Interpreter Career Guide and Counseling

Question: What college do you have to attend to become an interpreter? IN the Chicago or Milwaukee area? And what do you have to do to become an interpreter? What kind of money does an interpreter make? What jobs are available for interpreters? As a French or Spanish interpreter?

Answer: It depends what you are interpreting… Sign Language Interpreting programs are available at many community colleges here in NJ. Here is the page from the Occupational Outlook Handbook http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos175.htm#earnings It will have all the information you want; including: Significant Points • 15 percent of these workers are self-employed. • Work is often sporadic, and many interpreters and translators work part time. • Although training requirements can vary, most interpreters and translators have a bachelor’s degree. • Job outlook varies by specialty and language combination.

Question: How do you train to become an Interpreter? My partner wants to train as an interpreter but does not want to do a degree in languages. What does she need to get in qualifications to become an interpreter in hospitals, doctors and so on. Has somone got some experience in this?

Answer: Unless you have a degree, you usually need experience either as a native speaker, or having lived in a country speaking the target language for 5-7 years.

Question: How do you obtain an interpreter for a trip to a foreign country? I've been planning on going on an after graduation trip with two of my best friends to Japan. Only problem is altogether our Japanese is very poor and we only know a few phrases and words. So we thought we should probably get an interpreter XD But how do we go about getting one?

Answer: Make friends with someone japapnese or speaks japanese and offer to pay for their trip. You and your two friends could split the cost of that. You could proably put an add on craigslist of what your looking for and then interview possible candidates and see if anyone fits. Just an idea

Question: What are the requirements for becoming a language interpreter? I've worked for companies where if I need a language interpreter, I call "the language line", and they find me an interpreter in any language I need. How do I become one of those interpreters? I have 2 native languages; spanish/english; knew both fluently since age 5. I also have bachelors degree in mass communications; and I am a licensed P&C insurance agent. In addition; I am currently learning Italian.

Answer: know the language, pass security check, be willing to work 24/7, apply for job. any questions oh yeah and learn a language in need....try arabic

Question: How do I get a medical interpreter certification? I want to know how I can get a medical interpreter certification to work in hospitals. I've worked as a medical interpreter over the phone, but I would like to work in a hospital and I want to know how I can get certified here in Arizona.

Answer: you don't need license, but you need to finish some course such as medical terminology class certification.

Question: What are some responsibilities and duties of a sign language interpreter? What are some hours? How many people do you work with in a day? In a year? How many people complain about a sign language interpreter?

Answer: The responsibilities for a sign language interpreter include ethical behavior. Being fair, confidential, professional, etc. The Code of Ethics is posted on RID's (Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf) website. RID also has some general information about interpreters. Their standard practice papers answer a wide variety of questions and give you a good base to work from with further questions. If you can join their message board, maybe you can "interview" some interpreters about their experiences to get more personal views about the profession. As far as duties... your duty is to interpret the message faithfully, impartially and completely between both languages for all persons recieving services (deaf and hearing). If you are a freelance interpreter (not on staff or with an agency) then you will also be responsible for your own scheduling, billing, taxes, and all the good things that come with running your own business. Hours vary. If you freelance, you determine your hours based on when you are willing to work, what work is available and how much you need to work to pay your bills. If you work for an agency, business or school as a staff interpreter, then your hours will be determined by them. The number of people you work with in a day or year depends on the setting and the number of assignments. The larger your deaf community, the larger the variety of clients you will wrk with. This also leads to a larger demand for services. As far as complaints about interpreters... there are several categories. Those that don't want to pay for interpreters (these get to me, especially when it is a requirement for effective communication and is covered under ADA law!) Those that are annoyed by having another person in their "territory". Those that are distracted by having an interpreter (this can be real complaints for those that have issues with being distracted). There are some that complain because the interpreter is not a good match for that client or setting. (Sometimes that interpreter just wasn't qualified to begin with!) Some people complain because interpreters want information about the assignment before they go into it so that they can prepare. Often people misunderstand what interpreting is and involves and think interpreters are just being nosey or causing problems instead of making sure that they provide an accurate interpretation for their clients. So really the answer to almost of the questions is -- It depends. Not a fun answer, but very true.

