Translator Mock Interview

List of 30 Translator Interview Questions & Answers

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1. 1.

   How do you prepare yourself to better understand an unfamiliar Target Audience?

   How to Answer

   Translations can change dramatically when different Target Audiences (TA) are introduced. When you work on a translation that is intended for a particular TA, you must have a thorough understanding of that group of people in order to authentically translate a text in a way that will resonate appropriately as intended. The interviewer is looking for a candidate who does their research and immerses themselves as fully as possible in the project to achieve the desired results.
   
   

    Answer Example

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Clara Canon wrote: "There are a lot of layers to understanding a Target Audience - what they like, what they say, what they resonate with, what impacts them, and so on. When I am preparing myself for an unfamiliar Target Audience, I try to immerse myself as fully as possible and put myself as closely in the shoes of a member of that audience as possible, through movies, music, articles, and more. I try to explore what current events and topics are most relevant to that audience in whatever time period is appropriate for the translation. Depending on my ability and proximity, I might even consult with a specialist in or, better yet, a member of that audience throughout the translation process."

2. 2.

   Do you also serve as an interpreter? If so, what do you feel are the key differences in skills required for interpretation versus translation?

   How to Answer

   Many people often confuse the terms 'interpreter' and 'translator.' Generally, 'translator' is misused to cover any correspondence from one language into another, even real-time speaking and conversations (this would be an interpreter). With this question, the interviewer is doing a couple of things: 1. they want to ensure that you are aware of the difference between the two professions and 2. they want to understand the scope of your skillset. Throughout your interview, be careful not to use 'translator' and 'interpreter' interchangeably.
   
   

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Clara Canon wrote: "I have served as an interpreter on an informal basis, but I do not currently offer formal interpretation services. In previous positions, I've stepped in to interpret over the phone for clients scheduling transportation pick-up and found it to be a lot of fun. Interpretation is very in-the-moment and requires extensive prior knowledge in advance. You are expected to know your terms and phrases and not spend time consulting a dictionary. From an auditory perspective, the ability to listen, mentally interpret, and speak the message in a different language all at the same time requires significant listening and processing skills. Translation is less front-and-center. Translators are behind the scenes to bring you translated content in writing, or auditorily prepared in advance via dubbing. Translation generally allows more time to consult a dictionary and verify your terms and phrases prior to sharing with an audience."

3. 3.

   What types of clients do you typically work with?

   How to Answer

   The interviewers are looking for your experience level working with certain clients. This question likely indicates that the open position will need to work with a specific client type. When preparing a response to this question, outline each of the client types you've worked with and rank them by frequency. Review the posted job description for clues as to what client type this position will work with and compare that to your list. If you have little experience or haven't worked directly with that client type, then research transferrable correlations between your 'frequent client list' with the target client type of the position and include the correlation in your response.
   
   

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Clara Canon wrote: "Most of my clients are small business owners looking to translate websites, blog posts, or advertisements. I have been working with a variety of businesses for over 5 years and have many repeat clients. I also work with schools and nonprofits to translate materials for local immigrant communities on an as-needed basis."

4. 4.

   What does your dream career as a translator look like?

   How to Answer

   Responding to this question will likely vary based on where you are in your career. If you are fresh on the scene, think about what steps you're taking now to get to where you want to be, then identify what that ultimate goal is. If you are seasoned in translation, then think of the trajectory you've had thus far, how close you are to that goal, and what might've changed for you along the way. Taking your interviewers on the journey with you, whether at the start facing ahead or looking back on all you've accomplished, will draw them in and better contextualize why your dream is your dream. Consider asking yourself what texts you hope to be translating, what clients you want to work with, what languages you'll be translating, and even where you will physically station yourself (i.e. working from home versus an office).
   
   

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Clara Canon wrote: "Thus far, my career as a translator has primarily focused on building my client-base and gaining valuable experience contracting at various agencies. I believe that each step I've taken has been critical in my ability to be a successful translator and in getting me closer to my ultimate goal. I would say that my dream career includes being mobile, dividing my time between countries and continents. I would have my own client-base that keeps me busy and accept contract work as needed. I'd be translating between at least two language pairs as well. It's a lot to work towards, but that's the dream!"

