Translators playbook · 15 free jobs

AI for translators: 15 jobs to hand to AI this week

Translators already know machine translation better than anyone. These jobs use AI for the business around the translation and the checking, never as a substitute for your expertise, and never with confidential text in a tool you haven't vetted.

Job 1 of 15ChatGPTGeminiClaude

Build a starter glossary from client reference material

Consistent terminology is what clients notice. A glossary from day one saves you rework across a long project.

Time: 20 minutesCost: free tools work

An AI tool your client allows, or a free AI chat tool with public reference material only

Steps

  1. Use public material only (client website, brochures), unless the client agrees otherwise.
  2. Run the prompt.
  3. Verify every term pair yourself and load into your CAT tool.

The exact prompt

Copy, paste, then fill in the [brackets]
From this [source language] reference text, extract the key domain terms and suggest [target language] equivalents.
Text: [paste public material].
Output a table: source term, suggested target term, part of speech, context sentence, confidence (high/medium/low). Flag terms that are brand names or should stay untranslated.

✓ Check before you send

  • Every term pair checked by you.
  • Confidential text never went into an unvetted tool.
  • Client-preferred terms override suggestions.

UK notes extra

Last reviewed Oct 2026. Free tools change. If a screen looks different, the steps still apply.Back to top ↑
Job 2 of 15ChatGPTClaude

Run a final consistency check on your own translation

A second pair of eyes for inconsistent terms, numbers and missing segments catches what tiredness misses.

Time: 15 minutesCost: free tools work

An AI tool permitted under your client agreement

Steps

  1. Confirm the client allows the tool, or use an anonymised excerpt.
  2. Paste source and target with the prompt.
  3. Treat the output as a checklist, not as corrections.

The exact prompt

Copy, paste, then fill in the [brackets]
Compare this source and my translation. Don't rewrite my translation. List only possible issues: numbers or dates that differ, missing or added content, inconsistent terms (same source term translated differently), and glossary breaches against: [glossary].
Source: [paste]. Target: [paste].
Output a table: segment, issue, suggestion.

✓ Check before you send

  • You decide on every change.
  • Numbers and names re-checked by you.
  • The tool was allowed by the client.

UK notes extra

Last reviewed Oct 2026. Free tools change. If a screen looks different, the steps still apply.Back to top ↑
Job 3 of 15ChatGPTGeminiClaude

Write clear quotes for translation jobs

Clients often don't understand per-word pricing, minimum fees or rush rates. A clear quote avoids disputes.

Time: 10 minutesCost: free tools work

A free AI chat tool (ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot or Claude)

Steps

  1. Get the word count from your CAT tool and agree the deadline.
  2. Run the prompt with your rates.
  3. Send with your terms.

The exact prompt

Copy, paste, then fill in the [brackets]
Write a translation quote email from [name], [language pair] translator.
Job: [document type], [word count] words, deadline [date]. Rate: [per word], minimum fee [ ], rush surcharge [ ], certification [if needed, price]. What's included: [proofreading, formatting]. Payment terms: [ ].
Clear, professional [British] English, under 180 words.

✓ Check before you send

  • Word count and rate are right.
  • Deadline is realistic.
  • Certification is described correctly.

UK notes extra

Last reviewed Oct 2026. Free tools change. If a screen looks different, the steps still apply.Back to top ↑
Job 4 of 15ChatGPTGeminiClaude

Explain machine translation post-editing to clients

Clients ask "can't you just use AI?" A clear explanation of what post-editing is, and what it costs, protects your rates.

Time: 20 minutes onceCost: free tools work

A free AI chat tool (ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot or Claude)

Steps

  1. Note your real service levels: full human translation, full post-editing, light post-editing.
  2. Run the prompt.
  3. Use it on your website and in client emails.

The exact prompt

Copy, paste, then fill in the [brackets]
Write a plain-English explainer for clients from [name], a [language pair] translator: "Human translation vs machine translation post-editing".
My service levels and prices: [details]. When I recommend each: [details].
Under 350 words, honest [British] English. Explain quality, confidentiality and risk for each option. Don't disparage AI; explain when it's fine and when it isn't.

✓ Check before you send

  • Prices are current.
  • Confidentiality claims match how you actually work.
  • It's honest about where machine output is fine.

UK notes extra

Last reviewed Oct 2026. Free tools change. If a screen looks different, the steps still apply.Back to top ↑
Job 5 of 15ChatGPTGeminiClaude

Write a profile that sells your specialism

Generalists compete on price. A profile that shows your specialist knowledge attracts better clients.

Time: 30 minutesCost: free tools work

A free AI chat tool (ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot or Claude)

Steps

  1. List your language pairs, specialisms, qualifications and types of work (no client names without permission).
  2. Run the prompt.
  3. Write the target-language version yourself.

