6 Things to Research Before You Hire a Translator
Are you running a company that is starting to spread its brand to other parts of the world? Do you have projects coming up that require communicating with someone who speaks a different language?
If so, then it may be time to hire a translator so that you can develop and maintain relationships with foreign parties. The right translator will be able to speak the languages you need, as well as give you the best bang for your buck.
Before you make the arrangement official, there are certain factors that you need to consider in order to find the best person for the job. With our knowledge of language services, you will find the translator that will bring more sources of business.
Here are seven things to research before you hire a translator.
1. Reason for Translation
When hiring a translator, you must first consider why you need someone with this type of service. Some of you may require a person to translate what you are saying in person, while others may need someone to translate a document you wrote.
Such documents could range from a contract to an email about your project. Other situations that may require a translator include a phone conversation with someone overseas and interpreting the words and design of a website.
In this digital age, we suggest finding a translator with experience in several of these areas so that you can send information to a variety of global business partners.
2. Experience of Staff
Another factor that you should consider when looking for a translator is the experience level of your current employees. If any of your staff members has experience speaking another language, consider using them as your translator.
This is a good idea if that language is the same as the one that potential customers and partners speak. You can also save money for other projects that you have planned in the near future.
However, while it may require spending some money, it helps to outsource for a translator who is an expert in the language of your interest. That money can result in more money for your business.
3. Qualifications of Translators
In order to find a quality translator, you need to make sure that their background meets your needs. The better versed the translator is in the language that you need them for, the better results you will see with your project.
It is more important for prospects to have a general understanding of your language and the one you need them for. An experienced translator knows the cultural and contextual differences that a variety of languages include.
Some of you may be looking for a translator who isn’t just bilingual. In this case, look for an individual translator or company that specializes in multiple languages, which can lead to more work with other countries in the future.
4. Turnaround Time
One of the challenges when looking for a translator for hire is finding out how quickly they can accomplish tasks. They might be able to speak certain languages fluently but require more time to do so in written form.
First, figure out how long your project is going to take to complete, and ask potential translators how long their usual turnaround time is. This factor may differ among options, depending on what they usually translate.
If you can’t provide more flexibility in time on your end, give prospects a test to get a better idea of their turnaround time. You can compare how smoothly they translate over the phone to their process through the web or document form to see what situations they best qualify for.
5. Additional Services
Your hire translator process can lead to more business in the future if the individual or company provides to be qualified. Your best options for translators are those that provide additional services that can come in handy for future projects.
Make sure that your prospects offer different tasks that involve translating a variety of information, such as publishing and formatting documents. It is also possible for these companies to use their capabilities for legal purposes to ensure fair engagements with people with different languages and cultures.
6. References
As much as a digital history of potential translators can convince you of their experience, it helps to have a second opinion on their capabilities. That is why we recommend asking for references for past work so that you can get a better idea of how much they can help you.
Prospects may provide a page on their website dedicated to testimonials and reviews, but you should find a way to talk to past clients in person. This will let you know that the company is being honest with you, as well as find different scenarios in the future where their services may come in handy.
Matching Your Voice
You need to hire a translator that not only knows how to speak different languages but can also create the best voice for your brand. The right choice will be able to match your voice for customers and partners, whether it’s professional, casual, or both.
The translator’s ability to find a balance in sounding like a professional and a friend may depend on your project and who you are trying to appeal to. It is important for you to consider both options so that you can create a reliable brand that customers will want to buy from and partners will want to work with.
Our Take on How to Hire a Translator
When thinking about how to hire a translator, you must consider what kind of work you need them for and how well versed they are in certain languages. It also helps for them to have a history of translating in different ways, as well as an ability to meet your deadlines.
Make sure that your prospects have a proven track record and be able to speak in a variety of contexts. With these considerations, you will find a translator who will help you find long-term success overseas.
For more language service expertise, check out our guides and call us today to expand your brand.
