Simultaneous Interpreters - Occupations - VTC Occupation Dictionary

Descriptions & Duties

Simultaneous Interpreters provide simultaneous interpretation in English/ Cantonese/ Putonghua at meetings of the Legislative Council, District Councils, other statutory bodies and advisory committees, seminars and press conferences. They compile glossaries for reference and review reference materials, such as dictionaries, encyclopaedias, and terminology banks to ensure interpretation accuracy. They also assist in activities related to the provision of simultaneous interpretation service and training of simultaneous interpreters.

Generic Competencies

Physical abilities

Technology
skills

Cognitive
abilities

Comprehension and expression

Social skills

Organisation and execution skills

Problem
solving skills

Management
skills

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:3 (Max:5)

Skill is basically required

Cognitive Abilities

Cognitive abilities

Creativity
Visualisation
Logical thinking

Importance:3 (Max:5)

Skill is basically 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:4 (Max:5)

Skill is frequently 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

Knowledge and ability of language interpretation

Simultaneous Interpreters must have good knowledge and ability of language interpretation, such as English to Cantonese or Mandarin and vice versa, etc. They must also be familiar with relevant terminology and sensitive to cultural differences and expectations. Successful interpreting and translating must have a good understanding of people's cultures.

Good language interpretation skills

Simultaneous Interpreters must have good language interpretation skills, such as mastering the ability to concentrate in the booth under disturbances, follow the pace of source speech, etc.

General Requirements

Academic qualification

A bachelor's degree, or equivalent

Experience

at least 7 years post-qualification experience

Other specific requirements

Level 2 in English & Chinese in Common Recruitment Examination (CRE); pass a Trade Test; proficient in Cantonese/ English & simultaneous interpretation (proficient in Putonghua is preferred)