Freelance Translation Jobs - How to Apply for Work
Being a freelance translator offers many benefits. You are able to set your own working hours. You can charge whate
ver you want for your work, and as long as you have access to the internet, you can work from any place in the world. Despite what some people may tell you, namely a salesperson, starting a freelance business is not a cake walk. There are many details that need to be ironed out. In addition to that, you must always market your business and be on the lookout for freelance translation jobs that come available. Once you find those positions, however, here are a few tips for successfully applying for work.People who post freelance translation jobs are looking for professionals who know what they are doing. Therefore, when you respond to those advertisements, you must make every effort to convince the person that you are the right person for the job. It starts with your resume (or CV). When writing your resume, you want to highlight your education and experience. It is a good idea to tailor the resume to the job posting. For example, if the person is looking for a translator who has worked with medical documentation, you will want to list jobs, training, or projects you have completed in that area first.
You should have samples of your work. The client will want to see the quality of work you do. You can post the sample on your website and send customers the link where they can view it or you can include a few pieces when you submit your proposal to them. Make sure it is your best work. Even if the customer does not speak the language, they may have someone on staff that does and whose responsibility it is to verify what you have written is correct. Don't get off on the wrong foot by submitting substandard samples.
Give the client a few days to consider your proposal and the send a follow up email if the client has not gotten back to you. More people lose the sale because they don't ask the customer for it. Be assertive but be professional. The last thing you want to do is scare the customer off by being obnoxious. If they decline your proposal don't throw their information away. Instead place them in a file of people to contact after 6 months or so. They may not hire you now but they may change their mind in the future. You'll never know unless you try.
-By Adriana Tassini
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