Contact us at

Fact Sheet 4

Once an interpreter has been arranged the service provider should brief the interpreter on the situation and the areas to be covered before the interview begins.

arrange the seating to facilitate communication between the service provider and the client, making sure that the service provider speak directly to the client and maintain eye contact with the client (if appropriate) and not with the interpreter.

Interpreter Seating

ascertain that the client do not know the assigned interpreter. If so, clarify or attempt to book another interpreter at another time
allow the interpreters to introduce themselves and you (if you have not already met) to the client and to explain that whatever is said will be interpreted and kept confidential. Mention the need for accuracy and the importance of frequent pauses so that interpreters can interpret
establish the ground rules of the interpreting session: that is the interpreter is only there to interpret what the service provider and the client has said
speak slowly, clearly, naturally and try to avoid jargon if possible
use short speech segments and summarise discussions periodically to allow the interpreter time to interpret and to ensure that the client understands the information
use short sentences with simultaneous interpreting
never ask the interpreter for his/her opinion of the client and discourage him/her from offering it, the Interpreter must be impartial
Do not ask an interpreter to pass on messages in your absence or to find out what is the problem with the client. Always remember, the only function of an interpreter is to bridge the communication gap between two or more parties who do not speak the same language. Do not expect the interpreter to convey any points of conversation with the client which occurred in your absence
arrange for water and other conveniences to assist the job of the interpreter and the client

Have you booked an interpreter with appropriate accreditation for the job?
Have you provided the CRC booking officer with the subject matter and relevant information? Maybe special requirements e.g. specific dialects or gender of the interpreter or home interview etc.
Have you allowed sufficient time for the interview – as a general rule, double the amount of time you would normally allow for interviews without interpreters?
Have you allowed the interpreter time for regular breaks during a long interpreting session?
Have you understood the need to speak articulately and clearly during the interview?