yndigo

Follow-up on a recent post

The beginnings of a good discussion on a recent post, Getting Testy, made me want to dig a bit deeper into the issue. I know translation tests have already been debated ad nauseam on the web for years but mostly from the freelancer’s point of view. Our discussion included comments from an agency “tester” who essentially said, “Hey, quit your whining! If you want to work with us, show us you can really translate!”

The Masked Translator suggested paid tests; and he encouraged agencies not to announce them as tests. This would allow us to see the translator in his natural environment. And paying for the tests would certainly cut down on the frivilous type that are assigned automatically to every interested freelancer.

Many of you have probably read Andrei Gerasimov’s excellent article describing his discouraging experience with translation tests, as well as his follow-up that distinguishes tests that are useful from those that are useless.

Gerasimov’s conclusions, based on numerous contacts with agencies — some that tested and some that didn’t — were that agencies that test don’t have work for the applicant. The tests and other application forms are simply a way to get rid of the person. If they have work, they won’t send a test, but a job. Too cynical?

Maybe, but the prevalent belief that tests are an utter waste of time has inspired rallying calls on translator forums to stop taking tests altogether. The tone of the messages is, “We’re professionals. Let’s stand as a group and reject this waste of our time.” Of course, a fight like this is tough to inspire or maintain.

But I’m certain my call to agencies to rethink their application process would be even less successful. Selective agencies know that many people who claim to be translators are simply unqualified. Some should pursue another profession entirely despite their sterling resumes. But to find those who are good, test and take it seriously. Why test if you don’t plan on evaluating? And if you evaluate, try to provide results and feedback.

As we grow, compete and globalize, we seem to know our translators — their expertise, strengths, depth of knowledge, flaws, work habits, dedication — even less. And increasing the amount of paperwork not only doesn’t solve the problem, it creates suspicion and ill will toward all agencies.