Translator Onboarding Checklist

Translator Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Translator 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 Language onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Translator, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Translator onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Translator Onboarding Checklist

1. Introduction to company policies and procedures: The translator should be provided with a comprehensive overview of the company’s policies and procedures, including guidelines for translation projects, confidentiality agreements, and communication protocols. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated onboarding specialist.

2. Familiarization with translation tools and software: The translator should receive training on the specific translation tools and software used by the company. This may include CAT (Computer-Assisted Translation) tools, terminology management systems, and project management platforms. The training is usually conducted by a senior translator or a member of the translation team.

3. Introduction to the company’s style guide and glossaries: The translator should be given access to the company’s style guide and glossaries, which provide guidelines on preferred terminology, writing style, and specific industry jargon. This task is typically performed by the translation team lead or a senior translator.

4. Introduction to the company’s clients and projects: The translator should be introduced to the company’s clients and ongoing translation projects. This may involve attending project kick-off meetings, reviewing project briefs, and understanding client expectations. The project manager or account manager is responsible for providing this information.

5. Shadowing experienced translators: To gain practical experience and learn about the company’s translation processes, the new translator may be assigned to shadow experienced translators. This allows them to observe and learn from their colleagues’ translation techniques, quality control processes, and project management strategies. The senior translators or project managers usually oversee this task.

6. Review of previous translations: The new translator should have the opportunity to review previously translated documents to familiarize themselves with the company’s preferred style, terminology, and quality standards. This task can be assigned by the translation team lead or a senior translator.

7. Training on specific industry terminology: Depending on the industry focus of the company, the translator may need specialized training on specific industry terminology. This could involve attending workshops, webinars, or training sessions conducted by subject matter experts or industry specialists.

8. Introduction to the company’s feedback and revision process: The translator should be informed about the company’s feedback and revision process, which may involve receiving feedback from clients, revising translations based on feedback, and participating in internal quality assurance procedures. The translation team lead or project manager is responsible for explaining this process.

9. Collaboration with other departments: The translator should be introduced to other departments within the company that they may need to collaborate with, such as marketing, legal, or technical teams. This allows them to understand the specific requirements and expectations of each department when it comes to translation projects. The HR department or translation team lead can facilitate these introductions.

10. Ongoing professional development opportunities: The translator should be informed about the company’s commitment to ongoing professional development and provided with information on relevant training programs, conferences, or industry events. This task is typically performed by the HR department or the translation team lead.

11. Performance evaluation and goal setting: The translator should undergo a performance evaluation and goal-setting session to establish clear expectations and objectives. This allows both the translator and the company to align their goals and ensure continuous improvement. The translation team lead or HR department typically conducts these evaluations.

12. Introduction to company culture and values: The translator should be introduced to the company’s culture, values, and mission. This may involve attending orientation sessions, team-building activities, or company-wide meetings. The HR department or a designated culture ambassador can facilitate this task.

13. Access to necessary resources and support: The translator should be provided with all the necessary resources and support to perform their job effectively. This includes access to translation memory databases, reference materials, and technical support. The IT department and translation team lead are responsible for ensuring the translator has the required resources.

14. Introduction to company communication channels: The translator should be familiarized with the company’s communication channels, such as email, project management platforms, and internal messaging systems. This ensures effective communication and collaboration within the company. The IT department or project manager can assist with this task.

15. Introduction to company data security and confidentiality measures: The translator should receive training on the company’s data security and confidentiality measures to ensure compliance with industry standards and client requirements. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated data security officer.

16. Introduction to company-specific terminology and branding: The translator should be provided with information on the company’s specific terminology and branding guidelines to ensure consistency in translations. This may involve reviewing marketing materials, brand guidelines, and previous translations. The marketing department or translation team lead can provide this information.

17. Introduction to company-specific project management processes: The translator should be familiarized with the company’s project management processes, including project initiation, file management, and delivery procedures. This allows them to seamlessly integrate into the company’s workflow. The project manager or translation team lead is responsible for explaining these processes.

18. Introduction to company-specific quality assurance procedures: The translator should be informed about the company’s quality assurance procedures, which may involve internal reviews, proofreading, and adherence to industry standards. The translation team lead or a designated quality assurance specialist can provide this information.

19. Introduction to company-specific client communication protocols: The translator should be briefed on the company’s client communication protocols, including email etiquette, response times, and client relationship management. This ensures effective and professional communication with clients. The project manager or account manager is responsible for explaining these protocols.

20. Introduction to company-specific invoicing and payment procedures: The translator should be provided with information on the company’s invoicing and payment procedures, including how to submit invoices, payment terms, and any specific requirements. The finance department or project manager can assist with this task

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Translator checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Translator up to speed and working well in your Language 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.