Thread: I'll try to brainstorm and comment on this from a 2x2 matrix of
1) Why don't they reply?
2) Why don't they say no?
x
a) Recipient (translation company/game developer/game publisher) angle
b) Applicant/Sender (freelance translator/fulltime localizer candidate) angle
1) Why don't they reply?
2) Why don't they say no?
x
a) Recipient (translation company/game developer/game publisher) angle
b) Applicant/Sender (freelance translator/fulltime localizer candidate) angle
1) Why don't they reply? x a) Their take
1a-1) They're so busy they need to deprioritize replying, and never ever become unbusy, and/or forget about your initial e-mail.
-> Re-approach once every month or so until they react, and/or aim for a less busy time of the year?
1a-1) They're so busy they need to deprioritize replying, and never ever become unbusy, and/or forget about your initial e-mail.
-> Re-approach once every month or so until they react, and/or aim for a less busy time of the year?
1) Why don't they reply? x a) Their take
1a-2) Your initial approach did not meet their initial "cutoff line", which you'd want to pass to receive a reply.
-> Clarify language pair, introduce yourself fully, link to online portfolios, emphasize gamerhood, explain WHY YOU.
1a-2) Your initial approach did not meet their initial "cutoff line", which you'd want to pass to receive a reply.
-> Clarify language pair, introduce yourself fully, link to online portfolios, emphasize gamerhood, explain WHY YOU.
1) Why don't they reply? x a) Their take
1a-3) Their recruitment pipeline is inundated; they don't have the resources to reply to applicants that don't seem immediately promising.
-> Re-approach in 3～6 months / whenever you add a mentionable translated game on your portfolio.
1a-3) Their recruitment pipeline is inundated; they don't have the resources to reply to applicants that don't seem immediately promising.
-> Re-approach in 3～6 months / whenever you add a mentionable translated game on your portfolio.
1) Why don't they reply? x a) Their take
1a-4) The attached and/or online resume/CV you sent may have seemed irrelevant.
-> If you're an established freelance/full-time translator in a non-creative genre AND a hardcore gamer, elaborate on the latter in the e-mail body, etc.
1a-4) The attached and/or online resume/CV you sent may have seemed irrelevant.
-> If you're an established freelance/full-time translator in a non-creative genre AND a hardcore gamer, elaborate on the latter in the e-mail body, etc.
1) Why don't they reply? x a) Their take
1a-5-1) The attached and/or online resume/CV you sent may have contained spelling or grammatical errors.
-> Spellcheck! The recipient may be receiving numerous other applications that DON'T have spelling or grammatical errors.
1a-5-1) The attached and/or online resume/CV you sent may have contained spelling or grammatical errors.
-> Spellcheck! The recipient may be receiving numerous other applications that DON'T have spelling or grammatical errors.
1) Why don't they reply? x a) Their take
1a-5-2) The attached and/or online resume/CV you sent may have contained spelling or grammatical errors.
-> If you're a non-native English speaker and are unsure of your resume/CV's grammar, ask a native-English friend to proofread!
1a-5-2) The attached and/or online resume/CV you sent may have contained spelling or grammatical errors.
-> If you're a non-native English speaker and are unsure of your resume/CV's grammar, ask a native-English friend to proofread!
1) Why don't they reply? x a) Their take
1a-5-3) The attached and/or online resume/CV you sent may have contained spelling or grammatical errors.
-> IMPORTANT: Please don't ask your friends for help with a game translation trial/test. It messes everything up and is harmful.
1a-5-3) The attached and/or online resume/CV you sent may have contained spelling or grammatical errors.
-> IMPORTANT: Please don't ask your friends for help with a game translation trial/test. It messes everything up and is harmful.
1) Why don't they reply? x a) Their take
1a-6) Your approach simply rubs them wrong.
-> Approaches which make us ask you to clarify/provide your language pair, overall experience, gamerhood, resume/CV essentially waste one e-mail from our end. Why not include from the get-go?
1a-6) Your approach simply rubs them wrong.
-> Approaches which make us ask you to clarify/provide your language pair, overall experience, gamerhood, resume/CV essentially waste one e-mail from our end. Why not include from the get-go?
1) Why don't they reply? x a) Their take
1a-7) Your approach is obviously copied-and-pasted/mass-mailed.
-> Tell them a short story of HOW they know you, WHY they felt compelled to contact you, WHY you see a potential match between you and them, WHY you're even doing this.
