| This article is written for all who seek employment | | | | manager, and supervisor, company website, |
| whether full-time, part-time, in-house, or as a | | | | supervisor email and phone & address. By all |
| freelance contractor in the Translation and | | | | means, please list the correct work dates and job |
| Interpretation industries. As an employer in the | | | | titles because overlooking these simple details can |
| industry, I feel compelled to share this information to | | | | make you look careless. |
| the benefit of all who wonder "why" they were not | | | | 3. Portfolio-Present your body of work via a portfolio |
| offered the last job they applied for. This information | | | | of translated documents or voice recordings to |
| is not necessarily unique to our industry, but I hope | | | | demonstrate language fluency and expertise. |
| you will take the suggestions into account for your | | | | Moreover, be prepared to demonstrate your abilities |
| next interview. Like any industry Translation and | | | | in-person with a test; sometimes you may be asked |
| Interpretation is a competitive market for business | | | | to test on the spot by the interviewer. You would |
| owners as well as individuals seeking employment. If | | | | be surprised at the look on countless of faces I have |
| you want the job then you must standout. So, here | | | | seen when I have asked candidates to take a |
| are five areas to consider: | | | | written test by translating a few paragraphs. Believe |
| 1. Due diligence-Do your homework and research the | | | | me when I say, as an employer it made me |
| company as thoroughly as possible. Today, it is | | | | immediately question the candidates' statements on |
| possible to Google information not only about the | | | | their resumes or CV. Employers like to hire workers |
| company but also the individuals who operate it. The | | | | who can handle pressure with grace and confidence. |
| more you know the more you can position yourself | | | | 4. Professional Association-Join the professional |
| to offer unique services by understanding "their | | | | associations this affords you the opportunity to |
| needs". Hence, it behooves you to read the website, | | | | network and continue your training with colleagues in |
| review clients base, services offered, methods of | | | | your field. If you are a translator I highly recommend |
| interpretation, and of course the posted career | | | | joining the American Translators Association (ATA)or |
| opportunities. Do not just say "I am inquiring about | | | | one of its' state chapters. The ATA continually hosts |
| your job openings blah, blah". Tell them what you | | | | seminars, and conferences on industry trends. For |
| have to offer that can help meet their specific | | | | interpreters depending on your area of expertise |
| company objectives. Be energetic, with a can do | | | | there are various associations to join. Some are |
| attitude and remember to share your travel | | | | specific to certain industries such a medical or legal |
| experiences as this is a plus in this industry. | | | | interpreting. |
| 2. References-Have professional references available | | | | 5. Insurance-Have your own Omissions & Error |
| and notified them that you are in search of a | | | | insurance. Due to the requirements to obtain the |
| position. Give your references as much information | | | | insurance, this little detail demonstrates that you are |
| regarding the position, company and the name of the | | | | established in your profession or area of expertise. |
| hiring manager who will contact them to inquiry about | | | | As a freelance agent it is important to be covered |
| your credentials and work experience. Nothing is | | | | because of possible litigation against you. Some |
| more awkward than calling a reference contact and | | | | agency may also require it. |
| the person seems to hesitate in recognizing the | | | | Now that you know how to effectively interview |
| candidates' name or what position they held or | | | | and make yourself standout above the rest of the |
| perhaps when they worked for the company. If it | | | | candidates, note that there is high job growth as |
| has been awhile since you left the company, make | | | | announced by the U.S. Department of Labor |
| sure to reconnect prior to a check of your | | | | Statistics well into the 2016 (24% estimated growth). |
| credentials by a hiring manager with the new | | | | So, join the Fast Track to building your Translation |
| company. Your reference or recommendation | | | | and Interpretation Career. |
| information should include company name, HR | | | | |