Understanding how to best request interpreting services in diverse and multilingual environments is crucial. Whether you need interpreting for legal, medical, education, business or event purposes, this short guide aims to assist you in navigating the process effectively.
Our approach focuses on four key stages: gathering requirements, needs assessment, booking and resource selection, and evaluation. By following these steps, you can streamline your experience with Interpreting Service Providers (ISPs) and enhance customer satisfaction.
1. Gathering requirements
To ensure a successful engagement with an ISP, it is essential to identify your specific interpreting needs. Our customer web portal and coordinators guide you through a comprehensive checklist to facilitate this process, including language requirements, type of assignment, gender preferences for interpreters (if any), relevant file numbers, appointment details, contact person information, and any special instructions.
2. Needs assessment
After communicating your requirements, an interpreting coordinator will conduct a thorough review and recommend the most suitable service. The scheduled interpreting services available include Face-to-Face (F2F) consecutive, simultaneous/conference interpreting, over-the-phone (OPI), and video remote interpretation (VRI). OPI and VRI quick-connect interpreting services are also available on-demand. Each service is tailored to specific settings and scenarios, such as during legal, medical, social services, education, conferences, and special events.
3. Booking and advance notice
Accurate and efficient service relies on providing detailed booking information. It is crucial to provide advance notice. While same-day service is available, requesting an interpreter several days or months prior helps to secure the best-suited interpreter(s). Refer to your order confirmation email or visit our customer web portal to request any adjustments.
4. Resource selection
ISPs select interpreters through a rigorous process that considers linguistic expertise, educational background, professional certifications, experience in specific practice areas, performance history, certification status, as well as interpretation mode and anticipated duration.
5. Evaluation and feedback
Your feedback is invaluable for continuous improvement, so ISPs typically request feedback to help maintain high standards and address any concerns in real-time. Best practices are to include satisfaction survey links on client order confirmation and invoice templates, as well as to send a survey after completion of the first order, followed by biannual surveys when interpreters are provided.
Summary
Taking a proactive approach in gathering and communicating your requirements, reviewing and understanding the recommendations provided by the ISP, paying attention to booking details, and providing constructive feedback can ensure a successful experience with interpreting services.
This guide serves as a comprehensive resource for both newcomers and experienced individuals in procuring interpreting services. For a more tailored approach, please contact us.