1a-7) Your approach is obviously copied-and-pasted/mass-mailed.
-> Tell them a short story of HOW they know you, WHY they felt compelled to contact you, WHY you see a potential match between you and them, WHY you're even doing this.
1) Why don't they reply? x a) Their take
1a-8-1) Your approach exhibits TAKER tendencies.
-> GIVE them just one piece of information that they might not know, especially if you're in an emerging region and/or applying for an emerging and/or niche language pair.
1a-8-1) Your approach exhibits TAKER tendencies.
-> GIVE them just one piece of information that they might not know, especially if you're in an emerging region and/or applying for an emerging and/or niche language pair.
1) Why don't they reply? x a) Their take
1a-8-2) Your approach exhibits TAKER tendencies.
-> Word your pitch so that you don't sound entitled, but eager to help and GIVE back to the industry, community, culture and fanbase that grew you into who you are, and WHY you want to.
1a-8-2) Your approach exhibits TAKER tendencies.
-> Word your pitch so that you don't sound entitled, but eager to help and GIVE back to the industry, community, culture and fanbase that grew you into who you are, and WHY you want to.
1) Why don't they reply? x a) Their take
1a-9) You don't sound compelling as a storyteller.
-> Pitch yourself as if you were squeeing over your favourite character and/or your best friend. Be genuine, show weakness, and mention your resolve to grow and overcome that weakness.
1a-9) You don't sound compelling as a storyteller.
-> Pitch yourself as if you were squeeing over your favourite character and/or your best friend. Be genuine, show weakness, and mention your resolve to grow and overcome that weakness.
1) Why don't they reply? x a) Their take
1a-10-1) You sound like a walking debuffer.
-> Re-check your wording for negative-sounding / condescending / self-deprecative / bias-implying / imposing-sounding / misuse or overuse of imperative form.
1a-10-1) You sound like a walking debuffer.
-> Re-check your wording for negative-sounding / condescending / self-deprecative / bias-implying / imposing-sounding / misuse or overuse of imperative form.
1) Why don't they reply? x a) Their take
1a-10-2) You sound like a walking debuffer.
-> Very personal take: "Write like you're singing to a loved one."
Reason: If it's a match made in heaven, you'll be singing and loving each other for a long, long time.
1a-10-2) You sound like a walking debuffer.
-> Very personal take: "Write like you're singing to a loved one."
Reason: If it's a match made in heaven, you'll be singing and loving each other for a long, long time.
1) Why don't they reply? x a) Their take
1a-11) You don't sound experienced enough.
-> Pitch yourself like experience is the only thing you lack, and that you'd be their go-to within a couple of projects.
(Note: This is much truer, and much more often, than you might imagine)
1a-11) You don't sound experienced enough.
-> Pitch yourself like experience is the only thing you lack, and that you'd be their go-to within a couple of projects.
(Note: This is much truer, and much more often, than you might imagine)
1) Why don't they reply? x a) Their take
1a-12-1) You don't sound "contextually aware".
-> Ask yourself what the recipient might want to immediately know, and provide that context proactively.
Reason: Context is the <staple-food-and-favourite-add-on> of game translation.
1a-12-1) You don't sound "contextually aware".
-> Ask yourself what the recipient might want to immediately know, and provide that context proactively.
Reason: Context is the <staple-food-and-favourite-add-on> of game translation.
1) Why don't they reply? x a) Their take
1a-12-2) You don't sound "contextually aware".
-> Mention unique skills, experiences, strengths, vocations or portfolio items that mght set you apart from your theoretical competitors.
1a-12-2) You don't sound "contextually aware".
-> Mention unique skills, experiences, strengths, vocations or portfolio items that mght set you apart from your theoretical competitors.
1) Why don't they reply? x a) Their take
1a-12-3) You don't sound "contextually aware".
-> Mention something that tells the recipient you know them in some way from before (including how and where you heard of them) and/or have researched them.
(Thank you @otobokegiraffe !)
1a-12-3) You don't sound "contextually aware".
-> Mention something that tells the recipient you know them in some way from before (including how and where you heard of them) and/or have researched them.
(Thank you @otobokegiraffe !)
1) Why don't they reply? x a) Their take
1a-12-4) You don't sound "contextually aware".
-> Think about how you could help the recipient do efficient due diligence on yourself, and demonstrate that you've done some due diligence on the recipient(≒ and know how to do research).
