Getting Started in Freelance Translation
- Translate Everything: A common rookie mistake for many a freelancer is being picky about jobs. Since you're a freelancer, you mustn't be choosy of your clients or subject matter, save for instances where there's a preliminary bidding process involved. Furthermore, since this isn't a regular job, you need to market yourself as versatile and constantly available.
- Portfolio Compilation: What better way to market yourself and your skills than a portfolio? An excellent CV (curriculum vitae) highlights your strengths and provides employers a good idea of your translation range and versatility. Pick and put up your very best work (particularly those that emphasize your unique style and professionalism above all else) and take time in selecting the former employers you want to include in your resume (specifically those who will speak highly of your aptitude to other clients).
- Train Frequently: Don't do just one thing at a time. If you're good at translating English to Japanese scripts and vice-versa, then do all jobs related to that skill of yours. Learn to translate various text and correspondences at a moment's notice. Also, you must expect to spend a lot of time reading through bilingual dictionaries in order to sharpen your linguistic proficiency and avoid getting rusty in between jobs.
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International Translation Day is held in celebration of the feast of St Jerome, the Bible translator widely considered the patron saint of translators. The International Federation of Translators is the promoter of International Translation Day, and has been since it was first held in 1953.
The translation industry is a relatively small one but it’s also a highly competitive one. Basically, do your research on a translation agency prior to making initial contact and it will certainly pay off; perhaps not immediately because there may not be any work available at the time, so just be patient. Your application must stand out above the rest, and by following these simple steps you should have no problem whatsoever in achieving your translation goals.