Advice for New Translators Beginning Their Translation Career

Advice for beginning translators who are just entering the translation market.

Translation today is entirely different to translation of yesterday: today we live in a world of translation management systems and computer-aided translation, and both our competitors and our clients span the entire globe.

In this article will take a look at some advice for beginning translators who are just entering the translation market –

Always Be 100% Professional

When you’re approaching translation prospects you must always act professional, and for in-person presentations you should dress as a professional.

Learn the Ins and Outs of the Translation Profession

By this we’re not referring to learning another language or learning how to translate; we mean you need to learn about professional associations, about business practices in the translation world and about the extensive resources available on the Internet. There is so much reference information available online, including information on different translation companies and how they’re rated by fellow translators.

Become Familiar with the Technical Side of the Translation Profession

The technical side of translation refers to the tools-of-trade available to translators. There’s always something new in the world of translation and it’s up to the translators themselves to not only make themselves familiar with these new tools, but to learn how to use them to their advantage.

Consider Specializing

Translators who specialize are generally the translators who are making more money than others. When you become a true specialist in a selected field, or even more than one field, you’ll dramatically increase your chances of becoming a very in-demand translator.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Is Vitally Important

Don’t ever stop learning! One suggestion for your CPD is to improve the way you write in your native language. As you know, translation is writing, and you should have perfect writing skills.

Improve Your Writing in the Language Your Clients Use

Not only is translation ‘writing’, it’s also communication; so learn to communicate effectively with your network of clients, prospects, and colleagues.

Learn the Right Way of Presenting a Message

This is especially true if you’re complaining about something. You have every right to feel anger or annoyance, but when you’re angry and you fire off a complaint too quickly, you could do irreparable damage to your relationship with your prospect, client, or colleague. If you have an important message to convey, you should write your message down then set it aside or some time: then, once you’ve had time to settle down, if you still feel the message is appropriate, then you can send it.

Seek out Valuable Advice

It’s always valuable for a translator to receive advice about their translation work, so seek advice from more experienced translators not only about your work, but also about your communications. It’s a fact that, as translators, most of the time we’re working alone and communicating only through text messages and email. Unfortunately, it’s very easy to write a message that is either misunderstood or misinterpreted by the recipient. You may have written a message believing it would make someone happy, but this same message could easily cause offense. If at all possible, have an un-biased pair of eyes available to read and vet your important communications.

A Translator Is a Problem Solver!

It’s not necessary to boast of your achievements; what’s more important is to enquire as to how you can help your clients and potential clients solve their problem. It’s true, translators are problem solvers, and that’s how you need to present yourself to your clients. You’re actually displaying your accomplishments and talents by assisting your clients.