Starting as a freelance translator is even more beneficial than ever before as most businesses and interactions happen online, which means that people constantly seek for those specialists who are capable of working remotely. Moreover, only freelancers can meet certain schedules and be flexible enough to meet a particular request. Even if there are some doubts or confidentiality issues regarding trusting one’s information to an average freelancer, there are still reasons for how you can settle down these issues and position yourself as an expert who can be trusted. The trick is to combine your linguistic skills with the readiness to stand out from the rest!
How to Start As a Successful Freelance Translator
- Introducing Yourself Right & Resume Creation. The key is to introduce yourself as a freelancer by creating a clear CV with a list of services that you offer. Even if you plan to post a short ad on a freelance platform, it has to be written in a professional way. It is even better If it is done in more than one language as the majority of people who seek freelance translations do not speak fluent English and will be much happier to read something in their native language. Likewise, your resume must be available for download in PDF and MS Word formats where all your contact information, skills, experience, and academic credentials are listed chronologically.
- Proper Language Certification. A reason why most people prefer professional translation agencies lies in the presence of several certificates and diplomas that an average company will happily offer. In practice, when an interpreter provides the same certification, there is hardly a reason why a freelancer’s offering is of any lesser value. The major difference may be that you offer a rare language pair with a technical background, which places you in a special translation job niche. In such a case, any special translation skills or technical knowledge must be mentioned first of all, as you advertise yourself.
- Social Media Presence & User Reviews. While it is always good to bid for prices as you compete with the other freelancers who would like to take an order, it is much better to promote yourself with the help of social media. In other words, you must build a user base and talk to various people by explaining why you are the right candidate for the job. Likewise, collect all the user reviews and feedback by placing it in your social profile. Remember to avoid typos, bad grammar, or style mistakes even when you make a small blog post. Alternatively, you can approach proofreading services at TheWordPoint for this purpose and the polishing of your professional resume. However, it should not be only that! Share interesting linguistic, cultural, or fun posts to keep people inspired and interested.
- Study of the Various Freelance Translation Platforms. As a rule, you can look through the various platforms for freelancers, both translation-specific and the general ones like Upwork or Fiverr. Do not underestimate some smaller ones like Gengo, which have smaller payment rates but offer a good example of how freelance translation works. Some other ones like ProZ might be a good choice if you offer rare language pairs like Welsh, Swahili, or Icelandic. Since it is country-oriented with a good community, it is worth checking out.
- Offer Your Services by Adding Unique Features. If you can offer something that is not so common like the translation of the poetry in rhyme or working with the rare Western African languages or Javanese dialects, it is crucial to describe it in a right way by adding some information about the country or a list of those who might be interested in such translation services. You can have a look at the best translation agencies reviewed to see what additional features are offered and what kind of assistance is valued the most. As it is best to learn by a good example, think of what you can learn!
Can a Freelance Translator Be Hired by Professional Translation Agencies?
As a rule, it is what happens most of the time, especially if you possess technical writing skills or work with an odd language as a native speaker. Even the large translation agencies rely on the additional help of the freelancers as long as they have clear academic credentials and language certificates. You can freely apply to any large company’s job offers by posting your resume. As a result, you can work remotely, participate in the various online conferences, and take part in the international projects as a freelancer.
