Software tester play a very significant role and demanding in software development. They run and execute different tests including integration test, system test, performance test, functional test, user acceptance test and etc at different stages of software life cycle. The goal is to save end users from working with highly buggy software or applications that just don’t work well, greatly reducing tech support calls from frustrated customers.
Having a bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, engineering or math would be an advantage to get employed by a software development company as a software tester although it’s not always required. With lot of experience, a stable work history and solid references or letters of recommendation, it’s possible to land a job without a degree. An intermediate-level position typically requires three to six years of direct experience in software testing, or some combination of education and experience.
The essential quality for a software tester is to be tech-savvy. So to do that, it would be very useful to emphasize your particular knowledge and hands-on experience. This might be any programming language, a basic knowledge of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, or familiarity with an automation tool. You could also list related course, certificates, freelance or open-source projects you’ve participated in which can demonstrate your expertise to a potential employer.
Most of the job require you to have some certifications in testing. Some companies make it mandatory because they prefer the candidate can be productive from day 1 of his joining in the company and no amount of time or money needs to be spent on training the candidate over the basic software testing concepts.
Keep developing and improving the right skill set required as software tester will keep you on the right path. To have significant exposure to Test scenarios and Test cases, the best place to be is to join any leading institute that offers training in software testing. This will lead you getting a good understanding and knowledge of software testing as well as some useful hands-on experience in grabbing a software testing job. Besides that, there are few more skills you should have or plan to develop including:
- Manual and automated test plans and procedures, execute tests, analyse results, and report on test problems and anomalies (document bugs).
- Development methodologies, such as Agile and Scrum.
- Knowledge of UNIX, Linux and/or Windows as well as scripting and command-line tools.
- Good communicator (written and verbal) with development, operations, product management and customers.
- Knowledge of coding languages like Java, JavaScript, C# or C++, SQL, Python, PHP and etc.
Taking up freelancing work will definitely be an added benefit to your experience. You can also do Crowdsourced Testing which is a emerging trend in software testing. By doing these testing for a few months before applying for job, will absolutely add weight in your CV.
Know-how of using popular software testing tools is essential too. Some of them offer free trial versions. Maybe the best suggestion is start exploring Selenium first, the most popular open-source and one of the best automation testing tools available in today’s market. Some other tools that you can explore are QTP, RFT, Bugzilla, LoadRunner, etc. With these knowledge in hand can prove to be very helpful in getting you a software testing job even though without any degree.
Becoming a potential software tester in today’s world is quite high and so is it’s competition. Nothing is impossible for those who really put their effort and hard work in. If you are perseverance and ready to be a learner with persistent and open-minded, , you’ll have all chances to be as successful.
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