5. 5.

   If you were to enter any other profession with your language skills, what would it be?

   How to Answer

   There are countless opportunities in language-oriented careers that offer vastly different experiences and require a range of skills. When responding to this question, keep in mind that you are there to demonstrate your passion and interest in translation. Consider sharing a purely aspirational career, or stay true to your path and stick with translation! Don't be afraid to have fun with it, and remember to use each opportunity you have to reinforce your commitment to the position and path at hand.
   
   

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Clara Canon wrote: "I think one of the most intriguing positions I've discovered is Cryptologic Linguist. It is essentially a high-intensity career in government translation and requires similar skills, particularly keen attention to detail and knowledge of a foreign language and associated cultures. One day, I might take my translation to the next level and become a cryptologic linguist, but for now, I am entirely committed to and passionate about maintaining my civilian career in translation."

6. 6.

   Where do you hope to see yourself in 5-10 years?

   How to Answer

   This is a common interview question, so it's always good to have a thoughtful response ready in your back pocket. The interviewers are interested in how much thought you've put into your career trajectory. They might also be interested in what professional development they could support you with to get to your goals or determine that they will not be a good fit to help get you there. If you are unsure of your future, then frame your response in a way that shows you are maximizing the present to better inform your next steps.
   
   

    Answer Example

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Clara Canon wrote: "I hope to see myself well-established in the translation community with a strong repeat client base, and I would love to have published research to present at a conference. I believe in setting myself up to maximize the present in order to achieve this future while learning and growing alongside professionals in the field. I value that our missions and interests align, particularly given your emphasis on employee professional development and research. I would be honored to contribute to the overall vision of the organization while striving toward my own professional goals."

7. 7.

   What are the top 5 things on your desk while you're translating?

   How to Answer

   This question has room for some fun and an ability to demonstrate your industry knowledge. Many translators live at their desks while on a project, and they often have a few essential reference guides with them. When answering this question, balance fun things like 'bottomless coffee' with resources like 'my most trusted French-English dictionary.'
   
   

    Answer Example

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Clara Canon wrote: "I have a few things that are permanent fixtures and a couple that are rotating. The permanent fixtures include my Larousse French-English dictionary, an English grammar and style guide book, and a tennis ball to toss at the wall while I'm thinking. My two rotating items are a form of caffeine and some sort of snack. Some sort of sustenance is an absolute must on my desk!"

8. 8.

   What have been the most crucial components of learning to become a translator?

   How to Answer

   Your response to this question is heavily contingent upon your experience in becoming a translator. You might reference how you came into speaking your various languages, what education and certifications you received, what experience you have living in countries that speak your non-native language(s), and so on. Identify what has had the greatest impact on your skill, motivation, and awareness. Drawing personal connections and meaning will make your response more memorable.
   
   

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Clara Canon wrote: "First and foremost, I think the most crucial component for me has been my experience living and working in France. Immersing myself in my non-native language and culture has proven absolutely critical in my ability to even consider a career as a translator. Adding in my Master of Science in Translation Studies, I was able to take my language skills and formally shape them with tools, techniques, and theories. My education showed me that a career in translation requires far more than knowledge of the language, itself. Finally, I would say that the mentorship I've received along the way has been critical. Having people share feedback and constructive criticism has allowed me to improve more and more with time - I'm always learning!"

9. 9.

   What word or phrase have you learned as a result of a translation project that you now use in your daily life?

   How to Answer

   The interviewers are sprinkling in some fun with this question, so play with it! Consider how the word or phrase is unique - is it very regionally-specific? Is it a new slang term, or an old one? Avoid a word or phrase that is common enough for you to be expected to already know it.
   
