24 Language Interpreter Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Language Interpreter interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
1. When did you decide to become an interpreter and why?
How to Answer
You can add a personal touch when answering this question as very often we choose our career based on an experience in our younger years.
Answer Example
"My family is Chinese-American and I saw first-hand the struggles that they faced when first immigrating to the US. I wanted to find a way to help so I immersed myself in linguistics. It snowballed from there as I realized I had a true talent and passion for it."
2. Do you want to keep learning and developing yourself?
How to Answer
Being highly engaged in your line of work means that you will spend time developing your skills, even outside of work hours. Talk about this a little bit.
Answer Example
"I am an avid learner and really do try to take every opportunity that I can to develop my skills as an interpreter. I am a volunteer interpreter in my spare time and I also read many books to help me to further develop my communication and language skills."
3. What is so special about being an interpreter?
How to Answer
Loving what you do is a really important factor that will speak to your productivity on the job. Tell the hiring manager why you feel your role as an interpreter is so special and important.
Answer Example
"There are many special things that come along with being an interpreter. Being able to facilitate an important conversation between two parties that otherwise could never smoothly communicate, is a really neat part of what I do."
4. Do you feel you have what it takes to perform the role as an interpreter successfully?
How to Answer
If you have been an interpreter for some time this will be a simple question to answer because you can draw upon your personal experience. If you are newer to the industry you should talk about the qualities and skills that you possess that align well with the desired qualities of an interpreter.
Answer Example
"Yes, I do feel that I have what it takes to perform the role successfully. I am an intent listener and am a strong interpreter. My skills have been proven throughout my internship and I am ready to put them to work for you."
5. Is this opportunity a good fit for you?
How to Answer
Your research of the company prior to your interview will be an important factor when answering this question. What is it about this opportunity that you feel is a good fit or match for you?
Answer Example
"This opportunity is a perfect fit for me. The skills you require are all skills that I have perfected over the years. The flexibility in hours and the support that your company offers are all reasons why I see this as a great fit."
6. Do you see yourself staying in this kind of work for a long time?
How to Answer
Longevity is important to hiring managers. Do your best to let the interviewer know that you are in this career long term. You can also talk about your previous tenure if you have a strong work history.
Answer Example
"Yes, I do see myself staying in this line of work for some time. I have been a language interpreter for 5 years now and continue to educate myself in a variety of languages so that I can continue to be the best in my field. This is a long term career choice for me."
7. Do you have a passion for this type of work?
How to Answer
It's okay to make this answer a little bit personal. You will want to show the interviewer or hiring manager that you really do love being a language interpreter.
Answer Example
"I have a lot of passion for this type of work. As a language interpreter I feel that my skills are incredibly important for many reasons. I love that I get to help facilitate conversations between individuals with a language barrier. I also learn a lot through these conversations. It's a very fulfilling career for me."
8. How long have you been an interpreter?
How to Answer
You can do a recap on your resume when answering this question. Be sure to include any education, internships, co-ops or volunteer work.
Answer Example
"I have a total of 8 years' experience as an interpreter. I began in 2008 as a volunteer interpreter for my school's student exchange program. My formal work experience includes 5 dedicated years as a paid interpreter."
9. Have you taken classes/workshops to expand your education and skills that will help as an interpreter?
How to Answer
A good interpreter will always work to better their skills. Hiring managers would like to know that you are never dormant in your education but that you are always striving to be better.
You could answer like this: "I continually take classes to expand my skills. This past summer I have expanded my skills in the Mandarin language. I plan to take additional workshops this coming year."
Answer Example
"I continually take classes to expand my skills. This past summer I have expanded my skills in the Mandarin language. I plan to take additional workshops this coming year."
10. What interpreting experience do you have?
How to Answer
Your current resume should outline your experience but the hiring manager is looking for more specific facts on your interpreting experience.
Answer Example
"I have a variety of experience that includes both public and private clients. I have interpreted for government, education as well as business. What type of experience are you most interested in?"
11. Did you perform a job shadow or mentorship/internship?
How to Answer
You may have a variety of experiences listed on your resume but the hiring manager would like to know more about your first significant experience with a mentor or in an internship type of situation.
Answer Example
"While attending College I was part of an exchange internship program in China. This internship was followed by another local internship with a private ESL school. These opportunities gave me a broad range of experiences which most definitely started my career off on the right foot."
12. Why are you interested in working with us?
How to Answer
Be sure to research the company prior to your interview, and also know the job description really well. This will help you to prepare for questions such as this one. Express your true interest and tie in how well you think you would do, if given the opportunity.
Answer Example
"I have known about your company for quite some time, as you have a very good reputation in the industry. I have followed your company page online and was very excited when I was alerted to the fact that a new position was open. Your company is well run and the online reviews are strong. I would be very thrilled to be a contributing member of such a reputable team."
13. What languages are you fluent in?
How to Answer
Give a concise list, starting with your strongest skills and years of experience.
