| 주제 내 페이지: [1 2] > | Acceptable length of test task 스레드 게시자: Jenny Nilsson
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I've been approached by an agency who wants me to do a translation test. Usually no problems, except this one is longer than the word count I usually accept for tests. 418 words total. How big do you think test tasks should be?
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Jenny Nilsson wrote:
How big do you think test tasks should be?
About as long as the time it takes to say "think test tasks" 3 times quickly
In other words: if it takes more than a few minutes, it's too long.
[Edited at 2020-06-17 12:55 GMT]
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The tests I accept doing are usually no longer than 300 words but I must say that, because I was very interested in working with a particular client, I have exceptionally done more than that. It’s up to you! I prefer doing a non-paid test than having to fill endless forms and send copies of diplomas courses I took over 40 years ago…
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Jenny Nilsson wrote:
I've been approached by an agency who wants me to do a translation test. This one is longer than the word count I usually accept for tests. 418 words total. How big do you think test tasks should be?
It should take you no more than 1 hour to do the test translation, and preferably no more than half an hour. So calculate, based on that. 418 seems a bit long, but hey, if you're not busy, what do you have to lose?
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| If it is longer, | Jun 17, 2020 |
perhaps your question should be "How to tell a scam from a test".
Please be careful if it is not someone who wants a translation job done for free.
Usually, I don't translate a translation test with more than 500 words, and this is already a bit longer.
[Edited at 2020-06-17 13:28 GMT]
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if paid, 250 words if not.
| | | | | It depends.... | Jun 17, 2020 |
Dear Jenny,
as in all things, there are buts to what can be considered the norm. There are fields of expertise for which you might not be in the position to provide *any* reference (for ex. you have signed NDAs et similia) and also you cannot mention names: in one word, no nothing.
Now, as much as I'd like not to do anything for free at my age and after so many years in translation, I can't expect a potential who doesn't know me and my work to trust my words about how m... See more Dear Jenny,
as in all things, there are buts to what can be considered the norm. There are fields of expertise for which you might not be in the position to provide *any* reference (for ex. you have signed NDAs et similia) and also you cannot mention names: in one word, no nothing.
Now, as much as I'd like not to do anything for free at my age and after so many years in translation, I can't expect a potential who doesn't know me and my work to trust my words about how much I know and I've done blablabla.
Not being able to provide any reference, I have to accept a test translation if I am interested in the regular job (I do any test translations only when the talk is about a regular work flow).
That said, some fields might require longer tests, out of various reasons which vary according to specific fields or clients, and at the end, provided that the potential is a well-known client/end client, it goes down to one question: am I ready to invest something in order to add – potentially – another regular client to my book?
I see it as a form of marketing, it's a risk, it costs me something (my time), might go well, might not.
The only thing I do not accept is when they try to set a deadline for a test translation. Now, I am paying for the work I am normally paid for, so I decide when I deliver. And that's the end of it.
It's up to you and your situation.
Giuliana ▲ Collapse
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Hi Jenny.
If you can do 300 words why can't you do 418 words if you are given enough time to complete the task?
I have asked an academician and head of a language centre about your concern and this is her reply:
"418 is an acceptable number of words, and allows people to assess translation ability properly. Tests at university are normally between 500 and 800 words in length. (Students who are not practitioners take longer to complete the tests)"
... See more Hi Jenny.
If you can do 300 words why can't you do 418 words if you are given enough time to complete the task?
I have asked an academician and head of a language centre about your concern and this is her reply:
"418 is an acceptable number of words, and allows people to assess translation ability properly. Tests at university are normally between 500 and 800 words in length. (Students who are not practitioners take longer to complete the tests)"
I hope this helps. ▲ Collapse
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DZiW (X)
우크라이나
영어에서 러시아어
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| Either a short test/interview or relevant Portfolio and References | Jun 17, 2020 |
Hello Jenny.
If a middleman/prospect approached you, then you are somehow valuable for them--they know you may bring them benefits and profits, but how about you--
Do you know the favorable (for you!) terms--whether it's worth even trying?
Blast it if after promised $.07/word, freebies, and 'discounts', it lands some $0.009/word flat--before taxes and expenses, let alone paid within six-nine months.
While you decide what is better for yo... See more Hello Jenny.
