Translation - art & business » Getting established »
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Is that ok to contact outsourcers?
Thread poster: Anne R
José Henrique Lamensdorf
José Henrique Lamensdorf  Identity Verified
Brazil
Local time: 04:37
English to Portuguese
+ ...
In memoriam
The odds in each method Jan 29, 2012

Some input on your chances using each method of contact...

Contacting other translators - This is unlikely to work on the short run. A translator will only outsource whatever exceeds their own production capacity, and quite likely will be scared stiff of their clients preferring your work to theirs. On the long run, if you build a reputation for your specialization (e.g. subject areas, AV translation, handling special files, e... See more
Some input on your chances using each method of contact...

Contacting other translators - This is unlikely to work on the short run. A translator will only outsource whatever exceeds their own production capacity, and quite likely will be scared stiff of their clients preferring your work to theirs. On the long run, if you build a reputation for your specialization (e.g. subject areas, AV translation, handling special files, etc.) and promote it, chances are they will seek you when there is a need for that they can't serve.

Replying to "translators in all pairs required" ads - These usually come from outsourcers that have failed to work on the demand side (i.e. to get clients), so their strategy (?) is now to work on the offer side (i.e. to have a big translators database). Does it work? You'll be the judge on that. Personally, I don't think so.

Visiting outsourcers' web sites who request CVs - Sending your CV is okay, however this will depend on luck. If they have a high demand, chances are they will be too busy to rummage through all the applications they get, unless they are having trouble to cover a specific need. It will be their luck if you are one of the few who can fulfill it.

Visiting outsourcers' web sites that have online application forms - If their web site and translators database are well integrated, this is the most likely option. Whenever a PM needs your language pair and one of your specialty areas, they'll perform a search, and your entry will come up... before they go to square one and post a job offer.

The last two options may be carried out using the Blue Board. From most outsourcers' BB record you may use the 'Go' link to visit their web site. At least this will prevent you from applying to outsourcers that are being bad-mouthed by fellow translators who already worked for them.

It may take time and patience, however I am a witness that the last option above pays off on the long run. ▲ Collapse
 
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Is that ok to contact outsourcers?







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