   

    Answer Example

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Clara Canon wrote: "My favorite phrase that I now use regularly is 'revenons ? nos moutons,' or 'let's return to our sheep.' It is used as a way of getting back to the topic, so it's more like 'let's return to the topic at hand.' It's so applicable to so many circumstances, and I love that such a matter-of-fact intention references sheep."

10. 10.

    What drew you to a career in translation?

    How to Answer

    Your response to this question will depend entirely on your personal experience. Know that the interviewers are interested in what motivated you to enter the profession and make your way to an interview with them. To help narrow your response to this, write down the top 5 things that made you want to be a translator. Consider which of the 5 you can elaborate upon in greater detail, and build details from there.
    
    

     Answer Example

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Clara Canon wrote: "I was first drawn to a career in translation right after I finished my undergraduate degree. I was wandering the halls of my university, and I noticed a poster for a graduate program in Translation Studies. I had been looking for a way to use my language skills in a future career that would allow mobility and continued learning, and this was it! That day, I scoured graduate programs for Translation Studies as well as what career paths looked like for graduates. I found that a career in translation can be as global as you want it to be, and I could learn with each text and language pair. The career allows me to use my language skills, have the option of mobility, and continue to learn. It's perfect!"

11. 11.

    What is one component of translation that you would like to improve upon the most?

    How to Answer

    This question is open to interpret in a few ways - you could consider specific skills to hone in on, you could frame it from the perspective of your career trajectory, or you could reference your client-facing interactions. The interviewer is looking for a thoughtfully objective response, so take a bird's eye view of your experience and career as a translator when settling on a response to this question. Regardless of your response, be sure to frame it with a growth mindset. 'Improve upon' in the question implies action, so include action in your response! Share what you hope to grow in as well as how you plan to get there.
    
    

     Answer Example

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Clara Canon wrote: "I would most like to improve upon building my client-base. I recognize that a career in translation requires a strong client-base, and in order to create that I need to be very intentional with my client-facing interactions and networking opportunities. If I ensure that my clients have a good experience and a quality product, then they will more likely come back and refer others to me."

12. 12.

    How many translation projects do you complete on average each month?

    How to Answer

    Oftentimes, translations are needed to be wrapped up at a fairly quick pace with no room for error. The interviewer will likely follow-up with a question regarding the average length of each translation you take on and how you feel about your pace. When answering this question, know that the circumstances of each translator are different, so don't share outside of your abilities. Higher volume isn't always impressive in an industry that values quality. If you are early on in your translation career, or you are keeping yourself at a comfortable pace, then consider adding to your answer that you are interested in ultimately scaling up your translations per month to demonstrate your desired growth.
    
    

     Answer Example

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Clara Canon wrote: "Generally, I am able to complete 3 to 4 translations per month, though of course that depends entirely on the nature of my projects from one month to the next. If a project requires more research or includes a lengthy text, then I might only complete 1 or 2 per month. If my projects are very familiar, straightforward, or short, then I might finish 5 to 6. My main objective is to put quality over quantity, so I work with each of my clients to adjust timelines and ensure that I get the job done to their satisfaction, even if it takes a little longer."

13. 13.

    What experience do you have with CAT tools? Which ones?

    How to Answer

    CAT tools are Computer Assisted Translation tools, and they are often used to support translating long texts, completing audiovisual translations, translating a series of texts with commonalities, and much more. The interviewer is interested in a candidate with experience using these tools and likely requires them in this position. When you review the job description, look for specific details on what tools are used and what level of experience is expected. If you don't have experience with CAT tools or those listed on the job description, then research the tools that are listed so you are able to reference them and speak to them in your interview; this will demonstrate a base understanding of the tools, and you can share your aptitude for learning and picking up new software quickly.
    
    

     Answer Example

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Clara Canon wrote: "Most of my experience with CAT tools is through SDL Trados, and I also have experience subtitling with Amara. I have used each of these for the last several years. I see that you primarily use D?j? Vu, which I know to be very user-friendly and even compatible with some Trados files. I love interacting with various CAT tools based on the project and need, and I am quickly able to pick up new tools. I am excited about the opportunity to engage more with the D?j? Vu software!"

