(Last Updated On: March 10, 2017)

Working as a simultaneous interpreter is not easy

The simultaneous interpreter is located in a booth and translates what the speaker says instantly. Listeners are provided with headphones to hear the interpreter without also hearing the speaker. Simultaneous interpreting is required during international conferences or events and during court trials. In order for a simultaneous interpreter to be able to do his or her work, they cannot work for more than 45 minutes. This means that two or more interpreters are required for events that take longer than 45 minutes. They each take turns in interpreting.

Telephone interpreting is usually done consecutively which means that the speakers take a pause from their speech. These pauses allow the interpreters to convey the message from one language to another. Otherwise said, telephone interpreters help people who do not speak the same language to understand each other.

There are numerous telephone interpreters who work from home. They are hired by agencies and they help people with limited knowledge of the English language solve their problems or run their businesses. In order to work from home as a telephone interpreter you need to be very good in English and another foreign language. You also need to have good organizational skills and a good memory. Once you master these skills, you will be trained by the hiring agency on the other aspects of your job.

Working from home as a simultaneous interpreter has several advantages. You can work in a comfortable environment that meets your needs and you can adjust your schedule so that it provides enough flexibility. You will not have to commute, so you will be saving both money and time. More than that, interpreting jobs are very rewarding, because you actually help many people.

In order to provide interpreting services from home, you need a traditional phone. Cells or cordless phones cannot be used for interpreting. Additionally, the phone line needs to be for incoming calls only. Certain agencies reimburse you for the cost of having the line installed and for part of the phone bill.

Although there is high demand for interpreters, there are also numerous people providing such services, so the competition is high. However, you do not need anything in particular for applying and you can become a simultaneous interpreter if you can make proof of your proficiency in English and one other language. Some agencies ask you to pass a certain test, but this is usually simple. It might help to become familiar with medical and legal terms, because you will probably encounter them a lot in your work.