Translator and interpreter resume

Updated on . How we write our guides.

Key skills for a translator resume

Terms that job ads ask for and ATS filters look for. Only include the ones you master.

  • Translation
  • Interpreting
  • Localization
  • Proofreading
  • CAT tools (Trados, memoQ)
  • Terminology management
  • Subtitling
  • Legal translation
  • Medical translation
  • Cultural adaptation

Tips for your translator resume

  1. Put your language pairs and their direction near the top, for example Spanish to English.
  2. Say your specialties: legal, medical, technical, marketing, literary or localization.
  3. Name your CAT tools and other software.
  4. Add volume: words per year, projects or main clients.
  5. Include certifications, including court interpreter certification if you have it.
  6. If you interpret, specify the mode: consecutive, simultaneous or remote.

Translator resume summary examples

Adapt these examples with your real details: years of experience, industry, tools and certifications.

Experienced

Spanish to English translator with 8 years of experience specializing in legal and medical texts. I translate about 400,000 words a year for law firms and hospitals using Trados and memoQ, and I interpret in consecutive mode for medical appointments.

Entry-level

Translation graduate with English, Spanish and French, and an internship at a localization agency, where I translated and reviewed websites and apps in memoQ. Looking for my first in-house translator role.

Other job titles

Search for them too and use the one in the job ad on your resume.

  • Interpreter
  • Localization specialist
  • Court interpreter
  • Medical interpreter
  • Freelance translator
  • Language specialist

How to write a translator resume step by step

  1. Write a short summary

    Three or four lines with your language pairs, specialties and experience.

  2. Detail your experience

    In “Experience”, add the agency or clients, specialties, volume and tools.

  3. Add languages and certifications

    In “Languages”, your levels. In “Certificates”, translation or interpreting certifications.

  4. Show projects

    In “Projects”, include notable translations or localization work you can share.

  5. Tailor your resume to the job ad and download it

    Paste the job ad into Beatjob: the AI improves the wording with the keywords your experience backs up. Then download the PDF.

More resume examples

Frequently asked questions about a translator resume

What education do translators and interpreters need?

They typically need a bachelor's degree, often in a foreign language, business or communications, and must be proficient in at least two languages, usually English and one other.

Do translators need a certification?

General certification is usually not required, but optional tests can prove your skill. Most states require certification for court interpreters.

What should an entry-level translator resume include?

Your language pairs, education, internships, sample translations and the CAT tools you know.

Sources

Build your translator resume

Turn on the sections in this guide, paste a real job ad and tailor your resume with AI without making anything up. It's free.

Sign up for free
Translator and interpreter resume: examples and tips | Beatjob