Tips for Freelance Linguist

Linguists are in great demand. With the emergence of multinational in India, the demand for linguist has increased tremendously. How should one move towards acquiring skills in order to become a proficient linguist? Well, one can go for a full time language course or simply focus on skills acquisition by taking a diploma course in translation. The choice is entirely yours. If you have already got a certificate in translation then start looking for a translation agency in your city.

Do some research on them and then customize your resume in accordance with the requirements of the agency. Feel free to state your beginner status and also specify what areas you would like to work upon. One would also need to show his interests and demonstrate his efforts that have been taken to build his skills.

There could be several specializations to choose from in language translation. One could prefer venturing into specialist financial translator and for that he would require to read and gather enough knowledge on bonds, derivatives and other such things. One must be prepared well enough if he wishes to get business from the client. It also makes sense to learn how to pitch for the linguistic business. Apart from that, it is advisable to list yourself in online forums so that you could be easily noticed. Make yourself unique so that people are willing to take your service. It could be done by lowering your price or getting expertise in a rare subject or offer extended payment terms and being easily accessible etc

Industries to target

Our previous article talked about few industries that are still looking to hire. Not mentioning other industries does not mean things are entirely bleak for industries like FMCG, Power Equipment, Financial Services and Telecom. If one applies his foresight and is planning for future then one can aim at these industries. No doubt, these industries are affected but like everything recession is not here to stay for eternity. Sooner or later it will go away and another prospering economic cycle will begin.

For example, FMCG sector has always been known as a defensive sector. The demand for consumer goods and daily consumption goods will never face any sort of slow down. Just one look at the stock prices of FMCG companies and you will find the fall has been much lesser than overall index stocks. Taking about Telecom, Indiais the fastest growing market in world. We are adding millions of new connections every month and yet we are just half way down. This growth rate is there to stay for at least next one decade. It would be a prudent idea to join the telecom bandwagon.

Financial services are equally important. They have suffered a lot in the current meltdown but finding the growth rate of Indian economy and rising wealth of country as a whole will definitely give rise to more and more financial institutions. Indian people are heavily into financial investment like stocks, mutual fund, FD, commodity trading, insurance and other such things so this sector is bound to register phenomenal growth in future. It would be a smart idea to prepare oneself for the future and enhance the skill sets so that once the economic cycle is reversed; you are all ready to conquer all the challenges.

Job Opportunities in manufacturing Sector

Till last year, the sunshine sectors were Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) sector. They provided the maximum employment opportunities to the seekers. These 3 sectors combined contributed almost 55 percent to the GDP in FY’08. The growth rate was equally impressive at 10 percent per annum. However, economic recession has taken a heavy toll on these sectors. That has also impacted the contribution of service sector and now the manufacturing sector is hogging the limelight. Few industries still looking to hire in this segment are; Automotive, Pharmaceuticals and Power.

 

Indian automation industry managed to register a relatively healthy growth rate in last financial year. Like other segments, it was affected by recession as well but the announcement by auto companies of keeping the production plans intact managed to provide it sheen. Candidates with degrees in instrumentation, production, mechanical, electronic and electrical engineering are more likely to get good opportunities in this sector. Stocks of Pharmaceutical sector have outperformed the index in last 12 months. That shows the strength of this sector. Considered as a defensive sector, the sector is expected to grow at a rate of over 19 percent in next financial year. Industry is also into consolidation mode and that augurs well for Indian economy and job seekers.

 

Power sector is another sunshine sector in manufacturing segment. The power sector is expected to grow rapidly despite the onslaught of economic recession. There are many requirements in this sector for graduates with a degree/diploma in electrical, mechanical or civil engineering. Apart from the above mentioned three segments, Retail and IT sector are also expected to hire more.

Career Dilemma

Job scenario is not inspiring too much of confidence. They say, when the going gets tough, the tough gets going. No doubt, placement scene at IITs and IIMs are always going to be good. Though slightly muted yet the students over there will manage to get the placements. But what about state level colleges? Most of the companies are postponing their recruitments and few others are taking back their offer letters. Few companies are remodeling the offer letters. Most of the fancied companies that used to offer unheard of sums can no longer be seen in sight. It also says that, what was in demand yesterday may not be so today.

 

Many students are always in dilemma about the right career choice. Most of them don’t think of the career that suits their interest, rather they focus upon which one will pay more. That’s definitely a wrong way to look at one’s career. According to one survey, a large majority of the students have already planned of a different career despite being in a diverse career currently. The thinking behind such moves is of timing one’s job prospects as per the market and economic condition. It’s almost like one is playing up with lucrative salary offer of a particular job five years down the line. That’s an ideal thinking but way beyond than realm of practicality. Our coming article will talk about few of the hot careers and viable industries even during the time of recession.

The Job Search Process

 

While you start looking for a job, threat this process as a job itself. When the signs are not good, start planning things regarding job hunting. Take out few hours every day to find a new job. The job search process must be a structured one and should be planned so that you can implement the steps efficiently. The process involves, updating resumes, going through job web sites, networking with peers, looking for leads and openings around you, preparing cover letters and finally sending them to prospective employers.

 

One must keep his focus intact and keep his eyes and ears open when scouting for job opportunities. The process of job search is an elaborate one and includes steps like making cold calls, appearing for several interviews and getting rejected as well. But then, one must be prepared to handle these things during the process. While searching for a job, one must be prepared to set his sights from long term as well as short term perspectives. That also mean depending upon the urgency of the situation one should also keep his options open for jobs in new sectors.

 

One should also give equal consideration to his personal and professional needs. Also try to make your setbacks as your opportunity. Also remember that, you are in control of your life and can also take charge of your career as well. Constant attempts should be made to contact the hiring persons and ask them whatever is needed. These basic steps will go a long way in getting successful result of the job search process.   

Economic Slowdown & Job Scenario

The job market has come to a halt because of economic slowdown faced by entire world. Recession has finally crept in and that is taking its toll on employees as well. Every other day, we come across newspaper reports that companies are firing thousand of jobs globally. Very few people are able to feel secure about their jobs. Professionals especially at the lower end of the hierarchy are the worst affected lot. Young professionals are feeling very doubtful and apprehensive about the repercussions of global slowdown. Also the fact that, recession is going to last longer than expected is, wrecking nerves. The campus placements are already getting affected. India that has slowly started to feel the burnt of slowdown is certainly not in the pink of the health. Industrial production has touched nadir, revenue deficit is on decline and many companies are shutting down their shops or trimming the number of the employees.

 

Desperate time calls for desperate measures. Holding onto job is fast becoming difficult so what’s the way out? The first thing anyone needs to do is, work smartly and work hard. Make yourself crucial to your company and show them the signs that company would be at loss if they give you the pink slip. But despite all the hard work and sincerity, things might not turn out the way you have planned. In such conditions, prepare yourself for any eventuality. If needed, have a back up plan in case you are fired. Back up plan will include starting job search. The coming article will talk about job search process during such difficult conditions.