Ten Simple Steps for Starting Out as a Freelance Translator
Every day throughout the world hundreds of eager young (or not) persons decide they wish to be freelance translators.
The reasons for their aspirations are as varied as the individuals. Some want the freedom that comes with being self-employed, such as the ability to set their own hours and work from home. Others simply love words and are fascinated by other cultures.
Whatever the reasons, there are a number of basic steps, a checklist if you will, that can help you get started.
1) Examine your financial circumstances and decide whether or not you should start on a part-time basis, using any income gained from translation as merely supplemental. It can, and almost often does, take a very long time for freelance translators to be able to fully support themselves. Another possibility is to secure an in-house position at a translation agency, gaining valuable experience and a steady paycheck while you build up your freelance business.
2) Also make sure that you have the proper equipment, home office space and, most importantly, the self-discipline to work from home. Given the nature of translating, you also need to be able to work with minimal interruptions. It is not, for example, an easy job to do with small children in the house.
3) Gather whatever references you might have from school (a University degree is generally the minimal requirement when you’re just starting out) and from any relevant work experience.
4) If you have not yet done any paid translations, offer your services for free to voluntary and charitable organizations and NGOs. They will deeply appreciate it, and you will then have valuable experience to show on your CV. Nowhere is it written that one has to note whether or not your work was paid.
5) Decide whether or not you have, or wish to acquire, specialty knowledge, in order to work, for example, in financial, medical or technical translations. It takes some time to gain this expertise, but given the current economy and the fierce competition for work, it can be an invaluable asset.
6) Spend much time, energy and research preparing your CV. Browse translator sites and have a look at what others are doing.
7) Research translation agencies, targeting those who work in your language pair and specialty fields. Send them your (perfect) cover letter and CV. Many agencies now have registration areas on their websites, and it is definitely worth taking the time to register.
8) Market, market, market. Set up a website, write a blog, utilize social networking sites and even twitter if you’re so inclined.
9) Apply for every job you can find.
10) But the most important thing you can do for yourself and for your future in translation is to take yourself seriously. Act like a professional, always, in every aspect of your work. From responding to emails promptly to presenting yourself to a translation agency, make sure you are projecting the image of competence, maturity and precision.