September’s here, the interpreting season is ON! As interpreters we usually make our resolutions in September instead of 1st of the New Year. In a way, it is like we never left school: September brings new tasks and fresh challenges and with it we too sit down to study anew. It is time to dust down our motivation and set new goals for the incoming season.
New goals anyone? We would like to offer some inspiration for those returning from the summer vacation or joining the interpreter community fresh out of university, looking for their place in the profession.
As an inspiration we will describe the qualities of a good interpreter, things we should be mindful of to persuade the client that working with us is the best and only option!
Let us see the 8 qualities we find crucial in an interpreter – if this is you and we haven’t worked with you before, we’ll save a spot for you in our team!
1. Be punctual
Don’t forget: an interpreter can never be late! Or rush in at the last minute. Arrive at least half an hour before the start of each assignment to prepare for any unforeseen changes and to receive your client’s last minute instructions. Don’t be the last person the client must check with!
2. Be reachable
There are moments in life when you must turn off your phone, but otherwise it is extremely important that freelance interpreters be reachable at least during office hours on weekdays. This may seem an obvious point, but it isn’t: pick up the phone, or if you cannot at the moment, call back at your earliest convenience.
3. Know your worth
Interpreting is not a cheap service. Clients who have been working with interpreters for some time know this very well. Those reaching out to us for the first time may not necessarily know why. The reasons are manifold – besides excellent language skills an interpreter possesses several other social, emotional qualities that are indispensable for carrying out the job. We may not be experts in every field, but we try to be – each assignment is the culmination of several days of preparation and the job itself is but the peak of an iceberg.
4. Know your limits
Don’t overstretch yourself! Never accept assignments where you are not a 100 percent sure you’ll make it in time for the next one.
Only undertake assignments that you know you can properly prepare for. You shouldn’t be afraid to explore new topics but if you feel that you don’t have enough time or materials to prepare, don’t be afraid to say no and make do with one less assignment.
5. Own the task, make it your own
As interpreters you must take ownership of cases and brands coming your way in the framework of an assignment. Perhaps even more than employees or managers of a given company, for you are the one giving them a voice towards the audience. They may be excellent speakers, but it will all be for nothing if you convey it in a droning monotone.
6. Be humble
No matter how long you’ve been in the business, you may be faced with unexpected situations at any time. To be humble in your work means to always prepare thoroughly. The client deserves the best possible service: while there will be a lot going on, your mission is to afford your client excellent support and attention.
7. Be ethical
As interpreters we must adhere to certain fundamental rules. While pricing itself forms part of our code of ethics, it also includes strict confidentiality of all information received from our client. Another issue of outstanding importance is our relationship with colleagues. We often work in pairs, but even when we fly solo, clients usually find us upon recommendation from a colleague. When covering for a colleague, we know, that the job was a one off, and the client shall remain his or hers. We shall not try to recruit other colleagues’ clients, only to lose their trust on the long run.
8. Be invisible
While we play a crucial role in the partners’ communication, we should never forget that these events are not about us and we must not seek the spotlight. Instead, we work behind the scenes, surprisingly enough even when we are onstage!
When at a conference or a negotiation the clients seem to have completely forgotten about us, we know we are doing a good job.
