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Seven things Vendor Managers look for in a Freelance Translator

I would like to share with you the seven main attributes a Vendor Manager wants to see when working with freelance translators, as well as the language combination and subject area. (No, "cheap rates" is not one of them!) 

Good time management:

All clients expect their vendor to meet all project deadlines. If this is not possible, I would advise the translator to reject the task, and wait for the next offer. Missing a deadline will discourage the LSP from sending the translator additional work, but rejecting an offer won't affect their chances of getting project offers in the future. Time management and multitasking are skills that can be easily learned and adapted to your way of working.

Understanding the LSP's process and hierarchy:

Addressing the wrong person and replying to the wrong email thread when contacting an LSP could mean your message never reaches the intended receiver or is not understood correctly. Make sure you know who is who to ensure the quickest reply to your emails and calls when contacting LSPs. The same approach should be taken when working on projects. Which of your clients always provide you with a CAT tool licence? How should you deal with queries during a project?

Replying to emails immediately:

LSPs handle dozens of projects in a single day. Assigning a project to a translator is only a small part of the translation cycle, so many PMs prefer to go through it as quickly as possible to get the project to the next phase. Knowing whether the translator is available for the project (or not) as early as possible will help the translation cycle run smoothly, and prevents setbacks for the LSP.

Paying attention to feedback:

Feedback is always useful. It gives the LSP information on the translator’s engagement with their projects, and the company overall. It helps develop the relationship between the LSP and their translators, and improves the quality of the translations in the long term.

Asking relevant questions when necessary:

Communication is key between LSPs and translators. Asking relevant questions will help both sides to understand each other when a conflict arises or even before. It will also help them build a stronger relationship in order to ensure a smoother way of working.

Long-term cooperation:

LSPs invest a certain amount of time and money in their translators. This money is gradually redeemed the longer the working relationship exists between them. Therefore, LSPs will always prefer to work with translators with whom they can establish a long-term relationship, and who are able to collaborate as regularly as possible..

Flexibility:

Clients and projects can vary so much that flexibility is always one of the first skills the Vendor Manager will check. Not only in terms of working hours and services, but also in CAT tool knowledge and even payment. This is why it is very important for both parties to be open to negotiation, and make sure that they know their objectives and resistance points.



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