How to Be Professional Interpreter - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 11, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Learning a second language can have a positive effect on a person's cognitive abilities. Studies have shown that those who are bilingual tend to have an increased ability to solve problems, think creatively, and multitask. professional interpreters possess the ability to quickly analyze and interpret spoken language from one language to another.

This skill set can be invaluable in a variety of situations, from medical settings to business meetings. Professional interpreters are also often sought after by government agencies and international organizations to help facilitate communication between parties that do not share the same language. The presence of a professional interpreter can help ensure accurate and effective communication, which can have a positive impact on the outcome of any discussion.

Steps How to Become

Educate Yourself. First, you need to obtain an undergraduate degree in a relevant field, such as linguistics, international studies, or a foreign language. If you are already proficient in a foreign language, you may want to pursue a degree in translation and interpretation.
Get Certified. After getting your degree, you can then get certified in either translation or interpretation. To become a certified interpreter, you will need to pass an exam administered by a professional organization, such as the American Translators Association or the International Association of Conference Interpreters.
Gather Experience. Once you have your certification, you can then start to build up your experience. You can do this by volunteering to interpret at events and meetings or by taking on contract work with translation or interpretation companies.
Stay Up-to-Date. To be a successful interpreter, you must stay abreast of current events, industry trends, and language developments. You should also make sure to keep up with the language you interpret in by reading books and publications in that language.
Network. It is important to network with other interpreters, translators, and industry professionals. You can do this by attending conferences and meetings, joining professional organizations, and even participating in online discussion boards and forums.

Becoming a reliable and capable professional interpreter requires dedication and hard work. Effective communication skills and a broad knowledge base are essential to success. It is important to develop a thorough understanding of the language being interpreted, including cultural nuances and vocabulary.

A professional interpreter needs to be familiar with the conventions of both languages, as well as the context of the conversation. To ensure accuracy, interpreters must practice active listening, use proper grammar and pronunciation, and remain neutral. By investing in continuing education and taking steps to stay abreast of current events, an interpreter can strengthen their skills and remain up-to-date on best practices in the field.

With the right approach, interpreters can build a successful career based on reliable and capable skills.

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Job Description

Provide interpreting services in a variety of settings, including medical, legal, government, and educational contexts
Facilitate communication between people who speak different languages
Interpret spoken and written communication accurately and in a timely manner
Maintain appropriate levels of confidentiality
Research and become familiar with technical, legal, and industry-specific terminology
Provide sight translation services when necessary
Engage in continuing education to develop and maintain proficiency in the languages and fields of expertise
Remain current on developments in the languages being interpreted
Work with clients to develop a plan for interpreting services
Develop and maintain relationships with clients to ensure satisfaction

Skills and Competencies to Have

Fluency in multiple languages
Superior listening and comprehension skills
Familiarity with regional cultures and customs
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to summarize and communicate complex ideas
Ability to handle difficult situations diplomatically
High level of accuracy and attention to detail
Strong memory and recall skills
Good public speaking skills
Knowledge of terminology in various fields
Ability to work under pressure
Flexibility and adaptability
Professionalism and confidentiality

Professional interpreters must possess a variety of skills in order to be successful in their field. Communication is key; interpreters must have excellent verbal and written communication skills in order to accurately convey messages from one language to another. interpreters must have a deep understanding of both languages, including an in-depth knowledge of their culture, grammar and syntax.

Interpreters must also be able to think on their feet and use creative problem-solving skills to accurately ensure that the message is conveyed in its entirety. Furthermore, interpreters must be able to work quickly and accurately under pressure, as well as maintain a high degree of professionalism and cultural sensitivity when dealing with different people. Finally, interpreters must be good listeners, able to pay attention to detail while remaining focused on the task at hand.