1a-12-4) You don't sound "contextually aware".
-> Think about how you could help the recipient do efficient due diligence on yourself, and demonstrate that you've done some due diligence on the recipient(≒ and know how to do research).
2) Why don't they say no? x a) Their take
2a-1-1) Rejection letters are cost-ineffective in terms of time, energy and emotion.
Acceptance letters buff both the sender and recipient.
Rejection letters debuff both the sender and recipient.
Silence mostly debuffs the recipient.
2a-1-1) Rejection letters are cost-ineffective in terms of time, energy and emotion.
Acceptance letters buff both the sender and recipient.
Rejection letters debuff both the sender and recipient.
Silence mostly debuffs the recipient.
2) Why don't they say no? x a) Their take
2a-1-2) Rejection letters are cost-ineffective /
-> Suggestion: Include an ASK in your initial approach that clarifies what might help you. Other client suggestions? Peer support? Educational materials? (Soften the guilt of rejection.)
2a-1-2) Rejection letters are cost-ineffective /
-> Suggestion: Include an ASK in your initial approach that clarifies what might help you. Other client suggestions? Peer support? Educational materials? (Soften the guilt of rejection.)
2) Why don't they say no? x a) Their take
2a-1-3) Rejection letters are cost-ineffective/
-> e.g. <If I lack the experience for you, could you kindly tell me how and where I might acquire such experience?> <Could I take your trial/test anyway?> (Avoid All-or-Nothing situations)
2a-1-3) Rejection letters are cost-ineffective/
-> e.g. <If I lack the experience for you, could you kindly tell me how and where I might acquire such experience?> <Could I take your trial/test anyway?> (Avoid All-or-Nothing situations)
2) Why don't they say no? x a) Their take
2a-2) They want to help you, but you're not making it easy, and they're busy.
-> See 1a-1) through 1a-12). Make it easier to help you by clarifying your own context, and including and clarifying one key "ASK".
2a-2) They want to help you, but you're not making it easy, and they're busy.
-> See 1a-1) through 1a-12). Make it easier to help you by clarifying your own context, and including and clarifying one key "ASK".
2) Why don't they say no? x a) Their take
2a-3-1) They're taking a long time to evaluate (and/or prioritize) your resume/CV and/or translation trial/test.
-> Give them a reason to. Relevance with a project/IP they may be involved in. Poke them once a month.
2a-3-1) They're taking a long time to evaluate (and/or prioritize) your resume/CV and/or translation trial/test.
-> Give them a reason to. Relevance with a project/IP they may be involved in. Poke them once a month.
2) Why don't they say no? x a) Their take
2a-3-2) They're taking a long time to evaluate your resume/CV and/or translation trial/test.
-> "Make your cover letter, resume and trial a pleasure to read. Get the recipient cheering for you. Make them care. Compel them to help."
2a-3-2) They're taking a long time to evaluate your resume/CV and/or translation trial/test.
-> "Make your cover letter, resume and trial a pleasure to read. Get the recipient cheering for you. Make them care. Compel them to help."
2) Why don't they say no? x a) Their take
2a-3-3) They're taking a long time to evaluate your resume/CV and/or translation trial/test.
Unless a translation trial result is outstandingly good or outstandingly "bad", it takes much longer to write up helpful/convincing feedback.
2a-3-3) They're taking a long time to evaluate your resume/CV and/or translation trial/test.
Unless a translation trial result is outstandingly good or outstandingly "bad", it takes much longer to write up helpful/convincing feedback.
2) Why don't they say no? x a) Their take
2a-4) "How am I supposed to judge this candidate from just this resume and trial?"
-> Provide a richer cover letter. Consider overkilling the translator's comments to show your subject matter knowledge and/or creative decisions.
2a-4) "How am I supposed to judge this candidate from just this resume and trial?"
-> Provide a richer cover letter. Consider overkilling the translator's comments to show your subject matter knowledge and/or creative decisions.
2) Why don't they say no? x a) Their take
2a-5) "How am I supposed to know what kind of person they are without meeting them?"
-> Link to a blog, articles or even Twitter account. Demonstrate how you weave words and phonetics within your cover letter and translator's comments.
2a-5) "How am I supposed to know what kind of person they are without meeting them?"
-> Link to a blog, articles or even Twitter account. Demonstrate how you weave words and phonetics within your cover letter and translator's comments.
