What do you do if you want to stand out as a temporary and contract translator?

Deliver quality. To do this, the use of proper dictionaries is vital. To be able to translate ideas from a language to another through words, you have to be able to understand each and any word in the source language so you understand the original ideas; this is where dictionaries come into play. Once you get perfect concept of original language then you can make it your own in your own language, then you are sure to deliver exact original messages in another language. Then come checking of your rendition with "fresh" eyes. Once both are done you have quality.

Networking actively is indeed crucial for temporary and contract translators to stand out. Engage with fellow translators and industry professionals through online platforms, attend conferences, and participate in industry events. Building genuine relationships and showcasing your expertise can lead to valuable opportunities. Additionally, consider creating a strong online presence through social media and professional platforms like LinkedIn to showcase your skills and attract potential clients.

I always tell novice translators and even project managers that we remember those who help us solve problems. Beyond technical skills—encompassing not just technology use but the overall execution of work and the profession itself—soft skills are crucial. Flexibility, willingness, a problem-solving attitude, and a client-focused approach are highly valued. These qualities make us see you as the right resource for a job. We tend to remember who assisted us effectively and avoid those who didn’t. Maintaining a good reputation hinges on being a valuable asset, and it's always beneficial to be remembered as someone who did excellent work and went the extra mile.

As a medical translator, one of the many things you can do to stand out from the crowd is to develop your own style guide. By having your own style (e.g. your own approach to abbreviations, units of measurement, drug names, etc.), you show your clients that you 1) are detail-oriented, 2) familiar with the material/subject matter, and 3) care about consistency and quality. Clients will appreciate this, especially if they are new to hiring a medical translator. Of course, always adapt your style to the client's preferences. When in doubt, always ask for clarification. Many clients also have their own in-house style guide. The rest is mostly just common sense - be proactive, pleasant, and helpful. Ask for feedback from time to time.

It's shockingly easy. Just be a good person with all that that entails, and deliver good work on time. You'd be surprised how many competitors you surpass by covering just these most basic of basics.