I find it extremely annoying when companies I try to finangle out of their money in return for my translatorial, or whatever labour, services do not return my offer emails. The most recent ones both advertised on our Uni mailing list, saying they needed a translator for this or that. Naturally, I offered to prostitute myself to them as would any student-translator in need of work experience and cold hard cash, detailing what I’m good at and why I think I should be picked and all that work applicationy nonsense.
Fast forward four weeks, and I haven’t heard from either of them. I had the audacity to call the first one (who offered to pay pitifully low rates for a ‘raw’ translation), and was told that “Yes, it’s been taking a while. We’ll be replying to everyone this week.” The weekday I called was a Monday. Two weeks ago. I still haven’t received a reply.
The other one offered the same, annual job last year, for which I had expressed my interest even then. No acknowledgement whatsoever of having received my offer – but there is hope, for last year I did get something to work on from this establishment, albeit not what I’d asked for.
To sum this up: companies, man the fuck up and DO send those “Unfortunately…” emails. The effort is minimal, and it gives the people you reject a sense of closure and certainty despite the negative message. I for one hate the uncertainty that a non-reply brings – I’d rather just know outright. My feelings won’t be hurt. Seriously.
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