How do you get noticed when applying for a freelance job in a translation agency?

Are you a freelancer trying to approach translation agencies and send your CV in order to start a collaboration with them? Have you been massively emailing LSPs putting all your energy and time, but you rarely heard back from them? Do you feel disappointed and frustrated when your efforts have no result?

Well, I’ve been there and I know how it feels. All of us (including myself) have gone through this process at some point of our career.

The first thing that comes to our mind in this situation is that something is wrong with the way LSPs and the translation market work. Although it’s indeed possible to notice some wrongdoings in the translation market, there is one more significant factor that boycotts your application effort. And this factor is you! Surprised?

Wait a moment. Are you telling me that I boycott my application and my effort myself? How can this even be possible??

Have you ever thought if the way you present yourself is appropriate for the agency you want to approach? Have you researched the LSP you apply to in order to secure that your profile matches their needs? I’ll give you an example to clarify what I mean.

In my office I regularly receive CVs from translators from all around the world who express their interest to work with me. If you research me a bit before you apply, you can easily see that I am an agency based in Greece and I primarily serve the needs of Greek-speaking countries and people. Now tell me honestly, what do you think are your chances of working with me, if you are an English to Thai translator, for example? You may have a brilliant CV and be the best of your kind, but do you really think I will have enough workflow for your language combination?

Instead, if you tell me “I noticed that your working languages involve Turkish. I recently obtained my diploma in Turkish and I would like to examine the possibility of working with you”, this means that you have done your due diligence and discovered a common point of interest between us. Your application will definitely catch my attention in this case and I would like to know more about you.

To conclude, a fundamental thing we, freelance translators, need to understand is that randomly applying to translation agencies doesn’t really help and it can even be a waste of time. To increase your chances of getting noticed, the first thing you need to do is research and locate those agencies whose needs match your profile. This is the only way you can get noticed and show them that you can offer effective solutions with your skills.

Stunning applications that cannot pass unnoticed

Want to find out what is the best way to present yourself and increase your chances when applying to translation agencies?

Contact me for a free consultation, where I will assess your needs and let you know how I can help you draft a CV and cover letter that opens you the door to the collaborations you need in the translation business.

Complete this form to express your interest and I will get back to you with instructions on how to proceed: https://forms.gle/7GBoCFjsoTQkDSo79

A few words about me

I am an experienced translator and conference interpreter, owner of the agency Translation Embassy. With 10+ years presence in the languages industry, I have gained a deep understanding of how the market works. Now, I am ready to offer all this know-how to young translators and interpreters wishing to establish their own business and guide them through this process step by step.