Top Tips for Hiring Professional Translators

This article is dedicated to small translation agencies and individuals who want to expand their business and looking for recruiting new translators to enhance their data base.


I will point out the major characteristics which must be considered before assigning a particular job to new linguist.

 

Professional vs. Professional Translator

It is not necessary that every professional proves to be a professional translator. If you want your medical text to be translated, it is NOT steadfast law that every doctor will be a good choice for converting your medical document into foreign language.


Translating is an art which can be learned plus natural ability which is God gifted. Always check sample provided by your doctor before continuing with him.

Punctuality/Meeting Deadlines

You will find many linguists who are qualified, educated, expert and experienced but NOT punctual. Punctuality is very, very necessary characteristic. It makes qualified a Professional. If translator lacks punctuality, you can say "he is qualified" but you can’t say (in my personal opinion) "he is a professional".

Qualification + Education + Experience - Punctuality = UN PROFESSIONAL

 

Proficiency in Both, Source & Target Language


Translator must have a very strong grip on both languages. Always hire the one who is native in target language.


Native translator is always better than non-native, keeping in account the qualification and experience.  Translated text will always show weakness if translated by non-native. Under certain circumstances, you can hire non-natives, where the native speaker is not available or where translator is not native but he spent years in country + company of native speakers.

Beware of Literary Document 


When it comes to translation of any piece of art, writings of great writers & works of prominent poets you should BE CAREFUL.


Never ever forward such kind of project to translator who haven’t translated such text before. It is not necessary that linguist with medical experience of 10 years is competent enough to translate such text. One must have very very and once again I will say very strong grip on both languages (the source and the target one). Not only hire translators who are native but try to hire better than native, as far as language skills are concerned.

In conclusion, your recruitment process needs to be very cautious. You can consider Proz, Translators Café, ATA and other similar websites to know more about your translators (as almost all professionals’ linguists are member of these websites).


About Author:


Muawiyah Haider is an expert article writer, works for professional translation services agency OLS.  For more information please visit our website: Professional translation (http://english2urdutranslations.com).


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