Career Opportunities

aboutLanguage Inc. is continuously seeking skilled and qualified interpreters and translators to become our newest associates. If you already possess the qualifications and experience necessary to perform as a professional interpreter or translator, please click here for more information on how to apply with aboutLanguage Inc.

If you possess the necessary training, but lack the requisite experience, don't despair. Refer to our section entitled Guidelines for Work Searches for some hints and suggestions on how to get started.

Finally, for those of you interested in a possible career in languages, but aren't sure if it's right for you, the following section should be helpful. It sheds some light on the industry, and will help you formulate some very clear ideas of what to expect working in the language industry.

First Things First

For those of you considering entry into one of the language trades, you need to develop a very clear understanding of what the work entails, the opportunities available to you, and your potential earning power. The language industry can be a rewarding and lucrative experience. But it has also been glamorized in the movie industry with dramatic scenes at the United Nations, and the stalking of beautiful female interpreters.

The fact is, less than 0.1% of all interpreters and translators will ever see the inside of the United Nations or NATO headquarters. The remainder will find themselves performing work associated mostly with the local judicial system or government administration. That is not to say the work will not prove challenging and invigorating to some. But don't assume you will be flying to Paris at a moment's notice to help solve some political crisis.

Before setting your sights on a language trade, do your homework. In addition to reading our section entitled Working in the Language Trades, check out what other organizations have to say about it. Here are some of our favorite links for information:

Working in the Language Trades

This section is for those individuals who might be interested in work in translation or interpretation, but who have not yet made the leap.

TRANSLATION v INTERPRETATION

First, to clarify the difference between the two, translation addresses the written word, whereas interpretation is performed on a verbal level. A translator produces text in one language based on text written in another language, whereas an interpreter acts as a medium between two parties who do not share a common language in order to facilitate verbal communication between parties.

There is one obvious similarity, the rendering of ideas from one language into another. But that is, in essence, the only similarity. Otherwise, the two métiers are quite different and require entirely separate skill sets.

You may be asking yourself, “Well, can’t translators interpret and interpreters translate?!” The answer is “yes” and “no.”

Both types of work require specific training and instruction, and there are skill sets that each must develop in order to perform their job. In addition to training, there are also other characteristics that eventually lead the individual into one field or the other.

Good translators, for example, possess strong academic skills, which are required in order to perform their work. They must be excellent writers with a strong understanding of the language from which they translate, but with an exacting knowledge of the language into which they translate. A good translator may spend a lot of time evaluating the best words or phrasing to convey the ideas they are translating. This is particularly true in literary translations. Unlike the ephemeral work of interpretation, books and documents can live on for a very long time.

Interpreters, on the other hand, are fluent in at least two languages and tend to possess excellent “people skills.” The latter is important, because it is crucial for the interpreter to understand not only the words being spoken, but also the body language of the speaker in order to communicate ideas effectively. Interpreters also have a level of command of both languages that enables them to translate idiomatic and colloquial expressions into another language quickly, if not gracefully.[top]

TRANSLATION

Translation work is the Holy Grail of telecommuting. With today’s technology, it is very simple for a translator to receive, perform, and deliver work electronically, all the while in pajamas and slippers. What is difficult, however, is to find work. The field is extremely competitive and, with the Internet, competition is now on a worldwide scale. Also, because the volume of work tends to be inconsistent, it is best to perform translation work as a supplement to an existing income, rather to depend upon translation as a sole source for your weekly food purchases.[top]

So, how does one compete and get translation work?

Preparation
First, the candidate should possess exceptional writing skills (unless one is translating foreign drivers’ licenses) in the language into which they will translate. The translator should also possess a strong knowledge of the language from which he or she will translate.

Second, the candidate should have one or more specialties. The preferred translator, in fact, will have already had training or a job in a certain field that gives them a deeper understanding of a document to translate than someone without that experience. Consider, for example, whether a bank that requires translation work would prefer a candidate with an accounting or business background to, say, someone in sports medicine.

Third, the candidate should have taken at least one course in translation from a reputable institution. While not necessary, a degree in translation certainly differentiates the serious candidate from the lackadaisical.

Fourth, the candidate should be able to produce on demand a curriculum vitae with a list of previous customers whom he or she has served. Nothing speaks better than a list of excellent references.

Finally, the translator should gain certification by or, at least, membership in, a nationally recognized organization. In the United States, these organizations include the National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators (NAJIT) and the American Translators Association (ATA).[top]

Finding Translation Work
The best paying work one can find will be as a direct contractor to the entity requiring the translation, such as a law firm providing services for the foreign-born population. However, these types of job are difficult to come by. You just might find yourself spending more time marketing your services than actually performing them.

Another source of work is through online translation bureaus. There are many reputable ones out there, including TranslationDirectory.com, proZ.com, TRADUguide, and Translators’ Café. Most are free and, once registered, will automatically email you notifications of newly posted listings that meet your criteria. Even some language brokers use these guides themselves to locate affordable translators. (As you peruse these sites, also note all your competition.)

Finally, the best way to gain translation employment is to align yourself with one or a few language brokering agencies and to develop a solid relationship with them. The better you can provide excellent translations with short turn-around time and low rates, the more likely they will use you for repeat business. Additionally, you will be relieved of the job of marketing yourself directly to clients.

