Interpreter Training: Become More Marketable

Summary

This video provides interpreters with practical guidance on becoming more marketable to agencies and clients. It emphasizes four key areas: professionalism, timeliness, communication, and role adherence. Viewers learn to present themselves confidently through appropriate attire and behavior, arrive early and prepared for assignments, maintain clear communication with agencies about availability and delays, and stay strictly within their interpreter role while following national standards of practice. By focusing on these areas, interpreters can differentiate themselves, gain more assignments, and increase their earning potential, all while delivering reliable, professional service to clients.

Takeaways

• 😀 Present yourself professionally through your appearance, behavior, and conduct.
• 😀 Dress in business casual attire for most assignments to improve your professional image.
• 😀 Act with confidence and own your role as an interpreter to stand out in evaluations.
• 😀 Timeliness is crucial—always aim to be at least 10 minutes early to your assignments.
• 😀 Always communicate your availability and schedule updates with your agency.
• 😀 Notify your agency in advance about any upcoming absences, such as vacations or sick leave.
• 😀 If you're running late or having trouble locating an assignment, inform your agency right away.
• 😀 Maintain your role as an interpreter and avoid taking on roles such as social worker, doctor, or lawyer.
• 😀 Be transparent in your role and only clarify language issues without inserting personal opinions.
• 😀 Follow the National Council on Interpreting in Healthcare standards to ensure professional practices.
• 😀 Focusing on professionalism, timeliness, role clarity, and adherence to standards will help differentiate you from other interpreters and lead to more business opportunities.

Q & A

Why is presenting yourself professionally important for interpreters?

Clients and agencies often evaluate interpreters based on appearance, behavior, and confidence, not just language skills. Presenting professionally helps you stand out and gain more business opportunities.

What does 'business casual' mean in the context of interpreting assignments?

Business casual refers to a professional yet comfortable style of dress suitable for most appointments. Interpreters should research examples online and incorporate them into their wardrobe.

How does confidence affect an interpreter’s performance evaluation?

Confidence demonstrates competence and professionalism, which clients and agencies notice. Since language performance alone is hard to evaluate, confidence can influence the perception of your skills.

Why is timeliness considered the number one complaint about interpreters?

Being late disrupts client schedules and can reflect poorly on both the interpreter and the agency. Arriving early allows for unforeseen delays and demonstrates reliability.

How should interpreters communicate their availability to agencies?

Interpreters should proactively update agencies about their availability, including vacations, sick leave, or any extended absences, to ensure assignments are staffed appropriately.

What should an interpreter do if they are running late or cannot find an assignment location?

They should notify the agency immediately. Prompt communication prevents client complaints and shows professionalism.

What does 'staying in your role' mean for interpreters?

It means focusing solely on interpreting and facilitating communication without acting as a social worker, lawyer, doctor, or giving personal opinions.

When should an interpreter clarify information during an assignment?

Clarifications should be limited to language comprehension issues. Once clarified, the interpreter should return to a neutral, transparent role.

Why is it important for interpreters to follow national standards of practice?

Adhering to recognized standards ensures professional quality, ethical conduct, and consistency in service, which increases trust with clients and agencies.

Which four key areas should interpreters focus on to differentiate themselves and gain more business?

Interpreters should focus on professionalism, timeliness, staying in their role, and following interpreter standards.

How can improving communication with an agency increase an interpreter’s opportunities?

By keeping the agency informed about availability and constraints, interpreters are more likely to be considered for assignments and maintain a reliable reputation.

What can happen if an interpreter repeatedly fails to arrive on time?

Agencies may stop working with them, limiting opportunities and potentially impacting income.