Consider this age-long cycle of you needing a job but having no experience and to get the required experience, you need a job! This can leave you feeling discouraged after a while.
But not to worry, this article will show you how (and where) to get translation jobs online with no experience so you can finally break out from the cycle of no experience, no jobs.
Therefore, if you are skilled in speaking different languages (bilingual or multilingual) and you want to leverage on that to earn some money – translation jobs online with no experience may just be what you need.
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If you are ready to begin a career in freelance translation, let’s dig in.
But first:
Who Is A Freelance Translator?
A freelance translator is someone that works with clients directly without being attached to a particular employer. A freelance translator converts written texts from one language to another language. Also, the freelance translation job involves transcribing texts in articles, medical forms, corporate communication, and other forms of documents.
Therefore, as a freelance translator – you must be ready to work hand in hand with language agencies in order to land many assignments.
Besides, engaging in a freelance translation job makes you the boss of yourself – you could choose the niche to transcribe (I.e sciences, law, engineering, and others), who to write for, and the rates to charge.
Therefore, it is important to understand the context of the chosen industry jargon and how to carry out the translation.
How Can I Work As An Online Translator With No Experience
The following are the ways through which you can work as a translator;
Specialize:
You need to specialize in a particular niche – this can be medical, legal, marketing, IT, or some others. Focusing on a particular niche will make you become an expert in that area. Do not be “Jack of all trades and master of none”
Education:
Although obtaining a degree in translation is not compulsory, having one in the said language you wish to translate coupled with some certifications will give you an edge for a higher salary.
Also, the following skills are essential;
- Language skills
- Computer skills
- Computer-assisted translation tools (CAT) like translation memory software, language search engine software, alignment software, Grammarly for both spell and grammar check, and some others
- Good typing speed
- Excellent business skill
Join the necessary translation bodies:
One way through which you can work as an online translator is by enlisting to join the following;
American Translator Association (ATA)
Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI)
So, joining these translation associations will open you to other colleagues, learn one or two things from them and become better even as you strive to further the course of your translation career.
Invest in Translation Courses:
Investing in some certification courses will help to convince your clients of your abilities in translation. Besides, these courses will give a broader view of translation and enhance your professional growth.
Also, at the end of these courses – you will be offered proof of your certification which will form the basis on which your potential clients can use in offering you a job. So, you could check out some certification courses on ATA, and CMI
Create a portfolio/CV while you continue to practice:
Here is a question you might want to ask, “How can I create a portfolio/CV with no experience in translation”? This is quite easy to do – having your degree, certifications, and the right niche is a good starting point in creating your portfolio.
Besides, creating a portfolio will give you some credibility and the quality of what you can deliver.
Continuous development:
Learn, relearn and unlearn – this will get more clients and referrals to you as the quality of your work increases. This might also involve enrolling in online classes, attending workshops, and other relevant programs designed to make you succeed.
How To Get Translation Jobs Online With No Experience
Before going into the details of how to get translation jobs online with no experience, it’s important to know that not everyone will do well as a freelancer. Beyond just being able to translate – freelancing involves hard work; there will be times of high patronage and times of low patronage.
Also, as a freelancer – your passion, patience, reliability, and resourcefulness will be put to test. Once you can conquer these challenges, you are sure to become a successful translator.
Below are ways to get online translation jobs with no experience:
- Offer Free Translation Services
Volunteering your services for free is one sure way of kick-starting your new translation career. It won’t be a difficult task to land a company where you can offer your services for free. This could be from NGOs or other non-commercial organizations.
Here is the kicker; testimonials from the services rendered can be used as a pedestal upon which you can launch your career for others to see.
- Subscribe With An Agency
Working with an agency provides a platform to get jobs without worries. Usually, agencies offer translation jobs online without experience where you sharpen your skills and gain the needed experience.
However, you must be ready to part with a certain amount to the agency – the terms and conditions are some of the things that should be investigated before signing a contract with an agency.
