Advice for Translators When Approaching Translation Agencies – PART - I

Translators looking for work and hoping to join translation teams are going to approach translation agencies in many different ways. Agencies receive many professional, well-written applications; however, they also receive many applications that don’t meet their high standards. Obviously, it’s the professional applications that receive the most attention. It’s extremely unfortunate that applications are submitted to translation agencies that are sub-standard because the application doesn’t necessarily correspond with the talents of the translator concerned. The translator could well be professional and highly talented at their job, but because agencies receive so many applications they just don’t have time to contact each applicant; meaning that the poorly presented applications have very little chance of attracting the attention of the HR Manager of a translation agency.

So let’s take a closer look at what translation agencies are looking for from their applicants –

Do Your Research on the Translation Agency

It’s not good enough to simply send out a heap of emails to translation agencies and expect to be treated as a professional. Each application should be treated individually, and each application requires that you do some research into the agency you’re applying to. The small amount of time it will take for you to complete this research will greatly improve your success rate.

Generally, online translation agencies are very clear that they prefer to be contacted for job opportunities by either completing their online application form or directly emailing their HR Department. But, because many applicants don’t do any research whatsoever before applying for translation positions, agencies receive numerous generic emails directed to their accounts’ email address. There is always a slight chance that these applications will be looked at, but they certainly won’t receive the same attention as someone who did their research on the agency to determine what guidelines they should follow. So, prior to making initial contact, visit the agency’s social media profiles or their website to gather as much information as possible.

Translation Agencies Receive Many Applications!

Because agencies receive so many applications from translators, it’s always helpful to the agency when other relevant information, beyond languages, are mentioned in the application. Consider your application as your only opportunity of informing your potential employer of your capabilities, your expertise, and your past achievements; because it’s simply impossible for agencies to contact every person who applies to them for translation work. When you provide all relevant information it not only increases your chances of being contacted by the agency, it also allows the agencies to keep their databases updated. Then, if a project should arise that slips nicely within your niche of expertise, you have a much better chance of achieving success.