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how do you handle all the form filling before you get a project?
Thread poster: Marian Barrantes
Marian Barrantes
Marian Barrantes
Local time: 13:34
French to Spanish
+ ...
Mar 23, 2023

I'm just starting out on this platform and I have to admit that I'm overwhelmed by all the filling out of forms, tests, sending out resumes and cover letters, registering on all sorts of platforms, it takes me an inordinate amount of time to maybe not have a job at the end. Do you have any tips on how to manage time? Thank you!
 
Maria Teresa Borges de Almeida
Maria Teresa Borges de Almeida  Identity Verified
Portugal
Local time: 20:34
Member (2007)
English to Portuguese
+ ...
@Marian Mar 23, 2023

If you are really interested in a particular project, you go through all the steps needed. If you feel it’s too much ado about nothing, you give up. Freelancing requires hard work, specially at the beginning!

Sarah Lewis-Morgan
Platary (X)
expressisverbis
Jennifer Levey
Jorge Payan
Arabic & More
Philip Lees
 
Ivana Kahle
Ivana Kahle  Identity Verified
Germany
Local time: 21:34
Member (2007)
German to Croatian
+ ...
See below Mar 24, 2023

The more time you spend on the paperwork, the less the probability that you'll get the job. A lot of paperwork is usually required to "become a part of the translators' pool".
The clients who actually have a job to offer don't spend much time on that.
T&Cs can be a part of the PO.
That saves a lot of time on both sides.
Work on your profile and stand out, everyone has something that makes him/her unique.
Don't get discouraged and good luck... See more
The more time you spend on the paperwork, the less the probability that you'll get the job. A lot of paperwork is usually required to "become a part of the translators' pool".
The clients who actually have a job to offer don't spend much time on that.
T&Cs can be a part of the PO.
That saves a lot of time on both sides.
Work on your profile and stand out, everyone has something that makes him/her unique.
Don't get discouraged and good luck ▲ Collapse


Vladimir Filipenko
Christine Andersen
Marian Barrantes
Anton Konashenok
philgoddard
 
Monika Rozwarzewska
Monika Rozwarzewska  Identity Verified
United Kingdom
Local time: 20:34
Member (2006)
English to Polish
+ ...
Rates first Mar 24, 2023

Unfortunately, some paperwork is legally required. I always ask potential clients what rates they offer to avoid spending too much time on that in vain. If the rates are below my expectations, I kindly refuse.

Jorge Payan
Angie Garbarino
Josephine Cassar
Marian Barrantes
Ivana Kahle
Georgi Kovachev
Thomas Johansson
 
Angie Garbarino
Angie Garbarino  Identity Verified
Local time: 21:34
Member (2003)
French to Italian
+ ...
Yes! Mar 24, 2023

Maria Teresa Borges de Almeida wrote:
Freelancing requires hard work, specially at the beginning!


I'd also add that it is not suitable for everyone

Kevin Fulton
Maria Teresa Borges de Almeida
Lieven Malaise
 
Niina Lahokoski
Niina Lahokoski  Identity Verified
Finland
Local time: 22:34
Member (2008)
English to Finnish
+ ...
Do not ask client's rates - offer yours Mar 24, 2023

Monika Rozwarzewska wrote:

Unfortunately, some paperwork is legally required. I always ask potential clients what rates they offer to avoid spending too much time on that in vain. If the rates are below my expectations, I kindly refuse.


I agree that price talks should be one of the first steps, before agreeing to tests or signing anything. However, I feel it's more professional to send your own price list to the client, rather than ask what they're offering.

[Edited at 2023-03-24 16:34 GMT]

Angie Garbarino
Jennifer Levey
Marian Barrantes
Maria Teresa Borges de Almeida
philgoddard
 
Maria Teresa Borges de Almeida
Maria Teresa Borges de Almeida  Identity Verified
Portugal
Local time: 20:34
Member (2007)
English to Portuguese
+ ...
Yes! Mar 25, 2023

Angie Garbarino wrote:

Maria Teresa Borges de Almeida wrote:
Freelancing requires hard work, specially at the beginning!


I'd also add that it is not suitable for everyone


Suffice to know how many people hated working at home during the pandemic (one of my daughters included)…

Angie Garbarino
 


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how do you handle all the form filling before you get a project?







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