How to Get a Job With the Government as a Translator
Although technology has made many activities global, people still speak many different languages around the world. Additionally, some people have hearing difficulties that require the use of sign language. This means that the need for translators is high, especially within the United States government. Government translators are used in courts, conferences and foreign escort services. Getting a job as a government translator requires the completion of several prerequisites. These prerequisites apply even if you already are fluent in two or more languages.
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Instructions
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Complete a post-high school degree. Ideally, obtain at least a bachelor's degree, preferably in a second language.
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Enroll in and complete a translation and interpretation program at a college or other institution. These programs may be part of your undergraduate or post-graduate work, but they also may be offered separately.
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Complete a paid/unpaid internship or apprenticeship to gain experience in translation. Most government jobs require at least two years' experience with a bachelor's degree. You'll need to complete up to five years of experience to qualify for these jobs if you don't have a bachelor's degree.
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Obtain certification. Depending on what kind of translation job you want in the government, you may obtain certification in translation from the American Translator's Association, or complete one or more of the U.S. District Court's translation certification programs. The U.S. District Court's programs include the Federal Court Interpreter Certification Program, State Court Interpreter Certification Program or the National Judiciary Interpreter and Translation Program. Separate tests by the U.S. Department of State also are available in consecutive, simultaneous and conference interpreting.
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Become a member of professional translation organizations. The American Translator's Association is the easiest and broadest organization in which you should attempt membership. There also are organizations for specific languages and each state, so your memberships may be determined by where you live and the languages for which you wish to translate.
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Update your resume to reflect your current experience, memberships and certifications.
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Look for jobs in translation through the government agencies for your state. The best places to look for government translation jobs from federal agencies will be in the Washington D.C. area, since this area is where most embassies and federal government offices/headquarters are located.
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Apply to the jobs that interest you. Be prepared to demonstrate your translation skill in the interviews.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure that you don't have any criminal convictions on your record at the time you apply for your translation job. If you do have convictions, your application may be denied because of security regulations, depending on the agency and level at which you are applying.
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