Machine Translation
Machine Translation is a technology that automatically converts text from one language to another using computer software. It's different from human translation and is commonly used for quick, large-scale translation needs. Popular examples include Google Translate and DeepL. While not perfect, it has become an important tool in the translation industry, helping translators work faster by providing initial drafts that they can then improve and edit. Companies use it to handle large volumes of content like websites, documents, or customer support materials that need to be available in multiple languages quickly.
Examples in Resumes
Managed Machine Translation projects for company's global website localization
Improved accuracy of MT systems by training with industry-specific content
Post-edited Machine Translation output for medical documentation
Developed workflows combining MT and human translation for cost efficiency
Typical job title: "Machine Translation Specialists"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Machine Translation Specialists
Professional Associations
Job Boards
Online Communities
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you implement Machine Translation in a large corporate environment?
Expected Answer: Should discuss assessment of company needs, selection of appropriate MT tools, integration with existing workflows, training requirements, quality measurement, and cost-benefit analysis.
Q: How do you evaluate the quality of Machine Translation output?
Expected Answer: Should explain different evaluation methods like human evaluation, automated metrics, error analysis, and how to set up quality benchmarks for different content types.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What are the main differences between various Machine Translation approaches?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain the basic differences between rule-based, statistical, and neural machine translation in non-technical terms, including pros and cons of each.
Q: How do you determine when to use Machine Translation versus human translation?
Expected Answer: Should discuss factors like content type, quality requirements, time constraints, budget, and target audience to make informed decisions.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is post-editing and why is it important?
Expected Answer: Should explain that post-editing is the process of improving machine-translated content, making it sound more natural and correcting errors, and why this step is necessary for quality.
Q: What are the main advantages and limitations of Machine Translation?
Expected Answer: Should discuss benefits like speed and cost-effectiveness, while acknowledging limitations such as quality issues with creative or complex content.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic post-editing of machine translated content
- Understanding of common MT errors
- Knowledge of popular MT platforms
- Basic quality assessment
Mid (2-5 years)
- MT system customization
- Translation memory management
- Project coordination
- Quality control processes
Senior (5+ years)
- MT implementation strategy
- Team management
- ROI analysis
- Training and documentation
Red Flags to Watch For
- No understanding of basic translation concepts
- Inability to assess translation quality
- No experience with translation tools or software
- Lack of attention to cultural sensitivity in translation
- Poor project management skills