14. 14.

    If a career in translation could take you anywhere, where would it be and why?

    How to Answer

    A language-oriented career can open a literal world of possibilities. As a translator, you could find yourself living in a country that speaks your non-native language, you might work for a government somewhere, or you could be entirely mobile as a freelance contract worker. Consider whether or not your 'where' informs your 'why' or if your 'why' informs your 'where.' For example, would you say that you want to immerse yourself in your non-native language, so you would move to France? Would you move to Haiti because you love the Carribean and could maintain your work in translation?
    
    

     Answer Example

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Clara Canon wrote: "I would love for my career to take me all over the world, particularly to any French-speaking country. It would be such an amazing experience to expose myself to the many francophone cultures and variations of the language, and I believe such an opportunity would make me a far better translator. Ideally, I would ultimately end up in Corsica. I love the blend of language, culture, and hospitality on the island as well as the proximity to so many French-speaking regions."

15. 15.

    What has been the most challenging text for you to translate and why?

    How to Answer

    Responding to this question can take you down any number of paths. You could reference a text early in your career, one that is very culturally specific and unfamiliar, or one with complex content and jargon. Whichever you choose, be sure to explain why it was difficult at the time, what you did to successfully complete the translation, and what you've learned from it and done since. The interviewers are looking for a growth-oriented mindset in response to this question, so be sure to include those steps.
    
    

     Answer Example

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Clara Canon wrote: "The most challenging text I've translated was an excerpt from Land Girls by Angela Huth. It was one of my first ever translations, and it was from English to French - native to non-native. Even though the Source Text was in English, I had no familiarity with the content, the region, or the time period. I felt like I was in completely uncharted territory. I had to begin the process of learning how to immerse myself in research to make meaning of the unfamiliar. At the time, feeling like I had to invent the wheel for myself was very challenging. As a result of this experience and several more since, I now feel far more comfort and ease translating similarly unfamiliar texts."

16. 16.

    What types of text do you most enjoy translating?

    How to Answer

    Translation is a broad profession and encompasses any number of text types - literature, articles, scientific studies, patents, subtitles for movies, and much more! The interviewer is looking for what texts will likely give you the most energy and excitement, and they might be exploring whether or not your interests align with the texts they often receive. When providing a response, be sure to choose a text type that you have some experience in - you want to put forth something you enjoy that balances your strengths in the field.
    
    

     Answer Example

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Clara Canon wrote: "I have experience translating quite a range of texts, from patents to fiction literature, and I enjoy working withmany texts. That said, I most enjoy translating news and journal articles. I love the fast pace of the translations as well as the challenge of balancing and navigating the content and cross-cultural nuances. It keeps me informed about my audiences, and it leverages my strengths in efficiency, keen observation, and attention to detail."

17. 17.

    What draws you to our company, and what makes you a valuable asset?

    How to Answer

    Prior to any interview, you always want to do extensive research on the company or institution. The more knowledge you have, the better you will be able to weave your skills and experience into their framework and ask directly relevant questions. Look into what makes this company unique, what their key values are, who their general client base is, current news about the company, and so on. Use this research to inform how you respond to this question. The interviewers are looking for someone who very intentionally wants to be at their company over just any other translation agency, so show what you know and how you will contribute to the overall vision.
    
    

     Answer Example

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Clara Canon wrote: "I am very drawn to this company for a number of reasons: the impressive range of clients, the global reach, and the well-established reputation in the translation community. I admire the company for being a strong, reliable force with an emphasis on supporting employees through various policies and professional development. I believe I would be a valuable asset to the company given my experience working with a similar client base and my strong management background. I can navigate large caseloads and maintain a customer-centered approach, which I know to be strongly valued for this positi. I am very quick to learn and value collaborating with others, so I believe that I could seamlessly join your team and get right to work."

18. 18.

    Why is cultural fluency as important as language fluency when it comes to translating a text?

