Interpreter Onboarding Checklist

Interpreter Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Interpreter starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Translation onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Interpreter, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Interpreter onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Interpreter Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The new interpreter attends an orientation session to familiarize themselves with the company’s policies, procedures, and culture. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated onboarding specialist.

2. Introduction to Team: The new interpreter is introduced to their team members, including other interpreters, project managers, and supervisors. This task is usually performed by the team lead or supervisor.

3. Access to Systems and Tools: The new interpreter is provided with access to the company’s translation software, communication tools, and other necessary systems. The IT department or a designated system administrator performs this task.

4. Training on Translation Software: The new interpreter receives training on the company’s translation software, including how to use its features, manage projects, and collaborate with team members. This task is typically performed by a senior interpreter or a designated trainer.

5. Familiarization with Glossaries and Style Guides: The new interpreter is introduced to the company’s glossaries, style guides, and terminology databases to ensure consistency in translations. This task is usually performed by a senior interpreter or a designated terminology manager.

6. Shadowing Experienced Interpreters: The new interpreter shadows experienced interpreters during live interpretation sessions to observe their techniques, learn about client preferences, and gain practical experience. This task is performed by experienced interpreters or team leads.

7. Introduction to Clients and Projects: The new interpreter is introduced to the company’s clients and ongoing projects, including their specific requirements, deadlines, and expectations. This task is typically performed by project managers or team leads.

8. Quality Assurance Training: The new interpreter receives training on the company’s quality assurance processes, including proofreading, editing, and reviewing translations for accuracy and adherence to client guidelines. This task is usually performed by a senior interpreter or a designated quality assurance specialist.

9. Cultural Sensitivity Training: The new interpreter undergoes training to enhance their cultural sensitivity and understanding of different cultural norms and practices, enabling them to provide accurate and culturally appropriate interpretations. This task is performed by a senior interpreter or a designated cultural training specialist.

10. Performance Evaluation and Feedback: The new interpreter undergoes periodic performance evaluations and receives constructive feedback from supervisors or project managers to identify areas for improvement and ensure continuous professional growth. This task is performed by supervisors or project managers.

11. Continuing Education Opportunities: The new interpreter is informed about the company’s continuing education programs, workshops, and conferences to encourage ongoing professional development and stay updated with industry trends. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated training coordinator.

12. Team Building Activities: The new interpreter participates in team-building activities, such as team lunches, social events, or workshops, to foster a sense of camaraderie and collaboration within the team. This task is usually organized by the HR department or team leads.

13. Performance Goals and Expectations: The new interpreter discusses their performance goals and expectations with their supervisor or team lead, ensuring clarity on what is expected of them and how their performance will be evaluated. This task is performed by supervisors or team leads.

14. Compliance Training: The new interpreter undergoes compliance training to understand and adhere to legal and ethical guidelines related to confidentiality, data protection, and professional conduct. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated compliance officer.

15. Introduction to Company Resources: The new interpreter is introduced to various company resources, such as employee handbooks, intranet portals, and support services, to facilitate their integration into the company. This task is performed by the HR department or a designated onboarding specialist

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Interpreter checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Interpreter up to speed and working well in your Translation team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.