agency attitude Thread poster: biankonera
| biankonera Latvia Local time: 14:40 Italian to Latvian + ...
I was curious if anybody would care to share some thoughts on the following situation: a freelancer applies for work at an agency, passes the offered translation test and gets the long desired contract (even goes through all the requirements set by that agency). some document, however, is still necessary and when the freelancer sends it via post with delivery (due to inability to show up in person) the document gets sent back even if the freelancer has informed the agency they will ... See more I was curious if anybody would care to share some thoughts on the following situation: a freelancer applies for work at an agency, passes the offered translation test and gets the long desired contract (even goes through all the requirements set by that agency). some document, however, is still necessary and when the freelancer sends it via post with delivery (due to inability to show up in person) the document gets sent back even if the freelancer has informed the agency they will get that document via post. and - above all - the freelancer never hears from the agency again in 4 months since the signing of the contract even if the agency was so keen to sign the freelancer up ASAP. So I was wondering what should I do in such a situation? Call them/send them an email or should I simply not bother??? Thanks bramasole ▲ Collapse | | | Jo Macdonald Spain Local time: 13:40 Member (2005) Italian to English + ... There are agencies with tests | Aug 7, 2006 |
And there are agencies with work You choose who you want to work with | | | biankonera Latvia Local time: 14:40 Italian to Latvian + ... TOPIC STARTER
however in a pursuit of a dream job one can sometimes hit the wall.. and learn | | | my experience | Aug 8, 2006 |
Not sure why but I also noticed such rule: the agency that wants you to do a real job is not usually bothered with immediate contract, etc. (PO can be enough): the one that needs you to send plenty of information by post, provide references and undergo a long acceptance process, at best sends a small order within 1-2 months... Any way you can phone them and ask. For example few days ago I have passed a test for a "real project" and was asked if I can start immediately. After I repli... See more Not sure why but I also noticed such rule: the agency that wants you to do a real job is not usually bothered with immediate contract, etc. (PO can be enough): the one that needs you to send plenty of information by post, provide references and undergo a long acceptance process, at best sends a small order within 1-2 months... Any way you can phone them and ask. For example few days ago I have passed a test for a "real project" and was asked if I can start immediately. After I replied "yes" the company was silent for 3 days, but when I called them they explained that there is a second in-company stage of proofreading 4 months is not a few days, but if your communication implied any forthcoming job, and especially if you passed a test for it, I think, you should call. ▲ Collapse | |
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Marta Fernandez-Suarez (X) United Kingdom Local time: 12:40 English to Spanish too right, unfortunately | Aug 8, 2006 |
Hi all Jo and Natalya, I think you are very right, though I hope you are not... Same experience in my case. I answered an ad from a translation department in an institution who was recruiting translators of all combinations... Up untill then I am very keen indeed in working for them, mainly due to the fact that they pay well and that I foresee that I would like the type of translations they would offer me. They are interested and asked me to s... See more Hi all Jo and Natalya, I think you are very right, though I hope you are not... Same experience in my case. I answered an ad from a translation department in an institution who was recruiting translators of all combinations... Up untill then I am very keen indeed in working for them, mainly due to the fact that they pay well and that I foresee that I would like the type of translations they would offer me. They are interested and asked me to send in a sample of my work. After them liking it, they ask me to give them lots of details, fill in some forms and give them referees details which they inmediately check. Then I do not hear from them for two months... I make a polite call, and they tell me that -two months ago- they sent me the papers asking for more of my details, but that I never answered back. I explain that I never received any papers and they call me in for an induction (this is in June). Paid over 23 pounds (GBP) to get there. Asked for an idea of how much volume of translation work will I be receiving from them and they say that I would get something every month and that July is a very busy period. So far, no news from them... Called again and they tell me they will take note that I am available... Incredible!, isn't it? How can they expect me to be keen in giving them preference over other customers? Still shocked. Begining finally to realise they may not be worth it. Don't bother as much as I have done. Marta
[Edited at 2006-08-09 08:03] ▲ Collapse | | | laurem Belgium Local time: 13:40 English to French + ... Same experience on my side | Aug 8, 2006 |
The only agencies I have received a contract from, signed and sent back... are the agencies from which I almost never receive any work! Or maybe a proofreading of 100 words once every 2 months) Don't bother! | | | same as LaureM | Aug 8, 2006 |
Sign them if you agree to their terms & conditions, by all means, but I wouldn't pin all your hopes on these contracts. They're just for admin/database purposes, really. | | | So very true! | Aug 8, 2006 |
Natalya Zelikova wrote: Not sure why but I also noticed such rule: the agency that wants you to do a real job is not usually bothered with immediate contract, etc. (PO can be enough): the one that needs you to send plenty of information by post, provide references and undergo a long acceptance process, at best sends a small order within 1-2 months... Or maybe never, as it is my case... | | | To report site rules violations or get help, contact a site moderator: You can also contact site staff by submitting a support request » agency attitude Protemos translation business management system | Create your account in minutes, and start working! 3-month trial for agencies, and free for freelancers!
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