2) Why don't they say no? x a) Their take
2a-6) "How am I supposed to know whether they're a good match for us?"
-> Provide enough context on yourself that they'll know which of their friends/rivals you might be a good match for, and be compelled to point/recommend you there.
2a-6) "How am I supposed to know whether they're a good match for us?"
-> Provide enough context on yourself that they'll know which of their friends/rivals you might be a good match for, and be compelled to point/recommend you there.
2) Why don't they say no? x a) Their take
2a-7) "Looks promising but seems to lack the experience, may be too risky."
-> Update them every 3 to 6 months with a richer portfolio, and/or whenever your schedule is or becomes wide open for the short-term future.
2a-7) "Looks promising but seems to lack the experience, may be too risky."
-> Update them every 3 to 6 months with a richer portfolio, and/or whenever your schedule is or becomes wide open for the short-term future.
2) Why don't they say no? x a) Their take
2a-8) "Their genre preferences aren't in line with our projects."
-> Research their past work. Mobygames can be your friend for AAA titles: mobygames.com . ASK if they're active in your best genres - and if not, who might be.
2a-8) "Their genre preferences aren't in line with our projects."
-> Research their past work. Mobygames can be your friend for AAA titles: mobygames.com . ASK if they're active in your best genres - and if not, who might be.
1) Why don't they reply? x a) Their take
1a-13) Their recruitment officer outright sucks at initiating and completing e-mails, and communicates much better through messages.
-> Find them on Linkedin, Twitter and/or Facebook, and send a short-ish but contextually rich pitch.
1a-13) Their recruitment officer outright sucks at initiating and completing e-mails, and communicates much better through messages.
-> Find them on Linkedin, Twitter and/or Facebook, and send a short-ish but contextually rich pitch.
For
1) Why don't they reply? x b) The applicant's take
and
2) Why don't they say no? x b) The applicant's take,
I'll try to brainstorm from the applicant's standpoint, and suggest possible counters to the frustrations involved.
1) Why don't they reply? x b) The applicant's take
and
2) Why don't they say no? x b) The applicant's take,
I'll try to brainstorm from the applicant's standpoint, and suggest possible counters to the frustrations involved.
1) Why don't they reply? x b) Applicant's take
1b-1) "Is it rude to re-poke them?"
-> Short answer: "No!". Long answer: "Unless there's a known time constraint, waiting a week or two to follow up can give the impression of patience. Poking a month later should be just fine."
1b-1) "Is it rude to re-poke them?"
-> Short answer: "No!". Long answer: "Unless there's a known time constraint, waiting a week or two to follow up can give the impression of patience. Poking a month later should be just fine."
1) Why don't they reply? x b) Applicant's take
1b-2-1) "Do they even know what they're doing?"
-> No. Game translator recruitment, and more so game translation trials, are currently as far from a science as you could get in HR matters. You should assume randomness everywhere.
1b-2-1) "Do they even know what they're doing?"
-> No. Game translator recruitment, and more so game translation trials, are currently as far from a science as you could get in HR matters. You should assume randomness everywhere.
1) Why don't they reply? x b) Applicant's take
1b-2-2) "Do they even know what they're doing?"
-> No. Currently, many of the larger game localization companies are recruiting game translators with non-game-translation-specific techniques, which... have room for improvement.
1b-2-2) "Do they even know what they're doing?"
-> No. Currently, many of the larger game localization companies are recruiting game translators with non-game-translation-specific techniques, which... have room for improvement.
1) Why don't they reply? x b) Applicant's take
1b-2-3) "Do they even know what they're doing?"
-> No. Most game translator-led small to medium-sized game localization studios have the savvy yet often lack the scalability and/or lack the very need to recruit more translators.
1b-2-3) "Do they even know what they're doing?"
-> No. Most game translator-led small to medium-sized game localization studios have the savvy yet often lack the scalability and/or lack the very need to recruit more translators.
1) Why don't they reply? x b) Applicant's take
1b-2-4) "Do they even know what they're doing?"
-> No. Experience in game translator recruitment is often much, much richer on the applicant end, as they witness a wide and messy spectrum of answers and a mountain of silences.
1b-2-4) "Do they even know what they're doing?"
-> No. Experience in game translator recruitment is often much, much richer on the applicant end, as they witness a wide and messy spectrum of answers and a mountain of silences.
1) Why don't they reply? x b) Applicant's take
1b-2-5) "Do they even know what they're doing?"
