Apr 9, 2019 03:01:13 AM by Fabiana T
Hi,
I am having a difficult time getting hired. I am a beginning translator, I have some experience but since I haven't gotten any jobs here my success rate is zero and that way I am trapped in a vicious circle. Can you give me any advice, take a look at my profile and tell me how to improve, how to become visible to contractors?
Apr 9, 2019 06:37:56 AM by Pat M
Fabiana, I'm not a Translator; perhaps one will come along. However, I noticed your test results on your Profile. You're in the top 10% regarding English to Spanish but "Below Average" regarding Spanish to English. As a result, you should not offer Spanish to English translation services.
Apr 9, 2019 09:25:53 AM by Fabiana T
Thanks for your input, Pat! I don't think such a test says anything about my ability as a translator. The score is above 4 out of 5, and the fact that others have scored higher doesn't mean that I am bad a translator. Translators rely heavily on dictionaries and research, and I would say that the ability to translate a text well stylistically is more important, which the tests here on UpWork cannot really examine. I will definitely try to do better next time though!
Apr 10, 2019 07:17:12 AM by Pat M
Fabiana, I'm sincerely not attempting to irritate you or hurt your feelings. The "bottom line" is that any "Below Average" test results don't look good to potential Clients. The reasoning/explanation as to why you achieved those results is frankly immaterial.
Apr 10, 2019 09:37:45 AM by Martina P
Fabiana T wrote:Thanks for your input, Pat! I don't think such a test says anything about my ability as a translator. The score is above 4 out of 5, and the fact that others have scored higher doesn't mean that I am bad a translator. Translators rely heavily on dictionaries and research, and I would say that the ability to translate a text well stylistically is more important, which the tests here on UpWork cannot really examine. I will definitely try to do better next time though!
4,24 out of 5 is a decent result, but that does not matter. Your profile is about optics. A potential client will spend maybe 2 seconds on it, and a below average result might be the cause he moves to the next one. In your marketing strategy, you must do everything to make these 2 seconds count!
Apr 10, 2019 10:44:31 AM Edited Apr 10, 2019 10:45:30 AM by Roni J
Apr 10, 2019 11:03:52 AM by Lila G
Hi Fabiana - I know how hard it can be in the beginning. I sent you a personal message with some additional thoughts and resources that may help.
Best,