Translator in a job interview

As you are taking translation studies now, you have a good idea of the job you will be looking for. As future professionals, you will participate in job selection interviews as interviewees. An interview will give you the opportunity to showcase your qualifications to an employer, so it pays to be well prepared.

Interviewers will try to see if you have the experience and qualifications for this job, and whether you are better at the job than other candidates. They also want to see how you fit in the work environment, how you socialize with the team and how you relate to your immediate supervisor.

It is true that it is very often the employer who can afford to be choosy, not you, the applicant. You will look for a job which suits you; but perhaps it is more important to see whether you would suit the company.

There are some helpful hints on the techniques of a successful interviewee.

Before the interview:

Research the organisation and the job.

Review your qualifications for the job.

Consider the likely interview format.

Anticipate questions.

Prepare answers to broad questions about yourself.

Review your CV (resume).

Practice an interview with a friend or relative.

Arrive on time for your job interview.

Personal appearance:

Be well groomed.

Dress appropriately.

Do not chew gum or smoke.

At the interview:

Always greet the interviewer by his/her last name and try to pronounce it correctly.

Have a good a firm handshake.

Look alert and interested. Scan the room once and then keep your eyes on the interviewer.

Wait until you are offered a chair before you sit down.

Stress your achievements.

Listen carefully.

Answer the interview questions by more than a simple yes or no, but try not to go over the 60 second limit.

Ask good questions.

Use good manners.

Use proper English (or your native language). Avoid slang or excessively casual language – ‘Brill’, ‘OK’, ‘I mean’, Yeah’.

Be positive and enthusiastic; show it in your replies and body language.

Project a good image. Show that you are responsible, hard-working and competent; that you’re flexible and ambitious enough to learn new skills and gain new qualities.

Avoid at all cost complaining about your current or former employer.

Avoid monotonous delivery; project your voice in a dynamic, enthusiastic tone.

Ask questions about the position and the organisation.

Avoid questions about salary and benefits on your first interview – this is usually done on the second interview.

Finish on a top note.

Thank the interviewer when you leave.

Your answers to the initial statements in the job interview are important, these are called “ ice breakers”. Sometimes the interviewer will ask whether you had difficulty in finding the company premises. Your answer should be brief and polite. The interviewer is merely being polite – if you had problems in finding the premises he/she doesn’t need to know that.

Test or text for translation (if employer gives one):

Listen closely to instructions.

Read each question carefully.

Write legibly and clearly.

If translating on a computer, show your excellent computer skills.

Budget your time wisely.

Information to bring to an interview:

Social Security card.

Government-issued identification (driver’s license).

CV / Resume.

References. Employers typically require three references. Try to avoid using relatives as references.

Transcripts. Employers may require an official copy of transcripts to verify grades, coursework, dates of attendance and highest grade completed or degree awarded.

Дата добавления: 2014-11-20