Streamlining Your Company

Posted on: 13 November 2017

There are a number of reasons a company or individual may need an interpreter, and it is essential to hire the right interpreter for the job. Hiring the wrong interpreter can cause some problems if there is a miscommunication, especially if the interpretation is taking place in a legal or medical setting. If you need to hire an interpreter, use the following tips to help ensure that you hire the right one:

Ask About Proficiency

One of the keys to hiring the right interpreter is finding one who is proficient in the language that you are speaking as well as the language that needs to be interpreted. You need to know that the interpreter won't have issues understanding what you are saying and correctly translating your words into another language.

Experience

Being an interpreter is quite difficult, and it requires a unique set of skills. When you need to hire an interpreter, your best bet is to hire one who has ample experience working as an interpreter. Doing so will give you the peace of mind of knowing that the interpreter will understand what to do and won't have any issues.

Have a Backup Plan

When you know that you will need an interpreter on a specific date and a certain time, it is always in your best interest to have a backup plan in case your interpreter has an emergency and can't make it. This is especially true if you need an interpreter who speaks a language that is not widely used. You may want to consider hiring an interpreter from an interpreting agency-- they often have other interpreters available if your original interpreter is not able to show up.

Understanding Your Topic/Industry

While an interpreter may technically be fluent in two languages, that does not mean that he or she has a solid grasp on all of the jargon and lingo used within certain industries. If you need an interpreter for a highly technical, medical, or legal topic, ask questions before you hire an interpreter and ensure that he or she is familiar with the types of words that you will be using.

Ask for a Comprehensive Quote

In most cases, you will send notes to your interpreter in advance so he or she can review the information that will be interpreted. When you get a quote for interpreting services, make sure that the price you are quoted includes the interpreter's prep time, as well as the time that is actually spent interpreting. 

Contact a company like Nightingale Interpreting for more information and assistance.