Question: How much does it cost to become a sgin language interpreter? I already took several sign language classes in college! I already have a degree in communications. I want to get certified to become a sign language interpreter! How much does it cost! I already took several sign language classes in college! I already have a degree in communications. I want to get certified to become a sign language interpreter! How much does it cost! I have an appointment with an agency on Friday! I was just wondering how much the cost is! I am really excited! Or if anyone has earned their certficate!

Answer: I don't think that actual RID test costs much at all. But getting to the level of being a certified interpreter will take a lot more than several classes in college. I have been taking college night classes in ASL for two years, and have accumulated 16 credits (8 completed classes) and I am no where near being ready for the exam. Check the colleges in your area and see what they offer. Go for it, there is a shortage of qualified interpreters all over the country right now.

Question: What kinds of questions can I expect when interviewing for the position, Spanish Interpreter? I have an interview next week for the position, Spanish Interpreter, for a Chiropractic clinic, does anyone know what kinds of questions are they going to ask? What are some good questions I should ask? Do I have to know Chiropractic terms? If anyone can help me and give me some advice, I would appreciated.

Answer: Basically the same questions. The only difference perhaps will be you will be tested on your translations skills. Follow these instructions and you will do well in ANY interview. PREPARATION 1.Know your strengths and weaknesses. Be prepared with a solid presentation of your strong points so that your weaknesses seem slight in comparison. The interviewer will be constantly probing for weaknesses and testing for strengths. 2.Know the requirements of the job so that you can relate how your qualifications compare with these requirements. You must be able to show the fit between " what you can do" and "what must be done." You must be prepared to show why you should be hired. 3.Know the company: its products and/or services, its competitors, its history, size, location of plants and the like. A brief description of the company usually accompanies an advertisement for vacant positions. It is also useful to find out who will interview you. Research of this nature can pay dividends in helping you prepare yourself and determine the direction the interview will take. 4.Know the difficult questions that are typically asked and prepare your answers to these questions. 5.Write down your own questions. Near the end of the interview, you will be usually asked if you have your own questions. This is the time to inquire about the nature of the work, the working conditions, working hours, training programs given to employees, chances for career growth and advancement, and any other points that may have not been covered yet. Questions pertaining to salary or benefits are never discussed at an interview unless the interviewer introduces them. You may ask these questions after the job is offered to you, and before you accept. 6.Attend to your personal appearance. Your preparation will produce negative results if you neglect your appearance. The people who will be deciding whether to hire you or not will be looking at you very closely. 7.Check details of the interview. Find out the exact time and place for your appointment and program yourself to allow for emergencies, such as a traffic jam or flat tire. If you are unfamiliar with the location where the interview will take place, you should check it out beforehand. You should plan to arrive at the designated place15 minutes ahead of schedule. While waiting, you can use the time to review the points to be covered in the interview or to observe the office environment and the employees going about their work. Bring also with you a pad and pen for jotting down things you need to remember such as the date and time of a second interview, names, correct titles, and addresses of those who interview you. You will need this information for your post interview thank you notes. DRESS CODE The following are accepted standards in the job market. Follow them if you want to make a positive first impression. Women: ØDon't wear your skirts too short or too tight, heels to high, or blouses too low and too sheer. ØSkip the loud nail colors and long nails. Keep your makeup subtle. ØCarry an extra pair of stockings just in case and wear them, even in the summer. ØDon't wear too much jewelry; keep it simple. Don't wear lots of earrings. ØConservative blouse and suit, with skirt not too short, sensible heels, subtle make up and jewelry. ØFill only one hole with earrings if you have many. Never wear large hoop earrings Men ØDon't wear an earring. ØKeep your nails clean and trimmed and remember to shave. ØWear knee length socks that match your pants to avoid "the sock gap." ØA dark suit, white shirt, tie and dark oxford shoes. (This will vary from country to country and the type of job being applied for). Everyone ØIf you think you need a haircut, get one. ØDon't splash on too much perfume or aftershave. Many people are allergic to scents. ØDon't wear a nose ring. ØTake a shower that morning and wear a deodorant. ØPolish your shoes and press your clothes the night before. ØAbsolutely don't chew gum or smoke. ØIf you suffer from sweaty palms, keep a handkerchief with a little baby powder or cornstarch in it. Before your interview, go into the restroom and dry your hands with it. CONDUCT DURING INTERVIEW ØDon't accept coffee, tea or even water even if it is offered; having a drink is a distraction you don't really need right now. ØShow enthusiasm for your present job (even if you are not that excited about it). ØListen carefully to the question asked. Pause for a moment before answering. Paraphrase the question if you are not sure you understood it. ØIf you don't understand the question, ask for it to be repeated. ØMake sure that by the end of the interview you've gotten across your strongest skills or characteristics. Be specific about them. It is always a good idea to prove your expertise and personal skills by giving examples. ØLeave the interview with a good closing impression -- a firm handshake, a smile, good eye contact, a "Thank You", and a closing statement like, "I am very interested in this position," or "When can I expect to hear from you?" INTERVIEW QUESTIONS Here are some questions that employers often ask candidates. Prepare answers for these and you won't fear them, or any variation of them. Be brief. Answers to questions should not take more than 90 seconds. Do not ramble during the interview. All answers should relate to the heart of the issue: Are you qualified to do the job for which they are hiring? Never lose perspective of this. Look at each question as an opportunity to present your case. Exude confidence but do not be boastful or arrogant. About yourself: ØWhat can you tell me about yourself? ØWhat are your strengths? ØWhat are your weaknesses/failures? ØDescribe your long and short-range goals. Business questions: ØWhy do you want to work here? ØWhat special qualities do you bring to this job? ØWhat was your worst job? ØDiscuss a problem you have had at work with your boss (or coworker) and how you resolved it. Watch out, this is a trick question. Never let them trick you into saying a negative comment about your former boss, co-worker, position or company. Always stress the positive behaviors you learned from difficult situations. ØHow do you define success? ØWhere do you see yourself, career wise, in the future? Watch out, this is a trick question. Remember that the main concern of the employer throughout the interview is to fill the open position with someone who will be successful and stay in it. School questions: ØDo you think your school grades represent you? ØWhat was the main thing you got out of going to college (high school)? ØWhy didn't you get a degree? ØHow did your education prepare you for a career? ØWhat did you learn in school that can help you on this job? And finally: ØIs there anything else I need to know about you? ØDo you have any questions? An interviewer might also ask you to: ØExplain or defend any statement you made in your resume. ØDiscuss any skill you may have listed. ØDiscuss any lapses in employment times. For an in-depth study on interview questions and the interview itself please go to this link. http://www.job-interview.net/ Peace and blessings! Source: My Counseling Files

