sample translation - out of bounds? 스레드 게시자: Marcus Cermann
|
|---|
Dear everyone,
sample translations seems to be an ongoing subject, but as I have never had a case like this before, I would like to have your opinion on this: I was applying for a job with a word count of 3000 words, they offered me the job, but asked me to translate a sample of, now watch this: 700 words. I am the least inclined to suspect anyone of unprofessional behaviour, but do you think this is really a fair offer?
| | | | | In my experience... | Mar 1, 2003 |
I have never had anyone asking me to translate a 700-word sample translation. Usually unpaid sample translations have up to 250 words. If they pay you for this 700-word sample translation, then of course there wouldn\'t be any reasons to complain. But I do not think this is the case..., and I do not think this is a fair offer either. Maybe you should kindly ask them to either pay for the test or reduce the size of the text.
Good luck and best wishes.
Monika
... See more I have never had anyone asking me to translate a 700-word sample translation. Usually unpaid sample translations have up to 250 words. If they pay you for this 700-word sample translation, then of course there wouldn\'t be any reasons to complain. But I do not think this is the case..., and I do not think this is a fair offer either. Maybe you should kindly ask them to either pay for the test or reduce the size of the text.
Good luck and best wishes.
Monika
Monika Coulson
http://www.albaniantranslators.com
http://www.albanianinterpreter.net
[ This Message was edited by:on2003-03-01 23:46] ▲ Collapse
| | | | | In the words of Bob Dole: Just don't do it.... | Mar 1, 2003 |
Hi Marcus. I think a free sample translation of 700 words, basically 1/4 of the contract, is *way* out of bounds, and I\'m fairly sure most other Proz pros would back me up here.
If you´re truly interested in the agency/contractor, and have checked the blue boards (definitely worth the browniz for a non-member), I personally would translate say the first 200 words, and then give an explanation why you chose not to do the rest. I mean, there are limits; by doing this, you i... See more Hi Marcus. I think a free sample translation of 700 words, basically 1/4 of the contract, is *way* out of bounds, and I\'m fairly sure most other Proz pros would back me up here.
If you´re truly interested in the agency/contractor, and have checked the blue boards (definitely worth the browniz for a non-member), I personally would translate say the first 200 words, and then give an explanation why you chose not to do the rest. I mean, there are limits; by doing this, you indicate your interest/competence but show that you won\'t allow yourself to be taken advantage of.
This topic has been dealt with previously at length in the forums; see for instance
http://www.proz.com/?sp=bb/viewtopic&post=3269#3269
http://www.proz.com/?sp=bb/viewtopic&post=3879#3879
Feel free to email me personally if I can help you more specifically...
Best regards,
Michele
--
Michele Johnson Language Consulting
Michele L. Johnson, Dip. Trans. (IOL), B.S. ChE
Marktstrasse 55
99084 Erfurt
Germany
Tel: +49 361 262 3812
Mobile: +49 170 557 1044
Email: michele@michele-johnson.com
http://www.michele-johnson.com
[ This Message was edited by:on2003-03-03 11:28] ▲ Collapse
| | | |
We had an experience with one company, who for 70 page job asked to do 5 page sample translation- pages 1 to 5. We did it, but never got the job. Much later we heard from another company about the same job- they did pages 10 to 15 and from another one that they,too did some pages 
[addsig]
| | |
|
|
|
| Food for thought... | Mar 3, 2003 |
I would like to add my two cents on this everlasting paid/unpaid tests.
A couple of years ago, I was responsible of freelancer recruitment for a localization company. Because our focus was on quality, we needed people to be able to do correctly their job, and knowing that BEFORE any job was ever given to them was essential.
Therefore, I created a test, and a quite long one as that (5 pages, around 1000 words). This test was a combination of several kind of translat... See more I would like to add my two cents on this everlasting paid/unpaid tests.
A couple of years ago, I was responsible of freelancer recruitment for a localization company. Because our focus was on quality, we needed people to be able to do correctly their job, and knowing that BEFORE any job was ever given to them was essential.
Therefore, I created a test, and a quite long one as that (5 pages, around 1000 words). This test was a combination of several kind of translations we regularly had, and had a few voluntarily inserted traps/tricky terminology. BUT, everything in it could be easily found using just a little patience, experience and a good Web browser.
Every single freelancer who wanted to work for us had to translate this test. No exception. If they didn\'t want to translate it, they weren\'t included in our database. Given the amount of service offers we received regularly, we could\'nt afford to pay this test.
Each translated test was carefully examined (and our reviewer\'s time was money) and lead to a pass or fail. The translator was informed of the result of this test. This was our way of ensuring quality. Each translator after that was regularly given work, given our outsourcing needs.
Long tests are not always from \"fly by night\" agencies who want to abuse translators. A good way to see if the agency is serious about this is by creating another email from a free provider for example, edit your CV/Résumé to change a few things and ask for a test under an alternate identity. If you receive the same test, chances are good that the agency is serious about this test. If this test is just a \"part of the actual job fed to unaware freelancers\", then you should get a different test.
Hope this helped. ▲ Collapse
| | | | To report site rules violations or get help, contact a site moderator: You can also contact site staff by submitting a support request » sample translation - out of bounds? | TM-Town |
|---|
Manage your TMs and Terms ... and boost your translation business
Are you ready for something fresh in the industry? TM-Town is a unique new site for you -- the freelance translator -- to store, manage and share translation memories (TMs) and glossaries...and potentially meet new clients on the basis of your prior work.
More info » |
| | Anycount & Translation Office 3000 |
|---|
Translation Office 3000
Translation Office 3000 is an advanced accounting tool for freelance translators and small agencies. TO3000 easily and seamlessly integrates with the business life of professional freelance translators.
More info » |
|
| | | | X Sign in to your ProZ.com account... | | | | | |
Login to reply/comment 
Translation news
