Specific Solutions
How Do Translation Companies Quote for Resume Translation? – By Elite Translation
As job markets become increasingly global, more professionals are creating multilingual resumes — in English, German, Japanese, or other languages — to meet the expectations of international employers. While a resume may seem short and simple, translating it professionally involves more than just word conversion.
So how do translation companies determine the cost of resume translation?
At Elite Translation, we’re here to break down the key factors that influence pricing and service levels.
1. Pricing Is Typically Based on Word Count or Document Length
Most reputable translation companies use word count or page count as the starting point for pricing:
Chinese resumes ➜ Priced per 1,000 characters
English resumes ➜ Priced per 1,000 words
Template-based resumes ➜ Sometimes offered at a flat rate per page
Although resumes are usually short, they contain dense language and nuanced phrasing. This makes accuracy and tone essential — and often requires a higher level of linguistic precision than general documents.
2. Language Pair Affects Cost
The language combination directly impacts pricing due to differences in translator availability and difficulty:
Chinese–English / English–Chinese ➜ Common and cost-effective
Chinese–Japanese / Chinese–German ➜ Medium to high rate
Chinese–Spanish / Chinese–Korean / rare languages ➜ Typically higher pricing
Additionally, if you request a native-speaker review (e.g. an English resume polished by a native English HR editor), there may be an added fee.
3. Level of Service: Basic Translation vs. Rewriting & Localization
Not all resume translation needs are the same. Some clients want a direct translation, while others prefer a restructured, localized version aligned with overseas expectations.
Factors that affect pricing include:
Adapting the format (e.g., Chinese-style resume to Western-style layout)
Polishing terminology for technical or industry-specific roles
Editing by native speakers or professional HR consultants in the target country
At Elite Translation, we offer tiered services — from straightforward translation to fully localized, strategy-driven resume adaptation.
4. Urgency and Volume
Tight timelines and multiple resume files (e.g. for corporate teams or executive search use) can influence costs:
Standard turnaround (2–3 business days) ➜ Normal rate
Same-day or next-day delivery ➜ Often includes an express surcharge
Bulk orders ➜ May be eligible for volume discounts and unified formatting
Efficient planning allows us to balance speed and quality — even for time-sensitive applications.
5. Quality Assurance and After-Sales Support
Professional translation companies should provide not only accurate language services but also reliable support:
Minor revisions and edits included (e.g. for phrasing, spelling)
Version updates after client feedback
Editable file formats (Word, PDF, etc.) provided for convenience
Resume translation often involves several drafts and updates, so working with a responsive, process-driven partner is key.
In Summary: Resume Translation Is About More Than Words — It’s About Positioning
When you choose a translation company for your resume, you’re not just hiring someone to convert text — you’re investing in how your professional identity is perceived internationally.
A strong resume translation should:
Read naturally and professionally
Use industry-appropriate terminology
Match the tone and expectations of the target market
Tell your story with confidence and clarity
At Elite Translation, we provide one-stop multilingual resume services — from translation and editing to localization and formatting — helping professionals present their best selves to the global market.