What do you think makes you a good interpreter? Do you like to establish a personal relationship with someone you translate for or maintain a more professional and formal relationship? Why would you like to work for our company? What would you consider your ideal client?
In this blog, we discuss commonly asked interview questions during job interviews for Interpreter & Translator positions. We also discuss the qualities that interviewers look for in successful candidates. In other words, we’re here to help you out!
Below we discuss the skills you can highlight in your answers to demonstrate that you’re qualified for the job.
Self-employed interpreters and translators need general business skills to manage their finances and careers successfully. They must set prices for their work, bill customers, keep records, and market their services in order to build their client base.
Interpreters and translators must be able to concentrate while others are speaking or moving around them.
Interpreters and translators must be sensitive to cultural differences and expectations among the people whom they are helping to communicate. Successful interpreting and translating is a matter not only of knowing the words in different languages but also of understanding people’s cultures.
Sign language interpreters must be able to make quick and coordinated hand, finger, and arm movements when interpreting.
Interpreters and translators, particularly those who are self-employed, must be able to get along with those who hire or use their services in order to retain clients and attract new business.
Interpreters must listen carefully when interpreting for audiences to ensure that they hear and interpret correctly.
Translators must be able to read in all of the languages in which they are working.
Interpreters and translators must speak clearly in all of the languages in which they are working.
Translators must be able to write clearly and effectively in all of the languages in which they are working.
Top 20 Interpreter Interview Questions and Answers for 2022
Are you impartial in your role as an interpreter, and why would you say so?
Being an interpreter is a responsible position. The potential hire needs to display the ability to treat all parties fairly, and to desist from altering communications.
Could you give me examples from past experience where you demonstrated the ability to concentrate for extended periods?
Listen carefully. At times interpreters have to translate monotonous communications for extended periods. The candidate needs to convince you they can proficiently handle this aspect of the position.
Could you give me a detailed list of communication barriers in interpreting, and how do you overcome these?
The prospective hire’s answer will share their awareness of potential challenges, and their problem-solving skills.
Why Are You Interested In This Role?
When your interviewer asks you this question, all they need to know is why you want to work for them. Talk about using your knowledge learned to better performance and learning from them as well.
Sample Answer
“Firstly, when I learned that you were recruiting, I was motivated to apply for this job since this is my area of profession and I would like to use the skills and knowledge that I have gained to better this sector. In addition, I would like to improve my skills and knowledge in this area by learning more from your organization as far as interpretation services are concerned. Lastly, I want to use the knowledge that I have to earn a living and support my family back at home.” Why Should We Hire You? 5 Best Answ…
Interpreter & Translator Job Interview Questions & Answers
During a job interview, the hiring manager wants to discuss several things. Think of your:
Below you find a list of commonly asked interview questions.
To help you prepare for your Language Interpreter interview, here are 24 interview questions and answer examples.
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.
“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.”
FAQ
What are the 4 most important qualities an interpreter should have?
- Accomplished knowledge of languages. …
- Excellent concentration and memory. …
- Honesty and good practises. …
- Efficient intuitive skills.
Why do u want to be an interpreter?
What are the 4 roles of the interpreter?
- Conduit. the most recommended role for medical interpreters. …
- Culture Broker/Coach. when one becomes aware of possible misunderstandings in the communication between a patient and provider stemming from cultural differences.
- Clarifier. …
- Advocate.
What are some interpreter skills?
- Highly proficient in both English and the other language.
- Impartiality.
- Able to accurately and idiomatically turn the message from the source language into the target language without any additions, omissions or other misleading factors that alter the intended meaning of the message from the speaker.
