Things Clients Can Do to Help Their Translator

Translation isn’t magic. It’s collaboration.

The better the source material, the easier it is for your translator to give you something accurate, natural, and polished — especially if it’s for things like visas, CVs, websites, or marketing.

So here are five small things you can do to make the process quicker, smoother, and — let’s be honest — cheaper.

✅ 1. Send the Final Version — Not a Draft

It’s tempting to send a “rough version” and say you’ll update it later. But if your translator starts working and you change the file halfway through… that’s double the work.

✱ Best to send the final, checked version — even if it feels small or unimportant.

✅ 2. Explain What It’s For

Is it for:

  • A visa or residency application?

  • An academic submission?

  • A website targeting British customers?

We don’t need your life story, but knowing who will read the translation helps us tailor the tone, structure, and vocabulary. Especially when we’re choosing between British and American English.

✅ 3. Share Reference Materials

If you’ve had things translated before (like your website, CV, or company profile), send those over. Even if they’re not perfect, they help us keep tone and terminology consistent.

✅ 4. Highlight Key Terms or Names

If your document includes:

  • Names of organisations

  • Product names

  • Proper nouns

  • Specialist vocabulary

Let us know! Sometimes we need to leave names untranslated — or check official spellings — and your input makes it more accurate.

✱ For business or legal documents, this is especially helpful.

✅ 5. Give Us Time (If You Can)

Yes, we can sometimes do “urgent” jobs. But quality takes focus. If you want it done well — not just fast — give your translator a little breathing space. We promise: you’ll get a better result.

Bonus: We Love Questions

Don’t be shy about asking:

  • What does this word actually mean in English?

  • Can you explain the difference between “certified” and “official” translation?

  • Is this OK to use in a visa application?

We’d much rather talk through it than guess. Translation isn’t just a service — it’s a relationship.

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How to Translate Your CV Without Sounding Awkward