The exact prompt

Copy, paste, then fill in the [brackets]
Write a professional profile for [name], a [language pair] translator specialising in [fields].
Qualifications and memberships: [list]. Typical work: [types]. Tools: [CAT tools].
Give a 150-word website bio and a 50-word directory profile. Confident, specific [British] English. Don't invent qualifications or clients.

✓ Check before you send

  • Qualifications and memberships are exact.
  • No client names without permission.
  • Target-language version written by you.

UK notes extra

Last reviewed Oct 2026. Free tools change. If a screen looks different, the steps still apply.Back to top ↑
Job 6 of 15ChatGPTGemini

Set a rate card for translation, revision and proofreading

Quoting different rates each time for translation, revision and post-editing confuses clients and undersells you. A clear rate card makes quoting fast and consistent.

Time: 15 minutesCost: free tools work

A free AI chat tool (ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot or Claude)

Steps

  1. List your current rates for each service, your minimum fee and any rush surcharge.
  2. Run the prompt below.
  3. Check each service description is accurate to how you work.
  4. Save it as a PDF to send with quotes, and review it yearly.

The exact prompt

Copy, paste, then fill in the [brackets]
Build a rate card from my rates [paste]: translation, revision, proofreading, machine translation post-editing, minimum fee, rush surcharge.
Explain each service in one line, so clients know the difference.

✓ Check before you send

  • These are your own rates.
  • The service definitions are clear.
  • The minimum fee is stated.

UK notes extra

Last reviewed Oct 2026. Free tools change. If a screen looks different, the steps still apply.Back to top ↑
Job 7 of 15ChatGPTGemini

Pitch direct clients in your specialism

Direct clients usually pay better than agencies, but generic pitches get ignored. A short, sector-specific pitch with one real example gets replies.

Time: 15 minutesCost: free tools work

A free AI chat tool (ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot or Claude)

Steps

  1. Choose companies in your specialism that need your language pair.
  2. Check you can lawfully email them.
  3. Run the prompt below.
  4. Personalise the first line for each company.
  5. Send, and log it.

The exact prompt

Copy, paste, then fill in the [brackets]
Write a short pitch (under 120 words) to [type of company] in [specialism] needing [language pair].
Include one relevant example [real, non-confidential] and a clear next step.

✓ Check before you send

  • Marketing rules are checked.
  • The example is real and not confidential.
  • There's an opt-out line.

UK notes extra

Last reviewed Oct 2026. Free tools change. If a screen looks different, the steps still apply.Back to top ↑
Job 8 of 15ChatGPTGemini

Approach agencies with your CV and rates

Agencies get hundreds of applications. A tight email with your pairs, specialisms and rates gets you onto their database.

Time: 15 minutesCost: free tools work

A free AI chat tool (ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot or Claude)

Steps

  1. Check the agency's application process on their site.
  2. Run the prompt below.
  3. Attach your CV.
  4. Send it, and follow up once after two weeks.

The exact prompt

Copy, paste, then fill in the [brackets]
Write an email (under 120 words) to [agency]: language pair, specialisms, tools, rates, availability, CV attached.

✓ Check before you send

  • The facts are accurate.
  • The rates are your real ones.
  • You followed the agency's process.

UK notes extra

Last reviewed Oct 2026. Free tools change. If a screen looks different, the steps still apply.Back to top ↑
Job 9 of 15ChatGPTGemini

Write a translator CV

A focused translator CV gets agency attention. A generic one gets ignored.

Time: 15 minutesCost: free tools work

A free AI chat tool (ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot or Claude)

Steps

  1. List your language pairs, specialisms, qualifications, tools and experience.
  2. Run the prompt below.
  3. Remove any client-confidential information.
  4. Save it as a PDF and keep it updated.

The exact prompt

Copy, paste, then fill in the [brackets]
Turn my notes [paste] into a one-page translator CV: language pairs, specialisms, qualifications, tools, experience, sample projects (no confidential details).

✓ Check before you send

  • No client-confidential information.
  • Your qualifications are accurate.
  • It fits on one page.

UK notes extra

Last reviewed Oct 2026. Free tools change. If a screen looks different, the steps still apply.Back to top ↑
Job 10 of 15ChatGPTGemini

Choose between hourly and per-word rates

Some jobs, like transcreation or messy files, are better billed hourly. Knowing your equivalent rate helps you choose.

Time: 15 minutesCost: free tools work

A free AI chat tool (ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot or Claude)

Steps

  1. Track your speed on a few typical jobs.
  2. Run the prompt below.
  3. Decide which jobs suit each method.
  4. Add it to your rate card.

The exact prompt

Copy, paste, then fill in the [brackets]
Explain when hourly and per-word billing suit [job types], and convert my per-word rate [x] to an equivalent hourly rate at my speed of [words per hour].

✓ Check before you send

  • Your speed figures are real.
  • The conversion is checked.
  • It's clear to clients.