How Much Can I Earn From Online Translation Jobs With No Experience?
The amount to be earned as a translator is dependent on certain factors like the language interpreted and your expertise. Interestingly, languages like German, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Russian, Arabic, and Mandarin pay more than others.
According to payscale.com in 2021 – translators with less than one year of experience earn between $15,000 to $70,000 annually.
Where To Find Online Translation Job For Beginners
The following are platforms where online translation jobs can be found, check them out;
Gengo
This is one of the most popular translation providers with offices in the United States and Japan that offer high-quality services to its clients. So, signing up on Gengo will make you familiar with the style of work before handling projects.
Payment is done per word basis and it’s done in US dollars through Paypal which is done twice monthly. Surprisingly, a freelancer on Gengo can earn up to $417 monthly.
Also, the service fee is between 50 to 100 percent while the payout fee is 1.5 percent
To join Gengo, sign up here and take a two-part test to determine your eligibility.
Unbabel
Unbabel offers translation to over 28 languages for clients around the world. This platform is the only translation service that pays by the hour, unlike Gengo that pays per word. The structure here is designed in such a way that freelancers continue to get jobs from the same client making you understand their needs per time.
It’s a good platform for experienced and inexperienced translators. Here, you can make between $8 to $18 per hour and earnings can be withdrawn through Paypal or Payoneer. The service fee is between 50 to 100 percent while the payout fee is dependent on either Paypal or Payoneer.
Important points to note:
- Read through the website to find out if your preferred language is listed before registration.
- Take the language test – this is proof of your expertise
- Once you are cleared – you can start translating to earn some bucks.
Sign up here
BLEND Express (formerly called One Hour Translation)
One Hour Translation is one of the oldest translation platforms in the world that translates over 120 languages and with over 25,000 freelancers around the world.
To start, you need to apply and take an online assessment – once you pass then you are required to submit relevant certificates.
Freelancers on One Hour translation can earn up to $12 per hour which can even be more, based on your quality, speed, and ratings. Also, the payout is via Paypal, Payoneer, or bank transfer. The service fee is between 50 to 100 percent while the payout fee is based on the payment option selected. The payout here is $20 and it’s done every 15th of the month.
You can get started here
TextMaster
TextMaster is a relatively new site that offers opportunities for freelancers to work as translators, copywriters, or proofreaders.
To start here, you are required to translate a given text and once you pass – you are qualified to start translating and earn some bucks. You can earn up to 1.4 to 15 percent per word translating, copywriting, or proofreading.
The payment method here is either through Paypal or Payoneer while the payout fee is also fixed by either of these two payment platforms. The service fee is from 25 to 50 percent. The minimum payout is $70 though it shows $65 on the dashboard.
Sign up here for TextMaster
Language Line Solution
This is another reputable company that offers both translation and interpretation services. It can translate up to 240 languages with almost 100 percent accuracy. Also, it offers translation services in insurance, healthcare, business, government, and other agencies.
Earning on Language Line solution is about $15 per hour
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Get Jobs Online As A Translator?
Yes! You can create an online presence on platforms like FlexJobs and UpWork as a multilingual virtual assistant
Can I Become An Online Translator With No Degree
You do need a degree to become a translator even though it helps to give you an advantage in terms of remuneration. A minimum qualification required is a High school diploma or GED and of course, clients will look at other things like expertise and how good you are in the language
Which Language Translators Are Usually In High Demand?
The ones in high demand are those that translate Spanish, Mandarin, and German
Can I Become A Translator From Home?
Yes, since most translation jobs are online and therefore can be done from home or anywhere in the world.
Final Thoughts
So if you’re looking for translation jobs online with no experience, the tips (and sites) highlighted above are sure to help.
You have to begin from somewhere but don’t stop there. Improving your translation skills will make you stand out and give you an edge over others in your niche/industry.
