Product information localization is crucial in today’s global economy. But do you know the necessary skills and qualifications that your product localizers should have?
In this article, we’ll dive into how to gauge the quality of your product localizers before you have to fork out thousands of dollars. We’ll touch on the necessary qualifications as well as the top six skills that we believe product localizers should have.
First, though, let’s find out what product information localizers are so that everyone’s up to speed.
What are product information localizers?
A localizer’s job is to modify content and imagery from an original source so that it fits better with a different target audience. The most common need for localizers arises when a business intends to sell a product or service to a market that speaks a different language. The overall goal of localization is to have a product or service look and feel as though it originates from the country where it’s being sold.
Product information localizers specialize in one aspect of the localization process. These localizers can be tasked to modify product pages, manuals, marketing material, websites, and any other places where the product information may appear.
Are qualifications necessary for product information localizers?
The necessary qualifications for product information localizers will depend on the type of role and their specific responsibilities. For instance, they will need to demonstrate competency in the languages that they will be working with. Some companies may require a bachelor’s degree to demonstrate that proficiency while others may have their own methods of testing.
At the end of the day, though, you want to ensure that your product localizers have the necessary skills for the project.
Skills product information localizers need
While qualifications may not always be necessary for localization roles, there are some important skills that all product information localizers need. These skills range from the obvious such as fluency in a second language to the use of computer-aided translation tools.
Let’s breakdown the top six skills below:
1. Fluency in a second language
The most obvious skill required is fluency in at least one other language from their native or main language. Without fluency, the localizer will struggle to understand the nuances of the product information which decreases the chance of an authentic-looking product.
2. Ability to research and understand each new product
Unless the product information localizer specializes in a particular industry, they will need to have strong research skills and be able to understand each new product. While it wouldn’t be difficult to simply translate the product information, a simple translation can muddle the original message and cause confusion with customers.
In these situations, localizers must adapt the translation so that the intended audience can understand the content clearly. This outcome can only happen if localizers themselves understand the product.
3. Empathy
Having high levels of emotional intelligence and empathy is crucial for success as a product information localizer. Since localizers need to be aware of and navigate cultural sensitivities, they need to understand what is and what isn’t okay with their target audience.
The best way to navigate cultural sensitivities is by practicing empathy and putting themselves in the intended readers’ shoes, so to speak. Empathy is also critical for delivering the information in a way that will resonate with the audience to help them connect with the product on an emotional level.
4. Attention to detail
Due to all the factors that affect localization, product localizers need to have strong attention to detail. Localizers need to factor in information like regional slang, cultural nuances, legalities, linguistic differences, and more. All in all, product information localizers need to be aware of all the different factors, understand them and also communicate them in a way that the intended reader will understand.
5. Time management
Balancing all the factors of localization requires some pretty decent time management skills as well. If product information localizers spend too much time on one specific factor, it could delay the project completion—or worse yet, force them to skimp on other important parts of the process.
A lack of time management skills could also be costing your business millions of dollars by delaying product releases. So save yourself time and money and ensure that your chosen product information localizers can get the job done on time.
6. Ability to use CAT (computer-aided translation) tools
Technology has improved many facets of business and localization is no different. CAT tools have become a must in efficient and accurate product localization, so make sure that your chosen localizers do incorporate them.
Does your product information localizer have all these skills?
Here at Day Translations, we pride ourselves on our world-class product localization skills. With our proprietary eight-step localization process you can be sure that all aspects of your product are translated efficiently and accurately so that it can perform as well as your original product, if not better.
Do you have a product localization project in the works? Get in touch with us through live chat or give us a call on 1-800-969-6853 for a free quote.