Looking for a job that suits you can be a daunting task. Especially when your profession is something as uncommon as that of an ASL interpreter. Professional ASL interpreters offer their services to clients who want to communicate effectively with Deaf or hard-of-hearing people. They bridge the communication gap between the Deaf community and the hearing community by translating spoken word to ASL and ASL to spoken word. This can be an exciting career that gives you a sense of fulfillment. 

Whether you are a seasoned professional or someone who has just started their journey as an interpreter, it is important to know where to look when you want to find interpreting jobs and gigs. If you are just starting, this tip is for you- before you start looking for a job, it is important to ensure that you meet the prerequisites for becoming an interpreter. If you want to know more about the training and certifications required to join the profession, you can find the details here. 

In this blog, we will explore how you can find your next job as an ASL interpreter.

Explore job portals

Most employers rely on various job portals, such as LinkedIn and Upwork, to post job vacancies. These posts include details like the job responsibilities and expectations, the candidate’s expected qualifications, and information about the employer, among other things. You can browse these online portals to find jobs that suit you well. 

The benefit of such online job portals is that the job opportunities you find here are varied. Whether you are looking for one-off interpretation gigs or long-time projects, you can find what you are looking for here. 

Most job boards also allow you to filter opportunities based on your preferences. Using these filters, you can also find remote interpretation opportunities where you can interpret via video calling. Remember to keep checking these online job portals for any new and interesting job opportunities. 

Look for internships 

If you are interested in gaining experience, which can later help you find jobs, you can explore the option of interning. Interning is great for people who are at the beginning of their careers as it offers them a chance to ease into the work. This is also something you can do while you pursue your education to fulfill the prerequisites mentioned earlier. You can find interpretation internships in various fields, including specialized ones.

While interning is a great option for those simply wanting to gain some experience, it can also turn into a full-time, paid opportunity in the future. If not, it can become another thing that you can add to your resume. 

Contact businesses

While this can be a tiresome and disheartening process, you might end up creating opportunities for yourself! 

If there are any companies that you want to work with, you can try cold calling them to check if they require your interpretation services. During such calls, you must convey your message clearly and concisely. You can explain the benefits of hiring an ASL interpreter, or more precisely, how you can help their business. By contacting companies directly you can create opportunities that did not exist in the first place. It is also a great way to get your resume across for any future opportunities. 

Work with translation agencies

If you do not want to deal with the hassle of finding clients for every new project you want to take on, you can join translation agencies that can help you find work. Agencies like the Unspoken Language Services work with professional ASL interpreters and connect them with potential clients. 

Usually, when working with such agencies, you can find work of all kinds- from business interpreting to legal interpreting. You can choose the type of projects and clients you wish to work on/with. 

The advantage of working with translation agencies is that they contact you whenever a new vacancy appears, so you do not have to keep looking for new positions. They match you with job opportunities and clients that fit your skill level and experience. 

Build a community

ALT Text: Six people sitting around a table and two of them shake hands with each other. 

You must develop meaningful and long-term relationships with the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community and professionals working in the same field as you do. The benefits of networking as an ASL interpreter are manifold. It can bring both professional and personal opportunities for growth to you. By fostering these relationships, you can become a part of a community you can rely on. 

With the Deaf community

By connecting with the Deaf community, you develop a clear understanding of Deaf people, their culture, and their language. Further, these relationships can also help you hone your linguistic skills organically. Moreover, by actively including yourself in the community, you make yourself known as a culturally aware interpreter, which can bring job opportunities your way. 

With other ASL interpreters

Creating and maintaining relationships with fellow interpreters can help you grow professionally. Through these connections, you can stay updated about industry trends and developments, become aware of relevant training programs, upskill, feel supported, and gain confidence in your ability as an interpreter. 

Through networking, you can find mentors that can help you grow further. The continuous support and professional growth these connections bring you can help you build a solid foundation for your career. This can ultimately lead to more and better job opportunities. 

Generally speaking, as an ASL interpreter, networking is a beneficial skill to sharpen. You must connect with people from within and outside the Deaf community to build a network of people who can become potential clients or lead you to potential clients. 

Conclusion

As you can tell, the avenues for finding interpreting jobs and gigs are ample. If joining a translation agency is the right choice for you, Unspoken Language Services is looking for skilled ASL interpreters. 

We are a boutique agency that offers on-site and virtual interpretation services. Our services include legal, medical, mental health, educational, and business interpreting, among other things. Further, when you become an Unspoken Interpreter, you join a community of like-minded interpreters. Join us to find your next interpreting job! 

Thumbnail Photo Credit to: Photo by Andrea Piacquadio