If you're starting out by applying to translation agencies, remember to play by their rules in order to maximize your chances of getting work. Most agencies have a translator application form on their websites; the "Contact Us" or "Opportunities" sections of agency websites are good places to look for these. Although it feels impersonal to apply for work this way, distinguish yourself by sending in a paper résumé if the agency requests an electronic one; what seems to you like a personal touch will only create more work for your potential client, and may get your application materials tossed without a second look. Along the same lines, most agencies prefer not to be contacted by
phone unless you are applying for a specific position that they've advertised. If the online application form includes a "Comments" field, this is the place to ask for an in-person meeting or introduce yourself as a new translator in the area. For translation agencies in the United States, the website of the American Translators Association is a good place to find the agency's web address, and the agency's profile on the ATA website may also indicate if it is currently accepting applications from new translators.
Whether applying to translation agencies or direct clients, there are a few basic rules to follow. You're applying for language work, so your application materials should be error-free. Make sure that everything you send out is proofed by yourself and at least one other person. When sending inquiries by e-mail, use a clear subject line, such as "English—Arabic freelance inquiry." Don't disguise your intentions or make your message look like a response to an e-mail from the agency. State your language pairs
prominently. As amazing as it may sound, many people neglect this simple step. Start your e-mail with a sentence such as, "I am a freelance English to Arabic translator and I would like to offer my services to your company."
Looking for work with direct clients has some positive and
negative points for a beginning translator. As a newcomer to
the profession, it can be helpful to have some of the safety nets that a translation agency offers; for example when you work for an agency, your work is almost always proofread before being sent to the end client, which guards against a true disaster if you make a mistake. However, direct clients, especially those located in areas where there are not many translators to choose from, may be more likely than a translation agency to take a chance on an inexperienced translator. Whereas a translation agency has a wide range of translators to choose from with no geographic restrictions, a direct client who wants to work with someone local
has a bigger incentive to work with someone new.
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let's continue, Whatever route you'd like to take toward finding your first clients and building up your business, following are some tips that are applicable to almost every freelance translator's start up phase:
1-Be realistic.
If you've never worked as a translator or interpreter
before, starting out by contacting the United Nations or accepting a 90,000 word document on nuclear power plant safety procedures probably isn't the best way to start. Look for projects that you can do a great job on, and then use those projects to build up your business.
2-Network, network, network.
Although most translators are introverts
by nature, many job search experts identify networking as the most powerful job search strategy, and starting your translation business is no exception. Talk about your business with everyone you know, and give them a business card; strike up a conversation with the receptionist in every office you wait in, and leave a business card. Volunteer for your local translators association and get to know
the experienced translators in your language pair; prepare an "elevator speech" (a few sentences that summarize what you do) and be ready to give it to anyone who asks you about your job!
3-Think locally.
Especially if you present yourself better in person
than on paper, start out by asking for in-person meetings with every translation or interpreting agency in your local area. By asking for a meeting to learn more about the agency and talk about how you might fit in, you'll both benefit from the interaction. Don't be dissuaded if local agencies "have no work in your language combinations right now." By asking for an in-person meeting, you'll position yourself to step in when their needs change.
4-Blanket the field.
One of the biggest mistakes made by beginning
translators and interpreters is to assume that you'll
be working full-time after sending out five or ten inquiries. On the contrary, you should expect no more than a one percent return rate on your cold-contacting efforts. A good start (emphasis: start) if you'd like to be working full-time would be to send out 300-500 resumes during your first year in business.Your prospective clients may include translation agencies in your country, agencies in countries where your other languages are spoken, and companies in your area that could use your services.
5-Keep in touch.
Instead of just firing off e-mails or making phone
calls and then waiting to hear back from your potential
clients, keep a log of the person you talked to or e-mailed
with and what his or her response was to your inquiry. As you get more experience, periodically contact these people to let them know that you're still interested and available. Let them know what types of projects you've been working on, and let them know that you would be happy to help them out with similar jobs.