All of these skills are essential for a professional interpreter to be successful in their field.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have interpreting in a professional setting?
How do you handle difficult situations when interpreting?
What strategies do you use to ensure accuracy when interpreting?
Describe a time when you had to interpret for a complex or challenging situation.
How do you remain neutral when interpreting?
Describe your experience working with clients from diverse backgrounds.
How do you ensure confidentiality when interpreting?
How do you stay up to date on new terminology and industry jargon?
What are some methods you use to improve your interpreting skills?
How do you maintain focus and accuracy while interpreting over long periods of time?

Common Tools in Industry

Interpreter Software. software that helps interpreters translate speech from one language to another in real-time. (Eg: VoiceTra, an AI-powered cloud-based interpreter software)
Audio Recording Device. a device used to capture audio from meetings, conversations, and other events. (Eg: Zoom H4n Pro Handy Recorder)
Translation Apps. apps that provide translations for different languages. (Eg: Google Translate, iTranslate)
Video Conferencing Software. software that allows interpreters to connect remotely with clients and other interpreters. (Eg: Zoom, Skype)
Language Learning Software. software that teaches interpreters new languages. (Eg: Rosetta Stone, Duolingo)
Glossaries & Terminology Databases. databases of terms and phrases from different languages. (Eg: MultiTerm, TermWiki)
Language Dictionaries. dictionaries that provide definitions for words in different languages. (Eg: Merriam-Webster, Oxford Dictionaries)
Industry Resources. resources such as articles, blogs, and books related to the interpreting profession. (Eg: The Interpreter's Edge, Language Connections)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators (NAJIT)
International Association of Conference Interpreters (AIIC)
American Translators Association (ATA)
International Association of Professional Translators and Interpreters (IAPTI)
International Medical Interpreters Association (IMIA)
National Council on Interpreting in Health Care (NCIHC)
American Association of Language Specialists (TAALS)
European Forum of Sign Language Interpreters (EFSLI)
Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI)
National Association of the Deaf Interpreters (NAD-RID)

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Common Important Terms

Consecutive Interpreting. Consecutive interpreting is a type of interpreting where the interpreter listens to a speaker for a short period of time, usually a few minutes, and then interprets what was said into the target language.
Simultaneous Interpreting. Simultaneous interpreting is a type of interpretation where the interpreter listens to and speaks the same language at the same time as the speaker, usually through the use of headphones and a microphone.
Sight Translation. Sight translation is a type of interpreting where the interpreter reads aloud a document written in one language into the target language.
Whispered Interpreting. Whispered interpreting is a type of simultaneous interpreting where the interpreter whispers a translated version of what is being said into the ear of the listener.
Telephonic Interpreting. Telephonic interpreting is a type of interpreting where an interpreter communicates with someone over the phone in order to assist them in understanding another language.
Conference Interpreting. Conference interpreting is a type of interpreting that takes place during conferences, meetings and other events. The interpreter facilitates communication between speakers who do not share a common language.
Sign Language Interpreting. Sign language interpreting is a type of interpreting where the interpreter translates spoken language into sign language and vice versa.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do professional interpreters need?

Professional interpreters typically need to possess an advanced degree in interpretation or a related field, as well as certifications such as the National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators (NAJIT) certification or the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (NBCMI).

What type of interpreting services do professional interpreters provide?

Professional interpreters provide a wide range of interpreting services, including legal, medical, educational, and business interpreting.

How many languages are professional interpreters typically able to interpret?

Professional interpreters typically need to be able to interpret at least two languages fluently, but some may be able to interpret three or more languages.

What type of technology is used by professional interpreters?

Professional interpreters may use a variety of technological tools to facilitate interpreting services, including video-conferencing, voice-over-internet protocol (VoIP), and conference call systems.

What is the average rate for a professional interpreter?

The average rate for a professional interpreter varies depending on the type of interpreting service being provided, the language being interpreted, and the location of the interpreting service. Generally speaking, professional interpreters can charge anywhere from $50 to $200 per hour.

Web Resources

Professional Interpreter | Professional Development & Training training.unh.edu
Professional Interpreter in Education Certificate at UGA www.georgiacenter.uga.edu
Professional Interpreter Training | Pierce College District www.pierce.ctc.edu