Question: What's the average salary of an interpreter? An interpreter isn't a job that's quite in demand these days, are they? But I was just wondering what their average salary would be like? I'm planning to take up Linguistics for college but I'm hesitant.

Answer: Linguistic major won't help you becoming an interpreter. You study the theory of language more than anything else. Simultaneous interpreter makes good income. However, you need to have more than language abilities (listen, think, and speak at the same time). Plus, you almost have to be already bilingual before college. There are some schools that trains you to be an interpreter. But, instead, I suggest you major business and take up a language of your choice (so you can speak and read for business purpose.) A lot of international companies hire people with language and business skills and pay well.

Question: What degree do I need to become an interpreter? How long does it take to graduate to become an interpreter?..What classes have to be taken in college and does it offer good pay?

Answer: It depends entirely on what language you wish to act as an interpreter for and where and for whom you want to work. There are Masters level programs in interpreting and translation for both Chinese and Japanese at the University I work for. However, just doing this degree is not enough, to be accredited as an interpreter in Australia you need to take an exam through NAATI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters). Their website is: http://www.naati.com.au/index.asp

Question: Can a UN interpreter choose the headquarter where to work? I read that in order to become an interpreter with the United Nations you have to pass a competitive examination. After passing the exam, you can choose the headquarter where to work among New York, Geneve, Vienna and Nairobi or they send you to one of them? Because I wish I could choose New York.

