Information for clients
What is involved in hiring an interpreter or translator, and what can you, as a client, expect and rely on? Read on to find out more and get tips on where to find a good interpreter or translator.
Clients
Finding an interpreter or translator
The first step is to find a professional. There are a number of ways to do that. Below are some tips.
Use the member search
We have an extensive database of our NGTV members, so this is a convenient and quick way to find a suitable interpreter or translator. This page will take you directly to the 'Find an interpreter/translator' page. All our members have signed our code of conduct and have been admitted on the basis of their qualifications and experience. Many of them are also sworn interpreters and translators, which means they can be called upon for all kinds of legal assignments and the translation of official documents.
Through a translation agency
In addition to the member search, you can also engage a translation agency to find an interpreter or translator, or contact an interpreter or translator directly. Each method has its advantages, which we describe here so that you, the client, can make the right choice.
How to recognise a good translation agency
If you decide to hire one or more interpreters or translators through a translation agency, don't just go for the lowest price. Although this may be tempting, it can mean that steps are skipped in the translation process. A professional translation agency ensures that your texts are translated and checked again before you get them back. This four-eyes principle is an important part of translating and delivering quality. Fortunately, there are many translation agencies that take this seriously and work according to ISO certification standards, for example.
In addition, the industry has worked on a covenant in which all parties try to guarantee the importance of the right way of working together and doing business in the chain. The advantage of working with a translation agency is that they have project management and can handle large projects with many different language combinations.
Hiring a freelancer directly
Not all interpreters and translators are members of the NGTV and are therefore not listed in the member search. However, this does not mean that they do not deliver good quality, as there are many professional translators who put their heart and soul into producing high-quality translations. Whether you find a freelance interpreter or translator through the NGTV or elsewhere through their own website, the advantage of working directly with an interpreter or translator is the personal contact, which can also be a pleasant way of working for an interpreter or translator.
Characteristics of a professional interpreter or translator
A professional interpreter or translator only accepts assignments that fall within their field of expertise. For example, a medical translator will never suddenly translate a legal document and vice versa. Every interpreter or translator has their own speciality or field of expertise, although this does not have to be limited to just one field. Sometimes, there is also an overlap between certain fields. Take, for example, marketing and tourism and other related areas of expertise. Freelance interpreters and translators often have their own website and/or LinkedIn profile. There, you can often see which expertise an interpreter or translator has and, if possible, view a portfolio of previous work on the website. The latter is not always possible due to confidentiality. You can also recognise a professional by the fact that they do not take on unrealistic amounts of work, so that they can meet your expectations as a client.
7 reasons for choosing an NGTV interpreter/translator
High level of education
NGTV members are usually university educated and have at least a higher professional education (HBO) diploma in interpreting or translation. The NGTV's interpreting and translation admissions committees always check whether they work at that level.
Expertise in specific fields
NGTV members are experts in one or more specific fields, such as law, medicine, technology, finance or ICT. They have often worked or studied in this field. They are specialists who keep up to date with their profession.
Up-to-date knowledge and skills
NGTV members continue to develop professionally, for example by taking part in peer review groups and courses. The NGTV encourages this with its own training programme and a calendar of relevant courses offered by other organisations.
Language and culture specialists
The approximately 1,100 members of the NGTV are language specialists who provide interpreting and translation services in virtually all languages and fields. They have a thorough command of their languages and are highly aware of cultural differences, which means they can protect you from any cultural faux pas.
Committed entrepreneurs
Most NGTV members are independent entrepreneurs. That means you can count on their dedication and commitment. You will always deal with the same person, who will come to understand you perfectly. He or she will thoroughly familiarise themselves with your message and will be happy to advise you on the best way to get it across. Because communication is more than just converting words.
Reliable partners
Members of the NGTV must sign a code of honour. This guarantees that they will handle your assignments responsibly, confidentially and with integrity. They only accept assignments for which they have the right expertise. They do what they promise and adhere strictly to their duty of confidentiality.
Clear terms and conditions and complaints procedure
Members of the NGTV apply the association's general terms and conditions to your assignments. These terms and conditions are clear, fair and balanced. If you do have a complaint, you can invoke the NGTV's disciplinary regulations or dispute resolution procedure.
