Working as a Subcontractor for Translation Agencies_ What You Need to Know

Working as a translation agency subcontractor is a job opportunity that you might have had to think about if you are a professional interpreter or translator. It is the best way to top up your earnings while at the same time gain some experience from different industries. However, there are a few things that you need to know before you start. This blog post looks at what it means to be a sub-contractor for translation agencies and how it can be done successfully.

1. Get the role of a subcontractor

It is crucial to know exactly what you will be doing when you decide to become a subcontractor in the field of translation before you can dive into it. Working as a subcontractor means working with agencies on project basis hence one not being a permanent member of such an organization but rather one who has been hired on individual assignment basis. Consequently, being a subcontractor means that there will be no benefits accrued here i.e., health cover, paid off days and retirements scheme.

2. Develop a strong portfolio

Most often than not, translation agencies are always interested in hiring subcontractors who have built up their professional portfolios in terms of skills and experience in the industry. Ensure you have comprehensive samples of your work such as written translations, spoken languages or subject matter as diverse as possible from various translation agencies that you have worked for or might get to a portfolio that is quite extensive and varied in terms of languages, fields of expertise (e.g., written translation, interpreting), and formats (e.g., written translation, interpreting). This helps potential clients single you out from hundreds if not thousands out thereby increasing chances of being picked up for projects.

3. Understand what is expected of you while working with the translation agencies

For every translating company there are set requirements and rules for ad-hoc workers. Before making a final decision on whether or not you will work with any particular agency, make a point of reading and understanding their terms and conditions in entirety. These include mode of payment, timeline within which projects should be submitted, communication channels as well as quality standards that need to be met. Meeting these requirements implies good rapport between yourself and the agency.

4. Clearly and promptly communicate

Successful work depends largely on communication just like any livelihood and this is even more so when working as a subcontractor for translation agencies. Ensure effective and precise communication about all details of the project with a broking firm from whom you seek projects, timeline as well as raising any concerns that may come up during the execution process of work. This way not only will you be in good books with the agency but will also be certain of its success.

5. Plan your time well

As a freelancer, you may find yourself taking multiple jobs within the same week. You are tasked with properly managing all the various works so as to meet the timeline of each project without affecting quality. You can do this by coming up with flexible schedules, giving more weight to some duties at the expense of others and keeping in touch with your client or his broker at all times concerning your availability.

6. Be ready for feedback and revisions

There can be feedback given by such organizations or requests for changes in what you have translated. It is essential to learn from such feedback when necessary changes are requested so that clients can be satisfied. Remember that the client is represented by the agency and they have to maintain a good relationship with each other for future business.

7. Understand payment terms as well as rates

Before agreeing to work on any job, ensure that you get to know what you are going to be paid for it. Some may pay per word, per hour while others offer a lump sum payment for the whole job; it also varies in different fields of expertise and language pairs. Thus always ensure that you negotiate for a fair rate and ask when and how you will be paid. Make sure you keep a record of the time that you worked on something and send invoices immediately so that you do not delay payment.

8. Confidentiality And Data Protection

If you are contracting for translation services providers, you will access confidential information as well as documents that should remain within the company. It is crucial that all such materials are never put into public domain or shared without consent from rightful owners. Additionally, signing an NDA with an agency helps protect its confidential information too.

Conclusion:

Working as a subcontractor for translation agencies can be both professionally and financially rewarding. It is important, however, to understand the roles and responsibilities associated with such a career path. If you follow the advice given in this blog post, you will derive much satisfaction from being a subcontractor in translation agencies. Always remember to improve on your skill sets, keep up with good communication systems with agencies and maintain high standards in your works in terms of quality.