    How to Answer

    It is a common misconception that fluency in two languages is enough to appropriately translate a text. In reality, if you are not aware of culturally and regionally-specific nuances that go alongside the languages themselves, then you aren't fully prepared to produce a quality translation. The interviewer is looking for a candidate to make a direct correlation between the two (language and culture), and identify the importance of having fluency in both.
    
    

     Answer Example

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Clara Canon wrote: "There are so many iterations to a language depending on location, generation, socio-economic and socio-political position, and more. It is critical for translators to be mindful of these nuances in each language in order to appropriately get meaning across. Any speaker of more than one language knows that there is often more than one way to translate a particular word or phrase or concept, and some words and phrases simply don't exist in other languages. So, we have to be as intentional about maintaining cultural fluency as we are about language fluency."

19. 19.

    What do you feel is the most important skill a translator should possess?

    How to Answer

    This question allows you the opportunity to provide a technical skill that pertains to the translation, itself, or a soft skill that references what it takes to get the translation done. For example, you might reference the ability to utilize various Computer Assisted Technology (CAT) tools to facilitate increased efficiency in your translations, or you might choose the ability to stay motivated and engaged in an independent work environment. A brief and straightforward response can be quite powerful so long as you clearly indicate why that skill is important.
    
    

     Answer Example

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Clara Canon wrote: "I think there are two particularly important skills a translator should possess: acknowledging that we don't know everything and keeping ourselves focused and motivated in a very independently-driven profession. I believe that we are better for our clients and better able to grow and improve our own skills when we admit to ourselves that there is always more learning to be done. It is also challenging to stay focused in a profession that demands motivating yourself to stay on task in such an autonomous work environment. These two skills cover different aspects of the profession and are equally important in the success of a translator over time."

20. 20.

    Being a translator requires being self-driven and motivated. How do you encourage yourself to get things done when you might lack motivation in the moment?

    How to Answer

    A career in translation doesn't often come with a team to collaborate with on projects - you tend to be working independently and motivating yourself between deadlines. Consider how you've navigated this component of a career in translation thus far, or think to another part of your life that requires a similarly independent drive. Don't be afraid to pull from an experience outside of translation, just be sure to make it applicable and transferrable.
    
    

     Answer Example

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Clara Canon wrote: "I try to start each day by setting mini-milestones for myself to hit throughout the day. I'm fairly competitive with myself, and I benefit from breaking larger tasks into smaller chunks. I've found this to help me start the day on the right foot and frame the rest of the day well. If that alone isn't enough, then I'll allow myself a 5-minute break to do whatever I like before needing to get my head back in the game. When I come back, I center myself in the bigger picture - why I'm doing this work, what excites me about it, and what type of coffee I might reward myself with when I've finished this particular project."

21. 21.

    What do you find to be the most challenging aspect of a career in translation?

    How to Answer

    Your response to this question could take any number of spins. You might reference the lifestyle associated with being an independent contractor, drastically different clients and needs from one project to the next, or adapting to unfamiliar terms and content. Whichever is true for you, be sure to frame your response using positive language. You want to ensure that your answers are solution- and growth-oriented, particularly when referencing challenging content.
    
    

     Answer Example

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Clara Canon wrote: "The most challenging aspect of a career in translation for me is actually the same thing that draws me in and keeps me in the field: texts with unfamiliar content and terminology. Of course, it is difficult to dive into a complex text that I don't understand, and it certainly takes me more time and effort to translate. That said, I value the learning I gain from such texts. It makes me a better translator and a more knowledgeable person in general, so I embrace the challenge."

22. 22.

    How are your writing skills?

    How to Answer

    The interviewer is interested in how experienced you are as a writer beyond translation exclusively. Some translations, particularly in literature, require an elevated and refined skill set in writing. Review the job description in detail for any indication that the position requires a specific writing style or skill level, and be prepared to reference specific examples of your work that support what they want to see.
    
