1. Finding Direct Clients
One savvy move to secure translation jobs is by finding direct clients, that is individuals or companies that hire translators directly for their translation needs, without intermediaries such as agencies.
Pros and cons:
The pros of working with direct clients in the translation industry include the potential for higher pay compared to agencies, as direct clients typically offer better rates, and more say in the projects you tackle. You can cherry-pick assignments that align perfectly with your skills and interests.
The cons of working with direct clients include the significant marketing and networking efforts required to find and secure clients, which can be a time-consuming process, as well as the challenge of handling client’s request from start to end, from the initial contact to the final delivery of the project.
How to find direct clients?
Pros and cons:
The pros of working with direct clients in the translation industry include the potential for higher pay compared to agencies, as direct clients typically offer better rates, and more say in the projects you tackle. You can cherry-pick assignments that align perfectly with your skills and interests.
The cons of working with direct clients include the significant marketing and networking efforts required to find and secure clients, which can be a time-consuming process, as well as the challenge of handling client’s request from start to end, from the initial contact to the final delivery of the project.
How to find direct clients?
- Rub elbows with prospects at networking events and trade fairs: here is a list of 20 of them to mark on your calendar today!
- Slide into the DMs of potential clients on LinkedIn or via email: send personalized messages, let them know you know what you are talking about!
- Share your translation skills on social media: being vocal about who you are and what makes you unique will pay off.
- Visit local businesses and offer your services; go old-school and charm them face-to-fac
Pro tip: Each specialization in translation comes with its own unique set of potential clients.
For instance, if you specialize in literary translation, publishers are your go-to. Legal translators often find their niche with law firms. For audiovisual translation, reaching out to voiceover and dubbing studios can be fruitful, as they frequently require script translation and content adaptation.
However, don't limit yourself to these traditional avenues. Get creative and explore untapped markets. Many potential clients may not realize their need for translation services until you make them aware.
Be proactive in showcasing the value of your skills and opening up new opportunities in unexpected places.
Pro tip x2: If you’re looking for direct clients, your marketing efforts must include:
- Polishing and keeping updated your LinkedIn profile: LinkedIn is more than just a social platform: it is a professional online center, where translators and interpreters can connect, network with prospects, and show their expertise.Share your skills, experience, and accomplishment and participate in meaningful discussions to establish yourself as a top voice in your area.It is quite obvious and often missed but it is very important: having your own website.
- A website is your online portfolio, your business card, and your marketing tool. It showcases your skills, experience, and personality. It helps you build your personal brand and credibility. It also allows you to communicate directly with potential clients and set your own rates and terms.
Check out these courses on how to create an impacting CV or achieve more visbility on LinkedIn:
And do not miss this YouTube video from Alfonso González, TranslaStars' CEO, on "How to Write the Best Translator CV":
2. Working for Agencies
Translation agencies don’t always have the best reputation, but they can be a good option for translators who aren’t comfortable networking directly with clients on LinkedIn.
Also, not all translation agencies are equal: boutique translation agencies, such as Beluga and Undertow, tend to offer higher rates than larger agencies, value their translators and provide better working conditions.
Pros and cons:
On the plus side, agencies usually have a constant flow of projects, keeping you busy and the cash flowing. They also handle all the marketing, client schmoozing, and even throw in some training.
However, the downside is that the big agencies might pay you peanuts compared to what you would get from direct clients. And forget about hand-picking projects: you get what you’re given!
3. Using Job Portals for Translators
Job portals are a fantastic starting point, especially for those new to the field. Popular platforms like ProZ.com, TranslatorsCafe, Freelanly and Upwork can get your foot in the door.
Pros and cons:
The major perks include easy accessibility, making it a breeze to find and apply for numerous jobs, and a wide variety of projects and clients to choose from.
On the flip side, the high competition can drive rates down, and not all jobs will be top-quality or well-paid.
On the flip side, the high competition can drive rates down, and not all jobs will be top-quality or well-paid.
Pro tip: Check out the top 10 platforms or sites dedicated to connecting language professionals with clients.
