Translation Jobs: Starting Up A Translation Business
Sooner or later, newcomers to the translation profession will encounter the dilemma of having relatively little hands-on experience, while requiring samples of successfully submitted translation projects and even testimonials to show prospective clients.
The classic 'Catch 22' dilemma can even raise its ugly head if you lose a long-standing client and urgently need to explore new sources of income. Some tips about bridging the 'no experience, no work' gap are offered in thes article. It's the million dollar question! Translation is a competitive and lively field - you will need to be proactive to get started. Join online groups, consider a work placement; this will usually involve working unpaid (or for very little) for three months, but what you will learn will be invaluable and make your profile stand out. Don't expect results overnight. It takes time to build a relationship with a translation company.
Agencies tend to be loyal to regular translators, and breaking the "monopoly" can be a matter of luck or timing if, for example, a current requirement matches a language combination/speciality, or the account manager has had a bad experience with an existing supplier. Why not offer a free test piece? Most agencies expect this, but the offer would be appreciated. Or think about a reduced rate for a set period (showing business acumen). If you succeed in identifying the right translation company (ie an agency with whom it is worth pursuing a long-term relationship), this would allow them a period in which to double-check your work and hopefully establish that vital good reputation - proofreading costs money. These are two solutions for early career translators to consider. It is crucial to invest extra effort in researching a company before making the all-important initial contact. This helps establish a shortlist of companies that sound most promising. They will be inundated with applications, so making your profile distinctive can make a world of difference.
A simple call to a company will also reveal whether, for example, they are actually recruiting for your language combination at present. Sending in random CVs is not welcomed by most companies. Check each company's procedure, have a look at their website first, or research the company online, and try to find something to mention. Perhaps you like their logo, or you've read about some of their latest projects. Maybe another translator recommended them? Ask the company what rates they usually offer for your languages and specialisms. Try to get the name of the person you speak to. When filling in online application forms, it is also important to be meticulous, thorough and include translation rates in local currency. Follow up your application with a phone call or email to check that everything was in order.
Your CV and any accompanying letter should be perfect. Your CV is so important! It has to be right. An employer will form an opinion within five seconds of looking at it. You want that to be a good opinion. Make sure your CV is proofread by someone with excellent language and proofreading skills, and with English as their mother tongue. Dome errors can be serious and make the discerning project manager or translation company director inclined to be unforgiving. I would certainly never contact a prospective translator who had spelling errors in their CV or covering letter. Equally, if you are sending your CV by email, don't 'CC' several different (possibly competitor) agencies in the same message! A CV's content, however, does offer scope for flexibility. Your language skills, rates, relevant experience and translation qualifications appear on the first page. Anything else should be on the second page, including at least two referees.
About the Author
Looking for translation jobs? Visit http://www.translationjobspro.com - where you'll find translation jobs for all language pairs.
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