How can I improve my profile or competitiveness? Thread poster: HCDixon
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HCDixon 
United Kingdom
Local time: 13:17
Spanish to English
Dear fellow trasnlators,
I have been doing Spanish to English translating and interpreting for more than 20 years, and have been commended for some of my suggestions with translation queries on ProZ.
However, I haven´t got a single job through ProZ in the 6 months of full membership.
Why is this and how can I improve my profile and competitiveness?
I would be very grateful for any critiques of my profile and/or tips for getting established... See more Dear fellow trasnlators,
I have been doing Spanish to English translating and interpreting for more than 20 years, and have been commended for some of my suggestions with translation queries on ProZ.
However, I haven´t got a single job through ProZ in the 6 months of full membership.
Why is this and how can I improve my profile and competitiveness?
I would be very grateful for any critiques of my profile and/or tips for getting established as a translator on the internet.
Helen Dixon ▲ Collapse
| | | | Natalie
Poland
Local time: 14:17
Member (2002)
English to Russian
+ ...
MODERATOR SITE LOCALIZER | Emma Goldsmith
Spain
Local time: 14:17
Member (2004)
Spanish to English
Your profile is the first thing a potential outsourcer looks at on Proz. It must be convincing. Get a native Spanish speaker to edit the "about me" section. Double check for typos yourself in the meantime.
Upload a sample: show how well you do your job!
| | | | | Facts - STIBC "diploma"? | Feb 7, 2011 |
In your profile, you state that you are holding a "Diploma Soc Translators and INterpreters of B-C. Canada".
The STIBC does not confer “diplomas”. It is professional body that offers its members the opportunity to become "certified", either by exam or by presenting a dossier. But - you are not listed in their current directory, neither as certified nor as an associate member.
Maybe your membership has lapsed?
Just mentioning it because outsourc... See more In your profile, you state that you are holding a "Diploma Soc Translators and INterpreters of B-C. Canada".
The STIBC does not confer “diplomas”. It is professional body that offers its members the opportunity to become "certified", either by exam or by presenting a dossier. But - you are not listed in their current directory, neither as certified nor as an associate member.
Maybe your membership has lapsed?
Just mentioning it because outsourcers will check membership and credential claims for accuracy.
Cheers from B.C.
johanna ▲ Collapse
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Signe Golly
Denmark
Local time: 14:17
English to Danish
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It looks like it's been a while since you've participated in answering KudoZ questions.
It is my impression that aside from becoming a full member (which you already are, of course), one of the most effective ways to improve your directory standing (and thus, presumably, the amount of attention your profile gets), is answering questions and accumulating KudoZ points. Maybe try to get in there when you have some extra time and hopefully you'll be able to boost your points ... See more It looks like it's been a while since you've participated in answering KudoZ questions.
It is my impression that aside from becoming a full member (which you already are, of course), one of the most effective ways to improve your directory standing (and thus, presumably, the amount of attention your profile gets), is answering questions and accumulating KudoZ points. Maybe try to get in there when you have some extra time and hopefully you'll be able to boost your points ▲ Collapse
| | | | | Don't hold your breath! | Feb 7, 2011 |
I don't find ProZ to be a very good source of work. Most of the people who advertise pay peanuts and/or send out bulk emails, and if you do bid for a job, they don't respond. I was a paid member until very recently, and I have a lot of KudoZ points, but I can only think of a couple of jobs in the past year that came from ProZ.
| | | | | Profile comments | Feb 7, 2011 |
Hi Helen,
I hope you won't mind my pointing out that you must have had a very interesting life, but nothing of that comes across here. There is no real info about what you have done. Also - 'a long experience'? INterpreters? It feels a little bleak. Add a little more you.
Good luck
| | | | Claire Cox
United Kingdom
Local time: 13:17
French to English
+ ...
| Play the game | Feb 8, 2011 |
Hi Helen,
I agree with what others have said about editing the Spanish and trying to get more KudoZ points - not easy, I know, in such a popular language combination, but the points you have in specific areas are what bring you to the top of the rankings when clients are doing a search. Also, perhaps you could ask (beg, plead?!) existing clients to give you some feedback via the WWA system - it always looks good if someone is prepared to stick their neck out and say they're pleased ... See more Hi Helen,
I agree with what others have said about editing the Spanish and trying to get more KudoZ points - not easy, I know, in such a popular language combination, but the points you have in specific areas are what bring you to the top of the rankings when clients are doing a search. Also, perhaps you could ask (beg, plead?!) existing clients to give you some feedback via the WWA system - it always looks good if someone is prepared to stick their neck out and say they're pleased with your work. Can you fine-tune your keywords a little more? Again, clients use keywords to search and the more specific you can be, the better.
I must admit I have found ProZ a good source of clients, both before and after I became a full member. I don't think I've ever won a job by applying through the job offers, but clients have approached me direct and subsequently established long-term relationships. I assume that's down to my specialisms, and KudoZ points.
Finally, use the ProZ networking possibilities by making forum posts and attending conferences, either real or virtual. Often just getting your name out there can help make you more credible, not only with clients, but also with other translators who might pass your name on.
All the best,
Claire ▲ Collapse
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