RESUME MISTAKES
Turn Your Interpreter Resume Into a Job Magnet
Identify and correct the most common pitfalls that keep hiring managers from noticing your language expertise.
How This Page Helps
This page helps interpreters spot critical resume mistakes, understand why they matter, and apply proven fixes to boost interview callbacks.
Spot the 7 most damaging resume errors for interpreters
Learn concise, ATSâfriendly wording for language skills
See sideâbyâside beforeâandâafter examples
Get a downloadable workshop to rewrite your own resume
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
Using Generic Job Titles Instead of Specific Interpreting RolesHIGH
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers canât quickly see your niche expertise
- ATS keywords miss the specific interpreting domain
- Recruiters may assume you lack specialized experience
How to fix
- Replace vague titles like âTranslatorâ with precise ones such as âMedical Interpreterâ or âConference Interpreterâ
- Add the interpreting setting (e.g., legal, healthcare, conference) directly after the title
- Include any relevant certifications alongside the title
â Before
Translator, XYZ Corp â 2018â2022
â After
Medical Interpreter (Certified Medical Interpreter), XYZ Corp â 2018â2022
ATS Tip
Match the job postingâs exact role wording (e.g., âLegal Interpreterâ) to trigger keyword matches
Detection Rules
Title lacks setting keyword
Only generic term used
Resumly Tip
Swap generic titles for roleâspecific ones to improve both recruiter clarity and ATS relevance.
Listing Language Proficiency Without CertificationMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Proficiency claims are unverified and may be dismissed
- ATS often looks for recognized certifications (e.g., ATA, NAATI)
- Employers prefer measurable proof of skill
How to fix
- Add any official language certifications with level and date
- If none, include standardized test scores (e.g., TOEFL, DELE)
- Use concrete descriptors like âNativeâ or âC2âCEFRâ instead of âFluentâ alone
â Before
Languages: Spanish â fluent, Mandarin â conversational
â After
Languages: Spanish â Native (ATA Certified, 2023); Mandarin â C1 (DELE, 2022)
ATS Tip
Include certification acronyms (ATA, NAATI) as they are common ATS keywords
Detection Rules
Language list lacks certification
Only subjective adjectives used
Resumly Tip
Add certifications or standardized scores to make language claims credible and searchable.
Omitting Details About Interpreting SettingsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Employers canât gauge your experience in their specific field
- ATS filters for settingâspecific keywords (e.g., âcourtroomâ, âhospitalâ)
- You miss the chance to showcase niche expertise that differentiates you
How to fix
- Create a dedicated âInterpreting Experienceâ section
- For each role, list the setting (medical, legal, conference, community) and type (simultaneous, consecutive)
- Highlight any specialized equipment used (e.g., soundâproof booths, remoteâsimultaneous platforms)
â Before
Freelance Interpreter â 2015âPresent
â After
Freelance Medical & Legal Interpreter â 2015âPresent ⢠Simultaneous interpretation for hospital grand rounds (EnglishâSpanish) ⢠Consecutive interpretation in courtroom trials (EnglishâMandarin)
ATS Tip
Include setting keywords like âmedical interpretingâ or âlegal interpretingâ to pass ATS filters
Detection Rules
Job description lacks setting details
No mention of interpretation type
Resumly Tip
Detail the environment and mode of interpretation to align with job requirements and ATS expectations.
Using Complex Formatting That Confuses ATSMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Tables, graphics, and multiâcolumn layouts are often ignored by ATS
- Important keywords may be dropped, reducing match score
- Recruiters may need to reâtype information, causing delays
How to fix
- Stick to a singleâcolumn, clean layout with standard headings
- Use bullet points instead of tables for skills and certifications
- Save the file as a .docx or plain .pdf without embedded images
â Before
<table><tr><td>Languages</td><td>Spanish, Mandarin</td></tr></table>
â After
Languages: ⢠Spanish â Native (ATA Certified) ⢠Mandarin â C1 (DELE)
ATS Tip
Use standard section headings (e.g., âProfessional Experienceâ, âCertificationsâ) that ATS recognises
Detection Rules
Presence of HTML/table tags
Multiple columns or graphics
Resumly Tip
Simplify the layout to ensure every keyword is read by the ATS and displayed correctly to recruiters.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: .docx, .pdf
Sections: Contact Information, Professional Summary, Interpreting Experience, Certifications & Training, Languages, Technical Skills, Professional Affiliations
Naming: FirstName_LastName_Interpreter_Resume
Consistency
Length: 1â2 pages for 0â10 years of experience; up to 3 pages for senior interpreters with extensive certifications
Date Format: MM/YYYY
Location Format: City, State/Country
Resume Quality Checklist
- Use specific interpreting titles (Medical, Legal, Conference)
- List certifications with issuing body and date
- Detail interpreting settings and mode for each role
- Include language proficiency levels with CEFR or certification
- Avoid tables, graphics, and multiâcolumn layouts
- Save as .docx or ATSâfriendly PDF
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: Taleo, iCIMS, Workday, Greenhouse
Keyword Strategy: medical interpreting, legal interpreting, simultaneous interpretation, consecutive interpretation, ATA Certified, NAATI, CEFR C2
Heading Format: Use standard headings like âProfessional Experienceâ and âCertificationsâ
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste the current âProfessional Summaryâ or âExperienceâ bullet you want to improve
- Replace generic verbs with actionâoriented verbs (e.g., âfacilitatedâ â âdelivered simultaneous interpretationâ)
- Add setting keyword and certification where missing
- Convert any tableâstyle text into bullet points
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