UK notes extra

Last reviewed Oct 2026. Free tools change. If a screen looks different, the steps still apply.Back to top ↑
Job 11 of 15ChatGPTGemini

Ask the right questions before quoting

Purpose, audience and deadline change the job and the price. Asking before quoting avoids surprises.

Time: 15 minutesCost: free tools work

A free AI chat tool (ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot or Claude)

Steps

  1. Run the prompt below.
  2. Save it as a template.
  3. Send it before quoting.
  4. Quote once you have the answers.

The exact prompt

Copy, paste, then fill in the [brackets]
Write a short reply (under 100 words) asking a client: purpose, audience, deadline, file format, reference material, and whether certification is needed.

✓ Check before you send

  • You ask before quoting.
  • Certification needs are checked.
  • The deadline is realistic.

UK notes extra

Last reviewed Oct 2026. Free tools change. If a screen looks different, the steps still apply.Back to top ↑
Job 12 of 15ChatGPTGemini

Offer a sample test to judge machine output

Machine translation output varies hugely, and a fixed post-editing rate can mean doing a full retranslation for less. A short sample shows what's realistic.

Time: 15 minutesCost: free tools work

A free AI chat tool (ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot or Claude)

Steps

  1. Run the prompt below.
  2. Review the sample and time yourself.
  3. Agree a rate based on the real effort.
  4. Charge for long samples.

The exact prompt

Copy, paste, then fill in the [brackets]
Write a message (under 100 words) offering to review a [n]-word sample of machine translation output before agreeing a post-editing rate.

✓ Check before you send

  • The sample is short, and paid if it's long.
  • The rate reflects the real effort.
  • It's in writing.

UK notes extra

Last reviewed Oct 2026. Free tools change. If a screen looks different, the steps still apply.Back to top ↑
Job 13 of 15ChatGPTGemini

Write your LinkedIn profile

Clients search LinkedIn for translators. A clear, specialism-focused profile helps them find you.

Time: 15 minutesCost: free tools work

A free AI chat tool (ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot or Claude)

Steps

  1. Write notes on your specialisms and experience.
  2. Run the prompt below.
  3. Update your headline and About section.
  4. Ask past clients for genuine recommendations.

The exact prompt

Copy, paste, then fill in the [brackets]
Rewrite my LinkedIn headline and About section from my notes [paste]. Honest and specialism-focused.

✓ Check before you send

  • No fake testimonials.
  • The claims are accurate.
  • Contact details are current.

UK notes extra

Last reviewed Oct 2026. Free tools change. If a screen looks different, the steps still apply.Back to top ↑
Job 14 of 15ChatGPTGemini

Explain rush fees

Urgent jobs disrupt your schedule and other clients. A clear rush fee makes it fair.

Time: 15 minutesCost: free tools work

A free AI chat tool (ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot or Claude)

Steps

  1. Decide when the rush fee applies and how much it is.
  2. Run the prompt below.
  3. Add it to your rate card.
  4. Mention it in quotes for urgent jobs.

The exact prompt

Copy, paste, then fill in the [brackets]
Write wording (under 80 words) for a rush surcharge: when it applies [criteria], how much [%].

✓ Check before you send

  • It's agreed before starting.
  • The criteria are clear.
  • It's applied consistently.

UK notes extra

Last reviewed Oct 2026. Free tools change. If a screen looks different, the steps still apply.Back to top ↑
Job 15 of 15ChatGPTGemini

Chase late-paying agencies

Late agency payments are common. Business-to-business statutory interest may apply, and saying so politely often gets you paid.

Time: 15 minutesCost: free tools work

A free AI chat tool (ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot or Claude)

Steps

  1. Check the invoice and due date.
  2. Read the GOV.UK late commercial payments guidance.
  3. Run the prompt below.
  4. Send the polite reminder first, then the firm one.

The exact prompt

Copy, paste, then fill in the [brackets]
Write 2 reminders: polite (invoice [ref], [£], due [date]) and firm, mentioning I may claim statutory interest under the late payment rules.

✓ Check before you send

  • The rules are checked on GOV.UK.
  • The amounts are correct.
  • It's professional.

UK notes extra

Last reviewed Oct 2026. Free tools change. If a screen looks different, the steps still apply.Back to top ↑

Questions translators ask

Is it safe to put client documents into AI?

Only if the client agrees and the tool's terms fit. Free tools may keep or train on what you paste. Use public material or anonymised excerpts otherwise.

Will AI replace translators?

It changes the work rather than replacing expertise. Clients still need someone accountable for meaning, terminology and risk. Explaining post-editing clearly protects your rates.

Which AI tool is free?

The free plans of ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot and Claude handle quotes, glossaries from public material and marketing copy.

Should I tell clients if I use AI?

Yes. Agree in writing which tools you may use, especially for confidential or certified work.

Privacy tip: don't paste customers' full names, addresses or other personal details into AI tools unless you need to and you've checked the tool's privacy settings.