Thread by @translationtalk

Good morning! Thanks a lot for your invaluable input yesterday about important steps for translation & interpreting graduates and beginners on how to become a successful #freelancer. Learning from seasoned colleagues, for example as a member in an organization, is a key factor.

Today, let's focus on our professionalism. Establishing a network, attending #webinars #seminars #conferences, investing time in learning how to use a CAT tool etc. are only parts of the mosaic. In order to find and keep clients we need to act like pros.

We all expect our clients to perceive us as professional service-providers at eye level. We are neither amateurs nor hobby-translators looking for some quick cash. Honesty towards a client is important, e.g. if you're not enough qualified or a suggested deadline can't be met.

As long as you're not on holiday, make sure to stay available, either on phone or via mail. Have your mails forwarded to your mobile for a quick and brief response that you'll come back with more details later.

Even if it's obvious to most of us, make sure to check your mails regularly (I have had colleagues who check once or twice a day - definitely not a good idea). Stay focused on your translation work, structure your time and dedicate 5-10 minutes now and then only to your mails.

Communication is key. Once you have received the purchase order, make sure to confirm as soon as possible. Only accept written orders. What is said and promised on the phone is quickly forgotten.

Follow all the instructions in the PO (purchase order) carefully. There is often a reason why project managers have added translation memories, termbases, reference files, and glossaries. Don't be afraid to ask again if something is not clear (there are no stupid questions).

Again, we are expecting professionalism. It happens that a client can only provide a PDF file which we can't translate directly. We need to charge for extra time-consuming tasks, such as file converting, reformatting, proofreading the source text before the translation work.

While some PDF files, depending on format and source, can be translated directly in some CAT tools, it's often not clear whether the outcome is acceptable or not.

If questions arise during the translation which can't be solved with your glossaries or research work, set up a list of problematic terms for your client, add your questions or maybe suggestions. Some clients even have form templates. Send the list to the client in due time.

There can be questions about jargon terms (only used within a company), misspellings, inconsistencies, or factual faults (text says right, picture shows left), and nobody has noticed until now.

If you translate technical documents, keep in mind that different persons often contribute with different parts to a manual (and maybe lacking terminology management). The translator is often the 1st person who reads the complete document from first to last page.