Getting Your Foot in the Door and Walking with Confidence:

by Amy Frasu, MA, CI, CT

How interpreters can market themselves professionally (pdf version)

The field of ASL-English interpretation and translation is strengthening every day, as we continue to develop our image as specialists, researchers, and entrepreneurs. Given the high demand for services and the short supply of service providers, it seems that employment opportunities abound for professional ASL-English interpreters and translators. However, consumers’ expectations and employers’ requirements are also changing with the times, and interpreters need to consciously market themselves as dynamic candidates in the business world.  

It is important that interpreters have the self-determination to take control of how we work and with whom we work. Although it does not seem likely that a qualified interpreter would be totally unemployed, it does seem probable that an interpreter may feel pressured to follow the rules established by local employers instead of best practices set by research and professional organizations. This article is a brief discussion of how interpreters may choose a compatible employer/referral agency, what employers look for in ideal applicants, and how to set the stage for long-term professional alliances.

The typical interview between an interpreter and a hiring entity is a complex balance of power dynamics. Traditionally, the interpreter was seen as the applicant who was subordinate to the interviewer. However, due to the current realities of supply, demand, and competition, the agency must be just as prepared as the interpreter. By viewing this event as the overture to a partnership (as opposed to a symbiotic relationship), the interpreter and interviewer can evaluate their counterpart’s assets and limitations. Both parties will then decide whether to negotiate the terms of the partnership or to politely go their separate ways.

Consider the following ideas before interviewing with any company that is interested in forging a business relationship with you:

Network with colleagues and consumers.

Make sure you will be proud to represent (and be represented by) the candidate agency. Contact the state affiliate and local chapter of RID in your area, and ask local interpreters for their perspectives. Attend Deaf community events and ask about the community’s outlook on the agency’s services.

Compile a portfolio.

Create a resource that will impress prospective colleagues. Include your resume as a snapshot of your background, as well as a 360-degree view of your qualities - details about your training and mentorship experiences, letters of recommendation from consumers, peers and instructors, publications, and an overview of the settings in which you have experience and expertise. Keep detailed records of your previous employment and professional development activities.  Include a recorded sample of your interpreting work. If you have a specialization area, develop a portfolio of resources for these assignments (i.e. fact sheets, brochures, standard practice papers, etc.)   Share this information with the interviewer in order to illustrate your professional knowledge and beliefs. 

Have high expectations of the interviewer.

In order to protect your reputation and livelihood, you should be concerned about affiliating yourself with an unscrupulous company. Be prepared for the interview to include an observation of your interpreting skills. If it is not required by the interviewer, it needs to be required by you. In order to ensure a standard of quality, we need to be open about the strengths and weaknesses of our work.

Establish yourself as an expert.

Be assertive when explaining standard business practices in interpreting. Although interpreting is an ever-expanding field, the process of hiring an interpreter is still a challenge for inexperienced employers. Some hiring entities expect interpreters to come to them, and they may not advertise publicly. If you recognize that a potential employer is unaware of current business practices, take the opportunity to set an appropriate precedent with this organization.

Create your Terms of Service.

Proactively establish your business expectations and ethical boundaries before seeking employment or contracting with a specific entity. Put your specific terms of service in writing – minimum rates, required notice for cancellation, team interpreting needs, preparation needs, pro bono policies, and your level of flexibility to negotiate. Only work with a company if their policies and procedures fall within the reasonable range of your terms. Do not make any commitments until you are comfortable that your terms are satisfied. Fill out all required paperwork and read their policy handbook before accepting any assignments.

Value the equal importance of both perspectives.  

         Reputable interpreting agencies align themselves with interpreters who are qualified, ethical, dependable, honest, flexible, resourceful, organized, and professional in appearance and conduct. The interpreter has the right to expect these same qualities in the agency and its staff. By candidly marketing ourselves as knowledgeable experts, we will be more likely to attract professional partnerships and to defuse unnecessary conflicts.
 

Deaf Linx was updated on 06/22/2007