First 5 Steps to Take when starting off as a Translator

Summary

In this video, the speaker outlines five essential steps for those starting out as freelance translators. The first step is to create a professional resume and online profile. Next, a well-crafted cover letter is crucial for job applications. The third step emphasizes the importance of having a paid ProZ.com account for job access. The fourth step encourages continuous practice to improve translation skills. Lastly, the speaker stresses investing in oneself, through certifications or specialization, to enhance long-term career growth. These steps help establish a solid foundation for a successful freelance translation career.

Takeaways

• 😀 Have a tailored resume and online profile for your freelance translation career, focusing on specialization and trust rather than traditional job gaps.
• 😀 Create a strong cover letter that serves as your introduction and template for applying to various translation jobs, personalizing it as needed.
• 😀 Set up a ProZ account to access a broad range of translation jobs; consider investing in a paid membership for enhanced opportunities.
• 😀 Freelance translation is a long-term career that requires initial investment, both financially and in terms of time and effort.
• 😀 Continuously practice your translation skills, even if you’re experienced. Regular practice is essential to maintaining and improving quality.
• 😀 Volunteering and using real-world examples to compare translations can help hone your translation skills and track progress.
• 😀 Invest in certifications or courses related to translation or your area of specialization, such as legal or medical, to enhance your credibility.
• 😀 Specializing in a niche (like legal or medical translation) can significantly increase your competitiveness and job prospects.
• 😀 Your online profiles should be filled with specific information about your language skills and specialization to attract the right clients.
• 😀 Don’t rush into freelance translation for quick money; it requires patience, strategy, and a commitment to learning and improving over time.
• 😀 Always have a plan for your professional development, including goals for obtaining certifications or courses to boost your career in the future.

Q & A

What should a freelancer's resume focus on when starting out in translation?

A freelancer's resume should focus on key skills, language pairs, specializations, and relevant translation experience. Unlike a traditional 9-to-5 job, gaps in employment are less important, but demonstrating trust and expertise in specific translation fields is crucial.

Why is having an online profile important for freelance translators?

An online profile increases your visibility across multiple platforms, such as ProZ, TranslatorsCafe, Upwork, and LinkedIn. The more platforms you are on, the more opportunities you'll have to be discovered by potential clients.

How should a cover letter be structured for translation jobs?

A cover letter should be a brief introduction that highlights your language pair(s), specialization, and relevant experience. It should serve as a template that can be customized for each job application rather than being copied and pasted verbatim.

What are the benefits of creating a ProZ account for a freelance translator?

ProZ is one of the leading platforms for freelance translators, providing access to a wide range of job opportunities. A paid ProZ account gives you a competitive edge by allowing you to apply for jobs without paying each time, unlike the free version.

How can freelance translators practice their skills outside of paid work?

Freelance translators can practice by volunteering, working on mock projects, or translating content for websites. Comparing your work with existing translations can help you refine your skills and track progress.

Why is it important to keep practicing translation even after years of experience?

Even experienced translators need to practice regularly to maintain and improve their skills. Continuous practice helps to keep your translation abilities sharp, as language evolves and new challenges arise.

What does 'investing in yourself' mean for a freelance translator?

'Investing in yourself' means acquiring certifications or further education related to translation or your specialization. This helps to improve your credentials, making you more competitive in the market and opening up higher-paying opportunities.

How can specialized knowledge benefit a translator in the market?

Specialized knowledge in fields like medical, legal, or technical translation can set you apart from general translators. It allows you to offer higher-value services and attract clients looking for experts in those areas.

What is the significance of having both translation and specialization certifications?

Having both translation and specialization certifications (e.g., medical or legal translation) demonstrates deep expertise in both the language and specific industries, making you a more attractive choice for clients who need specialized translations.

What should a new freelance translator do first when setting up their career?

A new freelance translator should start by creating a solid resume and online profile, followed by drafting a cover letter. Then, they should set up a ProZ account, start practicing their translation skills, and invest in certifications or specialized courses for long-term growth.