-> No. So it's potentially easier, or at least more efficient, to figure out how to show them how you do things, and wait until one of the recipients "gets" it and why you do it.
1b-2-5) "Do they even know what they're doing?"
-> No. So it's potentially easier, or at least more efficient, to figure out how to show them how you do things, and wait until one of the recipients "gets" it and why you do it.
1) Why don't they reply? x b) Applicant's take
1b-2-6) "Do they even know what they're doing?"
Note: There's a nasty tradeoff here: Not customizing for a recipient will likely impress them less, yet spending time and energy researching an uninterested client can be frustrating.
1b-2-6) "Do they even know what they're doing?"
Note: There's a nasty tradeoff here: Not customizing for a recipient will likely impress them less, yet spending time and energy researching an uninterested client can be frustrating.
1) Why don't they reply? x b) Applicant's take
1b-3-0) "What should I look for?"
-> Parameters of game translator-to-client matching include:
1) Budgets
2) Speed
3) Verbosity
4) Appreciation of gamerhood
5) Appreciation of writing skills
6) Room for emotions and vulnerability
1b-3-0) "What should I look for?"
-> Parameters of game translator-to-client matching include:
1) Budgets
2) Speed
3) Verbosity
4) Appreciation of gamerhood
5) Appreciation of writing skills
6) Room for emotions and vulnerability
1) Why don't they reply? x b) Applicant's take
1b-3-1) "What should I look for?" : Budgets
Mentioning your preferred rate immediately can minimize fruitless correspondence.
Mentioning your preferred rate as a range of <minimum> to <dream> can provide helpful context.
1b-3-1) "What should I look for?" : Budgets
Mentioning your preferred rate immediately can minimize fruitless correspondence.
Mentioning your preferred rate as a range of <minimum> to <dream> can provide helpful context.
1) Why don't they reply? x b) Applicant's take
1b-3-1) "What should I look for?" : Speed
Game translation companies, game publishers and game developer studios operate at differing levels of speed.
-> Try to get a feel for their preferred speed, or ask them outright.
1b-3-1) "What should I look for?" : Speed
Game translation companies, game publishers and game developer studios operate at differing levels of speed.
-> Try to get a feel for their preferred speed, or ask them outright.
1) Why don't they reply? x b) Applicant's take
1b-3-1) "What should I look for?" : Speed
Mobile MMOGs tend to have frequent updates, which means small volume projects with short turnovers.
Online PvP games, especially with e-sports scenes, need fast patch note translations.
1b-3-1) "What should I look for?" : Speed
Mobile MMOGs tend to have frequent updates, which means small volume projects with short turnovers.
Online PvP games, especially with e-sports scenes, need fast patch note translations.
1) Why don't they reply? x b) Applicant's take
1b-3-1) "What should I look for?" : Speed
Text-heavy/lore-heavy games require a more long-distance/marathon-esque type of speed, and tend to have longer schedules and to test your self-control and sustainability.
1b-3-1) "What should I look for?" : Speed
Text-heavy/lore-heavy games require a more long-distance/marathon-esque type of speed, and tend to have longer schedules and to test your self-control and sustainability.
1) Why don't they reply? x b) Applicant's take
1b-3-2) "What should I look for?" : Verbosity
Some recipients prefer to-the-point communication, and will ask you (shortly) whenever they want to hear more.
They will be more likely to be turned off by walls of text.
1b-3-2) "What should I look for?" : Verbosity
Some recipients prefer to-the-point communication, and will ask you (shortly) whenever they want to hear more.
They will be more likely to be turned off by walls of text.
1) Why don't they reply? x b) Applicant's take
1b-3-2) "What should I look for?" : Verbosity
Some recipients have an Innate Resistance to walls of text, write them left and right, and expect to and enjoy receiving and reading them. The best walls of text are engaging stories.
1b-3-2) "What should I look for?" : Verbosity
Some recipients have an Innate Resistance to walls of text, write them left and right, and expect to and enjoy receiving and reading them. The best walls of text are engaging stories.
1) Why don't they reply? x b) Applicant's take
1b-3-2) "What should I look for?" : Verbosity
((If you actually read the whole thread this far without overwhelming frustration, I'd love to read a wall of text from you, and to write one in return. DMs are open.))
1b-3-2) "What should I look for?" : Verbosity
((If you actually read the whole thread this far without overwhelming frustration, I'd love to read a wall of text from you, and to write one in return. DMs are open.))
