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Transparency in the Translation Industry

With the internet being the prime place to find a new job, it can offer opportunity yet mask transparency and legitimacy through clever marketing and design. Likewise, when applying for roles, it can be tough for applicants to convey experience and skillset, yet it can be just as easy to hide behind faux qualifications and references, making it difficult to know who to trust online.

Check out our top tips on how to find the right language service provider for you, and how to make yourself stand out in a sea of competitors.

Research
Research is key to finding organisations that are suited towards your skillset. So, when looking online, head straight to the company’s specialisations and languages page to see if they carry out translation projects in your language combination and areas of expertise. It is also important to find out whether they are connected to freelance linguists, or whether they have an in-house team. Carrying out these initial steps will help you to whittle down an overflowing list of companies to a more manageable selection that match your requirements.

A website is only the face of the provider so don’t stop there with the research. Whether you look for reviews on Google, Glassdoor or social media, it is worthwhile reading testimonials from clients and other linguists to get a better idea of the company, as nothing is worse than spending hours sending out CV’s or filling out applications for companies with 1-star reviews or a lack of recommendations.

If you are still unsure about the legitimacy of a company, why not try calling them up and expressing your interest in pursuing an application to be a translator? By speaking to someone on the phone, you will be able to gage their level of professionalism, and whether they are interested in striking up a new relationship with a potential translator. Equally, once they have heard your name and your voice, you are more likely to be remembered and they will more likely follow through with your application.

Transparency

Transparency is key from the beginning, especially if you provide a freelance service, therefore when filling in an online application, or sending out your CV and degree certificate, remember to clearly state the following information:

• Location – to inform the provider of your time zone and where you are based
• Availability – to give an idea of your working hours
• Previous projects – to show your level of experience
• Areas of expertise and language combination – to give the provider a clear idea of the services you provide
• Your rate per 1000 words, rates for any additional services along with your currency of choice – to clarify how you will charge for translation projects
• Membership of translation associations – this will not only show your interest in the translation industry, but it will legitimise your services as a translator.

An application is a window into your skillset, so avoid spelling mistakes or grammatical errors as language service providers could view this as a lack of linguistic skill or professionalism. In addition, before clicking the ‘send’ button, double check that you have addressed the correct provider, and that you have attached the correct documents.

Prime Production is a one-stop language provider, based in the UK and Asia. Connected to a network of linguistic expertise around the world, we provide a host of services, from translation to interpretation to website localisation. From small scale projects to international reports, we specialise in Sustainable Development, Gender Equality, Health, Education, Human Rights, Transparency, Natural Resource Extraction, as well as Trade and Finance.

Do you think you have what it takes to be a Freelance Translator? Head to our website to learn more about our services, specialisations and language combinations or contact us directly to discuss your application to be a Freelance Translator.