| I work as an Italian English Translation Project | | | | 3) Don't apply for something you are not |
| Manager at the translations agency Axis | | | | We always look for translators to translate into |
| Translations. | | | | their mother tongue and write this in our adverts. |
| Everyday me and my colleagues see larger | | | | But we always get a loads of CV's for people |
| numbers of enquiries from translators seeking | | | | who do not fit the bill. For instance I post a job |
| work. I hope that some of my observations will | | | | for a Italian>English Translation and get a CV |
| help you be more successfull. | | | | from a Dutch native speaker who is fluent in |
| 1) Update and scan your computer for viruses | | | | neither language. |
| How many translators CV's get caught by an | | | | 4) Don't forget to provide rates and the rest of |
| agencies firewall? I don't know. It seems to | | | | your 'required' information |
| happen in waves. We will have a batch of | | | | When I am looking for a new translator and I |
| translators emails in a few days and then none | | | | have a number of applications, my shortlist will not |
| for ages. But generally the email is deleted! | | | | include anyone who has missing information. I |
| 2) Put your details in the subject section of the | | | | regularly see people who have missed their rates |
| email | | | | off the application. If a translation PM has opther |
| If you are applying for a project posted on the | | | | options, they probably won't chase a translator |
| web, put a reference to it in the subject box. The | | | | for further information. |
| reference number for instance. If you are applying | | | | 5) Contact Info |
| generally, list the languages in which you translate. | | | | I am not talking about address here. I am thinking |
| Why is this important? Simply translation agencies | | | | of mobile phones. |
| get a stack of emails each day and you want to | | | | Once a job has been confirmed the translation PM |
| be found. The translation project manager wants | | | | will wish to have the assignment placed with a |
| to be able to pick out the enquiries for their | | | | translator ASAP. If they can't find another |
| project with ease. | | | | number for you they will be likely to move |
| For general enquiries, you want your details to be | | | | further down the list and call the next |
| saved in the right place. If the agency can see | | | | translator.......your competition. |
| your languages they can copy your mail into the | | | | I hope my short list of tips for translation |
| right languages section rather then putting you in | | | | applications assist not only translators, but also |
| the dreaded 'look at later pile'. | | | | translation PM's.! |