Translators, and especially those who work on a freelance basis, need to pay attention to simple but important musts that ensure them a positive professional image and a constant flow of clients (and money, of course). Being polite, punctual and delivering accurate translations are just the ABCs that every freelance translator should follow. Let’s dig a little bit deeper and explore some Dos and Don’ts that translators should be well aware of.
Check your emails
It’s incredible how many important translation jobs you may lose just because you only check your emails twice a day or because you fail to reply to requests or quotes quickly. Clients or translation agencies that have trusted you for previous jobs will only be willing to work with you again if you reply to their requests efficiently and promptly. Thus, if you want to be on the top of their good translators list, you should make sure you reply to all their emails efficiently and promptly. It is also a good idea to share with them your Skype user name or WhatsApp number or other messaging application info so that they can get through to you at any time.
Proofread your cover letter carefully
Many translation jobs require language professionals to send a cover letter and C.V in order to get the job. Translators are expected to have excellent writing skills, even if they are writing in their second language. Thus, it is of utmost importance to pay special attention to grammar, vocabulary and spelling mistakes and double check the piece of writing before pressing the Send key.
Follow instructions
You should always make sure that you follow the client’s or the project manager’s instructions carefully. Needless to say, if you have a doubt or there is something you are not sure about, you should always ask for clarification.
Stick to deadlines!
Deadlines are meant to be met and you are expected to do so. Thus, if you have a (big) problem and you won’t be able to deliver your translation on time, you should contact your client immediately and in advance so that he is aware of the delay and can make any necessary arrangements.
Get help from other translators
Being a translator does not mean that you are a walking dictionary. In other words, you are not expected to know the translation of every single term. If you are unsure of what the best translation for a word is, don’t be afraid to ask! There are many forums and sites where you can get help from other translators.
Read and check before delivery
Whether it takes you a couple of minutes or a couple of hours, it is really worth it. Make sure you read and check your translation before you send it to the client. Does it sound like a translation or does it sound natural? Does it reflect the source text message?
Don’t forget to use the spell checker
It is obvious but, still, many translators skip this crucial step. The spell checker is a great tool that can help you avoid typos and, of course, spelling mistakes.
Don’t get distracted
Trying to concentrate on what you are doing is the best way to avoid silly mistakes. This is especially true when you are working at home. You should avoid checking emails, social sites or text messages when doing a translation.
Faulty Project Management
Did you accept to do a translation job? Do not turn it down later unless you have a major problem. Doing so leaves a very bad image to your client and he might never contact you again. If you do need to turn it down, communicate it ASAP so that your client can assign it to someone else immediately. Remember you’ve made a commitment and you need to stick to it.
Are you the right candidate?
When applying for a job, read very carefully what they are looking for. If the agency or client is looking for a Trados user and you do not know what Trados is, just do not apply for that translation job. It is a waste of time for you and the prospective client and you won’t get the job anyway. This may sound silly, but applying for jobs you are not suitable for will only increase your rejection rate, affect your self-esteem and make you waste valuable time.
Avoid lying
Referring to Trados again as an example, if you do not know how a software works do not jump to conclusions or say something like “I do not use Trados, I do not work with machine translations”. You will definitely give the image that you do not have enough information on the translation industry and technology used. You are better off saying that you do not use that software. There’s nothing wrong with that and you are just letting your potential client know that he needs to send you translations that do not require that software.
Don’t stay with a doubt!
Don’t be afraid of asking questions to your client. If you are unsure of a word or acronym, ask your client what they refer to even if you think there is a mistake in the source text. Unless he has provided you with a lexicon to use or to have for reference, there’s nothing wrong in asking for clarification. Needless to say, you should always do your research first to find info on the term you are not sure about.
