Nowadays, making a proper CV seems to be an essential thing in finding a job. In addition to the increasing number of competitors, recruiters usually use the ATS technology to assist sort out relevant CVs and make up only 25% of the total. Then, when you want to apply as a translator, what format should you write in? Check out the tips for making a translator CV below!
Choose the Best Format
The format for translator CV is actually no different from the common ones. Start by writing a header that contains contact information, so you can be easier to contact.
In each section, you need to use a larger font size to separate each piece of information. Then, another standard that should be applied is to use a chronological CV format where you write down your current work experience. In addition, paying attention to the type of font will also increase the professional impression on the CV. Use what you can find in official documents.
What type of document should you choose when sending a CV in the form of a digital file? PDF would be better now that it can be read on all devices without any format changes such as irregular spaces.
Write a Summary
The summary is a short paragraph to introduce who you are. Nevertheless, the content should impress the recruiter. There are two ways when you are in a situation that has and does not have experience when applying for a job.
If you already have experience, briefly write down the experience and include your background and language skills. In addition, show the key achievements that you have and what skills support them.
Instead, you can show what your career goals are in the short and long term. Then, also include what developments you will experience when you are accepted into the position you are currently applying for.
While writing this section, you can change the order in which you need to write. Start with what you think will impress the recruiter.
Create the Perfect Translator Job Description
This section refers to the work experience you have and try to be relevant to the job position you are applying for. At least, there are five points that you need to include, including:
- Write down your recent work
- At the top section, add the job title, employment date, and the agency’s name
- Put the bullet points to highlight your role and start each of them by using action words. For instance, globalized and localized
- Provide the accomplishments to show that you are reliable translator
- Try to specify your CV to stand out
If it is your first time applying as a translator, you can list the relevant tasks you have done, such as project management and writing skills.
Pay Attention to Education Information
There are four tips that you can apply when writing this section. First, start with your last education. Then, add your major, school name, location, graduation date, and relevant coursework that will support your performance. Next, list the awards you received during school. Finally, if you have a bachelor’s degree, you do not need to include your high school.
To make it easier for you to write down what coursework is relevant to the translator job, you can include project management, cultural studies, and language classes related to the target text.
Highlight Your Translation Skills
There are four main translation skills that need to be mastered when it comes to classifications, including core competencies, key personal, crucial skills, and nice-to-have skills. What are the skills in each point?
- Core competencies, including: advanced language knowledge, excellent writing skills, in-depth cultural knowledge, research skills, translation and review process, translation judgment, and CAT skills.
- Key personal, including: attention to detail, good organization, self-motivation, dependability, adaptability, integrity, curiosity, and professional pride.
- Crucial skills, including: a client focus, good communication skills, a professional image, and business systems knowledge.
- Nice-to-have skills, including: the ability to specialize, marketing ability, networking ability, numeracy skills, and business acumen.
If you just write it down on your CV, recruiters will think your CV is boring. Therefore, you can list hard and soft skills that will help your performance this time. In addition, adjust the keywords in the job advertisements that you find so that your CV passes the ATS system.
In this section, write as naturally as possible according to your experience. You can also include work samples to further convince recruiters. Do not forget to use an attractive CV template and make sure you check the spelling.
Add Language Proficiency
Although language proficiency is not an absolute requirement to become a reliable translator, it does not matter to include it to increase your professional impression. First of all, write down what languages you speak and state the level of mastery. If you master the regional variations of the language, just write them down. Finally, attach a language certificate as a more valid measure of mastery.
Language proficiency surely can support your performance, but it is better to write it down in a different section than in the skills section.
Put the Additional Information
In writing a translator CV, show all of your relevant things to boost up your value. In this section, you can list your language or translation memberships, projects, achievements, personal interests, volunteer work, and licenses or certifications.
Provide a Translator Cover Letter
After your CV is complete, prepare a cover letter. You can start with a powerful introduction. Tell the recruiter about your language skills and experiences. To strengthen your value, add key achievements and a strong call to action, so that recruiters are more confident that you are a good fit for a position. After three days you send all the files to apply for a job, you can follow up.
Is not it easy to make a translator CV? For better results, make it within a few days (if possible), so that you can convey all the information without missing a beat. In addition, you can also revise it or ask someone’s opinion to improve it. Apparently, translator CV skills are quite a challenging part to write about. Pay extra attention to them!
