Translator CV Example & Writing Tips for 2024

Ensure your CV format is structured to best highlight your unique experience and life situation.

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How to write a translator CV

Before you begin writing, make sure you know how to write a CV in a way that best emphasises your strengths.

Great language skills, attention to detail, and creative thinking are vital for translators.

Here’s how you can write an effective translator CV that shows employers you meet the job description.

1. Craft a targeted personal statement

Your CV personal statement should immediately convey your suitability for the translator role as it’s the first thing hiring managers see.

Highlight your language proficiency, years of experience, and any industry-specific expertise (e.g., legal or medical translation). If you have space, demonstrate an understanding of the cultural nuances relevant to the languages you work with.

Include one or two standout achievements, such as high-profile projects or qualifications.

But keep your statement focused — avoid generic CV buzzwords about being hard-working or passionate. Employers are looking for a concise summary that reflects both your linguistic ability and your ability to meet the specific demands of the role.

Example translator CV personal statement

Highly skilled translator with 8+ years of experience specialising in legal and financial translation. Successfully translated 500+ contracts and 200 financial reports from French and German into English. Deep understanding of European legal frameworks and proficiency with Trados ensure accurate and contextually appropriate translations. Completed a complex multi-lingual project for a leading law firm, which resulted in a 15% bonus for work well done.

2. Highlight key achievements in your work experience

In your work experience section, use bullet points to showcase quantifiable achievements. Focus on high-impact projects where your translation work made a tangible difference, such as meeting tight deadlines or successfully translating complex documents.

Include the types of documents you’ve worked on (e.g., contracts, medical records), the industries served, and any client satisfaction metrics or feedback. Employers are interested in seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world contexts, so each bullet point should provide clear evidence of your ability to deliver high-quality translations.

Example work experience section for a translator CV

• Translated 120+ complex legal documents (contracts, agreements) from German to English for an international law firm, reducing errors by 20% through meticulous review processes
• Managed translation projects for a multinational pharmaceutical company, ensuring accurate translation of medical records and research papers, contributing to a 98% client satisfaction rate
• Delivered time-sensitive translation of financial reports for a global investment bank, meeting a 24-hour deadline and maintaining a 100% accuracy rate

3. Showcase translation skills

Your skills section should highlight specialised competencies relevant to translation work. Include language pairs, CAT tools (like Trados or MemoQ), and any knowledge of industry-specific terminology.

It’s also a good idea to emphasise cultural competence, adaptability, and attention to detail since they indicate you can navigate complex translation challenges, ensure accuracy in diverse contexts, and deliver high-quality work under varying conditions.

Mention any experience with localisation or transcreation, as these are valuable in a diverse range of translation projects.

Remember, hiring managers will be looking for a blend of technical skills and soft skills that demonstrate you’re not just a translator, but a well-rounded professional capable of handling complex assignments.

Example of translator skills

• Proficient in English, French, and German (native proficiency in English and CEFR levels C2 (fluent) in French and German)
• Advanced user of CAT tools including Trados Studio, MemoQ, and Wordfast
• Specialised in legal, financial, and medical terminology, with extensive experience in translating contracts, financial reports, and clinical trial documents
• Experienced in localisation and transcreation, particularly in adapting marketing materials for diverse cultural contexts

4. List translation-relevant qualifications

Qualifications should be directly related to translation, so include any translation-specific degrees (like a BA in Translation Studies) and certifications (e.g., CIOL or ITI membership).

If you’ve completed specialised courses (e.g., legal or medical translation), list these as well. Employers assess your formal training, so only include qualifications that demonstrate your ability to meet industry standards and client expectations.

Example of translator qualifications on a CV

• Diploma in Translation (DipTrans) from the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL), with distinctions in legal and financial translation
• BA (Hons) in Translation Studies from the University of Leeds, including a year abroad studying in France and Germany
• Certified Pro Translator in English-French and English-German by the International Association of Professional Translators and Interpreters (IAPTI)
• Completed specialised course in Legal Translation at the University of Westminster

5. Emphasise relevant educational courses

Your education section should focus on degrees or diplomas that are directly relevant to your role as a translator.

Include your degree classification and any relevant modules or projects if they relate to your language pair or industry specialisation.

And if you studied abroad or completed language immersion programmes, mention these because they highlight your practical language skills and cultural understanding. Hiring managers are looking for evidence that your educational background supports your translation expertise.

Example translator CV education section:

• BA (Hons) in Translation and Interpreting, First Class Honours, University of Manchester, with specialisation in legal and financial translation
• Year-long Turing programme at the University of Lyon, France, focused on advanced French language and cultural studies
• Dissertation on ‘The Challenges of Legal Translation in Multilingual Europe,’ awarded with distinction for in-depth analysis and practical case studies

6. Include interests that enhance your profile

Hobbies and interests should be relevant to your role, so mention activities that demonstrate cultural awareness, such as travel or involvement in multicultural communities.

Language-related hobbies, like reading literature in your second language or participating in language exchange groups, can also be a plus.

Avoid hobbies that don’t have a clear link with translation unless they directly contribute to your skills as a translator because employers are looking for interests that suggest a deep engagement with languages and cultures, reinforcing your fit for the role.

Example of a translator CV’s hobbies and interests section

• Active member of the London French Language Meetup Group, participating in weekly discussions to maintain fluency and cultural awareness
• Passionate about European cinema, regularly watching films in French and German to stay attuned to contemporary linguistic trends
• Volunteer translator for Translators Without Borders, specialising in humanitarian content for NGOs
• Travelled extensively across Europe, including month-long stays in Germany and Switzerland, enhancing cultural and linguistic immersion