I’ll be honest. English didn’t scare me.
I spent years perfecting it before applying for remote work.
I practiced daily. Spoke with international clients. And studied it, a lot.
But here’s what did scare me:
Seeing friends or people online, which I consider smarter than me, more experienced, getting rejected again.
Why?
Because they froze in interviews. Or couldn’t explain their skills clearly. Or panicked when asked something unexpected.
So I’m writing this blog for them. And for you.
This isn’t about textbook grammar. This is about real-world English that gets you hired.
If you’re in Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, or anywhere in LATAM and want a remote job, this guide is for you.
Why English Is Still the Remote Job Gatekeeper in 2025
You might already speak decent English. You might understand podcasts. Or write decent emails.
But remote job English? That’s different.
Job posts requiring advanced English have increased by 187%. But fewer than 22% of applicants are getting hired.
Why?
Because general English isn’t enough. Clients want:
- Clear messages
- Fast replies
- Confidence on Zoom
- Someone who “gets it” without needing translation tools
They don’t want perfect grammar. They want clear, professional communication.
How to Know If Your English Is Actually Remote-Ready
Ask yourself:
- Can I explain what I do in 2-3 English sentences without freezing?
- Can I write a full client update in under 10 minutes?
- Can I stay calm on a Zoom call—even when I get a surprise question?
- Can I understand accents from the US, UK, and Australia?
If any answer is “not yet,” that’s okay. But it means you’ve got work to do.
This isn’t about studying harder. It’s about preparing smarter.

7 English Skills That Actually Get You Hired Remotely
These are the exact skills I’ve seen clients care about most:
1. Clear Email Writing
Short. Direct. No confusing phrases.
2. Confidence on Video Calls
You don’t need to be perfect. Just stay calm. Keep the conversation flowing.
3. Asking Smart Questions
If instructions are confusing, ask. Clarify. Don’t guess.
4. Using the Right Terms
Know words like CRM, Google Workspace, SOPs, onboarding, task tracking, Slack, Notion.
5. Understanding Accents
Watch YouTube videos from different countries. Practice listening without subtitles.
6. Knowing the Culture
Understand when a client is being polite vs. giving direct instructions.
7. Handling Mistakes
Say, “Let me fix that” instead of freezing or apologizing too much.
— Claudia Real, CEO of There Is Talent
My Personal Learning Framework (And How You Can Adapt It)
I didn’t go to a fancy school or take expensive classes.
I learned by surrounding myself with English every day.
Here’s how I’d break it down if I were starting again in days:
1–30: Build the Habit
- Watch 10 minutes/day of business English content on YouTube
- Write one short email reply in English every day
- Join one English-speaking Telegram or Discord group
31–60: Practice in Real-Life Contexts
- Record yourself answering common VA interview questions
- Write fake client updates and time yourself
- Repeat phrases from podcasts and videos
61–90: Go Pro-Level
- Do practice interviews with a friend or coach
- Polish your LinkedIn and Upwork profiles—in English
- Have real conversations (even short ones) with native speakers or clients
Do it daily. Even 15–30 minutes makes a difference.
The Tools I Used (And Still Recommend)
No expensive courses. Just tools that work.
- Grammarly + Hemingway – Fix your writing fast
- YouGlish – Hear how words are pronounced in real conversations
- Anki – Flashcards to remember useful vocabulary
- TED Talks – Listen to different accents, real speakers
- Virtual Assistant Glossaries – Learn the words clients actually use
Use them regularly. Not once. Not twice. Daily.

English Interview Mistakes I See All the Time
And what to say instead:
❌ “I’m not sure what you mean.”
✅ “Just to clarify, are you asking about the timeline or the process?”
❌ Long silence… “Umm… sorry.”
✅ “Let me rephrase that—I mean the platform where we track tasks.”
❌ “I studied English in school.”
✅ “I’ve practiced English in real work situations. Emails, calls, daily updates. That’s how I keep improving.”
Clients don’t want perfect English. They want someone who can communicate confidently—even when things go wrong.
If You’re Working on Your English Right Now… I See You
You don’t have to sound like a native speaker.
But you do have to:
- Practice daily
- Learn the right skills
- Stay calm when it counts
If you do that, you’ll stand out.
And if you need support? I’ve got you.
There Is Talent has remote job openings for VAs at all English levels:
- Entry-level
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Ready to Start Working Remotely?
We’re not just giving advice. We’re offering real job opportunities.
At There Is Talent, we have dozens of open positions for Virtual Assistants across LATAM. Whether your English is basic, intermediate, or advanced, we’ll match you with the right client.
Here’s how to get started:
👉 Apply now to join our talent pool.
👉 Get matched with clients looking for someone like you.
👉 Start working remotely and earning in dollars.
You don’t need perfect English. You need the right support, and we’re here to give it to you.
Take 5 minutes and apply to join the talent pool.
Your skills are enough. Let’s make sure your English shows them.
