Hiring is a delicate process—part art and part science—and one that usually requires more work on the hirer’s side of the equation: going through emails and resumes, comparing and contrasting prospects’ levels of education, experience, fit, potential, etc.

So how does one decide on the perfect translator for their company’s ongoing content or a one-off project? First of all, you have to know what you have and what you want.

What kind of content do you have, what is the content’s current purpose, and what will be the goal of the translated content?

All of these play a key role in choosing a translator. So the first factor is subject matter: choose an eloquent translator for artful or literary content; choose a translator with mechanical engineering experience or education for a technical manual on mechanical engineering; choose a translator versed in medical jargon for a medical translation. You get the point.

Keep in mind that an experienced translator will likely have resources (in-person contacts, online communities, reference books) to handle light technical subject matter that is new to them. But in general, if you haven’t worked with a translator previously, make sure they know the subject they’ll be translating.

Plenty of people know two languages, but that doesn’t make them translators. Just like many people are native English speakers but you wouldn’t want them editing your content. Does your prospective hire have training in the translation field? A degree, some courses, a certificate?

Not all translators study translation in college, and that isn’t necessarily a negative. Maybe they studied the field in which they now translate, or they studied literature or communication. But ongoing translation study is important, even if it consists of a couple webinars a year to stay up to date on current trends and technology.

And if someone seems like a good fit but can’t offer any relevant education? Have them send you some samples or ask that they translate a short sample of your content.

Lastly, you will want to know the translator’s relevant experience. Are they recent graduates? Have they worked only with agencies? In these cases they may not have samples available, as translators can’t share translations without the client’s permission. Do they work with direct clients? Can they provide references or point you to published works they have translated?

Know what you’re looking for regarding subject matter mastery, translation-specific training, and industry experience. And remember, education and experience are useful measures for judging quality and fit, but don’t always tell the whole story.