Gl-strategies.com Reveals 4 Questions to Ask when Hiring a Translation Company

2024-04-26 09:25:06 Education

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Hiring a good translation service provider could be rather tricky for two reasons. First of all, you probably don?t know both the source and target languages equally well. This means you are dependent on others to judge the quality of the translation. Secondly, translation is a creative act. So, what works for one client may not work for others. That is why conventional vetting techniques like checking references may not be very effective in selecting the best language translation provider for you.

So, how can you find the right fit for your project? It often starts with knowing your exact requirements. Whether you are looking for an Arabic to English translation service or any other language translations, here are a few questions to ask before hiring your next translation company.

1. How is the project manager?

Most translation companies will assign a dedicated project manager for your project. If the manager is good, they?ll take your project seriously, stay calm, suggest solutions, listen to your requests and feedback, and follow your detailed instructions. At the same time, they?ll work well with the translators and regional reviewers to get the job done for you on time and with the utmost care. So, it would be a good idea to talk to your potential project manager before hiring your translation company.

2. Does the company employ certified translators?

Certification is a hallmark of a good-quality translation service provider. To ensure you get the best language translation service, consider hiring a company that employs only certified translators. For instance, if the translator is certified by the American Translators Association (ATA), it means they know what they are doing. The ATA has around 10,000 members in over 100 countries. All members need to follow the guidelines and translation best practices laid down by the ATA.

3. Do the translators have relevant experience?

Ask for relevant samples to check the quality of past work. For instance, if you are looking for an Arabic to English translation service, the company should be able to show you some examples of their Arabic to English translations. Make sure the contractor has native-level fluency in both the source and target languages. In addition, check if they have experience in your industry. Ideally, the translators should have a proven track record and a degree in the related field.

4. Are they eager to work with you?

Just because a translation company looks good on paper doesn?t mean they are a good fit for your project. They may have the skills and experience you are looking for, but it?s also a good sign if they seem eager to work with you. You don?t want to work with someone who treats you as just another client. So, look for some signs of enthusiasm. For instance, how fast are they responding to your emails? Are they open to making multiple revisions, if required? Will they happily address any of your queries? Are they open to considering your suggestions? Are they flexible and willing to go the extra mile to meet your project requirements?