Forum for New Interpreters
Have you recently finished an interpreting program? Are you looking for the next steps to begin your career as an interpreter? New to the field and have questions you need answered? This forum is specifically meant to help new interpreters like yourself with questions and issues you may have along the path of developing a strong interpreting career.
The EIS staff or one of our Certified Interpreters will answer all questions you have. In addition, each week one question/answer will be chosen and posted here. Past questions are archived here.
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Question: What should I do if a (hearing) consumer approaches me about contracting for work direct instead of going through the agency that booked me?
Answer: Sooner or later you will encounter someone that tries to circumvent the agency you are representing and hire you direct. Most agencies will ask you to sign a contract promising that you will not accept work directly from anyone on a job site they send you to. This is of course to protect the agency; they have devoted endless amounts of monies, contacts, reputation, advertising, staff, etc. into securing contracts and cannot afford to lose the income each assignment produces. You may even be in breech of contract if you did accept work direct on a job site.
The second part (and most important for you) is that you could severely tarnish your reputation in the interpreting field. If agencies feel you cannot be trusted and you are engaging in unethical behaviors, the calls could stop coming.
I would simply explain to the person approaching you "I am sorry, I am here through 'XYZ Agency' and unable to be hired direct. However, if you would like to request me personally, please feel free to do so when you call to rebook other work." Keep in mind they may not realize that they do have an avenue to have you be their Interpreter of choice.