Answer: No...you go where needed; where there is a job opening like any other organization would fill a position.

Question: Would a seminar open to the public be required to provide a sign language interpreter is requested? I'm taking my business to a seminar next month. One of my employees is deaf and will need an interpreter for the seminar. Is there a law that states this seminar needs to provide one if requested?

Answer: The ADA requires businesses to make "reasonable accommodation" for disabled customers and employees. If this is a commercial seminar that you are paying to go to then your employee is a customer and the ADA requirement of "reasonable accommodation" will apply. Whether it would be "reasonable" to require a seminar to provide a full-time ASL interpreter for one deaf customer is a matter of interpretation. The requirement might be met by, for example, providing his transcripts in advance of the speakers addresses. A lot will depend on the size. It's reasonable for a seminar with 1,000 attendees to do a lot more to comply with ADA than it is for a seminar of 10 people sitting around a conference table. Richard

Question: What can we do to become a good TRANSLATOR and INTERPRETER ? How to become a good TRANSLATOR and INTERPRETER? You might not be working as a translator or interpreter but can you tell how to become a good and internationally-recognize... TRANSLATOR and INTERPRETER ? Read a lot? Remember a lot? or Research a lot? or what? I mean what to do? and HOW ?

Answer: Not sure what country your in, but click link below for a good definition. http://www.learndirect-advice.co.uk/helpwithyourcareer/jobprofiles/profiles/profile604/ You may have to register with a professional organisation to get a job. They will also have job offers come to them and possibly nowhere else.

Question: Which is the most scopeful and beneficial language to learn if one decides to be an interpreter? Hello Guys.I am looking forward to work as an interpreter.I am based in India.I would like to know that which is the most scopeful and beneficial language to learn and work as an interpreter?And how good is a career of an interpreter?I've heard that various languages have been outdated now.So looking for the best and higly in demand. Abhishek

Answer: Hey Abhishek, I'd say you learn arabic. There's a huge demand for Arabic these days.

Question: How can I become an interpreter at the United Nations Headquarters in NYC? I would like to be an interpreter for German/Russian/Greek/Dutch and work at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. How would I go about doing this and approximately (if available) how much money would I recieve in the process from salary?

Answer: Go to http://jobs.un.org for available positions. Interpreters and translators are considered professional posts. Almost all P-level staff require an advanced degree; significant number of years of recent, relevant and specialized work experience, some field experience in developing countries. For Translator or Interpreter posts, you need to pass a qualifying examination for that language. Here's an example of an Interpreter post for French language (level P4) https://jobs.un.org/Galaxy/Release3/vacancy/Display_Vac.aspx?lang=1200&VACID=e3e7d6bc-c46b-4f1c-9dd0-680a95e03736 . The requirements are: Education Degree from a university or from an institution of equivalent status or a combination of academic and professional experience. Must have passed the United Nations French Interpreters' examination. Work Experience At least five years of internationally recognized professional interpreting experience with preferably two years of experience in the United Nations Secretariat. Languages Perfect command of French and an excellent knowledge of English and Spanish or Russian. Other Skills Proven ability to interpret from or into other official languages will be an asset. Here is a salary scale of the United Nations staffer (note that unlike the private sector, salary is pegged on your given level such as P4 or P1). The data is current as of Jan 2006 based on the latest salary review http://www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/salaries_allowances/salaries/salaryscale/professional/base0106.xls . For this P4 Interpreter post, the salary is $81,943 for step 1.

Question: How to become a translator/interpreter in Australia? What are the best ways to become a translator/interpreter in Australia? I guess one of the options is to get a NAATI certificate, but is there any other ways? I am capable of English-Japanese translations, and I was wondering if there is a way to make a good use of it. Thanks in advance!

Answer: You will not be able to get a job as an official interpreter without proof of your translating abilities. And I think that can only come through a NAATI certification. If you are capable, all you have to do is make an appointment at a certified NAATI testing centre and do the test. They will give you your rating. It's not that expensive to do.