Translation Services - The Perfect Freelance Career

Before becoming a translator, it would be wise to consider the positive and negative aspects of the job. On the positive side, freelance translation services can offer you an interesting and challenging opportunity. You will have the freedom to accept the jobs you want, and be your own boss. On the negative side, you will have to rely on agencies or your own marketing for your income. It is difficult at first, because you haven't made a name for yourself. You will be recognized once you have done that, and agencies at first can help you reach that goal.

If you are very motivated to offer freelance translation services, then you need to prepare yourself by a solid education, polishing up your skills and developing a specialized field to help you gain an edge when competing with the other freelancers. Here are a few tips to get you started:

You need to have a solid education. Most agencies will require a degree in language. A degree shows a certain level of linguistic and writing skills in your native language, which is what every professional translator needs.

A certification in professional translation is also important. In the US potential translators can find courses which provide certification, online or in your local phone book.

You must have excellent skills in your foreign language. Just knowing a language is not enough. You must also have an understanding of the cultural aspects, modern usage and its variations.

Having a particular field of specialization such as science, medicine, legal, finance or engineering is very useful. It will help you establish yourself and get your name out there.

Good keyboard and computing skills are important. Typing is an integral part of the job.

Some investment will be needed in things such as dictionaries, word-processing software, internet access, a fax line and if necessary some translation software.

The next steps for you would be to attain the work. You can work for a translation service agency or branch out on your own. Here are the next tips to get you started.

Get a good resume with samples of your work together. This should outline your translation qualifications and experience as well as background information such as recent employment and of course at least two references. If you know someone who works in the translation services industry, ask them to cast an eye over it for you. Always remember to add your contact details.

Prepare a cover letter. This should outline your language combination, your rate, your areas of specialization and the number of words you can get through a day.

Go to the Internet and search for translation services in your locale and the country generally. Examine their website as some have specific recruitment guidelines. If they don't, then send a short e-mail asking to be added to their database. Follow up on your application a week later.

Armando Riquier worked as a writer and translator for many years. He collaborates with Tectrad, a translation company specialized in finance, legal and corporate matters. Maintain a superior image with and increase your sales to foreign customers by using Tectrad's professional, high-fidelity translation services available at http://www.101businesstranslation.com/translation-services.htm