Certified Translators - Buyers Guide

Certified Translators Checklist

If you are in the market for certified translators then you will be aware that finding competent and experienced individuals can be a bit tricky if you do not know where to look. Even certified translation professionals can sometimes be less than what we expected – especially if the person we hire does not have the kind of expertise or background for which we are looking. Knowing what we need and the kind of skills required in the translator are two of the best ways of ensuring that we choose the right person. However, for those who are unsure about who to call or what to look for in a certified translator, we have compiled a short checklist for you to follow.

Call translator Organisations
The first place any business owner looking for a certified translator should look is with the translator organisation servicing their community. Otherwise they can always contact the IATI – the International Association of Translators and Interpreters for references to competent translators.

Request referrals to the right translator
Most translation organisations will be more than happy to help point you in the right direction. If you are unsure about the kind of translator your need, inform the person who answers your call about the kind of business you are in and which translators would best suit your needs.

Credential Check
Once you have a short list of the translators in question, the first thing you should do is request resumes and work samples from all of them. Not only will you then be able to see who has the schooling level you require for your work, you will also see who has the kind of style or expertise for which you are looking. Knowing a translator’s background is very important because different business sectors require different skills when it comes to translations. Translators who are specialised in technical translations will not suit the needs of someone who requires press releases translated and vice versa.

Test
If you are unable to choose between the translators on your shortlist, the next best thing you can do is have them each perform a test. Find a short but complicated text that is well representative of the material you need translated and request them to translate it for you. Since most providers charge by the word or by how long it takes, make sure that the sample text is short. Such a test will allow you to see which translator has what it takes to provide you with what you need. Not only that, but you will get a chance to see how they work under pressure and will get a sense of their turn-around time – two factors that are also very crucial to the choosing of a competent translator.

By following the above checklist, you should be able to easily find a translator who is ideal for your translations needs. Your business documents are a reflection of your company – it is never wise to entrust such precious materials to a translator who may not be able to give the text the kind of interpretation that best reflects your company and your words.

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I immediately got a call from a moving company who was very professional. We've had good communication, the survey was punctual and they returned a quotation the following day as promised. So far, so good!

Kate, Buyer
Adelaide, Australia