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Interpreters

Descriptions & Duties

  • Interpreters translate selected news items, press releases, speeches and documents.

Generic Competencies

Physical Abilities

Physical abilities

  • Physical strength
  • Eye hand coordination / precision / dexterity

 

Importance:1 (Max:5) 

Skill is rarely required

 

Technology Skills

Technology skills

  • Computer literacy
  • Application of technology

 

Importance:2 (Max:5) 

Skill is occasionally required

 

Cognitive Abilities

Cognitive abilities

  • Creativity
  • Visualisation
  • Logical thinking

 

Importance:4 (Max:5) 

Skill is frequently required

 

Comprehension And Expression

Comprehension and expression skills

  • Reading comprehension
  • Oral / written expression

 

Importance:5 (Max:5) 

Skill is required all the time

 

Social Skills

Social skills

  • Communication
  • Negotiation
  • Persuasion

 

Importance:3 (Max:5) 

Skill is basically required

 

Organisation And Execution Skills

Organisation and execution skills

  • Planning
  • Organising
  • Judgement
  • Decision making

 

Importance:4 (Max:5) 

Skill is frequently required

 

Problem Solving Skills

Problem solving skills

  • Ability to solve simple and complex problems effectively and efficiently

 

Importance:3 (Max:5) 

Skill is basically required

 

Management Skills

Management skills

  • Leadership
  • Management of finance / time / people / other resources

 

Importance:3 (Max:5) 

Skill is basically required

 

Trade Specific Competencies

Interpreting competence

Interpreters must have in depth knowledge and understanding of both languages and the ability to interpret message from one language to the other accurately. Interpreters must listen carefully, speak and write clearly. He/She should have knowledge of subject areas, be familiar with relevant terminology and sensitive to cultural differences.

General Requirements

Academic qualification

  • generally have a bachelor's degree in journalism, media, communications, translation or related disciplines

Experience

  • at least 2 to 5 years' relevant experience

Career Path & Salary

Private Sector

Monthly Salary $12,000-$20,000

Monthly Salary $20,000-$30,000

Government Sector

Monthly Salary Master Pay Scale Point 32-44

Monthly Salary Master Pay Scale Point 45-49

*For more details on Civil Service Pay Scales, please visit website of the Civil Service Bureau.
http://www.csb.gov.hk/english/admin/pay/952.html

Work Environment

  • Interpreters mostly work during regular business hours but have to deal with the pressure of deadlines and tight schedules sometimes.

Tools

  • Audio mixing consoles - Interpreter consoles
  • Digital voice recorders - Digital audio recorders
  • Headphones - Headsets
  • Microphones - Tie clip microphones
  • Notebook computers - Laptop computers

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