Are Video Requests in VA Job Posts a Red Flag? Here’s What You Really Need to Know

April Jay Alviola
Jan 5
3 min read

Focused young lady sitting on floor in living room

If you’ve been applying for virtual assistant jobs lately, you’ve probably noticed a growing trend: clients asking for short introduction videos. For many VAs, this can feel intimidating or even raise red flags. Is this a scam? Is the client asking for free work?

Here’s the truth: most video requests are completely normal. The key is knowing when a request is reasonable and when it crosses the line. Let’s break it down in a simple, VA‑friendly way.

Why Clients Ask for Intro Videos in Virtual Assistant Job Posts

For many virtual assistant roles, communication is everything. Clients want to see how you:

Speak and explain ideas
Present yourself professionally
Feel on camera (especially for client‑facing or content roles)

A short video helps them quickly understand your personality and communication style things that don’t always come through on a resume. In fact, many legitimate companies use intro videos to speed up hiring and narrow down applicants more efficiently.

If a job post asks for a 1–2 minute introduction video, that’s usually a green flag, not a red one.

How VA Intro Videos Help You Stand Out

Cheerful woman having video call via laptop

A well‑done intro video can instantly separate you from hundreds of applicants who only submit a CV. It shows effort, confidence, genuine interest in the role, and qualities clients value.

From your side, a video gives you the chance to show who you are beyond bullet points and job titles. In just a couple of minutes, you can highlight your communication skills, professionalism, and energy.

Sometimes, two minutes on video can say more than two pages on a resume.

When a Video Request in a VA Job Post Becomes a Red Flag

Woman in Gray Long Sleeve Shirt Sitting on Chair in Front of Laptop Computer

While short intro videos are fine, there are situations where you should pause and reassess. Be cautious if a client asks for:

Very long or detailed video tasks
“Sample work” that takes hours to complete
Videos that feel like unpaid training or onboarding

An introduction video is reasonable. A full task disguised as an “application requirement” is not. Your time and skills have value and it’s okay to walk away from requests that feel unfair.

How Virtual Assistants Can Use Video Requests to Their Advantage

Instead of recording a new video for every application, create one strong, reusable intro video. This saves time while keeping you professional and prepared.

A solid VA intro video can include:

Who you are and your VA niche
How you communicate and work with clients
One quick example of a result or win from past work

Having this ready makes applying faster and less stressful, especially when you’re submitting multiple applications.

Simple Tips for a Clean, Professional VA Intro Video

Smiling Women Sitting at Desk in Office Working on Laptop

You don’t need fancy equipment or a studio setup. Focus on the basics:

Good natural lighting (face a window if possible)
A clean, simple background
Clear audio and a quiet space
Speaking at a calm, natural pace

These small details go a long way in helping you look confident and professional.

Intro video requests aren’t something to fear, they can actually help you get hired faster. They give clients a better first impression and give you the opportunity to show your personality and communication skills early on.

Just remember: short introductions are fine; unpaid labor is not. Trust your instincts, protect your time, and don’t be afraid to say no when a request feels off.

If you’d like help with what to say, how to structure your video, or want feedback before submitting, Our Skool Community can help you with templates, examples, and peer reviews to help you feel more confident on camera.