At TransPerfect Connect, our interpreters help facilitate communication between conversations in all types of industries. Our interpreters learn the knowledge, skills, and abilities to interpret consecutively at a professional level.
We’re here to let you know that in order to become an interpreter at TransPerfect Connect, you do not need any previous experience in interpretation. However, there are some skills that may make the job a better fit for some people rather than others.
To be considered for the Bilingual Interpreter position with TransPerfect Connect, applicants must complete and pass a language evaluation.
The language evaluation is used to measure how proficiently you are able to speak English and the target language. The evaluation is conducted over the phone with a live assessor and could have a duration of up to 45 minutes.
A sample speech is elicited through a series of personalized questions and guided conversation. Your responses will be rated based on grammar and syntax, pronunciation, fluency, and comprehension. Keep these categories in mind during your evaluation to show off your best language skills!
Once you have completed the language evaluation portion of your assessment, you will have an opportunity to showcase your interpreting potential. Your evaluation will conclude with a role-play scenario where you will be the interpreter. Refer to the interpreting resources below to prepare for this section.
The evaluation will cover
English Oral Proficiency
In-Language Oral Proficiency
Consecutive Interpretation
General Terminology
Through a conversational format, you will be evaluated on four criteria:
Grammar and Syntax
Pronunciation
Listening Comprehension
Fluency
How do I prepare for the language evaluation?
The language assessment will consist of your language assessor asking a variety of questions, where topics will range from simple questions about yourself, to more complex questions, such as current events. Remember to include as much detail as possible during your responses and always speak in a professional manner. You will be asked to answer these questions both in English and the target language. Some examples of questions that may be asked during the assessment are:
What are some of your favorite hobbies?
What are the steps to follow when preparing for everyday tasks such as making a sandwich or driving to work?
What is your opinion regarding the effects of technology?
Candidate Preparation
Here you will find multiple resources to help you conquer your language evaluation. Good luck!
Give interpretation a try! Below are some audio examples of interpreting encounters. The first set of recordings include interpretation between the English speaker (Agent) and the Spanish speaker (Limited English Proficiency Person - LEPP). Listen to the conversation and note the flow as the agent speaks and the interpreter delivers the message into Spanish for the LEPP and vice versa. This is what an interpreting session sounds like!
Auto Insurance Claim SPA Interpretation
Auto Payment SPA Interpretation
Medical Appointment SPA Interpretation
Payment Status SPA Interpretation
PIN Activation SPA Interpretation
Update Bank Account Information SPA Interpretation
Now that you know what an interpreting session sounds like, give it a try. The following examples do not include the interpretation. You can be the interpreter in these sessions! Play the audio recording and after each statement, you will hear a “beep.” This indicates that it is time for you to interpret into the opposite language. If you need more time, go ahead and pause during the silence until you feel comfortable. When you are ready for a challenge, try to interpret only in the time provided.
Auto Insurance Claim ENG SPA
Auto Payment ENG SPA
Medical Appointment ENG SPA
Payment Status ENG SPA
PIN Activation ENG SPA
Update Bank Account Information ENG SPA
Interpretation Best Practices
While you work on the activity, keep interpretation best practices in mind. Make sure that you are ready to takes notes and also utilize your short-term memory to deliver the most accurate interpretations.
Audio Examples – English Only
Give interpretation a try! The following examples include a conversation between an agent and customer, all spoken in English. You can be the interpreter in these sessions! Play the audio recording and after each statement, you will hear a “beep.” This indicates that it is time for you to interpret into your target language. If you need more time, go ahead and pause during the silence until you feel comfortable. When you are ready for a challenge, try to interpret only in the time provided.
Auto Insurance Claim ENG Only
Auto Payment ENG Only
Medical Appointment ENG Only
Payment Status ENG Only
PIN Activation ENG Only
Update Bank Account Information ENG Only
Interpretation Best-Practices
While you work on the activity, keep Interpretation Best-Practices in mind. Make sure that you are ready to takes notes and also utilize your short-term memory to deliver the most accurate interpretations.
General Terminology
Interpreters at TransPerfect Connect work with a wide range of industries, from the medical field to finance and everything in between. As a result, Interpreters encounter a variety of specialized vocabulary that could pertain to auto loans, health insurance, mortgages, hospitality, retirement and investments, and many more. Below are common technical terms Interpreters encounter for each line of business. Are you able to say these terms in your other language?
Don’t worry if you are not familiar with every term or if you don’t know the equivalent of the term in your other language just yet. At TransPerfect Connect, we’ll teach you the ins and outs of becoming an Interpreter.
In the meantime, look up the terms you are unfamiliar with to expand your vocabulary. As Interpreters, it is important to keep up with your language skills, both in English and your other language. The more vocabulary you know, the easier it will be to interpret the meaning and idea from one language into the other once you join our team!
Go Online - The possibilities on the world wide web are endless! Read up on your favorite topics of interests in your second language to help broaden vocabulary.
Watch TV Programs or Movies - Watching TV programs and movies is a good way to practice listening skills and to immerse yourself in your second language.
Listen to Music - Listen to songs while reading the lyrics to improve pronunciation.
Reading is fundamental! Read your favorite book, magazine, or newspaper in your second language. Reading helps visualize vocabulary and grammar and helps you learn new vocabulary and expressions.
Consecutive Interpretation: a mode of interpretation that uses the speaker’s complete thoughts and short pauses to allow the interpreter to convey accurate and complete renditions.
Code-Switching: the ability to alternate with ease from one language to another.
Short-Term Memory & Note-Taking Skills: the ability to recall details accurately, and utilizing brief written notes to help recall information.
Vocabulary Development: expanding knowledge of terminology in a specific subject matter to familiarize yourself with the topic at hand.
At TransPerfect Connect, our interpreters help facilitate communication between conversations in all types of industries. Our interpreters learn the knowledge, skills, and abilities to interpret consecutively at a professional level.
Interpreters might start their day with a call from a hospital or bank and end by speaking to a lost traveler at an airport.
Most of our interpreters began without knowing that they possessed all of the skills needed to become a successful interpreter. If you can speak two or more languages fluently, you have a strong foundation to complete TransPerfect Connect's four-week training course and begin your career as a professional interpreter.
