Translator Resume Sample

Looking for ways to update your translator resume? Have a look at our writing tips to help you get started.

1. Provide details on your language skills

Fluency in one or more languages is essential to being a translator, but vaguely listing a language isn’t enough. The US Foreign Service Institute maintains an American language proficiency scale of 0–5. Level 3 is the minimum language requirement for many companies. Mention your language proficiency level on your resume and job application following these examples:

1 – Elementary Spanish Skills
2 – Limited Working Proficiency in Spanish
3 – Professional Working Proficiency in Spanish
4 – Full Professional Proficiency in Spanish
5 – Native Speaker/Bilingual English and Spanish

There are different language proficiency frameworks (ACTFL, CEFR, ILR) that you can choose to list on your resume. If you decide to use one or more, keep them consistent throughout your job application.

Place your language proficiency levels in your skills section, the resume summary, or its own section. List your languages from highest to lowest proficiency.

Add any regional variations of a language in parentheses. For example, there is a difference between Spanish (Latin American) and Spanish (Castilian).

2. Include a resume summary

A resume summary sits at the top of your resume and includes 1–5 sentences that present your most relevant skills and experiences. If you’re an experienced translator, a resume summary is the perfect place to draw attention to your accomplishments.

Here’s an example of an experienced translator’s resume summary:

Translator and Interpreter with 8+ years of experience working with a diverse group of clients and organizations, such as Google and Amazon. Trilingual in Spanish, Chinese, and English. Nuanced cultural knowledge and awareness of legal, business, and medical terminologies in Spanish and Chinese.

3. Showcase your translator resume skills

Besides languages, there are other skills to add throughout your translator resume to show that you’re a true communications expert.

In terms of soft skills, communicating effectively with your clients is a big part of your skill set, as many translation jobs are freelance and involve working remotely. Translators work with multiple deadlines and clients in many time zones, so add time management skills and excellent written and verbal communication skills to your resume.

Being impartial is another major component of the translator code of ethics. Being detail-oriented is also a must because your role is to translate into your target language in a way that’s as literal to the source as possible.

You should also mention hard skills, like your computer skills. Translation often involves using Microsoft Word, but knowing how to subtitle and use audio software for voice-overs increases your chances of being hired for certain gigs and even leads to higher pay.

Other top skills for translators:

• Cultural awareness and sensitivity
• Copywriting and editing skills
• Organizational skills
• Reliability
• Self-motivation
• Research and analytical skills
• Technical skills
• Customer service skills
• Teamwork

Remember to quantify your work experiences with vivid examples of your previous projects or accomplishments.

Here are some examples of translator resume bullet points:

• Provided over 50 high-quality, purpose-effective online Spanish to English translations in areas ranging from business audiobooks to web-based promotional materials
• Translated a 35-page magazine editorial project from Japanese to English, which resulted in $100,000 in sales for the company

4. Highlight your education and certifications

Employers pay attention to your educational background because working in translation involves specific knowledge and accuracy. When crafting your translator resume, emphasize your educational background, especially if you’ve previously studied your target language or translation and interpretation.

A Bachelor’s degree is typically the minimum requirement for translator jobs. If you’re an entry-level translator, list volunteering positions involving translation, language clubs, cultural classes, or immersion programs that you’ve joined.

If you’re an experienced translator, extra certifications like the American Translators Association (ATA) or a language proficiency certificate help boost your resume.

How to format your education section:

• Add your highest degree first. For example, Master’s, then Bachelor’s
• Don’t add your high school experience if you have a college degree
• Include your college name, location, graduation date, and major
• Include awards, publications, relevant coursework, clubs, and your GPA (only if it’s above 3.5)
• If you have work experience, list your education at the bottom of your resume

5. Write an excellent cover letter

You should write a cover letter for every translator job that helps you stand out from other applicants. Carefully target your translator cover letter by reading over the job description to give you an idea of what the hiring manager is looking for.

Translator cover letter tips:

• Keep the formatting of your cover letter consistent with your resume. For example, if you use a resume template, use a matching cover letter template.
• Start with a powerful cover letter introduction 
• Talk about your exceptional language skills using clear examples
• Describe any noteworthy translation projects and key achievements
• Use mentioned keywords from the job description to better resonate with the employer
• Finish with a strong call to action

Here’s an example of a call to action:

You can reach me at 1234-567-89 or at translator@email.com. I look forward to hearing from you.