Answer Example
"I am fluent in 4 languages. English is my native language. I have spoken French and Spanish all of my life. In addition to these three, I am trained in Mandarin. I am currently taking courses in Urdu as well however I am at a beginner level in that particular language."
14. Where have you gained the experience necessary to perform the job as an interpreter?
How to Answer
You have likely gained your experience through a variety of avenues. Take a few minutes to tell the story of your experience as an interpreter.
Answer Example
"My experience as an interpreter started when my family immigrated to the US. From there, I volunteered at our local community association. Realizing that I had a talent for communication and interpreting, I enrolled in the language program at my local college. I have since been an interpreter in the private sector; now fluent in 4 languages."
15. What have you done to prepare for this job?
How to Answer
Researching the company and ensuring that your skills are what the hiring manager is looking for will be an important first step before answering this question in an interview.
You can answer like this: "To prepare for this position, I have done a great amount of research on your company and your clients to ensure that I am a good fit for this role. My years of experience as a public and private language interpreter also provided much preparation. Should I be given the opportunity, I know that I will be well prepared and ready."
Answer Example
"To prepare for this position, I have done a great amount of research on your company and your clients to ensure that I am a good fit for this role. My years of experience as a public and private language interpreter also provided much preparation. Should I be given the opportunity, I know that I will be well prepared and ready."
16. What do you do if you didn't hear exactly what a person said but you get the general "gist"?
How to Answer
Accuracy is of utmost importance when you are working as a language interpreter. Be sure to show the hiring manager that you take the responsibility of your job very seriously.
Answer Example
"If I did not exactly understand what the person said, I would kindly ask them to repeat themselves. It is of utmost importance to ensure accuracy of words when you are interpreting a conversation. I would never assume that I understood the other party correctly."
17. When you are interpreting, do you try to establish a relationship with the person or do you try to keep the relationship formal and more detached?
How to Answer
Talk a bit about your personality when interpreting, and the type of relationship that you prefer to have with the person whom you are interpreting for.
Answer Example
"When I am interpreting, I do try to establish some form of connection with the person whom I am translating for. It helps me to better catch on to their dialect and 'isms' when they speak. This is not always possible but I do try to establish a connection whenever possible."
18. What would you do if you were interpreting and a person used gestures which are not understood in the culture of the other person?
How to Answer
This can be answered simply, and with an example of a time when this happened to you, if it has.
Answer Example
"This has happened to me previously with a person who used a lot of hand gestures. I did ask them if the gestures had a significant meaning, and if they could quickly explain to me what the meaning was so that I did not miss out on any nuances that needed to be interpreted."
19. What kinds of people do you have the most difficulty working with?
How to Answer
As an interpreter, you have likely come across many personalities and cultures. Having difficulty with a particular type of client is okay to admit but be aware to not create a negative feeling in the interview. Always bring it back to the positive.
Answer Example
"As a language interpreter, I have worked with all types of people - simple and difficult alike. The personality types that I find most difficult to work with would probably be they type that are not engaged listeners. It takes a lot of concentration to do what we do and if someone is not respecting my time, that can become frustrating. Luckily, I have not experienced this much. Overall, my clients have been quite incredible and easy to work with."
20. What types of clients do you typically work with?
How to Answer
Talk about your typical client and give a solid overview of the types of interpreting jobs you have had.
Answer Example
"Typically, I have worked as a consecutive interpreter for business clients. I do have experience, earlier in my career, as a simultaneous interpreter in a call centre type of environment."
21. How well can you understand different dialects and accents?
How to Answer
Tell the hiring manager about your level of comfortability when it comes to heavier accents or unusual dialects. Follow this up by talking about a time that you were complimented or recognized for being strong in this type of skill.
Answer Example
"I feel that I am very strong when it comes to understanding a wide range of accents and dialects. Throughout my career as an interpreter, I have received many compliments on my ability to understand even the most difficult of dialects and accents."
22. Tell me about your interpreter experiences.
How to Answer
You can start near the beginning of your career when you answer this question. Essentially, you are briefly bringing your resume to life for the hiring manager. Be somewhat brief and well rehearsed to avoid rambling on unnecessarily.
Answer Example
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23. What can you do for us that other candidates can't?
How to Answer
Tell the hiring manager what it is that you feel you bring to the position that others may not. What makes you stand out?
Answer Example
"I am a very strong interpreter with many years' experience in the field. What I can bring to you is my strong industry reputation and the fact that I am well versed in 4 languages. In addition to my language training, I also hold a Masters degree in Business which makes me a clear match for your business clientele."
24. How do you handle stressful situations?
How to Answer
How you respond to stress could determine whether you are a good fit for their team or not. Be sure to back up your answer with a reference to a previous compliment or performance review.
Answer Example
"I respond well in stressful situations. My previous supervisor often complimented me on this fact as well. When I do find myself in a stressful situation, I am sure to take a step back. I breathe, and then assess before reacting. I am conscious to always react in a way that I would be proud of, no matter how high the stress level is."