Do you use the Proz "Applications" tool? Thread poster: Silvia Di Profio
|
|---|
Hello everyone,
it's time to revise and re-organize customers files before the end of the year, so I am considering the Proz tool which allows you to send applications to registered outsourcers matching my profile.
Does anyone have any direct experience with it?
If yes, did you get any project or, at least, a first contact from companies?
And if not, why did you choose not to try?
I think there are a lot of unused and underestimated tools here on Proz, so I'd... See more Hello everyone,
it's time to revise and re-organize customers files before the end of the year, so I am considering the Proz tool which allows you to send applications to registered outsourcers matching my profile.
Does anyone have any direct experience with it?
If yes, did you get any project or, at least, a first contact from companies?
And if not, why did you choose not to try?
I think there are a lot of unused and underestimated tools here on Proz, so I'd like to explore them, one by one, and collecting the community thoughts seems to me the better way to learn more.
Thanks in advance for your two cents!
Silvia ▲ Collapse
| | | | Sheila Wilson 
Spain
Local time: 23:23
Member (2007)
English
+ ...
| They're actively asking you to apply | Dec 4, 2015 |
I haven't actually used http://www.proz.com/blueboard/?sp_mode=applications . However, when I've attended certain events, such as the virtual conferences, I have been presented with a similar list of companies who would like to receive an application, and I've responded to that on a couple of occasions.
These are companies who have asked for applications in your pair(s) an... See more I haven't actually used http://www.proz.com/blueboard/?sp_mode=applications . However, when I've attended certain events, such as the virtual conferences, I have been presented with a similar list of companies who would like to receive an application, and I've responded to that on a couple of occasions.
These are companies who have asked for applications in your pair(s) and specialisation(s), so they have to be a first target if you want to contact agencies. However, I wouldn't expect a very high response rate as these are long-term calls, and the ones I've seen are predominately asking for applications from just about anyone who translates - all languages, all subject areas. In my experience, these are not the best agencies to work with, but you may find more luck with them. Do make sure you investigate each one before you apply though. Find out if their payment track record and general reputation really is as good as the Blue Board implies, and discover ways to personalise your application. And don't neglect to contact smaller agencies who specialise in similar areas to you, and who don't seem to be against receiving contacts from freelancers. They can often bear a lot more fruit.
The thing to avoid is spamming every agency in the book - and, even worse, fellow professionals who rarely outsource - with a completely impersonal text. Most will not even be opened, and in some countries it can be deemed illegal.
I totally agree with you that there are some very useful things on the site that very rarely get referenced.
Good luck, Silvia! ▲ Collapse
| | | | Silvia Di Profio
Italy
Local time: 00:23
Member (2015)
English to Italian
TOPIC STARTER | spamming is out of the question | Dec 4, 2015 |
Sheila Wilson wrote:
The thing to avoid is spamming every agency in the book - and, even worse, fellow professionals who rarely outsource - with a completely impersonal text. Most will not even be opened, and in some countries it can be deemed illegal.
I totally agree with you that there are some very useful things on the site that very rarely get referenced.
Good luck, Silvia!
Hello Sheila,
many thanks for your reply.
Spamming and, what is more, in an impersonal approaching way is off the table, I learned the lesson long overdue
As the companies listed in Applications have expressed their willingness to accept a Proz form, I hope contacting them is risk-free, at least. I too believe it's a little vague approach, that's why I'm asking for experiences gained by colleagues.
And yes, it's essential to take a look at all their public profiles to be sure it's worthwhile to contact them. A lot of work, anyway.
Maybe Proz could find a way to better define specialization fields or language pairs requirements of companies, so that freelancers might select only the suitable options. Just to talk about.
| | | | | Not any more! | Dec 4, 2015 |
I did at first but I had no feedback whatsoever, not even something like an “hello, thank you!”! I have just checked my applications status and all of them, except one, are pending since… 2007! I must say though that since I became a member Proz.com has been my best source of new clients (through the directory, Kudoz history, etc.).
| | |
|
|
|
Sheila Wilson
Spain
Local time: 23:23
Member (2007)
English
+ ...
| The applications tool doesn't fulfil a specific need | Dec 4, 2015 |
Silvia Di Profio wrote:
Maybe Proz could find a way to better define specialization fields or language pairs requirements of companies, so that freelancers might select only the suitable options. Just to talk about.
The problem is that agencies with specific needs don't request applications in that way. They search the directory of freelance translators here, using a whole range of filters to ensure that they're presented with a manageable list. Then they check out a few at the top of the ordered list and send them personal messages asking them to quote. That's why if you want to use the site successfully to find work you need to do all of the following:
- become a paying member (all of them appear before registered users in the directory);
- answer KudoZ questions and gain points in your specialisations (the directory is sorted on relevant points)
- complete your profile very carefully, otherwise you may not appear on the list at all
- make sure the "About Me" text, your samples, etc are all giving the same positive message.
| | | | Silvia Di Profio
Italy
Local time: 00:23
Member (2015)
English to Italian
TOPIC STARTER
Sheila Wilson wrote:
The problem is that agencies with specific needs don't request applications in that way. They search the directory of freelance translators here, using a whole range of filters to ensure that they're presented with a manageable list. Then they check out a few at the top of the ordered list and send them personal messages asking them to quote.
That's why if you want to use the site successfully to find work you need to do all of the following:
- become a paying member (all of them appear before registered users in the directory);
- answer KudoZ questions and gain points in your specialisations (the directory is sorted on relevant points)
- complete your profile very carefully, otherwise you may not appear on the list at all
- make sure the "About Me" text, your samples, etc are all giving the same positive message.
That's the way I do, actually. And I am quite satisfied about the ranking position in my main field of expertise, although I haven't received offers, yet. Maybe Kudoz points is my weakness, but unfortunately not so many kudoz are posted in my favourite fields.
Thank you again for your precious corroboration, Sheila!
| | | | To report site rules violations or get help, contact a site moderator: You can also contact site staff by submitting a support request » Do you use the Proz "Applications" tool? | Anycount & Translation Office 3000 | Translation Office 3000
Translation Office 3000 is an advanced accounting tool for freelance translators and small agencies. TO3000 easily and seamlessly integrates with the business life of professional freelance translators.
More info » |
| | Trados Business Manager Lite | Create customer quotes and invoices from within Trados Studio
Trados Business Manager Lite helps to simplify and speed up some of the daily tasks, such as invoicing and reporting, associated with running your freelance translation business.
More info » |
|
| | | | X Sign in to your ProZ.com account... | | | | | |
Login to reply/comment 
Translation news
