Translator Resume (CV)—Sample and 25+ Writing Tips
Translator Resume (CV)—Sample and 25+ Writing Tips
You help bring people together by being a living link between languages. You need your translator resume to speak the same language as recruiters and employers.
I had an interview yesterday and the first thing they said on the phone was: “Wow! I love your resume.” Patrick
I love the variety of templates. Good job guys, keep up the good work! Dylan
My previous resume was really weak and I used to spend hours adjusting it in Word. Now, I can introduce any changes within minutes. Absolutely wonderful! George
Industrious translator with 6+ years’ experience working in both profit-driven and diplomatic contexts. Seeking opportunity to leverage attention to detail and proven cultural awareness in helping Scarlett LLC with its expansion onto the Japanese market. Mentored 11 new translators at Aqua Turquoise Translators while translating up to 120 pages per day.
Experience
Spanish-English Translator
Aqua Turquoise Translators
April 2017–present
Completed 100% of tasks on time, including express jobs.
Translated up to 120 pages per day.
Maintained 96% customer satisfaction rating, four points over the company average.
Mentored 11 new translators through the induction program.
Japanese-English Translator
Consulate-General of Japan in Detroit
May 2015–March 2017
Translated 50+ sensitive and/or confidential documents that required special clearance.
Reorganized office filing system to reduce re-translation of repetitive texts by over 20%.
Improved outreach 10–15% by translating cultural-day social media posts into English.
Prepared English versions of government forms before they were needed, saving up to two business days on as many as 20 application processes.
Education
BS in Translation, Kent State University, OH
2011–2015
Graduated with a minor in Japanese.
Pursued a passion for linguistics through course and project work.
Certifications
Certified Translator – Spanish to English, American Translators Association
Certified Translator – English to Spanish, American Translators Association
2. Craft a Catchy Translator Resume Objective or Summary
Few things can put readers off more effectively than a weak start.
Grab recruiters’ attention with a resume profile that leaves them—
Hanging on your every word.
Got some solid experience working as a translator?
Then start with a resume summary. It’ll let you focus on your past achievements.
Use:
One adjective (efficient, reliable, flexible)
Job title (Translator)
Years of experience (2+, 7+)
What you bring to the table (ensure fast turnaround times and accurate translations)
Your best 2–3 translator achievements (mentored 11 new translators, translated up to 120 pages per day)
These translator resume examples show how:
Translator Resume Summary
Good Example
Industrious translator with 6+ years’ experience working in both profit-driven and diplomatic contexts. Seeking opportunity to leverage attention to detail and proven cultural awareness in helping Scarlett LLC with its expansion onto the Japanese market. Mentored 11 new translators at Aqua Turquoise Translators while translating up to 120 pages per day.Bad Example
Bilingual translator with experience working in both profit-driven and diplomatic contexts. Seeking opportunity to hone skills and work with interesting documents at Scarlett LLC. Mentored new translators at Aqua Turquoise Translators while continuing to carry a normal translation workload.
Neither one is bad, right?
But only the better one will get through.
It’s the first example that backs its claims up with numbers and is focused on what the candidate can do for the company.
Because companies don’t care what you need from them.
What if you don’t have any professional translating experience?
Write a resume objective instead and draw upon non-translator jobs as well as your studies for relevant achievements.
Translator Resume Objective
Good Example
Enthusiastic translator with 2+ years’ experience in freelance and volunteer translation. Seeking opportunity to leverage attention to detail and cultural awareness in helping Scarlett LLC with its expansion onto the Japanese market. Native English speaker, proficient in Spanish (ILR 5, CEFR C2) and Japanese (ILR 4+, CEFR C2) and currently studying Russian.Bad Example
No experience other than odd translating jobs and own coursework/tutoring. Looking to make a start with a progressive company that looks after its employees.
Absolutely no contest—
And yet both examples describe the same candidate.
Be specific and concrete and focus on what you can do for them.
Expert Hint: Write a targeted resume. Scan the job ad for specific skills and responsibilities and treat them as your resume keywords sprinkling them throughout your resume.
3. Create the Perfect Translator Job Descriptions and Skills Section
Think you can handle the workload of a professional translator?
The ResumeLab builder is more than looks. Get specific content to boost your chances of getting the job. Add job descriptions, bullet points, and skills. Easy. Improve your resume in our resume builder now.
Nail it all with a splash of color, choose a clean font, and highlight your skills in just a few clicks. You're the perfect candidate, and we'll prove it. Use our resume builder now.
4. Translate Your Education into a Reason to Hire You
Education won’t always be a requirement—
But it certainly speaks volumes.
So—
List your degrees (with majors), school names, and years attended.
Then, to really stand out:
Add a couple of bullet points to each degree that show how you’re translator material.
Pursued a passion for linguistics through course and project work.
Simple, clear, and compelling.
Short on translator experience?
Use your education section to include bullet points on projects, courses, and accomplishments that show your suitability for the translator’s life.
Expert Hint: Took time off to study and worried about an employment gap in your resume? Don’t be! Gaps are only a problem if there is no indication of what you were doing during that time.
5. Elaborate On Your Translator Resume With Added Sections
Work experience, skills, and education—
That’s all that’s needed to paint a full and vivid picture of you as a translator.
Want to try a different look? There's 21 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here.
Key Points
For a translator resume that gets more interviews than ever before:
Use the translator resume template given up top. It’s clean and clear and ticks all the boxes.
Put translator resume achievementsin your resume profile, work history, and education sections to show your skills in action.
Choose the right translator skills to put in your resume. The job ad is the arbiter of what’s appropriate here.
Include a translator cover letter. Use it to demonstrate your passion for the role and make a case for you’re the right translator for the job.
Need more advice on how to draft your most effective translator resume ever? Leave your questions, comments, and feedback below and we’ll be glad to get back to you.
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