Professional Entry Preparation Outline:

Getting Started and Getting Organized

 

1. Getting Out There

 

2. Federal Government Interpreting Positions

            a. job announcements

            b. U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM)

    24 hours, 7 days a week (478) 757-3000 or

    www.usajobs.opm.gov

c. Network with current federal govt. interpreters also

 

3. Identification:

            a. RID membership/certification card

            b. Birth Certificate

            c. Social Security card (number)

            d. Passport

            e. Agency ID badge/card

 

4. Business Cards

 

5. Get Organized:

A.     personalized organization system such as: Day-Timer, Day Runner, Franklin Covey, At-A-Glance or

B.     Personal Digital Assistance (PDAs) or

C.    your own system

D.    With your system in place, your goals are to:

·        Realistically schedule assignments

·        Readily eliminate conflicts

·        Increase productivity

·        Provide a place for easy access to information and documentation (i.e., directions, mileage, etc.)

·        Practice time management skills

E.     Assignment Intake Form (see overhead p. 56)

·        Keep in a 3 ring binder and never take it out

·        Detailed information, must be kept confidential

·        Never use sticky notes as these are easily lost

 

6. Resumes:

            A. Comprehensive, yet concise

            B. Emphasize your experiences related to the interpreting field

            C. Emphasize your skills related to the interpreting field

            D. Purpose is to get more interpreting related work

            E. Provide accurate and current information

            F. Take the time to do a well-thought-out resume

           G. Current resume becomes the “backbone” for future resumes

H. There is no “right” or “wrong” resumes- individual

     preferences and style. 

           I.  Here is some suggestions (see overhead)

           J. Bottom line: your resume is a reflection of YOU

           K. Two resumes: each highlights different areas.

           L. Suggestions for “budding” professional interpreters:

If you haven’t any “paid” interpreting experience but have had “intern” work experience, you may state:

·        Student Intern. Interpreting Training Program, Seattle Central Community College, Seattle, WA.

·        Dates attended (starting date to ending date)

·        Approximate number of hours interpreting

·        Brief description of experiences (starting with types of interpreting performed-concentrate on the areas in which you have the most competence and expertise)

·        Contact person (supervisor)

·        Title and/or department name

·        Name of institution: phone number, email address

M. Things to keep in mind while documenting work-related

     experiences.

·        Did you help coordinate sign language interpreting services?

·        Were you a mentor to other interpreters?

·        Did you supervise and/or evaluate other interpreters

·        Were you responsible for maintaining a government interpreting contract/

·        Were you responsible for hiring subcontractors?

N. References: Ask permission of at least five (5) people to use

    as references. Ex:

·        Teachers

·        School administrators

·        Program directors

·        Professionals in related fields

·        Professionals in unrelated fields

  1. Make sure these people are willing to provide both written and verbal recommendations.
  2. Things to Consider:
    1. Ask for letters of recommendation.
    2. Keep letters in a file
    3. Get updated and content specific letters as needed
    4. The more professional experiences you have, the more likely you are to meet someone who will be able to put in a good word for you.
    5. Keep letters and reference lists current
    6. On the resume, simple state:

·        References furnished upon request.

 

7. Letters of Introduction should be included with every resume.

·        Usually you would send a letter of introduction along with your resume when submitting a formal application for a specific job.

·        Should be brief and to the point

·        Purpose is to introduce yourself

·        Secondary is to state your interest in working for a specific agency or company and

·        To identify which position you are applying for

·        Should be custom written, including specific information regarding the position for which you are applying

·        Include exact position personnel series or number

·        Should also include pertinent information about the types of positions you would like to be considered for the future.

·        Keep copies of everything for your files.

 

8. Other Hints:

·        Obtain a copy of a transcript from each college you attended.

·        Good idea to order 2 or 3 “official” transcripts sealed in their envelopes. (Do not open or that will render them null and void!)

·        Keep a copy of your certifications on file

·        Write your resume either on a writable and readable CD disk or thumb drive so you can make additions and changes as needed.