The downside of depending on agencies for work is that the rate they pay should be competitive (and never sell yourself short!), but not nearly as lucrative as if you had gone out and found the job on your own. As a rule of thumb, you will receive between 40% and 60% of what the agency charges. But, remember that it is the agency who pays for advertising and marketing services, and deserves to make a profit.[top]

INTERPRETATION

The job of the interpreter can be quite frenetic. Almost all interpretation work is performed face-to-face. That means that the interpreter must travel to the interpretation site and be ready to perform an interpretation that, after all, may not occur. It also means that the interpreter must have a dependable means of transportation (public transportation is only an option in New York City), and be willing to travel a long distance at a moment’s notice to fulfill a request. On the upside, the interpreter can meet many people and make additional contacts along the way for more work.

The most common form of interpretation is consecutive or liaison interpretation. But there are several interpretation techniques that are employed depending upon the required situation. For a full list of interpretation techniques, click here.

Some companies offer telephonic interpretation as an alternative to travel. Telephonic interpretation is generally unscheduled and unpredictable. Usually, the interpreter logs into the system from home to indicate he or she is available to take calls, and then waits for the telephone to ring. Usually, the interpreter is paid only while actually performing an interpretation and, consequently, does not realize a large payout for the service. On the other hand, this type of job is ideal for someone who wants to work at home, and who is not in the habit of eating tablespoons of peanut butter during work (which can stick to the roof of one’s mouth and render the interpretation unintelligible).

Rates paid to interpreters are based primarily on the rarity of the language spoken. The rarer the language skill, the higher the commanding rate. To a lesser extent, higher rates are also paid to certified interpreters. But this is true only when a certified interpreter is required, and it does not pertain to direct contracting with government entities. Finally, interpreters can sometimes lso command a higher rate when called to perform at the last minute, depending upon the desperation of the booking agency.

Spanish interpreters, for example are sometimes paid lower rates in the United States because of the vast pool of Spanish interpreters from which to choose. On the other hand, because Spanish interpretation is in such demand, it also means that there are more job opportunities available. Interpreters who speak Korean or Mandarin will command higher rates than Spanish interpreters, but not necessarily as much as speakers of obscure languages, such as Akan (Twi) or Wolof.

It is important to keep in mind that competition for interpretation work is highly competitive, regardless of the language. So, how does one compete in this highly competitive market?

Preparation
First, the candidate should possess exceptional fluency in both a foreign language and in the language spoken in the land. The best interpreters will actually be foreign-born and possess an exceptional grasp of both English and their native tongue. They will also understand the culture of the person for whom they are interpreting, which adds another dimension to the required sensitivity.

Second, the candidate should have taken a formal course in interpretation. In the United States, some state court systems offer such courses. If available, take them; they will help open other avenues.

Third, become State certified, if available. Most states now require certification in order to work in the court system. For more information on state certification, visit the National Center for State Courts. This informative site will answer many questions, and can also direct you to training programs.

Fourth, the candidate should have one or more skills or specialties. Simultaneous interpretation, for example, commands the very highest rates. However, it takes tremendous training and practice to become a simultaneous interpreter. Not surprisingly, this highly paid skill is also little in demand, when compared to other types of interpretation work. A better solution is to learn legal terminology and focus on the court system, a consistent employer of interpreters.

Finally, the interpreter should gain certification by, or, at least, membership in, a nationally recognized organization. In the United States, these organizations include the National Association for Judiciary Interpreters and Translators (NAJIT) and the American Translators Association (ATA).[top]

Finding Interpretation Work
The most lucrative work one can find will be as a direct contractor to the entity requiring the interpretation, such as a law firm or hospital. However, these types of job are difficult to come by. You just might find yourself spending more time marketing your services than actually performing them.

The best way to gain interpretation employment is to align yourself with one or a few language brokering agencies who perform regional work, and to develop a solid relationship with them. The better you can make yourself available for work, provide consistent interpretation work, and accept assignments positively, the more likely they will use you for repeat business.[top]

Guidelines for Work Searches

When seeking work in one of the language trades, here are a couple of suggestions to follow in order to increase your chance of success:

Research your market. Do some investigation work to find out what company or agency has contractual work, and the type of work they do. Don't be afraid to call an agency and pick their brains.

Contact the owner or manager by telephone. Tell them how you learned of their company, how much you think of them, and how your experience and expertise can be a benefit to them.

Follow up your telephone conversation with an agreed mailing of a resume or c.v. Never send an unsolicited resume or c.v. to a company or agency; these are generally thrown into the trash without even being reviewed.

When you get your chance to perform, be agreeable and cooperative. If you’re hesitant or unwilling to perform, the company simply will not call you again, and you will have lost your opportunity for continued work.

Make sure you have negotiated terms with the company before accepting the work. If the company only offers you half of what your normal minimum is, decide whether to take it and then stick to your decision. Backing out of an agreement is just like terminating it, and you probably won’t see any more work coming your way again.

Best of luck! Now go get ‘em!! [top]

A Career with aboutLanguage Inc.

aboutLanguage Inc. serves the Mid-Atlantic region, specifically southern Pennsylvania, the states of Delaware and Maryland, the District of Columbia, and northern Virginia. We are continuously seeking skilled and qualified interpreters and translators to become our newest associates.

If you possess the training and experience required for professional interpretation or translation, and you reside in our area of service, you are invited to contact us to discuss opportunities, or you may send us your resume or c.v. with cover letter by e-mail to jobs@aboutlanguage.net.

aboutLanguage Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.