4. Securing an In-house Translation Job
If you're craving stability and the camaraderie of a team environment, in-house positions are your golden ticket.
For in-house job hunting, LinkedIn Jobs and Indeed are your go-to spots (remember to filter by location, serach for remote jobs or check jobs on local Indeed sites). But don't stop there—dive into LinkedIn groups likeLocLunchJobs for insider scoops, and try to get into those exclusive Slack channels where the real opportunities pop up.
But remember: not all translation jobs are created equal. If you're looking to make more than just a basic paycheck, aim for roles like Project Manager or Localization Manager. (Our Localization Management Program can be your golden ticket to those higher-paying positions. Aim high and watch your career take off!).
Start your search at multinational corporations; many have their own internal translation departments just waiting for your expertise. Translation agencies aren't just for freelancers; some offer cushy in-house roles too. And don't overlook government and non-profit organizations, as they're often in the market for full-time translators.
For in-house job hunting, LinkedIn Jobs and Indeed are your go-to spots (remember to filter by location, serach for remote jobs or check jobs on local Indeed sites). But don't stop there—dive into LinkedIn groups likeLocLunchJobs for insider scoops, and try to get into those exclusive Slack channels where the real opportunities pop up.
But remember: not all translation jobs are created equal. If you're looking to make more than just a basic paycheck, aim for roles like Project Manager or Localization Manager. (Our Localization Management Program can be your golden ticket to those higher-paying positions. Aim high and watch your career take off!).
Pros and cons
Now, let's talk pros: you'll enjoy the sweet security of a regular salary and benefits package, not to mention ample opportunities for career advancement and training to keep you sharp.
But let's not sugarcoat it—there are some downsides. Say goodbye to the freedom of freelancing; in-house gigs come with fixed working hours and a set location. And don't be shocked if the pay isn’t as dazzling as the freelance rates you’ve been eyeing. It's all about weighing your options and figuring out what works best for you.
Pro tip: Hunting for the dream job in the translation industry can feel like navigating a maze – each turn brings its own set of challenges and opportunities.
Luckily, Michele Cerioni, a seasoned professional headhunter with a talent for uncovering hidden talent, is here to provide you with his insights and a set of invaluable job-hunting tips.
Whether you're a recent graduate starting out or a seasoned pro looking for an in-house position, these 10 job hunting tips will help light the way to your dream job in the language services field.
5. Networking and Word-of-mouth
Networking and word-of-mouth are like the GPS connecting you with potential clients and colleagues alike. It's not just about what you know, but who you know—and how well you can get along with them.
Pros and cons
Networking can open doors you never knew existed, landing you gigs you wouldn't have found through traditional job boards. Plus, rubbing elbows with fellow translators can be both intellectually stimulating and just plain fun.
But on the flip side, networking takes time, effort, and a healthy dose of social finesse, and there's no guarantee that your efforts will pay off right away.
So, is it worth it? Absolutely.
But like any tool in your arsenal, it's all about how you wield it. Check these 10 localization professionals to supercharge your career, and uncover these selection of translation communities you never even knew existed.
6. Diversifying and Specializing
Want to secure your employability over time and overcome the fear of being replaced by AI? Follow these pieces of advice:
- Specializations: Ever heard the phrase "jack of all trades, master of none"? Well, you should flip that script. Focus on 1-2 specializations and master your domain. Trust us: clients love a specialist who knows their stuff.
- Additional services: Don't stop at translation and offer related services like proofreading, editing, or localization. Think of yourself as a one-stop shop for all things linguistic excellence. This will also help you overcome dry spells in the translation industry.
- Continuous learning: Familiarize yourself with the latest tools of the trade by attending workshops and webinars, and watch as your expertise skyrockets.
Don’t know where to start?
- Catch up on our latest articles: you’ll find a selection of 10 cutting-edge AI tools to streamline your work or the 10 best translation podcasts to listen to become a better language professional;
- Check out these 10 free translation courses you don't want to miss.
And last, but not least, remember that translators are the backbone of the translation industry, but there are many other relevant and well-paid positions in this sector you may not have heard of or thought you could never succeed in. Check out this article to find the position in the translation industry that best suits you!
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