Most of us think we know what would be involved in hiring a freelance translator. We may assume that it would be as simple as sending an email or placing a phone call, letting the professional know what we need, and then quickly receiving the finished product before paying and completing the transaction. Simple, right?
Maybe not. The problem with seeing language translation as such a straightforward transaction is that, at its heart, it involves something that grows, develops, and changes so often that it almost seems to be alive. That thing is human language, and making it part of your job means that your interactions with clients will be diverse and often complicated.
Professional translators – specifically of the freelance variety – are an important part of our modern global economy. But they also work in a highly specific industry that can frustrate and confuse clients who don’t properly understand it. Here are seven things to know before hiring freelance Russian translators or any other language professional, so you can have the best possible experience:
Not All Translators Are Equally Qualified
Language translation is an industry that can vary dramatically in terms of the individual experience and qualifications that professionals have. The industry standard is certification through organizations like the American Translators Association and proficiency tests to prove adequacy of skill. Request these documents to ensure that you’re working with someone knowledgeable and experienced – and not someone who merely claims to know what they’re doing.
It May Be Difficult to Know Who You’re Actually Working With
One problem that you may encounter if you elect to partner with a business that employs freelance professionals is not knowing who is actually working on your project. This can occur when a large translation company partners with numerous, smaller organizations or individuals, referring work out to them in an outsourcing model. When this happens, you may not know who is actually doing the work you’ve commissioned, which can lead to problems later if issues arise with the finished product. Always request direct communication with your translator.
Freelancers Can Work from Anywhere
Just because your freelancers are English to Russian translators doesn’t mean they reside in either an English-speaking or Russian-speaking nation. These days, language professionals and most freelancers, in general, can reside almost anywhere. The internet and the globalization of the modern workforce – along with the need for more remote work opportunities, after the onset of COVID-19 – has meant that the person you’re working with may be from across the street or across the globe. Be cognizant of this when partnering with a professional who may have cultural differences from your own or time zone conflicts with your schedule.
Pricing Can Vary Dramatically
In most freelance positions, pricing is set by the individual offering their services. While industry standards may influence these prices, they can still vary quite drastically from person to person.
This is why it’s critically important to ask for a quote before committing to a contract with a freelancer. This will give you a rough idea of how much you’ll owe for their finished work and keep you from being caught off-guard by the final bill.
Turnaround Time is a Crucial Factor
Another important and varying factor when working with a freelance professional is turnaround time. This is the amount of time that your freelance employee takes from the date of receipt of your project to the date of finishing and remitting their finished product to you. Some freelancers who are fast workers and have relatively light schedules may be able to offer a turnaround time of just a day or two, while others may ask for several days or even have a week or more of backlogged assignments built up to handle before they can process yours. Ask your freelancers upfront what their anticipated turnaround time for your assignment is.
Additional Services May Cost Extra – or May Not Be Available At All
Many people incorrectly assume that services such as editing, copywriting, and more are offered by freelance Russian translators. This usually isn’t the case; these are separate tasks, and will usually incur an additional expense if they are offered by your language professional at all. If you are expecting additional services, be sure to check with your translator to ensure that they are available and inquire about rates before the assignment is given.
Your Freelancer May Be Available Through a Variety of Platforms
There are actually a lot of ways to hire a freelance professional. You may be able to contact them directly, or you may find their information listed on a classified advertisement section of your local paper or community forum.
These days, one of the best and easiest ways to hire a freelance language professional is to do so through a website designed to match clients and translators. This makes it simpler for both parties to get translation jobs into the hands of qualified professionals. If you’re looking for a translator, head to one of these sites to find your best bet for quality services – but not before rereading this list of tips one more time!
