How to Be Over-the-Phone Interpreter - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Using an Over-the-Phone interpreter can have a positive effect on communication. It allows individuals who don't speak the same language to understand each other, which can lead to more effective collaboration and better customer service. it can help bridge cultural gaps, leading to improved relationships between different communities and cultures.

Furthermore, it is often more cost-effective than in-person interpreters, saving money for businesses and organizations alike. With its many advantages, Over-the-Phone interpreters are becoming increasingly popular as a way to facilitate communication and break down language barriers.

Steps How to Become

1. Research the requirements for becoming an over-the-phone interpreter. Depending on the company, you may need to have a degree in language or linguistics, or it may be enough to demonstrate fluency in a language.
2. Obtain the necessary certifications, if required. You may need to become a nationally certified interpreter or have a certification in medical interpreting, depending on the type of interpreting you plan to do.
3. Gather the other necessary documents. This may include your resume, transcripts, certifications, and references.
4. Prepare for the hiring process. Many companies require applicants to take an exam or provide a sample interpretation to demonstrate their language skills.
5. Apply for open positions. Many companies list interpreter positions on job boards and websites such as Indeed or LinkedIn.
6. Participate in an interview. You may be interviewed over the phone or in person, depending on the company’s policy.
7. Complete any additional training or testing required by the company. This may include background checks, drug tests, or other assessments.
8. Start working as an over-the-phone interpreter. You will likely need to use a headset or dedicated phone line to communicate with clients.

The use of an Over-the-Phone Interpreter (OPI) can be a reliable and efficient way to communicate across language barriers. By having a professional interpreter present over the phone, language barriers can be quickly broken down, resulting in improved communication and understanding between parties. using an OPI can save time and money, as it eliminates the need to arrange physical meetings or travel to another location.

Furthermore, it ensures that all parties have access to a quality interpretation service, as OPIs are trained professionals who can provide high-quality translations in a timely manner. As such, it is a great solution for businesses and individuals who need to communicate with people who have different native languages.

You may want to check American Sign Language Interpreter, Language Access Interpreter, and Interpreter/Guide for alternative.

Job Description

1. Provide accurate and professional interpretation of conversations between two non-English speaking individuals over the phone.
2. Ensure that both parties are able to understand each other’s messages without any interruptions or misunderstandings.
3. Remain neutral and impartial during the call, and refrain from offering personal opinion or advice.
4. Maintain a calm and patient demeanor when dealing with difficult conversations or frustrated callers.
5. Ensure that all calls are kept confidential and private.
6. Provide support for both parties by helping them to understand the conversation better and to reach a common understanding.
7. Stay up-to-date with current industry trends and best practices in over-the-phone interpreting.
8. Develop an understanding of the cultures and languages of the parties involved in the call.
9. Prepare for each call by researching the language, culture, and subject matter of the conversation.
10. Monitor calls for quality assurance purposes and provide feedback to clients as needed.

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Fluency in target language and mastery of the spoken language.
2. Professional telephone and radio etiquette.
3. Ability to accurately interpret spoken language from one language to another.
4. Superior listening and comprehension skills.
5. Ability to convey a message accurately and clearly.
6. Knowledge of cultural differences and sensitivities.
7. Ability to remain objective and impartial in conversations.
8. Ability to handle complex and sensitive conversations with poise.
9. Understanding of medical, legal, and technical terminology.
10. Familiarity with specialized interpreting techniques and protocols, such as simultaneous and consecutive interpretation.

Effective communication is a key skill for any interpreter, especially when dealing with over-the-phone interpretation. The ability to listen carefully, understand the nuances of a language, and accurately translate the message into another language are essential abilities when working as an over-the-phone interpreter. When providing services, interpreters need to be able to think quickly and accurately, while also being able to switch easily between languages, which can be a difficult task.

Having a good command of both source and target languages is also essential in order to ensure that the meaning and tone of the original speaker are accurately conveyed. Furthermore, interpreters should be able to maintain a professional demeanor, remain patient and understanding in difficult situations, and be flexible in order to meet the needs of the caller. When these skills are mastered, over-the-phone interpreters can provide an invaluable service that helps bridge language barriers and ensure effective communication between two parties.

