4 Useful Criteria to Consider When Choosing a Professional Translator

Choosing a professional translator can be a challenging task, especially for those who have never hired one before. Some may seek recommendations from relatives, colleagues, or acquaintances, while others may opt for an internet search to find candidates quickly. With numerous professional groups on Facebook and other social media platforms, finding freelancers is relatively easy.

However, recommendations from people who haven't worked with a particular translator may not hold much weight. It's akin to asking, "Does anyone know where I can find a grocery store in this neighborhood?"

Therefore, potential clients must take steps and precautions to ensure they select the right person to translate their documents. This means checking relevant details and competencies in appropriate venues.

In today's world, professional translators often have profiles on social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and ProZ.com. Once you have found their profiles through online searches, compare the information provided on each platform. Is it consistent (the same photo, nationality, country, and reference to their job as a translator)? Now, delve deeper and review the information on professional platforms like LinkedIn and ProZ. I recommend considering at least four basic criteria:

1. Years of experience in the industry:

This is a delicate topic. Some colleagues advocate the idea that extensive experience is tantamount to quality, always. However, let's admit that we all started from scratch. We all need opportunities to gain experience and flourish, don't we? I'm grateful to all my first clients who entrusted me with jobs when I was just starting out.

What I suggest is simple. Consider the level of complexity, size, and deadline for your translation. Is it a short or a large document? Do you have a generous or a tight deadline? Is it a general letter, a simple form, or an informative leaflet; or is it a complex legal, engineering, or medical document full of specific terminology and nuances? Translators know that "easy" is a delicate concept when it comes to translation. Translation traps abound, but one must exercise discernment. For certain simple documents, you may consider supporting a newcomer, while for others, you may prefer a seasoned translator.

1. Areas of specialization:

Professional translators usually have a few areas of specialization, but in most cases, these areas alone may not support a translator's livelihood. Therefore, they must also be open to venturing into new areas. This means they will accept documents on subjects they enjoy, even if they do not have as much expertise as in their areas of specialism. Remember, good translators are also good researchers.

On the flip side, every translator has areas they avoid, whether due to personal dislike or because they lack the social, educational, or technical background to provide a reasonable service.

Ask yourself, is your document related to one of the areas mentioned by the translator whose profile you are reviewing?

1. Positive feedback from satisfied clients:

Some professional platforms offer sections for positive comments or feedback from happy clients. If you don't find any references but like a particular candidate, you can simply ask them to provide one or two references.

1. Texts and articles posted on social media:

Let's face it, everyone makes mistakes. Similarly, even good and reliable translators may make silly mistakes, which are usually spotted and corrected by another pair of attentive eyes, such as those belonging to our dear proofreaders. A not-so-beautiful writing style can be polished by skilled colleagues. However, there is a limit to errors when it comes to texts written by professional linguists.

So, when visiting a translator's profile on the above-mentioned platforms, take the time to read two or three posts written in their native language and give them a quick once-over. Are they free from multiple spelling or grammar mistakes? Are they concise, clear, and effective?

These are just basic criteria. Hiring a professional linguist involves risk, just like when someone else chooses you to perform a task. After all, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

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I am an English-to-Brazilian Portuguese translator based in Rio de Janeiro, and I wish to help you connect with Brazilian audiences. You can find my professional details by clicking here. You can also connect with me by email if you have any questions: [email protected].