Master 30 Translator interview questions covering language proficiency, cultural nuance, and accuracy standards.
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Clara is a career coaching expert and has supported individuals landing positions in education, non-profit, corporate, and beyond.
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.
Clara is a career coaching expert and has supported individuals landing positions in education, non-profit, corporate, and beyond.
"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."
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Written by Clara Canon
30 Questions & Answers • Translator
By Clara
By Clara