Sign Language Interpreter, Bilingual Interpreter, and On-Site Interpreter are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

• How did you become interested in the field of interpreting?
• How long have you been providing over-the-phone interpreting services?
• What languages do you specialize in?
• What experience do you have with video conferencing technology?
• Describe a difficult situation you’ve encountered while interpreting and how you handled it.
• How do you handle multiple requests for interpreting services at once?
• What challenges have you faced while interpreting over the phone?
• What strategies do you employ to ensure accuracy and clarity of communication?
• How do you manage cultural differences when interpreting over the phone?
• What measures do you take to ensure client confidentiality?

Common Tools in Industry

1. LanguageLine Solutions. This is a professional interpretation service that specializes in connecting people with interpreters over the phone in over 240 languages. (e. g. Spanish, Mandarin, German)
2. InterpreterNow. This is an on-demand telephone interpreting platform that can connect callers with interpreters in less than 30 seconds. (e. g. Arabic, French, Italian)
3. VerbalizeIt. This platform connects customer service agents and customers with live interpreters in real time. (e. g. Thai, Korean, Japanese)
4. Interprefy. This platform allows users to access language services from any device, including smartphones and tablets. (e. g. Portuguese, Polish, Russian)
5. InterpreterLink. This platform enables businesses to quickly and easily connect with interpreters over the phone. (e. g. Vietnamese, Farsi, Hindi)

Professional Organizations to Know

1. National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators (NAJIT)
2. International Medical Interpreters Association (IMIA)
3. American Translators Association (ATA)
4. National Council on Interpreting in Health Care (NCIHC)
5. American Association of Language Specialists (TAALS)
6. National Association of the Deaf Interpreters (NAD-RID)
7. National Council on Interpreting in Education (NCIE)
8. International Association of Conference Interpreters (AIIC)
9. International Federation of Translators (FIT)
10. International Sign Language Interpreters and Translators Association (ISLITA)

We also have Interpreter/Escort, Speech-Language Pathology Interpreter, and Court Interpreter jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

1. Source Language. The language spoken by the person making the original statement.
2. Target Language. The language that the interpreter is translating the source language into.
3. On-site Interpreting. The use of an interpreter in-person to facilitate communication between two or more parties.
4. Remote Interpreting. The use of an interpreter over the phone or other electronic device to facilitate communication between two or more parties.
5. Bilingual Interpreter. An interpreter who is fluent in both the source and target languages.
6. Simultaneous Interpreting. The process of interpreting while the source language speaker is still speaking.
7. Consecutive Interpreting. The process of interpreting after the source language speaker has finished speaking.
8. Sight Translation. Translating written documents from one language to another without having to speak aloud.
9. Cultural Competency. Understanding the cultural norms and values of a language, as well as its subtleties and nuances, in order to accurately interpret the conversation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Over-the-Phone Interpreter?

Over-the-Phone Interpreter is a telephone-based interpreting service that provides access to professional interpreters in over 200 languages. It enables individuals to communicate in their preferred language with the help of a certified interpreter.

How does Over-the-Phone Interpreter work?

To use Over-the-Phone Interpreter, callers dial a toll-free number, enter their language of choice, and are connected with a certified interpreter who speaks that language. The interpreter then facilitates a conversation between the caller and the other person.

Who can benefit from Over-the-Phone Interpreter?

Over-the-Phone Interpreter is beneficial for anyone who needs assistance communicating in a language that is not their native language. This includes medical professionals, social workers, teachers, and anyone else who regularly communicates with individuals who don't speak their language.

What languages does Over-the-Phone Interpreter support?

Over-the-Phone Interpreter supports over 200 languages, including Spanish, French, Chinese, Arabic, and Russian.

Is Over-the-Phone Interpreter available 24/7?

Yes, Over-the-Phone Interpreter is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What are jobs related with Over-the-Phone Interpreter?

• Language Line Interpreter
• ASL Interpreter
• Community Interpreter
• Interpreter
• Document Translator/Interpreter
• ASL/English Interpreter
• Video Remote Interpreter
• Telephonic Interpreter
• Sign Language Medical Interpreter
• Technical Interpreter

Web Resources

• Interpreter Services - Strong Memorial Hospital - University of ... www.urmc.rochester.edu
• Professional interpreter in Florida | Lingua.edu lingua.edu
• Interpreter and Language Services - UC San Diego Health health.ucsd.edu