administrative or Repetitive Tasks

  • Data entry
  • Social media scheduling
  • Basic customer support
  • Email triage
  • Travel or event planning

Project Support

  • Research & reporting
  • Slide deck or presentation prep
  • Document formatting
  • Outreach for marketing campaigns

Part-time VAs are perfect for freeing your time without adding a full-time hire – especially if you’re testing how remote support fits into your workflow.

Choosing Between Full-Time vs Task-Based

Ask yourself:

  • How often do these tasks happen? Daily or weekly?
  • Do they require deep knowledge of my systems?
  • Do I want someone who can grow into a full operational role?
  • Am I looking for flexibility or integration?

If the answer leans toward frequent tasks and growing responsibility → Full-time VA.
If the tasks are occasional, specialized, or seasonal → Task-based VA.

Surprising Tasks You Might Not Know You Can Delegate

Modern VAs are incredibly flexible. Here are examples beyond the obvious:

  • Customer follow-ups & nurturing
  • Crafting email templates and communications
  • Coordinating virtual teams and meetings
  • Preparing progress reports & presentations
  • Transcribing audio/video files
  • Automating workflows in your CRM, CMS, or email platforms
  • Monitoring industry trends & competitor analysis
  • Social media posting & blog scheduling
  • Professional networking support

If it can be done remotely and has a process, a VA can handle it.

Final Tips

  • Define your tasks first: know what needs daily attention vs occasional support.
  • Match VA type to need: full-time for consistent and integrated work; task-based for specific or seasonal projects.
  • Train properly: even part-time VAs perform better when you provide instructions and expectations.
  • Don’t compromise on skill: a capable VA reduces stress, saves time, and grows your business – whether full-time or part-time.

At SkillSpotterZ, you can:

  • Browse international VAs directly and hire outside the platform on your terms
  • Or use our VA Search Service – where a dedicated recruiter matches you with the perfect A-Player you need, full-time or part-time, for a one-time fee

The goal isn’t just hiring help. It’s building capacity, freeing your time, and creating real operational leverage – at whatever level fits your business.