3 Essential Tips for Selecting a Remarkable Language Services Partner

Imagine you are tasked to find a professional translation service that meets the needs of your growing organization – where do you start?

Language services providers (LSPs) can provide a wide variety of services including certified translation, interpreting, subtitling, transcription, desktop publishing (DTP), and MUCH more.

Get the GUIDE to aid in your search for the right LSP – here.

No need to fret during your search! Here are a few tips that will ease the pressure of finding the right LSP for your organization.

1. Determine Your Needs

What does this partnership mean to your organization? It is important to discuss with your team what the overall goals are for the specific translation project, and what traits you want in a language services partner.

For example, if your organization is expanding globally, you may need translation of marketing materials, translation & localization of the company website, and subtitling or voiceovers for promotional videos.

Maybe your company is seeking to hire a new workforce internationally, and needs all human resources documents localized & translated. Does your organization use psychometric testing to hire candidates that are the right fit? That needs translation too!

Each type of translation project has unique needs, goals, and constraints that must be defined to ensure the most efficient, customized translation process possible.

Some aspects include:

  • Into which language/s do you need the content translated?
  • For what countries/regions is the content targeted?
  • What is the subject matter?
  • With what type of documents/files will the translation team be working?
  • What type of deliverables do you need?
  • What is your timeline for the project?
  • Are there regulatory requirements or policies that need to be followed?

Organizing your team’s goals & needs for the project gives you a head start in your search for the right LSP.

2. Ask Valuable Questions

Asking the right questions is imperative in your search for an experienced LSP. It is the only way to cut through the sales pitches – and get to the core of their business & culture.

Customize a list of questions based on your project needs and the following topics:

  • Background
    How long have they been in business? How experienced are they in handling projects like yours? Make sure you get a clear understanding of their background and experience.
  • Technology
    What technology & tools do they utilize? Do they use a secure system to transfer documents? Here are a few things to know and ask about: CAT tools, including Translation Memory; Certified Translation; Rush Translation.
  • Process
    Have the LSP describe their typical process for a translation project. Do they focus on efficiency and flexibility? Do they customize processes to fit client’s needs? What is their quality assurance (QA) process?

An experienced LSP will provide an extensive QA process and have a system in place to continually improve processes. Being an ISO certified company is a good indicator that they have standardized processes they continually work to improve.

3. Ask yourself, “Do they have MY success in mind?”

After speaking with LSP candidates, determine what is the overall feeling and attitude of the conversations. Do they have a “Can do!” attitude? Did they make an effort to ask you detailed questions about the project, to get to know you and your goals – and give recommendations based on their experience?

Remarkable LSPs will measure their success by your success, and are more than happy to answer questions about their company and its services. They will do what it takes to successfully deliver projects of the highest quality, customized to your standards and on time per your deadlines.

No matter what industry your organization is in – business, education, life sciences, legal, manufacturing, etc. – be sure you perform your due diligence when it comes to seeking professional translation services. The payoff will be well worth it!

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