((Whoops, realized I'd misnumbered "Speed" as 1b-3-1) instead of 1b-3-2), and "Verbosity" as 1b-3-2) instead of 1b-3-3)... Write more, fail more, no regrets.))
1) Why don't they reply? x b) Applicant's take
1b-3-4) "What should I look for?" : Appreciation of gamerhood
Passion for games and game translation are usually a huge plus if conveyed adequately, especially if it's for titles or IPs that the recipient is involved in.
1b-3-4) "What should I look for?" : Appreciation of gamerhood
Passion for games and game translation are usually a huge plus if conveyed adequately, especially if it's for titles or IPs that the recipient is involved in.
1) Why don't they reply? x b) Applicant's take
1b-3-4) "What should I look for?" : Appreciation of gamerhood
Passion for games and game translation can come across as unrefined, unprofessional or immature if overdemonstrated and/or overpassionate. Don't be smug, be helpful!
1b-3-4) "What should I look for?" : Appreciation of gamerhood
Passion for games and game translation can come across as unrefined, unprofessional or immature if overdemonstrated and/or overpassionate. Don't be smug, be helpful!
1) Why don't they reply? x b) Applicant's take
1b-3-4) "What should I look for?" : Appreciation of gamerhood
Note that many non-game-specific localization companies have non-gamers handling game translator recruitment. More often the case in established companies.
1b-3-4) "What should I look for?" : Appreciation of gamerhood
Note that many non-game-specific localization companies have non-gamers handling game translator recruitment. More often the case in established companies.
1) Why don't they reply? x b) Applicant's take
1b-3-5) "What should I look for?" : Appreciation of writing skills
If you're a good writer, and the recipient is or has a good writer, you will be noticed, be it through your cover letter, translator comments or Twitter timeline.
1b-3-5) "What should I look for?" : Appreciation of writing skills
If you're a good writer, and the recipient is or has a good writer, you will be noticed, be it through your cover letter, translator comments or Twitter timeline.
1) Why don't they reply? x b) Applicant's take
1b-3-5) "What should I look for?" : Appreciation of writing skills
Conversely, if you're unsure of your writing skills, you might want to look for potential clients that are unlikely to have skilled writers vetting applications.
1b-3-5) "What should I look for?" : Appreciation of writing skills
Conversely, if you're unsure of your writing skills, you might want to look for potential clients that are unlikely to have skilled writers vetting applications.
1) Why don't they reply? x b) Applicant's take
1b-3-5) "What should I look for?" : Appreciation of writing skills
Personal take: There's a subconscious layer to writing skills, that show up whenever you're not consciously translating or writing creatively.
1b-3-5) "What should I look for?" : Appreciation of writing skills
Personal take: There's a subconscious layer to writing skills, that show up whenever you're not consciously translating or writing creatively.
1) Why don't they reply? x b) Applicant's take
1b-3-5) "What should I look for?" : Appreciation of writing skills
Personal take: Subconscious writing skills help make your cover letter and Twitter ramblings fun to read, and can turn your portfolio into a fascinating story.
1b-3-5) "What should I look for?" : Appreciation of writing skills
Personal take: Subconscious writing skills help make your cover letter and Twitter ramblings fun to read, and can turn your portfolio into a fascinating story.
1) Why don't they reply? x b) Applicant's take
1b-3-6) "What should I look for?" : Room for emotions and vulnerability
Conventional translator etiquette places strong emphasis on no-nonsense professionalism. Younger, newer parties tend to be more casual and friendly.
1b-3-6) "What should I look for?" : Room for emotions and vulnerability
Conventional translator etiquette places strong emphasis on no-nonsense professionalism. Younger, newer parties tend to be more casual and friendly.
1) Why don't they reply? x b) Applicant's take
1b-3-6) "What should I look for?" : Room for emotions and vulnerability
Some game translation companies will try to provide safe spaces for you to show your colors in. Others will expect you to bring your own, or hold your own.
1b-3-6) "What should I look for?" : Room for emotions and vulnerability
Some game translation companies will try to provide safe spaces for you to show your colors in. Others will expect you to bring your own, or hold your own.
1) Why don't they reply? x b) Applicant's take
1b-3-6) "What should I look for?" : Room for emotions and vulnerability
Clients and translators often enjoy working together most when they offer each other a similar level of breathing room and/or room for error/contingencies.
