MightyRecruiterInterpreters are skilled at understanding and speaking more than one language. Their daily responsibilities include converting data from the source language into the desired target language, carefully modifying material to account for the original tone and context of translated data, and communicating spoken messages with efficiency and clarity. They also compile technical terms into organized glossaries for reference in the translation process.
When considering what skills to mention in your interpreter job description, be sure to highlight interpersonal skills, because they will be critical when working with clients. Other important aptitudes are concentration, dexterity, cultural sensitivity and a keen understanding of written and oral communication.
Additional skills to include are the ability to listen and read, and familiarity with basic business functions including documentation, filing and customer service. This interpreter job description template demonstrates how to organize this kind of information.
Interpreter Job Summary
Are you passionate about speaking and writing in other languages? If so, a job as an interpreter could be just what you are looking for. As an interpreter at our headquarters, you will be assisting with the translation of important data from the source language into a designated target language. Your expertise will allow you to accurately translate words, original tone and meaning. You will be preparing materials for translation and have the opportunity to learn about formatting, documentation and filing. You will also have the opportunity to relay spoken messages, which will help you strengthen your interpreting abilities. This job could be the perfect fit if you are up for a challenge and enjoy helping others.
Job Responsibilities
- Translate messages, live speeches, voice recordings and documents into another language, with careful attention to providing proper context, meaning, tone and technical wording
- Collaborate with colleagues to compile helpful information, including terms and definitions, into an organized glossary for regular reference during the translation process
- Honor outlined ethical codes to ensure sensitive and confidential information remains secure and protected
- Identify terms and words with conflicting meanings to determine which alternative provides clarity and reflects the original purpose of the message
- Verify, modify and edit translations to compensate for discrepancies in technical terms and to guarantee that the final content is consistent with original material
- Consult dictionaries, encyclopedias and terminology compilations to remain educated and current with the meaning of words and phrases
- Analyze audience members and listen to debriefings on what materials will be translated, to best assess how to present interpreted data
- Document changes to translated materials, and maintain an orderly method for filing data for reference later on
Job Skills & Qualifications
Reqiured:
- Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field
- Proficiency in the English language
- Written and verbal fluency in at least one non-English language
- Interpersonal skills
- Strong understanding of written and oral communication
Preferred:
- 5 years of educational study in another language
- Familiarity with using technology for translation
Interpreter Job Responsibilities
Composing an effective interpreter job description is an important part of attracting the right candidates, and one of the most vital components is the providing an accurate and enticing interpreter job responsibilities section. With descriptions that get jobseekers imagining themselves in the role, you can expect applications from the cream of the crop.
There are a few key rules to follow that apply to every part of your interpreter job description, but it is especially crucial that you adhere to these guidelines when crafting the responsibilities section. Since this is likely to be the meatiest section of the posting, you should outline the responsibilities clearly with bullet points and define them with enticing action verbs. Giving between six and eight bullet points, such as the following examples, should be sufficient:
- Interact with clients and visitors to translate foreign language and facilitate communication in a range of different professional settings
- Translate both spoken word and written texts to the target language with superior accuracy, consistency and efficiency
- Communicate in a friendly, positive manner and always engage in active listening techniques to maximize effectiveness of interpretation
- Lead conversations between multilingual groups to communicate important ideas and mitigate the effects of a language barrier
Interpreter Job Specifications
In contrast to the aforementioned responsibilities section, the interpreter job qualifications and skills section should include interpreter job specifications that are likely to be short and sweet. Indicating the minimum requirements is of vital importance when you are composing an interpreter job description, though. Just because this section is brief does not mean it should be bereft of detail.
In fact, detail is imperative. Working as an interpreter requires a very specific skill set, and if you do not specify the skills that are necessary, you may find yourself swimming in applications from candidates who are both over- and underqualified.
You should first seek clear indication from your hiring manager or executive management regarding the requirements that are an absolute must-have for the job. In addition to these essentials, compile a list of preferred qualifications, too. This will help you envision the ideal candidate, and separating these lists will help the ideal candidate find you. Some potential job specifications that you may include in an interpreter job description include:
- Native speaker of Spanish and/or Portuguese languages
- Fluent in spoken English and proficient in written English
- Exemplary ability to communicate verbally between many people
- Bachelor’s Degree or higher from English-language university
- Strong social skills and ability to mitigate language barriers
