How to be a Translator: Best Ways to Shift to a Translator Career

If you grew up in the Philippines, chances are you’re at least bilingual (in Filipino and English) or trilingual (Filipino, English, and another Philippine language). This gives you an edge in getting a translator job – more so if you are fluent in the languages of other countries. 

“How to be a translator” is a question often asked by those with language skills who want to get into this line of work. Do you dream of becoming a translator? Do you want to make this your profession? The services of a translator are essential for many who do business on a multinational level. There are many exciting opportunities in this growing field.

In this article, Jobstreet shares essential information on translator jobs and gives you tips on how to enter this interesting and often exciting field.

What Does a Translator Do?

Communication is the bedrock of any business, and any human endeavor for that matter. When people who speak different languages need to connect, they need the services of a translator.

A translator is someone who accurately conveys the meaning of a written message or work from one language to another. Translators need to know at least two languages. They will be translating from a source language (the language to be translated) to a target or receptor language (the language to be translated into). 

Translators deal with the written word, so they need to be able to read reports, letters, books, articles, and other types of documents, and accurately translate the meaning of these texts into an easily understandable rendition with as little loss of nuance as possible. 

Translating is different from interpreting. Interpreters translate speech; they usually are in the field translating conversations at meetings, conferences, and the like.

Is it hard to become a translator? Just like all other jobs, there are degrees of difficulty. A translator must always strive to be accurate and thorough in their work, and be able to meet deadlines. 

Is Being a Translator a Good Job?

Translators are in demand in many industries, including business and manufacturing, publishing, law, medicine, government, science, and education, where large amounts of texts are shared. 

Media is another growing field for translators, as localization strategies require the translation and dubbing of scripts for movies, TV shows, video games, news stories, and other forms of content.

Retail and marketing are also industries that require translators. Among the tasks in this industry are to translate copy for online shopping platforms and social media.  

Because translators work with written documents, this gives translators options on how they want to work. They may work from home or onsite; as freelancers, or as consultants or permanent employees of an organization. As freelancers, they can choose their clients and set their own schedule of accepting jobs. 

Some translator jobs can be quite exciting when they offer travel opportunities. You will learn new things and meet new people. It also pays quite well. 

Translator Salary

How much does a translator get paid per hour? Depending on the industry, the client’s requirements, and the translator’s skill level, it can be more lucrative than many other professions. 

Monthly salaries may range from P38,000 per month to as much as P100,000 or more. Apart from this, there may also be other perks such as travel, dining out with clients, and the like. 

Where to Find Translator Courses

To get the dream translator jobs, you must become highly fluent and skilled in reading and writing the languages you will use in your work. To this end, taking language courses will help hone your grammar, increase your vocabulary, and add to your knowledge of idioms.

In Manila, the more familiar language schools are the Goethe Institut for German and Instituto Cervantes of Manila for Spanish. Check with other foreign embassies if their cultural sections offer language classes. 

There are also many other good schools all over the country and online that offer language courses. Be sure to choose a reputable one that offers a certificate of completion, and that can perhaps help you get the other language tests and accreditations that clients look for as qualifications. 

How to Be a Translator

Study your source and target languages thoroughly.

To be an effective translator, you have to speak and write your languages to as high a standard as possible. Make sure that your skills in grammar, vocabulary, familiarity with idioms, and choice of words are impeccable. Attending an accredited language school will help you learn more effectively and give you the certifications that some clients require.

Be familiar with specialized jargon.

Translating technical communication in specific industries is paid more highly than general translation. To be successful as a translator in fields such as life sciences or law, you must know the industry-specific terms, and have an extensive enough vocabulary to translate complex concepts properly. Sometimes this takes specialized training. 

It will also make you a more effective translator if you keep abreast of the latest news and developments in your chosen industries. 

Become certified.

Many clients look for certifications and accreditations. These show that you have the necessary skills to do the work. You’ll get more jobs if you have these. The language school that you attend may be able to help you obtain them.

Aim to work in languages that are in high demand.

One way to determine this is to check job listings often. Jobstreet’s translator jobs listings can show you what's currently trending. The Asian languages in top demand are Korean, Mandarin, and Japanese, while for European languages it’s Spanish and German.

Hone and upgrade your writing and editing skills.

Translators deal with the written word, and the nature of their job requires a high standard of writing skills. Practice preparing excellent summaries and editing copy. A good writer will have an edge and will be in high demand. Read a lot to get a feel of the rhythm of your chosen languages, and, if you can, practice conversing with native speakers. 

How to Find a Translator Job

It helps to be proactive in looking for and creating opportunities. Seek out translation projects. For example, if you are a book translator, send proposals to publishers and authors. If you specialize in technical language, offer to translate manuals, handbooks, and other technical documents. Locally, you can try pitching to government agencies to translate their informational materials, forms, website content, and other public documents from English and Filipino into the regional languages. 

Visit Jobstreet regularly to check out the listings for translator jobs.

Find Your Dream Translator Jobs

Is being a translator your dream job? Start looking for opportunities on Jobstreet! Use our resume templates to get started. Then create or update your profile at Jobstreet. 

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