How to Select the Right Translator or Agency for Your Needs

Some Common Sense Advice

• Before contacting any translators or agencies, try to understand your own needs. What languages will you need? Who will the readers be? Client? Customers? Friends or family members? Will the translation be published? What are the source and target languages?


• Evaluate the contents of the documents and materials that you need to have translated. Is it general material such as personal correspondence? Is it business correspondence? Is it technical engineering or computer related materials? This is crucial to know when you contact a language specialist or agency.


• What data format are you using? What final output do you require? What kind of software does the translator need to work on your project? Make sure that the translator or agency that you choose is equipped to work with you.


• Do your research. Read the CTA translator profiles in our Web pages, contact a few possible candidates, ask them about their experience and expertise, if they don't feel comfortable with your project, perhaps they can direct you to someone who can do the job. Ask them for their CV or résumé, or professional references.


• Be ready to discuss rates, schedules, deadlines, and answer any questions regarding the project you are proposing.