Before I start explaining some useful tips in writing CVs, let me introduce you to the difference between a CV and a résumé. A résumé usually presents your skills shortly and gives an impression about your qualifications that make you suitable for a certain position. On the other hand, a CV is longer than a résumé because it provides further details and information about your academic history, previous experiences and occupied positions, individual achievements, publications … etc.
You present your qualifications for a translation job through your Curriculum Vitae (CV). Your CV is an entrance to a translation job where you can persuade the client or, mostly, the project manager to hire you.
Let’s get down to our business and make our CVs perfect:
- Start your CV with your personal information, including your name and address. You may add your personal photo.
- Make a timeline of your academic history. Some freelance translators are afraid of referring to their university majors because they did not study Translation in the university, although they are professionals. If you did not study translation or any related field in the university, that does not mean you are not qualified to translate. Sometimes, it is considered a plus to translate in the field of your study.
- Write the number of years of experience. If you are still building your future career as a translator, you can mention what types of translation you have done. However, it is important to mention your experiences because translation is highly based on practicing, and the more you translate, the better you become. Practice makes perfect.
- Certainly, you are a specialized translator in some areas more than others. So, it is a good point to include your fields of specialization. The one who is going to hire you will be more attracted to your strengths.
- To show your enthusiasm to a certain work and to indicate deep knowledge in the field of translation, you probably should include other services you provide, such as proofreading, transcription, voice-over among others.
- You are a professional translator so write down the CAT tools you use when you translate. Working on CAT tools is a signal of professionalism in the modern day. They reduce efforts and save time, indeed.
- Add your achievements! Your personal achievements show your creativity and unique accomplishments, like referring to your participation in a big project, or your contribution to a handbook guide for a certain company.
- Of course, you should make a reference to your language pairs, and all the connection methods in which you can build trust with your clients and ensure your commitment to the work you’re assigned to do.
- Demonstrate your skills and talents in translation. Translation is an art as well as a science.
- Add a technology skill list in your CV. Show your client that you’re skilled in Microsoft Office, Spreadsheets, CAT tools, etc.
Conclusion:
As a freelance translator, you are in a battlefield struggling to win a job among many competitors who provide the same service, whether they are freelancers or translation agencies. Therefore, you need to build a solid CV that meets the client’s needs and contains convenient information.
Last note:
This article helps you use some essential points not only to your CV or résumé, but also to your profile, e-mails, blogs, ads, etc.