On the Path to Becoming a Sought-after Translator at an Agency

This text is an adapted translation of an article that first appeared on the blog Thoughts on Translation, dedicated to the life and work of an independent translator. The author of the article is Tom Robinson, the executive director of translate plus - one of the leading providers of translation services on a global scale.

Undoubtedly, independent work in any field is a complex challenge. Intense competition, endless email correspondence, and balancing work tasks and personal life - these are just some of the issues that freelancers face. However, having gone through this challenging journey, you will find that work brings joy and satisfaction. We are confident about this as we interact daily with hundreds of independent translators. We have witnessed their entry into and exit from the industry. Those who stay achieve success because they have learned how to become sought-after translators for agencies.

Let's discuss how they achieve success and what exactly agencies like ours look for in a freelancer.

First of all, it is important to note that we cooperate exclusively with translators who meet the minimum standards set by authoritative institutions such as the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) and the web platform Proz.com. In addition, translators must have a relevant education from a reputable university. Therefore, the first piece of advice is to equip yourself with the necessary documents and qualifications, as these are requirements demanded by the majority, if not all, agencies. And that makes sense, doesn't it?

Key Aspects an Agency Focuses On

As a freelancer, you simply cannot ignore deadlines. It's essential to strictly monitor the project schedule and adhere to established deadlines. If you realize you can't meet the deadlines, be sure to inform the agency as early as possible. Your willingness to communicate and availability for discussions via phone or Skype will help to smooth out the situation.

Establish regular communication with the organization you are working for. Communication skills are a critical element of work in any sector. Constantly keep the agency updated about your work process and inform them about any anticipated delays. This will make your interaction with the agency smoother and allow you to make an impression of a reliable and responsible specialist, one that can be depended upon.

Most translation projects require swift execution, and agencies often work on several significant tasks simultaneously. Your readiness to jump on the work will be beneficial both to you and your client. After all, the success of the client requiring translation becomes your success - which can even lead to recognition of your achievements and additional orders.

Honesty is the best course of action. Be sincere in your propositions to the agency. We highly appreciate people who can accurately evaluate their abilities. Actively use your strengths and frankly talk about your weaknesses. If you specialize in a particular area, make sure to notify the agency or client about it. And most importantly, don't be afraid to admit your mistakes - in the long run, it's better to address them as early as possible.

A drive for growth and development is a great quality that increases your chances of receiving more orders. Agencies favor those who can learn from their mistakes and adapt to diverse requirements.

Stay up-to-date with the latest trends in your industry - this will make you a more reliable and qualified specialist. You can stay in vogue by attending seminars, conferences, and so on.

The Importance of Strong Relationships

Even though other freelancers might be your competitors, establishing connections within the industry can prove to be quite useful. This might even lead to getting new orders when another translator, with whom you've established good relations, is overwhelmed with work and recommends you to the agency in their stead. Socializing is an excellent way of creating new contacts and bolstering your image in the sector. Agencies often hold events where freelancers can network, which provides a good opportunity to meet new people. Some companies even encourage interaction among freelancers so they can exchange knowledge and boost their skills.

So, the next time an agency you have previously worked with invites you to a picnic or a small corporate party in honor of launching a new product or service, feel free to join and try to make the most out of this event - it's worth the time spent.

Stand Out Among the Rest

You can also stand out among others by possessing deep technical knowledge. For instance, it's crucial to be skilled at using CAT tools. They are used by over 250,000 translators worldwide, so understanding what they are and how to work with them can be useful. If you're not familiar with them yet, CAT tools are a set of technologies that speed up and simplify the workflow.

Moreover, in our digital age, it's vitally important to have an online presence. Be active on social media, maintain your own blog and talk about your work. Agencies pay attention to this, and you'll have more chances of being noticed.