Looking to land more clients and expand your business as a freelance translator? Before applying for any position, you first need to revise your resume before sending it to the employer or client. Even if you aren’t currently looking to apply for another job, always keep your resume up-to-date. Here are a few tips that can help you improve your current resume and help you stand out from other translators:
Keep it to the point
When writing your resume, don’t make it too long. Even if you have a lot of education, awards or experience, be concise and keep it to the selling points. When called in for an interview, you can expand more on your selling points. Bullet points should be brief and not long sentences. Keep your resume to one-page, long resumes are usually unread. Know your audience
Add your language pair(s) and/or specialization
As a translator and/or interpreter, list your language pair(s) at the top of your page and/or specialization to make it easy for your client to find. This will help weed out clients who might not be the right clients for you and save both of you time.
Highlight certifications
Any certifications that you have as a translator, list near the top of your resume to make sure it is highlighted and seen. For example the American Translators Association has a certification exam in various language combinations which allow you to become ATA-Certified Translators. By passing these types exams and listing them on your resume, you show your professional competence.
Leave off unnecessary personal information
Your resume is your business profile. Include your contact information at the top of the page (email, phone number, etc.). However, leave off information like your hobbies or other information that doesn’t connect your translation skills to the clients needs. Hobbiles, photos, or other personal information can be talked about in your interview if asked, but the main focus of your resume should be based on your work experience and qualifications for the job you are applying for. Be sure to have a professional email for clients to email you.
Share your website
Add your website information on your resume so that potential clients can check out your resume to find out more information about you and your company. Include your resume and more about your services on your website.
List relevant information
When revising your resume, be sure to get rid of any irrelevant information for the job you are applying for. Only include information on your resume that is currently relevant in you experience, skills, education, awards, etc. that you choose to list.
Make your resume visually appealing and organized
Be creative, but keep your resume professional. Be sure the font is easy to read. Use bullet points to add any details to your experiences, education, skills, etc. Organize the information on your resume strategically to highlight the most important at the top to least important at the bottom.
Hopefully you will find these tips helpful in updating and revising your resume to gain new clients and expand your business. Do you have any other tips that have helped your resume stand out over others? Comment below to share with us.