Today, not all video interpretation services are created the same. Some offer more services than other, but when choosing the one that will best match your needs, some may not know where to begin.  

Interpretation services are an important piece of quality medical care, the legal process and multinational business. The interpretation services provider you partner with dictates what kind of services you’ll be able to provide to your clients.

So which one should you choose? To be honest, it’s not that easy to sift through this large group of companies in an industry that is largely unknown to most people.  However, there are ways to streamline the decision making process.

If you’re wondering how to find the best in-person or video interpretation services, this article is for you. We’ll explain what you should look for in an interpreter and help you get started with on-call interpretation services. Potential language service clients should consider the following when searching for an interpretation provider:

Reputation

Video interpretation services has become more popular over the years, especially for people who live in rural areas. Because video interpreting is such an important role, it’s important to research their reputation beforehand.

How long have they been in business? IF you decide to go for a new company, that’s okay, but in general, you’re looking for a tried-and-true interpretation service that has had much success in the past. If you contact the interpretation company, they should be able to provide you with customer reviews and examples of their work. Be sure you look for reviews! Reviews are from real people that were in real situations with this company you’re considering in hiring.

Another thing to research, is to look for interpretation companies that specialize in the subject you need interpreted. If you’re looking for a medical interpreter, look for a company that specializes in medical terminology. Legal interpreting, on the other hand, requires a completely different set of vocabulary.

Qualification

When you’re looking for video interpretation, you should look for interpreters who are accredited and you want to make sure you’re getting the best service possible. When searching, When considering an interpreter, you should always ask if the interpreters adhere to the Interpreters Code of Ethics. This is extremely important as your personal information should always remain confidential and you should feel comfortable with your interpreter.

Another thing to look for is to see if they are qualified and know the culture of the language they’re interpreting. If you’re Deaf, you need to find an interpreter who is going to make eye contact and use body language. If you are only fluent in one language, you need to find an interpreter who knows the ins, outs, culture and knows how to speak that language properly.

Your interpreter should interpret exactly what is being said and not add any commentary. An experienced interpreter is trained to translate people’s speech in real time.

Technology

Around the world, interpretation skills are in high demand and that’s because of technology.  With the advent of advanced video technology, interpreters have the ability to work in different situations all around the world. The market for interpreters is expected to grow by more than 25% in the next several years. So, when you’re looking for a professional interpreter, you should look to see if they are up to date with technology. How fast is their internet connection? Can they guarantee a secure connection? Another technology qualification should be that your professional interpreter should be able to give you easy-pay options and online scheduling.

Once again, do your research. Some companies you look into may not even offer video interpretation, or the option to book their services in advance. Video interpretation was made to be convenient and easy, so be sure to find an interpreter that will allow you to plan ahead and make sure that they’re available for teleconferences in the future.

Another question to ask your interpretation company is if the internet connection fails, can the interpreter login by phone? It’s worth double checking your connection before an important conference.

Quality

Once you’ve found a video interpretation company, you’ll get a good sense of the quality of their work. This industry demands high-quality, professional interpretation services. A great interpreter is ethical, experienced, and knowledgeable.  A strong interpretation agency should hold its linguists to high standards when it comes to accreditation and experience, while also remaining in conformity with state and federal law. It’s okay to give your interpreter feedback. If they’re talking too fast and you’d like them to repeat a phrase, don’t hesitate to ask. Interpreters want you to feel happy with the services they provide, and a good interpreter should expect this.

How to Get Started with Video Interpretation Services

This process can be overwhelming, but we do have a few tips on how to get started on your search.

• Ask for a demo session. If you can test drive several interpreters you’re more likely to find one who works well with you.
• Get to know them beforehand. If you don’t have a chance to meet the interpreters, ask that they log on about 15 minutes before your conference starts. That way, you can meet them and get to know their background.

You might not find the right interpreter for you right away, but don’t give up! You’ll find a qualified professional who’s ready to help you with any situation. If you’re in need of a video interpreter, check out what we offer at Boostlingo. We work with healthcare, legal and judicial as well as corporate industries.