Translator Resume Guide + Tips + Example

You need a great resume to get a job as a translator, and we’re here to help you create one. Our guide to crafting a perfect resume for a translator will help you make the most of your written communication and research skills to ensure you stand out to employers. 

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Translator resume example (text version)

Chelsea Wu

Edison, NJ 08818
555-555-555
example@example.com

Professional Summary

Detail-oriented translator with a highly developed understanding of Chinese language and culture. Skilled in quickly and accurately translating written documents and audio recordings. Excellent listening and communication skills with an organized and systematic approach. Over six years of related expertise.

Work History

July 2018 – Current
JayCare Therapy – Edison, NJ
Translator

  • Provide oral translations and interpretations for over 100 mandarin speaking patients in therapy, successfully maintaining pace with native speakers to deliver real-time comprehension.
  • Use translation memory software to verify the consistency of translation within documents and improve efficiency.
  • Confer with subject matter experts and other colleagues to establish a precise understanding of special terms and translate them appropriately.

November 2016 – June 2018
Language Services Associates, Inc – Edison, NJ
Document Translator

  • Listened to an average of 12 video dialogues in mandarin per week and developed translation into the English language to prepare subtitle scripts.
  • Provided verbal summaries of documents for immediate use.
  • Applied cultural understanding to discern specific meanings beyond literally written words.

March 2013 – March 2016
SOS International LLC – New Brunswick, NJ
Bilingual Receptionist

  • Answered over 20 calls daily to respond to inquiries and transfer calls to the correct departments and personnel.
  • Provided guests with above-and-beyond service, including making outside venue reservations and setting up tours.
  • Provided cultural input to speakers to help parties who did not speak similar languages communicate with and understand one another.

Skills

  • Document review
  • Rich vocabulary
  • Transcribing
  • Proofreading skills
  • Cultural expertise
  • Communication
  • Organization
  • Attention to detail

Education

  • May 2014
    Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey New Brunswick, NJ
    Bachelor of Arts Communications
  • Minored in Chinese Language and Literature

5 essentials of a top translator resume

  1. Contact details

    Place your contact information at the top of the page. It must include your full name, city, state, ZIP code, phone number and professional email address. If you have a LinkedIn profile and professional website, add them as well.

  2. Personal statement

    A personal statement is also known as a professional summary. It’s a concise, three-to-five-sentence statement that tells the hiring manager who you are and what you bring to the table. Include some of your top skills in your personal statement, along with one or two notable accomplishments.

  3. Skills

    Create a skills section to display skills for a translator on your resume so hiring managers can see them at a glance. Add a bulleted list of five to eight job-relevant skills in this section. Include hard and soft skills, such as writing and attention to detail.

  4. Work history

    A translator resume must include a job history section. In reverse-chronological order, list your current and previous employers and provide company names, locations and the dates you worked for them, plus two or three measurable achievements. If you’re applying for your first job, then use this section to highlight extracurricular activities, coursework, presentations, volunteer experience and community service.

  5. Education

    A resume for a translator job must include an education section, even if you don’t have a diploma or a degree. Using bullet points, list the names of the schools you attended and the years you graduated. If you did not graduate, list the school you attended and some of your classes.

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Do’s and don’ts for building a translator resume

  • Use measurable achievements to describe your writing abilities and experience.
  • Use action words to make an impact on your translator resume.
  • Tailor your resume to your target translator job.
  • Use keywords from the job description throughout your translator resume.
  • Format your translator resume so that it is easy to read by ATS software and human eyes.
  • Lie about your writing experience and skills.
  • Boast that you’re the “best translator ever.”
  • Include irrelevant personal information such as your ethnicity and age.
  • Add skills and experience not relevant to writing.
  • Forget to proofread. A translator resume will be discarded immediately.

Top 4 tips for acing a translator interview

  1. Research first.

    To make a great first impression, learn about the potential employer’s history, goals, values and people before your first interview. Talking about the company knowledgeably shows genuine interest, dedication and commitment, which hiring managers like to see.

  2. Practice makes perfect!

    To practice for your interview, start by reviewing the most common interview questions, such as: 

    Think back to some of your recent work experiences and write down one or two possible answers as you review potential questions. Then ask a friend or relative to help you practice. Ask your interview partner for a review and work on improving your weaknesses. You’ll feel confident and ready when it’s time for the real thing. 

  3. Ask questions.

    Your interviewer will likely ask if you have any questions at the end of your session — and they will expect you to have at least two or three questions for them. 

    Some questions you might ask for a job as a translator might include: 

    • What are you looking for in a candidate?
    • What is a typical day like in this job?
    • How would my performance be evaluated?
  4. Gather references.

    Have professional references ready if the hiring manager requests them after your interview. Being prepared in advance can make a great impression. Have a list of two or three former coworkers and a manager who can speak highly of your job qualifications. 

    If you are applying for your first full-time job, ask a former teacher, volunteer coordinator, classmate, or community leader who can vouch for your character and skills.

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