Test translation with deadline and Trados requirements Thread poster: Adrian Grant
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Adrian Grant 
United Kingdom
Local time: 19:52
Portuguese to English
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Greetings all, this is my first post.
I've just been sent an alleged test translation requiring that my attempt be returned by Monday 10am, and that it be submitted "done in Trados (send the unclean file)".
So, my first question is whether there would be any legitimate reason for wanting a test translation submitted in an unclean Trados file.
(The time constraint also seems very fishy, but I can imagine some scenarios where it may be legitimate).
My s... See more Greetings all, this is my first post.
I've just been sent an alleged test translation requiring that my attempt be returned by Monday 10am, and that it be submitted "done in Trados (send the unclean file)".
So, my first question is whether there would be any legitimate reason for wanting a test translation submitted in an unclean Trados file.
(The time constraint also seems very fishy, but I can imagine some scenarios where it may be legitimate).
My second question is if this is an exploitative 'test' translation, what suggestions do you have for having a bit of fun with it?.. i.e. a bogus/humorous submission.
[Further information: the test is 323 words long, is the start of a contract, and the first date on the contract is 1st March.]
Cheers. ▲ Collapse
| | | | | Take it or leave it ... | Mar 25, 2010 |
Adrian Grant wrote:
Greetings all, this is my first post.
I've just been sent an alleged test translation requiring that my attempt be returned by Monday 10am, and that it be submitted "done in Trados (send the unclean file)".
So, my first question is whether there would be any legitimate reason for wanting a test translation submitted in an unclean Trados file.
(The time constraint also seems very fishy, but I can imagine some scenarios where it may be legitimate).
Doesn't seem particularly sinister to me -- probably more a question of can you be relied on to meet a deadline and do you have basic Trados knowledge. You'll be surprised how many people don't know what an unclean(ed) file is.
Adrian Grant wrote:
My second question is if this is an exploitative 'test' translation, what suggestions do you have for having a bit of fun with it?.. i.e. a bogus/humorous submission.
None whatsoever, I can think of plenty more things I'd rather do for fun, to be honest. I'd either do it, or tell them I'm not interested.
Adrian Grant wrote:
[Further information: the test is 323 words long, is the start of a contract, and the first date on the contract is 1st March.]
Length seems fine. If they wanted to pull the wool over your eyes, they could just as well have changed the date to 28 October 2005 and you'd be none the wiser. Fact that it's the start of a contract could just as well be to see if you'll stumble at the first hurdle.
Bottom line is this type of text shouldn't take you more than 20-30 minutes, if that, so if you're looking to expand your client base and they seem kosher otherwise, tie them into a rate first (for future jobs, assuming this is unpaid) and give it a go, you haven't got much to lose. Personally, I no longer do unpaid test translations, but I did at the outset and some paid off, some didn't.
Best of luck,
Debs
[Edited at 2010-03-25 17:56 GMT]
| | | | Karen Stokes
United Kingdom
Local time: 19:52
Member (2003)
French to English
| Can't really see the problem | Mar 25, 2010 |
Maybe they just want confirmation that you know how to work with the software. As far as the deadline goes, maybe they've got a reviewer lined up. Maybe they just want to know you can stick to a deadline. Why not ask them? If it's 323 words of a contract they'd have to be splitting it between an awful lot of people if they were trying to get it done for free. I'd be inclined to see what else you can find out about the client and base your decision on that too. But if your instincts tell you it's... See more Maybe they just want confirmation that you know how to work with the software. As far as the deadline goes, maybe they've got a reviewer lined up. Maybe they just want to know you can stick to a deadline. Why not ask them? If it's 323 words of a contract they'd have to be splitting it between an awful lot of people if they were trying to get it done for free. I'd be inclined to see what else you can find out about the client and base your decision on that too. But if your instincts tell you it's iffy then don't do it - why waste time on someone you think may not be a legitimate client?
Best,
Karen ▲ Collapse
| | | | Laurent KRAULAND (X)
France
Local time: 20:52
French to German
+ ...
| My bottom line too | Mar 25, 2010 |
Karen Stokes wrote:
But if your instincts tell you it's iffy then don't do it - why waste time on someone you think may not be a legitimate client?
Best,
Karen
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| I think it's normal | Mar 25, 2010 |
Hi,
I have worked in a translation company and I can remember a specific project which was very large and they had to look for new translators.
They submitted tests which consisted of:
a) A short sample Doc file from the real project (everybody got the same file). The word files had lots of styles and it was important that those styles were not changed. Translators had to use the English version of MS Word to avoid that.
b) Translators had to d... See more Hi,
I have worked in a translation company and I can remember a specific project which was very large and they had to look for new translators.
They submitted tests which consisted of:
a) A short sample Doc file from the real project (everybody got the same file). The word files had lots of styles and it was important that those styles were not changed. Translators had to use the English version of MS Word to avoid that.
b) Translators had to deliver uncleaned files as they would in the real project. Part of the test was if the translators could deliver uncleaned which would cause cleanup errors.
c) There was a dealine: They needed to assess quality of the translations as well as the reliability of the translators, their ability to follow instructions and possible technical issues before the project started. The deadline was quite long because the selection process started long before the translation was due to start.
So, basically, yes: I don't find it offputting by itself because they might want to check if you can deliver what is required.
On the other hand, if you don't feel confortable about this company, just don't do the test. Don't waste your time and their time sending a bogus translation in case you find out later on that they are actually a very good and reliable customer and you want to have business with them.
How would you like being laughed at when you get into a shop because you are wearing jeans and you don't look like a well-paying customer to them...
Daniel ▲ Collapse
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