I applied during the final year of my degree, and was sent a test (checking some translated texts in German and Dutch); they were very accommodating, stressing that there was no stringent time limit. Then I went up for an interview and another test (essentially the same test I had done before, but under monitored conditions) with them in Alnwick; this, I think, went OK, but, from their answers to my questions, it became clear that career progression would be very, very slow, and there would probably be no liasing with the foreign branches of RWS, which was a disappointment. I didn't hear anything from them for a long, long time, then (after badgering the agency I applied through), they came back saying I had "failed the test" (the test I had done before, and which consisted of just finding a certain number of errors in the texts I was given). I don't think I'm being conceited when I say I think this is bull.

I applied for the role after seeing the job advertised through an agency online. The agency sent RWS my CV and I soon received a translator checker test piece through the post (a three-page text translated from German to English about pharmaceuticals). I completed this with ease and sent it back to RWS. The following morning, I was advised by the agency that I was selected for the next stage of interviews, which had been conducted at their Chalfont St Peter offices. The interview at Chalfont St Peter lasted approximately two hours. Firstly, I completed an hour-long task similar to the screening test at home and was then given a tour of the company site by one of their checker trainers. Having been successful in both my test pieces, I was then called in for a 1:1 interview with a member of RWS personnel. The staff are very well informed and laid back in their interview process. Therefore, I felt at ease for the entire day. I am very delighted that they offered me the job straight away.