Interview Questions

Interview Logistics:
Who: Valentina Gallegos
When: March 27, 2019
Where: Caribou Coffee in Austin, MN
Interview Questions:
1. What is your current position/job title?
I am a Success Coach at Southgate Elementary School, but also an interpreter for Triton Public
School.
2. What is your education/ background?
I study in Mankato State University for 2 years.
3. What major did you go into?
I only did generals but later on I got certified as a community interpreter.
4. What made you want to become an interpreter?
Initially it wasn’t something I wanted to do. Instead wanted to be a teacher and help kids. I was
hired because it also involved interpreting for the Spanish speaking community. Before there was
a lack of communication and I was like the bridge that connect the two.
5. Do you have any special skills/ experiences relating to communication/ interpreting?
Yes, I have been a school interpreter for 18 years
6. What are some challenges for you coming into this career field?
Understanding people because sometimes they talk all at once and you can only interpret for one
person at a time. Also terminology is an important key to becoming an interpreter because you
have to know the background.
7. Do you have a specific way of interpreting/ translating?
I think that doing it short phrases by phrase is the best way to do it because that way you will be
more accurate to interpret every word correctly.
8. How do you begin every session or meeting?
Before every meeting or conference I usually socialize with the people who are all there. Loosen
up the tension before going in.
 9. Have you ever had a rude client or speaker? If so, how did you handle it?
No I haven't met anyone that was rude. They are all usually family friends.
10. How do you work around a word you didn’t hear well or when you don’t
understand the concept?
First, I raise my hand to signal stop and say if they could you repeat that again or say if the can
use it in a sentence. Another way that has helped is taking notes or use a another word that means
the same. Then after the meeting I would go into my office and I have a separate dictionary and
study the words.