You Lose Freelancing Opportunities Every Day
Here are 5 reasons why.
After over a decade in the translation industry, I’m currently Chief Marketing Officer at a successful translation agency.
It’s a highly competitive industry, and every day I receive dozens of prospective emails from translators.
I’m not even the best person to contact about working for my company; there are also large swathes of speculative applications arriving in our recruitment inbox each day.
Since I started working in the industry I’ve worked with hundreds of translators and I have seen first-hand how the best freelancers win freelance contracts.
Here are the biggest ‘no-no’s I can share with you, based on 10 years in the industry:
1. Misreading instructions on our website.
The instructions to apply to our company are written on our website. We make it easy for you.
Despite this we still receive around 50 unsolicited freelance applications per day, sent to the wrong email address.
Perhaps they think we are looking for freelance translators who think outside the box and aren’t afraid to break the rules?
We are not. Please read the instructions on our website.
If these applicants can’t read and understand the first instruction we ever give them, then how can we expect them to follow more complex customer requirements?
We are not the only company who makes it easy to work for us.
Read the instructions on the website, folks.
2. You don’t make it easy for me.
It is usually very clear when a freelancer sends me an application. Because the title of the email spells out what they are offering.
This helps us decide, at a glance, whether what they are offering is relevant.
In our case the right sort of email subject from a translator might be:
Freelance application – [name] – [your language pair]
Simple.
Here are some annoying examples by those who like to deviate from this format.
- “RE: translation request”
Ah. You’re trying to make me think that we have previously exchanged emails about a project..
It takes me until I open the email to realise that this is not the case. Then I have to scroll down to check the email string, before realising that this is the first I have heard from you. Time wasted.
- Putting “FW:” in the subject line.
This is an interesting one. I’m unsure of the reason. Deliberately pretending to ‘forward’ a freelance application to me. It smacks of carelessness and I will ignore.
Essentially, if I feel misled by the subject line of your email I am unlikely to reply.
I don’t have time to open all applications so I will open the ones that make it easy for me.
Make it easy for me.
3. Your identity has been stolen.
I know this sounds cruel, but the sheer volume of poor or faked applications sent to my organisation would require an extra member staff to review potential supplier CVs and emails.
This does mean that good people are probably overlooked.
However, there are also many CVs and applications sent to us under false pretences.
The formula is this:
- A scammer steals your CV that you naively uploaded to a translation network website.
- They send it to translation agencies with a slightly amended email address (directing to the scammer) and attempt to win translation work at a competitive rate, deliver a rubbish translation and get paid before the scam is uncovered.
The best website for listing and reporting scammers is here: http://www.translator-scammers.com/translator-scammers-directory.htm
Sadly, many of the best freelance translators we work with have been impersonated and their reputation impacted by scammers assuming their identity.
Don’t make your CV easily available online!
4. No testimonials.
People care what other people think. Include a testimonial.
If you are ‘an experienced professional with hundreds of happy clients’ then prove it.
A recommendation is worth its weight in gold. If you can’t find a happy client, or if you don’t have any customers, then find a lecturer, or your local fishmonger.
Include a testimonial.
5. Not following up.
I hope I’ve given you the impression that we are busy. Because we really are.
So if we neglect your email, and you’ve followed all the right steps then I am really sorry.
Please follow up.
Consider attempting a three-pronged attack:
- Follow the instructions for getting in touch in our website.
- Give us a call to let us know you’ve applied and you are available for any questions. This really encourages us to prioritise you.
- Connect with me on LinkedIn.
The chances are that, with a little tact and perseverance you’ll be top of the list when I need your services.
One final thought is about ‘relationship building’.
It’s really hard to build relationships when you’re ultimately seeking a sale.
Make connections in your chosen industry and develop them just as you would a colleague or friend.
Take an interest in your target client’s work and see how they react to your positive approaches.
I could (and probably will) write more articles about finding work as a freelance translator. There is a lot to say.
If you are struggling to find freelance work I would be glad to help you, and answer any questions you have about the process.
Good luck!
