Interpreter Resume Examples: Templates & Samples

Interpretation work involves two main types of translation: consecutive and simultaneous. Typical responsibilities include facilitating effective communication and accurately reproducing content in targeted languages. Interpreters often help in international conferences, business meetings, or similar contexts where there are parties that don’t share a common language. 

Despite sharing similar responsibilities regarding translation between languages, an interpreter has to deliver a directly-spoken translation of conversations, oral documents, and speech instead of providing written documentation translation as a translator does.

If you desire to be an interpreter, the following guide to crafting an interpreter resume will help you prepare for the job-hunting process!

How long should an interpreter resume be?

Normally, an interpreter resume should include one page only. However, a 2-page resume is also acceptable when you have an extensive amount of work record to demonstrate, such as a medical interpreter resume with more than 10 years of experience. Regardless of one or two pages long, it’s important to bring up only relevant information for the job.

One more thing to note down is the differences between an interpreter resume and an interpreter CV in terms of their functions and length.

What is the best font to use in an interpreter resume?

It’s necessary to pick up an appropriate font to express your personality without leaving the employers struggling to read. 

As advised by resume experts, you should opt for basic fonts that both hiring officers and applicant management systems can easily process such as the followings: 

• Times New Roman
• Georgia
• Calibri
• Garamond
• Arial
• Roboto

In terms of font size, 12 is considered the best practice for the general content. With an interpreter resume containing a lot of information, you can go for 10-11 points in font size to keep your resume condensed within one page. However, do note that contents presented in 10 points and below can make it difficult for hiring managers to read through your resume.  

What is the standard margin for an interpreter resume?

A well-presented interpreter resume should have margins of one inch on each side. You can sometimes reduce to a ½ inch margin on each side in case you need extra space for your content. However, leaving space that is less than ½ inch is not recommended as it makes your resume look cramped and busy.  

What spacing should an interpreter resume be in?

It’s recommended to use 1.0, 1.15 or 1.2 line spacing between text and double-spacing after major subheadings. You can also adjust the number based on your preferences and style, but keep in mind not to set it over 1.5.

What format should an interpreter resume be in, Word or PDF?

Whether you are drafting an entry-level interpreter resume or an advanced-level one, it’s suggested that you go for a PDF-format resume. 

As companies and businesses adopt ATS (Applicant Tracking System) to screen and review applicants’ documents, a PDF resume will help minimize mistakes of font, presentation, unopenable files, etc. and increase the chance of getting approval.

There are four most commonly used types of resume format, which include chronological, functional, hybrid, and targeted format. Which one should you adopt for your interpreter resume? Let’s take a closer look at a more detailed comparison. 

Chronological format

• Present your work history in a timely-reversed order, with the most recent updates on top of the section.
  
• Pros: Gives the hiring manager a reader-friendly overview of your experience, and ATS-friendly.
  
• Cons: Not suitable for an entry-level interpreter resume with hardly any experience.
  

Functional format

• Emphasize interpreter skills resume rather than work experience. 
  
• Pros: Helps highlight related skillsets, and recommended for career changers and freshers.
  
• Cons: Unfamiliar with most readers, and difficult to get through ATS.
  

Hybrid format

• Highlight your set of related skills while presenting your work record.
• Pros: Showcases both skills and work experience, and suitable for job seekers with a certain number of skills and achievements.
  
• Cons: Need thorough review to ensure an ATS-friendly format.
  

Targeted format

• List down only relevant skills and work records for the vacancy. 
  
• Pros: Best shows your effort and motivation for the job, and suitable for specific job-hunting purposes.
  
• Cons: Time-consuming when making an interpreter resume in such format.
  

No matter what type of interpreter resume format you decide to employ, keep in mind to include your contact information and basic personal details. Make sure that you provide correct details so that the hiring managers can contact you for further processing. 

An eye-catching title in your interpreter resume will help you seize the hiring managers’ attention by demonstrating your current position with regards to years of related experience.

✅ Here are three pocket tips for you to nail an attractive resume title:

• Keep it short with keywords.
• Add relevant qualifications if any.
• Highlight your years of experience.

A resume summary statement is a brief introduction for the hiring managers to get an overview of you. If done right, it can ignite the employers’ interest in you and land a job interview.

Do note that a resume summary is different from a resume objective, in terms of length and function. While a resume summary works best for people with a certain level of expertise in the field, a career objective fits better in an entry-level interpreter resume. 

For the hiring managers to evaluate whether or not you are a good fit for the position they are looking for, you have to provide relevant skills and abilities in your interpreter resume. 

✅ Take these 3 key tips: 

• List down only relevant skills by taking references of the interpreter job description.
• Be sure to cover both hard and soft skills.
• Take into consideration 4 types of skill section format and pick one that best presents your skills.

Take a look at the table below for extra examples:

The next important thing to do is to provide the hiring manager with a relevant and concise summary of your most impressive experience and achievements. 

✅ Things to note in this section include:

• Adopt bullet points for a clear and easy-to-follow presentation.
• Customize for the specific vacancy.
• Use quantifiable numbers to describe work achievements.
• Employ action verbs.

For an interpreter, educational requirements can include:

• A bachelor’s degree in Interpreting Studies, Languages and Literatures, or Interpreting and Translating.
• Knowledge of cultural differences and appreciation.
• Certificates of language proficiency.
• Training programs that meet the requirements as stated in the International Association of Conference Interpreters (AIIC).
• Solid education with extensive vocabulary knowledge in both languages.

Assuming that you are a fresher with no experience in your interpreter resume, it’s best to bring the education part up in the front. Instead, for an experienced interpreter, this section can be mentioned after the work experience and achievements.

Although optional, some sections as listed below can play as game-changers when helping your interpreter resume stand out among others.  These can be sections such as:

• Hobbies and interests
• Volunteer work
• Certifications and awards
• Side projects
• Previous work references

However, keep in mind to mention only relevant information.

Even when not required, it’s suggested that you send a cover letter along with your interpreter resume. It provides a more detailed introduction of yourself and it also helps convince the reader with your words of desire for the position.

You may find yourself struggling during the process of making such an interpreter resume, but don’t worry as you can always refer to online interpreter resume examples. Once you finish constructing the necessary sections for your interpreter resume, all you have left is to fill in your information!

--- Originally written by May Luong ---