If a middleman/prospect approached you, then you are somehow valuable for them--they know you may bring them benefits and profits, but how about you--
Do you know the favorable (for you!) terms--whether it's worth even trying?
Blast it if after promised $.07/word, freebies, and 'discounts', it lands some $0.009/word flat--before taxes and expenses, let alone paid within six-nine months.
While you decide what is better for you, don't sell yourself cheap right from the start. So, get ready to substantiate your rates.
Cheers ▲ Collapse
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You can also state your conditions (after all, they stated theirs) and reply that you only accept tests below xxx words. I've had replies such as "ok, do the first 250 words", and even work after the "Pass".
It all depends on how likely they will send you serious work.
Doing a test for the sake of it to comply with onboarding processes, standards and whatever is a waste of time, and the more time spent, the more time wasted. But doing a test and landing a few thou per year is ... See more You can also state your conditions (after all, they stated theirs) and reply that you only accept tests below xxx words. I've had replies such as "ok, do the first 250 words", and even work after the "Pass".
It all depends on how likely they will send you serious work.
Doing a test for the sake of it to comply with onboarding processes, standards and whatever is a waste of time, and the more time spent, the more time wasted. But doing a test and landing a few thou per year is worthwhile.
Ah, and before the test, make sure you know everything about how they operate: rate, CAT discount grid, contractual clauses, payment terms, invoicing process, platform if any, online/offline CAT, etc. Because when converted to hourly earnings, your initial word rate decreases sharply if you do their admin, use a broken CAT tool, accept extortionate CAT discounts, pay their money transfer fees, do rounds of useless post-delivery checks by clueless machines, etc.
Philippe ▲ Collapse
| | | | Sadek_A 
Local time: 21:37
영어에서 아라비아어
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| Only you can tell | Jun 18, 2020 |
As others have successfully indicated here, never accept a test from someone new that is refusing to negotiate terms beforehand.
Also, I might add, never accept a test from someone to whom you applied before and who never had the decency to reply in due time.
When you take from your time to apply with someone that explicitly expressed a need for your services (via job posting, emailing, etc.) and they don't reply at all, they must get blacklisted by you.
Things like "due... See more As others have successfully indicated here, never accept a test from someone new that is refusing to negotiate terms beforehand.
Also, I might add, never accept a test from someone to whom you applied before and who never had the decency to reply in due time.
When you take from your time to apply with someone that explicitly expressed a need for your services (via job posting, emailing, etc.) and they don't reply at all, they must get blacklisted by you.
Things like "due to expected number/amount of applications, we won't be able to reply to everyone" must not be accepted by translators.
How hard is it for that someone to reply with a polite automated message? If they don't even take the time for such an automated message, then they deserve zero of your time at all.
In addition, a polite automated message for 2 projects in a row without any further communication must also get them on your blacklist.
And, of course, never accept a test from someone with whom you had a prior bad experience.
Translators are supposed to behave well towards clients, and so are clients towards translators.
Weigh the projected workload and terms carefully, and then decide on the test all by yourself. ▲ Collapse
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Jenny Nilsson wrote:
I've been approached by an agency who wants me to do a translation test. Usually no problems, except this one is longer than the word count I usually accept for tests. 418 words total. How big do you think test tasks should be?
418 is a little longer than usual, but not by much. If the agency is reputable, the rates are good and they're not trying to make you do it in an unreasonable amount of time, go ahead.
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conejo
미국
Local time: 12:37
일본어에서 영어
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| It depends but I'd say 1 page is the limit | Aug 11, 2020 |
Of course we don't want to spend a lot of time doing tests. But I'd say the limit is 1 page in a 10 or 12-point font. Beyond that it is not reasonable.
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Up to 300 words I accept, above that I get suspicious.
| | | | Didi18
미국
Local time: 10:37
영어에서 스페인어
+ ...
| Which agencies are reputable? | Aug 12, 2020 |
Kuochoe Nikoi-Kotei wrote:
Jenny Nilsson wrote:
I've been approached by an agency who wants me to do a translation test. Usually no problems, except this one is longer than the word count I usually accept for tests. 418 words total. How big do you think test tasks should be?
418 is a little longer than usual, but not by much. If the agency is reputable, the rates are good and they're not trying to make you do it in an unreasonable amount of time, go ahead.
How do we find out which agencies are reputable?
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