Q: 不好意思想問一下，如果想要接案，英文能力是不是很重要？我是一名平面設計師，近期離開公司想嘗試自己接案，但是我的英文能力有限（多益綠色證書[470-725]），發展是不是會很受限？
我的回覆原文用英文寫成（因為英文是我的母語），想練習英文的同學可以直接閱讀，如果想看中文版本也可以往下滑，後面有中文翻譯！
It is great to hear that you would like to try something new! Before looking into your language skills, it will help to ask yourself the following questions:
- What kind of clients am I looking for?
- Are they based locally/domestically or internationally?
- How do I feel about my current English language skills?
Say you do want to work with clients whose native language or main communicative language is English. The first step would be to write an English version of your resume and CV. If you do not know where to start, finding and comparing examples online can be a great resource. Also consider setting up an English LinkedIn profile, which will allow recruiters to come across your services and reach out to you.
Next, assess if you feel proficient and comfortable enough to handle business-related communication. This could include formally pitching yourself and your services, your rates and conditions, and negotiating or clarifying the terms of a case. It is also crucial to thoroughly understand what the client is communicating as well, not only to ensure that a case goes smoothly, but also to protect yourself from unfair treatment or exploitation.
These days, the translation quality of ChatGPT 4o can get a person pretty far, especially for simpler forms of communication; however, it is not always foolproof. Aside from utilizing this, online resources, and your own language skills, consider finding an expert editor or translator to double-check your English, especially your resume, CV, and/or LinkedIn account.
Finally, consider finding ways to actively improve your English in general, whether it be by taking group or individual classes, reading books and listening to music, or finding opportunities to speak or write. Though it may take time, consistent efforts will pay off in the long run. Good luck!
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（中文版）
想嘗試一些新事物很不錯！在討論語言能力之前，可以先問自己以下幾個問題：
- 我想尋找什麼樣的客戶？
- 是本地還是國外客戶？
- 我對自己的英語能力有什麽看法？有自信嗎？還是會感到焦慮？
如果你確實想與英文母語者或用英文溝通的客戶合作，第一步是撰寫一份英語版的履歷。如果不知道從何開始，可以上網搜尋、比較不同的範本。此外，你也可以考慮建立一個英語版的LinkedIn個人帳戶，這樣招聘人員就能找到你的服務並與你聯繫。
接下來，你可以評估自己是否有足夠的語言能力來順利地進行業務相關的溝通，包括用正式的口吻推銷自己的服務、收費方式和合作條件，以及談判或釐清某個案子的條款。另一個關鍵是理解客戶和你傳達的內容，不僅是為了讓合作過程順利進行，也是為了保護自己，免於受到不公平的待遇或剝削。
如今，ChatGPT 4o的翻譯品質可以讓人應對許多簡單的溝通形式；但這並非萬無一失。除了利用此一工具、網路上的資源和你自己的語言技能外，你也可以考慮找一位資深編輯或譯者來檢查你的英文寫作，特別是你的履歷或LinkedIn帳戶。
最後，也很鼓勵積極地提高自己的英文水平，推薦的方法包括參加小組或個人課程、閱讀書籍和聽英文歌曲，或尋找練習英文口説或寫作的機會。雖然這可能需要一段時間，但持續的努力長遠下來會有所回報。祝你一切順利！