1b-3-6) "What should I look for?" : Room for emotions and vulnerability
Clients and translators often enjoy working together most when they offer each other a similar level of breathing room and/or room for error/contingencies.
1) Why don't they reply? x b) Applicant's take
1b-3-7) "What should I look for?" : Room for growth and improvement
Some recipients will expect you to bring your A-game and maintain it.
Some will match your B-game with their own B-game.
Some try to match your A with their C.
1b-3-7) "What should I look for?" : Room for growth and improvement
Some recipients will expect you to bring your A-game and maintain it.
Some will match your B-game with their own B-game.
Some try to match your A with their C.
1) Why don't they reply? x b) Applicant's take
1b-3-7) "What should I look for?" : Room for growth and improvement
Some recipients will insist on your having a certain level or more of reasonably-convincing alleged experience.
Some recipients won't mind your being a newcomer.
1b-3-7) "What should I look for?" : Room for growth and improvement
Some recipients will insist on your having a certain level or more of reasonably-convincing alleged experience.
Some recipients won't mind your being a newcomer.
1) Why don't they reply? x b) Applicant's take
1b-3-7) "What should I look for?" : Room for growth and improvement
Some recipients are looking for long-term partners to grow and prosper with over years.
Some only need you to last until the next year's batch of graduates.
1b-3-7) "What should I look for?" : Room for growth and improvement
Some recipients are looking for long-term partners to grow and prosper with over years.
Some only need you to last until the next year's batch of graduates.
1) Why don't they reply? x b) Applicant's take
1b-3-8) "What should I look for?" : Quality goals
Some recipients won't have the budget or time or patience to aim for high-end quality.
Some recipients are all about quality.
Both may mention "quality first" if asked.
1b-3-8) "What should I look for?" : Quality goals
Some recipients won't have the budget or time or patience to aim for high-end quality.
Some recipients are all about quality.
Both may mention "quality first" if asked.
1) Why don't they reply? x b) Applicant's take
1b-3-8) "What should I look for?" : Quality goals
Some recipients have their main clients effectively locked down in, so are less reliant on their reputation and are more trusted due to their capability to maintain the status quo.
1b-3-8) "What should I look for?" : Quality goals
Some recipients have their main clients effectively locked down in, so are less reliant on their reputation and are more trusted due to their capability to maintain the status quo.
1) Why don't they reply? x b) Applicant's take
1b-3-8) "What should I look for?" : Quality goals
Some recipients rely on their reputation to attract both source clients and potential collaborators, and will hope to have you add to and share that reputation.
1b-3-8) "What should I look for?" : Quality goals
Some recipients rely on their reputation to attract both source clients and potential collaborators, and will hope to have you add to and share that reputation.
(( Addendum to
1) Why don't they reply? x a) Their take
1a-11) You don't sound experienced enough.
...as I'd brainstormed in a direction that didn't address the "You don't sound" part adequately.
Moving on to <2) Why don't they say no? x b) Applicant's take> after that.))
1) Why don't they reply? x a) Their take
1a-11) You don't sound experienced enough.
...as I'd brainstormed in a direction that didn't address the "You don't sound" part adequately.
Moving on to <2) Why don't they say no? x b) Applicant's take> after that.))
1) Why don't they reply? x a) Their take
1a-11) You don't sound experienced enough.
-> Mention approximate number of games and/or total source words translated so far. List and link to solo-translated games to help due diligence. Name-drop mentionable games and/or clients.
1a-11) You don't sound experienced enough.
-> Mention approximate number of games and/or total source words translated so far. List and link to solo-translated games to help due diligence. Name-drop mentionable games and/or clients.
2) Why don't they say no? x b) The applicant's take
2b-1) Uncertainty is a nasty debuff with no clear duration timer.
The more important a potential client or opportunity is and/or feels to you, the more agonizing any answer except YES will be, including indefinite silence.
2b-1) Uncertainty is a nasty debuff with no clear duration timer.
The more important a potential client or opportunity is and/or feels to you, the more agonizing any answer except YES will be, including indefinite silence.
2) Why don't they say no? x b) The applicant's take
2b-1) Uncertainty is a nasty debuff with no clear duration timer.
-> Sometimes, re-poking until they say NO can be preferable to not hearing back at all - as you'll at least have confirmed that you're worthy of an answer.
2b-1) Uncertainty is a nasty debuff with no clear duration timer.
