SDL Trados
SDL Trados (also known as Trados Studio) is one of the most popular software tools that professional translators use to make their work faster and more consistent. It's what the industry calls a "Computer-Assisted Translation" (CAT) tool. Think of it like Microsoft Word specifically designed for translators, but with special features that remember previous translations and suggest them when similar text appears again. This helps translators work faster and maintain consistency across large documents. It's not automatic translation like Google Translate - instead, it's a professional tool that helps human translators work more efficiently.
Examples in Resumes
Translated technical manuals using SDL Trados and Trados Studio, maintaining 98% consistency across documents
Managed translation memory databases in SDL Trados for a team of 5 translators
Created and maintained client-specific terminology databases using Trados Studio and SDL Trados
Typical job title: "Translators"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Translators
Online Communities
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a large translation project with multiple translators using SDL Trados?
Expected Answer: A senior translator should discuss project setup, translation memory sharing, terminology management, quality assurance processes, and how to maintain consistency across multiple translators.
Q: What strategies do you use to maintain translation memories and term bases?
Expected Answer: Should explain how to clean and update translation memories, manage multiple memories for different clients, and ensure terminology consistency across projects.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you handle file preparation and analysis in SDL Trados?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain how to prepare files for translation, analyze documents for word count and matches, and generate quotes based on analysis.
Q: What quality assurance checks do you perform in SDL Trados?
Expected Answer: Should discuss built-in QA tools, terminology verification, consistency checks, and number/tag verification processes.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is a translation memory and how do you use it in SDL Trados?
Expected Answer: Should explain that translation memory stores previous translations and helps reuse them for similar content, saving time and ensuring consistency.
Q: How do you handle basic document translation in SDL Trados?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of opening documents, using translation memory suggestions, and basic navigation in the translation editor.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic software navigation
- Simple document translation
- Using existing translation memories
- Basic file handling and conversion
Mid (2-5 years)
- Project analysis and preparation
- Translation memory management
- Quality assurance processes
- Handling multiple file formats
Senior (5+ years)
- Advanced project management
- Team coordination
- Complex file handling
- Training and mentoring others
Red Flags to Watch For
- No experience with translation memory tools
- Unable to explain basic translation project workflow
- No knowledge of file formats and conversion
- Lack of quality assurance understanding
Related Terms
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