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

Oct 1, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Steps How to Become

Obtain a college degree in an area such as linguistics, communications, or business. Many interpreters have a Bachelor's degree, although a Master's degree may be beneficial.
Become certified in telephone interpreting. Certification courses can be taken online or in person. They will provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to become a successful telephone interpreter.
Learn how to use different phone systems, as this is an important skill for telephone interpreters. Understand the features of the system you will be using, such as call forwarding, conference calls, and various other features.
Practice your listening and speaking skills. Interpreting requires clear pronunciation and a good understanding of the language being spoken.
Develop a portfolio of your work and experience. This will help employers understand your qualifications when looking for a telephone interpreter.
Network with other interpreters and keep up with current trends in the field. This will help you stay up to date with changes in the industry and keep you competitive.
Apply for jobs with translation services and language companies. These companies typically hire interpreters on a freelance or contract basis.
Market yourself as a telephone interpreter by creating a website and creating profiles on industry-specific job boards or forums. This will help you establish yourself as an interpreter and make it easier for potential employers to find you.

The demand for qualified and experienced telephonic interpreters is on the rise due to the increasing need for language services in a globalized world. To become an ideal telephonic interpreter, individuals must possess a high level of proficiency in both their native and the target language. They must have excellent communication skills, be knowledgeable about cultural nuances and be familiar with interpreting etiquette.

Furthermore, they must have strong listening and problem-solving skills and be able to remain calm under pressure. Lastly, they must be certified in medical, legal, or other specialized areas. By possessing all of these qualities, telephonic interpreters can ensure that their services are of the highest quality and that their clients receive the best results.

You may want to check ASL/English Interpreter, Translator/Interpreter, and Interpreter/Guide for alternative.

Job Description

Provide language interpretation services over the telephone for clients who do not speak the same language.
Translate spoken words and phrases from one language to another in real time.
Demonstrate excellent customer service and communication skills.
Remain professional and courteous in all interactions with clients.
Provide accurate and complete translations of conversations.
Monitor conversations to ensure accurate and complete translations.
Remain current on languages, dialects, and cultural differences in order to interpret accurately.
Troubleshoot technical or communication issues as they arise.
Adhere to all laws, regulations, and standards related to the profession.
Maintain confidentiality of client information and conversations.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Fluency in at least two languages (English and target language).
Extensive knowledge of dialects, slang, and regional differences in the target language.
Strong communication, interpersonal and customer service skills.
Excellent listening, comprehension and summarization skills.
Ability to accurately interpret and convey meaning in both languages.
Ability to maintain an impartial and neutral stance.
Ability to remain calm and composed under pressure.
Familiarity with industry terminology, technical terms and abbreviations.
Good organizational, time management, and multitasking skills.
Knowledge of the cultural context of both languages.

The ability to be a successful telephonic interpreter requires a number of important skills. Listening and comprehension are essential, as interpreters must be able to accurately interpret and convey messages in real-time without the benefit of facial expressions and other non-verbal cues. interpreters must have a strong command of both the source and target languages, as well as a broad knowledge of cultural nuances that can influence the interpretation process.

Furthermore, interpreters need to have the ability to remain calm under pressure and maintain a professional demeanor when interacting with clients. Having these skills can make all the difference in providing a top-notch interpretation experience for clients, which can lead to more work opportunities and greater success in the field.

Community Interpreter, Bilingual Interpreter, and ASL Interpreter are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working as a telephonic interpreter?
How well do you handle stress in demanding situations?
Describe a time when you had to interpret a difficult conversation.
What challenges have you faced while interpreting via phone?
How do you ensure accuracy in your interpretation?
What strategies do you use to remember key details while interpreting?
Are you comfortable working with multiple languages at once?
Describe your process for troubleshooting any technical issues that may arise during a call.
How do you stay informed of any changes in language or terminology?
What do you consider to be the most important attributes of a successful interpreter?

Common Tools in Industry

Interprefy. An online platform that connects customers to professional interpreters over the phone. (eg: Making an international call for a language interpretation session)
LanguageLine Solutions. A cloud-based platform for audio, video, and document translation services. (eg: Setting up an in-language conference call for a multi-lingual customer service team)
Voiance. An on-demand phone interpreting service that offers access to more than 200 languages. (eg: Scheduling an appointment with a qualified interpreter for a business meeting)
TranslateMe. An automated telephone interpreting service that helps customers quickly access translation services. (eg: Setting up an automated translation system to facilitate customer service calls)
Dialogic. A cloud-based service that connects customers with native interpreters in over 200 languages. (eg: Creating a virtual phone booth for an international conference call)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators (NAJIT)
American Translators Association (ATA)
National Council on Interpreting in Health Care (NCIHC)
International Association of Conference Interpreters (AIIC)
International Medical Interpreters Association (IMIA)
National Council on Interpreting in Education (NCIE)
National Court Reporters Association (NCRA)
National Association of the Deaf (NAD)
International Federation of Translators (IFT)
International Association of Professional Translators and Interpreters (IAPTI)

We also have Sign Language Medical Interpreter, Technical Interpreter, and Interpreter jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Over-the-Phone Interpreting (OPI). A service provided by an interpreter who helps bridge the language gap by translating between two or more people over a telephone call.
Remote Simultaneous Interpreting (RSI). A form of interpreting where the interpreter provides translation services in real-time over a remote connection.
On-site Interpreting. In-person interpreting services provided by an interpreter who is physically present at the location of the people needing assistance with communication.
Consecutive Interpreting. A type of interpreting that requires the interpreter to listen to a speaker and then repeat the message in the target language.
Sight Translation. Interpreting a written document from one language to another without any preparation.
Glossary. A list of words and phrases used in a specific field, along with their translations and definitions.
Certified Interpreter. An interpreter who has received official certification from a recognized organization or institution.
Code of Ethics. A set of professional standards, guidelines, and principles of conduct for interpreters.
Technological Aids. Software, hardware, and other tools used to facilitate interpretation services, such as voice recognition and transcription software and video conferencing systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a telephonic interpreter?

A telephonic interpreter is a professional interpreter who provides interpretation services over the phone or through a live video call. They are often used to facilitate communication between two or more people who speak different languages.

What qualifications do telephonic interpreters need?

Telephonic interpreters need to have a high level of fluency in both the source and target languages, as well as an understanding of the culture and context of the conversation. Most telephonic interpreters are also certified and have undergone specialized training in interpretation techniques.

How do telephonic interpreters ensure accuracy?

Telephonic interpreters use a variety of techniques to ensure accuracy, including repeating back words or phrases to confirm understanding, asking clarifying questions, and double-checking with the speaker to make sure they are interpreting correctly.

What technology is used for telephonic interpreting?

Telephonic interpreting services are typically provided through a platform that enables secure audio or video calls. This platform allows interpreters to connect with clients, provide real-time interpretation, and document conversations.

How much does a telephonic interpreter cost?

The cost of a telephonic interpreter depends on the languages involved, the length and complexity of the call, and any additional services requested. Generally, most telephonic interpreters charge between $1 and $2 per minute for their services.