As with any business, people drive success. Talented localization professionals are crucial to any Linguistic Quality Assurance (LQA) operation. The talent search for qualified professionals is a comprehensive one, and Supply Chain Managers (SCMs) are no strangers to the qualities and requirements the search requires. What does it take to be a good fit for Chillistore? A combination of hard and soft skills; the ability to assess the linguistic quality of any project; and a willingness to collaborate with the Quality Management (QM) team. What exactly does each qualification entail? We’re breaking it down.

Balance is Key

What are the “on-paper” qualifications we look for in an LQA reviewer? First and foremost is a degree in Linguistics or Translation. We also want a subject matter expert, with excellent command of the source language.

If you tick all of these initial boxes, then we look for deeper skills, such as good communication and the ability to provide quality feedback. “Quality feedback” means feedback that remains as neutral as possible — AKA your assessment of content isn’t bogged down by your own preferences. 

Of course, not all content — and not all translators — operate in the same way. Reviewers can’t take a “one size fits all” approach, or they risk doing a disservice to the project. We look for reviewers who will get to know the client’s expectations, and who will work with translators to meet those expectations (while respecting translators’ individual styles). After all, reviewers are the last step in the LQA process, meaning their job is to add the cherry to the sundae.

Know the Challenges

LQA reviewers aren’t simply editors, tasked with filling the page with red marks. Being a reviewer requires strong communication, since reviewers and translators frequently work together on solutions. Reviewers should be able to dole out feedback, as well as accept it.

When does “feedback” come into play? After a reviewer enters their corrections for a given translation, a translator then has a chance to agree or disagree with the suggested improvements. LQAs need to be completed efficiently, which means the QM team must communicate their feedback in a timely manner.

This brings us to another quality: responsiveness. Reviewers must answer emails within a requested time frame, which can sometimes be stressful. A good reviewer can respond quickly, without skimping on the quality of their instructions and feedback.

Our QM team spends a lot of time making sure all LQA guidelines are clear and concise. This makes it easier for reviewers to do good work.

Prioritize Partnership

LQA is a collaborative process, and understanding that is crucial to overcoming any challenges that may arise during a project. Translators and reviewers alike need to remember that two heads are better than one when it comes to creating high-quality products. A talented team has the client’s well-being at heart, and a talented reviewer is open to a translator’s input and suggestions.

Our QM team works hard to make sure the LQA process is smooth from start to finish. Every small step in the LQA journey is important to creating a high-quality result. We ensure that everyone involved has the time and communication necessary to put quality first.