Who Wants To Hire A Translator?

The fact is - there is no shortage of quality freelance jobs out there for talented translators like you!

Translation jobs come in all shapes and sizes. They can be permanent positions, piece work or on contract. It's just a matter of knowing where to find them.

When a company decides to hire a translator, whether it's a permanent position or a contract project, they tend to look at insiders first.

If that fails, they will likely proceed to expand the search to a replacement firm or a translator agency. Occasionally they will put an ad in the local paper or on some job websites. But if it gets to that point, it's really the early bird who gets the job!

Companies like to stick with someone they know and like for regular contract work whether it’s an individual translator or a translation agency.

After advertising the position, companies receive a large number of applications. People in charge of hiring will then spend days and hours to sort through resumes, field follow-up calls and emails and arrange interviews…

The point is, at that stage it costs lots of money and time to pick through a thick pile of applications. If a company can find someone before they begin this long and tedious process, they’re much happier.

So what can you do? First let’s get an idea of the types of companies where you are that would likely hire a translator.

• Mining companies with international practices
• Computer game production companies who have customers all over the world
• Movie production companies.
• All types of research firms and organizations
• Specialized publishing houses, especially religious based ones
• Public relation or marketing firms
• All levels of government and their agencies

Here’s what you have to know:

When everyone else is knocking on the front door, you should

get to the back door. Get someone from inside the company to introduce you to the person in charge of hiring.

It’s not as difficult as you think.

Talk to your friends and family first. Let them know that you need their help to get connected to someone who works for XYZ company. If they don't know anyone, they may know someone who does. I bet they’d love to help you.

Let your inside contact tell you when the company needs to hire a translator. Ask if this person would take you to the one who makes decisions.

That access, plus your perfect qualifications, gives you a great chance at getting the job. The company, meanwhile, saved money and time. It is a win-win situation.

What if you can’t find any inside connection? Well, one way is to target those potential businesses who hire a translator BEFORE they need you.

Meet the gatekeeper who controls access to the person who makes the decisions -- whether it’s the receptionist or secretary, they are the ones who hold the key.

Be polite and demonstrate your best and most positive nature. If you treat them with respect and a warm smile, you may just get your ally! And when a position does open up, before the job is advertised, they may just direct their boss your way.

Don’t forget to send a thank-you card to all those who helped!

Having the inside scoop helps focus your resources better. Isn't this another wonderful reason for networking?

So there you go.

Want more on how to get more high paying clients and quality translation jobs? Sign up for my free Ezine.

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