There are a few things to consider when first becoming a freelance translator, and this includes people still considering becoming a freelance translator and those who have recently been employed as a translator for a company.
Starting Out
The need for translators today is growing at a rapid pace because our global world has become so connected. This means that translation services have become a necessity to many businesses, and without the services of translators many large corporations would be extremely limited in the number of both companies and countries with which they could conduct their business. Translation services offer easy access to both new customers and partners by expanding the global reach of companies. Many different types of documents are translated by professional translators, such as marketing materials, contracts, manuals, software code, and even websites.
One doesn’t become a professional translator overnight – it takes time and a lot of practice. And of course, in addition to being able to speak more than one language, translators must possess a number of skills; some of which can easily be overlooked when trying to get into the business too quickly.
If you’re considering a career as a professional translator here are some factors to consider –
Continue Expanding Your Language Skills
We know that fluency in more than one language is essential for anyone wishing to become a professional translator. Some translators work only with written documents; however, if a translator is fluent in both the written and oral language it can be a major competitive advantage. Besides being easier to communicate with potential employers, it will open up many more career opportunities.
Use Your Portfolio to Demonstrate Your Accuracy
If you plan on becoming a professional translator, you’ll understand that translation is not only about fluency – accuracy is vitally important. Ensure that you have samples of your work in your portfolio to show potential employers or clients, and ensure that every piece of work is translated accurately. This shows your readers that they can be confident in you and your skills and that you’ll be able to deliver similar results for them. Some professions require very high levels of accuracy in translations, and these include the medical and legal fields. If you can demonstrate an obsession for accuracy from the very beginning this will set you apart from your competitors.
Get Certified
Various professional organisations have different types of translation certifications, and while these certifications may be required for certain types of work, they also show your prospective clients and employers that you are not only skilled but dedicated too. Government agencies in some countries will only accept certified translations; therefore, certification would be a pre-requisite for any of these positions.
Being certified also indicates to others that your work either meets or exceeds the standards of others. It may not be cost-effective when you’re just starting out to collect numerous certifications, but at least try to obtain one, and preferably in the country in which you reside. Being certified shows that you’re serious about your profession, and of course you can always get additional certifications later on when growing your professional reputation.
Protecting Your Reputation
One bad translation experience can have a serious effect on your credibility, so our advice is to start out with small jobs and private clients whenever possible, and produce only high-quality translations with quick turnaround times. Then, ask your happy clients for permission to use them as references for future potential employers or clients. References are also excellent when used in marketing material so, as your testimonials and recommendations grow, you’ll discover that you’ve become very appealing to new clients. Starting small and working your way up to larger projects will ensure that your excellent reputation reinforces the fact that you are a translator who produces high-quality, accurate translations.