-> Sometimes, re-poking until they say NO can be preferable to not hearing back at all - as you'll at least have confirmed that you're worthy of an answer.
2) Why don't they say no? x b) The applicant's take
2b-1) Uncertainty is a nasty debuff with no clear duration timer.
-> One way of justifying repeated pokes: <If they don't value/respect your continued show of interest, THEY are not worthy of YOU. You deserve better.>
2b-1) Uncertainty is a nasty debuff with no clear duration timer.
-> One way of justifying repeated pokes: <If they don't value/respect your continued show of interest, THEY are not worthy of YOU. You deserve better.>
2) Why don't they say no? x b) The applicant's take
2b-2) "How hard can it be to just turn me down?"
-> The more respect they have for you, and the more they care about your application, the more time and energy and emotional energy they'll need to explain/justify their "NO".
2b-2) "How hard can it be to just turn me down?"
-> The more respect they have for you, and the more they care about your application, the more time and energy and emotional energy they'll need to explain/justify their "NO".
2) Why don't they say no? x b) The applicant's take
2b-2) "How hard can it be to just turn me down?"
-> Make it easier for them to say "<not-YES>" with a low-cost ASK. "If I'm not a good match for you, could you please point me to better-matched potential clients?"
2b-2) "How hard can it be to just turn me down?"
-> Make it easier for them to say "<not-YES>" with a low-cost ASK. "If I'm not a good match for you, could you please point me to better-matched potential clients?"
2) Why don't they say no? x b) The applicant's take
2b-3) "Did they think I'm e-mailing everyone with a copy-and-paste?"
-> They probably did. Are you trying to woo the potential love of your professional life, or are you looking for anyone available who's remotely interested?
2b-3) "Did they think I'm e-mailing everyone with a copy-and-paste?"
-> They probably did. Are you trying to woo the potential love of your professional life, or are you looking for anyone available who's remotely interested?
2) Why don't they say no? x b) The applicant's take
2b-4) "How arrogant are they not to even say no?"
-> Anywhere between "not arrogant at all" to "totally full of themselves". It's OK to write them off. It's OK to hold a grudge and to work towards a future told-you-so moment.
2b-4) "How arrogant are they not to even say no?"
-> Anywhere between "not arrogant at all" to "totally full of themselves". It's OK to write them off. It's OK to hold a grudge and to work towards a future told-you-so moment.
2) Why don't they say no? x b) The applicant's take
2b-5) "Did they even get my e-mail/message?"
-> There's only one way of actively making sure. / A recipient that reprimands you for ensuring you've reached them... will probably frustrate you even more if you work together.
2b-5) "Did they even get my e-mail/message?"
-> There's only one way of actively making sure. / A recipient that reprimands you for ensuring you've reached them... will probably frustrate you even more if you work together.
2) Why don't they say no? x b) The applicant's take
2b-6) "Should I move on/contact someone else?"
-> Yes! Currently for English-to-<target language> game translation, unless you've contacted 20 or so game localization companies, you won't have talked to "all the good folks".
2b-6) "Should I move on/contact someone else?"
-> Yes! Currently for English-to-<target language> game translation, unless you've contacted 20 or so game localization companies, you won't have talked to "all the good folks".
2) Why don't they say no? x b) The applicant's take
2b-7) "Was my trial that bad?"
-> "Bad" is relative and often arbitrary in game translation trials. If the recipient provides feedback and you don't agree with it, you will probably mesh better with other potential clients.
2b-7) "Was my trial that bad?"
-> "Bad" is relative and often arbitrary in game translation trials. If the recipient provides feedback and you don't agree with it, you will probably mesh better with other potential clients.
2) Why don't they say no? x b) The applicant's take
2b-7) "Was my trial that bad?"
-> Personal take: If you are of average or better overall game translation ability, you will likely pass at least one trial before failing six, so should try to take trials until you fail six.
2b-7) "Was my trial that bad?"
-> Personal take: If you are of average or better overall game translation ability, you will likely pass at least one trial before failing six, so should try to take trials until you fail six.
2) Why don't they say no? x b) The applicant's take
2b-7) "Was my trial that bad?"
-> Personal take: Choice of wording and the result of creative translation choices are more strongly subject to arbitrary evaluation than translator's comments that explain your choices.
2b-7) "Was my trial that bad?"
-> Personal take: Choice of wording and the result of creative translation choices are more strongly subject to arbitrary evaluation than translator's comments that explain your choices.