    

     Answer Example

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Clara Canon wrote: "I have extensive writing experience in several capacities, primarily academic writing, articles, and blog posts. I am most familiar with MLA, Chicago, and APA styles. I'm a bit of a perfectionist and have particularly keen attention to detail, so my editing skills are equally strong."

23. 23.

    What language pairs do you typically translate? Do you speak any additional languages?

    How to Answer

    The interviewer is interested in what you are currently capable of and what potential you might have to develop additional language pairs that could ultimately be added to your portfolio. When responding to this answer, consider sharing the direction in which you translate as well. For example, you might primarily translate into your native language, not out of it. When providing additional spoken languages, be sure to include your proficiency level. If you took Spanish several years ago, and you don't remember most of what you'd learned, then let them know you have an elementary proficiency - you don't want them to assume you're fluent if you aren't. You might elaborate even further by displaying your interest in enhancing your fluency in order to add to your translation portfolio.
    
    

     Answer Example

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Clara Canon wrote: "As of right now, I primarily translate from French to English. English is my native language, and I have full fluency in French. I love to dabble, so I have limited elementary proficiency in a few additional languages: Italian, Spanish, and Arabic. Given the similarities between French, Italian, and Spanish, I hope to advance my proficiencies in Italian and Spanish to one day translate in those languages as well."

24. 24.

    What do you do to motivate yourself when you hit a brain block while translating?

    How to Answer

    Everyone hits a block at one point or another. It can be easy to sit and stare, hoping for an a-ha moment, but that might not be very productive or time-saving. The interviewers are looking for insight into your habits and how quickly you are capable of overcoming crippling blocks.
    
    

     Answer Example

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Clara Canon wrote: "I have tried a number of techniques to fight myself through a brain block, and I've found the most beneficial to be physical movement. Sometimes, I'm not aware of how long I've been sitting at my desk working on a project, and my body just needs to move. I'll stand and stretch or take a quick walk around the block. Generally, when I come back to my desk I've helped clear my mind and feel more prepared to dive back in."

25. 25.

    Describe a difficult work environment you've been in and how you navigated it to continue to meet deadlines and get work done.

    How to Answer

    When presented with an opportunity to share a story, be sure to clearly outline the direction you want to go in your response so you don't miss a key component or go down an unintended path. Your response doesn't need to be directly in the field of translation. The interviewer is looking for a candidate that will approach this question as objectively as possible and focus more on the solution than on the problem, itself. Consider a few scenarios that reference different kinds of 'difficulty' with solutions that you played an active role in executing.
    
    

     Answer Example

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Clara Canon wrote: "In a former job, I worked on a team that had challenges with communication. We didn't have standards for how information was distributed, when, and to whom, and email correspondence often got lost. This would result in missed deadlines and last-minute rushes. I believe that communication is critical to successfully operating a team and executing projects that involve multiple people, so I would tailor my communication based on each individual and level of priority. For example, if I knew that a colleague was not responsive via email, then I would pop over to their desk for quick check-ins or set up a meeting to discuss in person. I would follow-up with an email outlining what we discussed to have documentation of the process for future reference. For projects involving multiple people, I would set up Microsoft Planner tasks and set automated reminders at deadlines. By automating our communication and tailoring one-on-one methods, we were able to increase our on-time efficiency."

26. 26.

    Do you hold any translation certifications?

    How to Answer

    Some translation projects require certifications - or notarization from a certified translator - in order to be legally viable texts, so it is important to be aware of what certifications there are and what you have. Some graduate programs in translation automatically award a translation certification upon graduating, so look into your own program to determine what certifications you might've earned or still qualify for. If you don't currently hold any certifications, then go into your interview knowing what is involved in earning them and be prepared to share a willingness to work towards one.
    
    

     Answer Example

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Clara Canon wrote: "I became a member of the American Translators Association upon graduating from my Master's program in Translation Studies. I completed the official certification exam and earned their certificate shortly after. I am interested in pursuing more internationally-recognized certificates as well. I am always open to new certifications that might open doors to different opportunities."

