posted 24 October 2002 08:27            

This is probably the hardest question to answer as the whole thing is so subjective!

Exactly what is it that persuades project managers to pick one newbie from a pile of others is generally quite straightforward - if your CV was the last one received for your language combination, there's a job sitting on your desk with that combination and the PM hasn't got a "regular" available, chances are your CV will be the first one reviewed. That's when making your CV look stunning will help (i.e. no spelling mistakes, superb layout, etc.).

Yes, it really can be down to a matter of luck and being in the right place at the right time.

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Does it have to do with diplomas or certification, experience, motivation in our cover letter?

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The cover letter hardly ever makes a difference. Unless it's very badly written one!! If you have something unusual on your CV, that always helps make you stand out - you never know when a PM will need a translation on wrestling or trainspotting!

For what it's worth, though, registration with official bodies or websites can help. At the moment, I keep getting enquiries from new clients, and yet I don't send out CVs unless requested by a potential client, so they're getting the info from somewhere. The more you get your name posted all over the place, not just in mailings to clients, the more of a chance you have of being the one they phone next time they have a suitable job.

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Cheaper rates?

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Sometimes. But not if the rates are a lot cheaper than everyone else's, otherwise there's a perception that the newbie either doesn't know the industry or isn't presenting work of the desired quality. The clever thing here can be to offer the same kind of rates as everyone else, but with a discount for the first order or something. But this is entirely up to you - you may not want to do work for less than your going rate, and that's also respected.

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Do you have any keywords that would make any first contact catch the attention of a project manager?

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It's easier to make a list of "don'ts"! There are no "magic words" to help get a foot in the door. Not even spending hours copywriting a witty and entertaining cover letter will help, although it will get you remembered. (I know this from experience!!)

Essentially, make sure your documentation is as immaculate as you can possibly make it - on a very good quality paper as well. But don't be tempted to make your info stand out by putting it on bright green paper or something - that doesn't help. Don't send huge bundles of paper backing up your every claim, and don't send work samples unless requested to do so.

Hope this helps!

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apollo@translatortips.net