Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Software Localization • Website Localization • UTF-8

XLIFF

Term from Translation industry explained for recruiters

XLIFF (XML Localization Interchange File Format) is a standard way to store and share translations between different translation tools and companies. Think of it like a universal container for translated content, similar to how PDF is a standard format for documents. When you see XLIFF mentioned in a resume, it means the person knows how to work with modern translation tools and understands industry-standard processes. It's like a common language that helps different translation software talk to each other, making it easier to share work between translators, agencies, and clients.

Examples in Resumes

Managed translation projects using XLIFF files across multiple language pairs

Converted complex documentation into XLIFF format for efficient translation workflow

Developed automated processes for handling XLIFF and .xlf files in translation memory systems

Typical job title: "Localization Specialists"

Also try searching for:

Translation Project Manager Localization Engineer Language Technology Specialist Translation Coordinator CAT Tool Specialist Localization Project Manager

Where to Find Localization Specialists

Professional Organizations

Online Communities

Job Resources

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you set up a translation workflow using XLIFF files for a large project with multiple languages?

Expected Answer: A senior candidate should explain how to organize files, manage translation memories, ensure consistency across languages, and handle updates to source content while maintaining existing translations.

Q: What challenges have you faced with XLIFF implementations and how did you solve them?

Expected Answer: They should discuss common issues like character encoding, handling different XLIFF versions, compatibility between tools, and strategies for solving these problems.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What translation tools have you used that work with XLIFF, and how do they differ?

Expected Answer: Should be able to name several CAT (Computer-Assisted Translation) tools and explain their different approaches to handling XLIFF files.

Q: How do you ensure translation quality when working with XLIFF files?

Expected Answer: Should mention quality checks, validation processes, and how to maintain consistency using translation memories and term bases.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is XLIFF and why is it important in translation projects?

Expected Answer: Should explain that XLIFF is a standard format for translation content and why it helps make translation processes more efficient and consistent.

Q: How do you open and work with XLIFF files?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain basic handling of XLIFF files in common translation tools and understand the difference between source and target text.