27. 27.

    Have you ever encountered an ethical or moral dilemma on a translation project? How did you handle it?

    How to Answer

    You might receive a translation project that does not align with your personal beliefs or philosophy. As a professional, you have to decide how you choose to navigate such circumstances in order to balance respecting the client with maintaining the integrity of your practice. If you are applying to work for an agency, then be sure to do research on the company prior to your interview to better inform your response to this question. They might not associate with any political, religious, or other affiliation and therefore accept translations from all sources. If they do have an affiliation, then ensure that your response to this question doesn't conflict with the mission and values of the agency and their affiliations - if they do, then you might want to consider applying to a different company!
    
    

     Answer Example

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Clara Canon wrote: "I have had one instance in which I received a request from a client to translate a document that contradicted my values to the extent that I felt I could not accept the offer. I determined that I would not be able to fulfill the scope of the project given the content and my own inherent biases towards the subject, so I knew that I wasn't the best translator for the client's needs. I didn't find it professionally appropriate to accept the project knowing that I wouldn't be able to fully achieve their vision and simultaneously put myself completely against my values and brand. Upon coming to this conclusion, I informed the client that I did not have the capacity to appropriately translate the text to the desired outcome and referred them to colleagues that would be better able to fulfill the full scope of the project."

28. 28.

    How familiar are you with regional variations on each language you speak?

    How to Answer

    Fluency in a language doesn't guarantee your ability to translate any text in that language, particularly when working with unfamiliar dialects and terminology. The interviewer is interested in how wide your reach might be. This question might also indicate that they need such a skillset on their team. Be prepared to be tested on this following your interview, so don't use this as an opportunity to over-fluff your abilities.
    
    

     Answer Example

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Clara Canon wrote: "The majority of my education, experience, and exposure is in French from France. That said, I am very familiar with several variations of French in Africa, including Morocco, Algeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Senegal. I am less familiar with Canadian French, though I am actively working on improving my understanding of it."

29. 29.

    How do you balance the satisfaction and expectations of your client when they might not align with the reality of the project?

    How to Answer

    Clients of translation projects often don't understand how complex thei 'asks' might be. Even seemingly straightforward texts can be nuanced, and the completion of a translation can take longer than expected. Translators have to balance reality and expectations using a customer-oriented approach. The interviewer is looking for your ability to walk this line, so respond by demonstrating that you can make the client satisfied while not making promises you can't keep.
    
    

     Answer Example

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Clara Canon wrote: "My primary objective is to maintain open and honest communication with my clients to ensure that there are no surprises on their end. I want them to know that their satisfaction with the final product is my goal, and if I see that I might not be able to fulfill those expectations then I will direct them to a better-suited colleague. If I'm in the middle of the project, I try to avoid misunderstandings by keeping clients fully up-to-date with progress and milestones and checking in on any updates to their goals and needs. I will offer projections at the beginning of the project and re-iterate them along the way."

30. 30.

    How do you handle a client that is unsatisfied with your translation or finds an error within the translated text?

    How to Answer

    It can be difficult to please everyone, particularly in a profession that specializes in interpreting and executing someone else's vision. Unsatisfied clients can be expected at one point or another, and mistakes happen. The interviewer is looking for how gracefully you handle the customer-facing aspect of this job. Allow your customer service skills to come through in this response, and consider drawing connection to a story of when you've navigated an unsatisfied client in the past.
    
    

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Clara Canon wrote: "First, I always try to frame my thinking and perspective around the situation. The client is the reason I am able to work on this project, so it is my job to complete it to a standard that they expect. I am very receptive to feedback from my clients because I believe that it better informs my work in the future and makes me a better translator. If I find that a client is unsatisfied, then I apologize that the result isn't currently up to their expectation, ask how I might best be able to bring it up to their standards, and seek feedback on what I could do in the future to better fulfill their needs earlier on. If they find an error, then I fully own the error and apologize for it. I do not offer excuses or promises that I can't keep."