What are the top 5 skills for succeeding in software testing?
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Software testing is a crucial and rewarding career that requires a combination of technical and soft skills. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced tester, you need to constantly update and improve your abilities to meet the changing demands of the industry. In this article, we will discuss the top 5 skills for succeeding in software testing and how to demonstrate them in your projects and interviews.
One of the most important skills for a software tester is the ability to think analytically and logically. You need to be able to understand the requirements, design, and functionality of the software, and identify the potential risks, errors, and defects. You also need to be able to design and execute effective test cases, scenarios, and strategies that cover all the possible scenarios and outcomes. Analytical thinking helps you to find and fix bugs, improve the quality of the software, and communicate your findings clearly and concisely.
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Sumit Bansal
Linkedin Top Voice 🌟 | Proven Technical Test Lead with Expertise in Web, Mobile, API, Database, and Salesforce Testing | ISTQB Certified | Driving High-Quality Deliverable and Streamlining Processes for Business Success
Analytical thinking is not just a skill but the backbone of our work. It's about diving deep into the software, understanding its intricacies, and foreseeing potential issues. It's a mindset that enables you to craft thorough testing strategies and efficiently pinpoint defects. Moreover, it's an essential tool for effective communication with developers and stakeholders. Without analytical thinking, the quality and reliability of software would be compromised, making it a non-negotiable skill for any software tester.
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Hamza Rashid
Software Automation Engineer @ Tesla
Must have skills in Testing eye: Analytical Skills - Analyse, identify and be effective Attention to Detail - Detect with bulls eye Communication - Be open and transparent to devs Technical Proficiency - Tools, languages, technologies, platforms and frameworks Problem-Solving - Think out of the box, tuned solution for long run
Another essential skill for a software tester is the technical knowledge of the tools, languages, frameworks, and platforms that are used in the software development and testing process. You need to be familiar with the basics of programming, databases, web development, and networking, as well as the specific technologies and tools that are relevant to your domain and project. For example, you may need to know how to use Selenium, JUnit, Postman, Jenkins, or Git for testing web applications, or how to use Java, Python, C#, or SQL for scripting and automation. Technical knowledge helps you to understand the code, perform different types of testing, and automate repetitive tasks.
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Serena Alvarez
IT Analyst | Researcher | Technical Support | Software Testing & Quality Engineer (CE) \ CI/CD
Documentation One thing I've found the most helpful is having a testing plan: a framework of the necessary steps to assure the functionality of the software. Use these steps, along with the results (what happened when I..<x>?)to document your test records. When a developer then asks you about the results, you have your plan to reference. At that point soft skills like knowledge and communication skills are applied to push the project forward. This, along with all the technical skills listed here, will prepare you for the challenges you'll meet throughout the day.
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Matheus Bonotto
QA Jr. | Cypress | Bachelor of IS UNASP | Specialization in QA Software Testing VINCIT
Ao longo da minha carreira como QA, posso dizer que as 5 habilidades fundamentais são: Técnica: Mais do que dominar as técnicas específicas da profissão, é vital ter um profundo conhecimento das documentações e dos detalhes do projeto. Criatividade: Inovação e a habilidade de pensar de maneira não convencional. Comunicação: Uma comunicação com o time. Organização: Manter uma estrutura organizada é fundamental para gerenciar os testes de forma eficaz, garantindo que todas as áreas sejam cobertas. Controle: A manutenção da qualidade é assegurada através de um controle rigoroso. Isso garante a confiabilidade e a precisão dos resultados dos testes.
A third skill that is vital for a software tester is the communication skills that enable you to collaborate with the developers, clients, managers, and other stakeholders. You need to be able to communicate your test plans, results, issues, and suggestions effectively and professionally, using various modes and formats such as verbal, written, graphical, or video. You also need to be able to listen, ask questions, provide feedback, and negotiate solutions. Communication skills help you to build trust, rapport, and understanding with your team and clients, and ensure that the software meets the expectations and needs of the users.
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Pranjalee Hadule
CATS QA Developer (BA4) at Barclays
Interacting with many stakeholders and various teams like development, BAs is a crucial part of any software testers career. This communication is written as well as verbal. It helps to observe senior team members and their style of communicating and learn from them while effectively presenting your work. Oftentimes QA work involves proving your findings/defects and this is one of the many situations where effective communication plays a great role.
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Junaid Aziz 👨🏾🏫
𝗦𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝗤𝗔 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿? Let's Talk || Founder of QA Stack || 6+Yrs Diverse Exposure || SQA Mentor & Trainer || Manual & Automation || Selenium || Postman || JMeter || Toastmaster||41+
Communication skills stand as a pivotal pillar in the skill set of a proficient software tester. In the collaborative world of software development, effective interaction with a diverse array of stakeholders - developers, clients, managers, and more - is paramount. Software testers need to adeptly convey their test plans, results, issues, and recommendations in a professional and coherent manner, employing a variety of communication modes and formats, be it verbal, written, graphical, or video. Furthermore, the ability to actively listen, ask insightful questions, provide constructive feedback, and engage in productive negotiations is essential.
A fourth skill that is beneficial for a software tester is the curiosity and creativity that drive you to explore and experiment with the software. You need to be curious about how the software works, what it can do, and what it can't do. You also need to be creative in finding new ways to test the software, simulate user behavior, and discover hidden bugs. Curiosity and creativity help you to expand your test coverage, enhance your user experience, and add value to the software.
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Manikandan Srinivasan
Automation Test Lead | Appium | Selenium | Mobile Automation | BDD | POM | Web UI Automation | API Testing | Core Java | Perfecto | CICD | Azure | Jenkins | AWS | BFSI | Telecomm | US Housing Mortgage | AI Enthusiast |
Testers always shine when they think out of box in end user perspective. - it is equally important to test the requirements which are not even outlined by the business to make sure the software/product satisfaction to the end user. - monkey testing is a type of testing which raises when QA have the curiosity and creativity to break the software - when QA has the ability to think outside the box to find the observation plays have huge advantage to the software - Always curiosity and creativity keep to thrive to find bugs/defects and more over outshine QA professional in the Team.
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Saba Gulzar
Software Quality Assurance Analyst @ Conovo Technologies | Cypress.io | Boosting SaaS & ERP Products Through Quality Excellence | x CureMD
Testers need to think outside the box to uncover hidden bugs and explore various scenarios. Curiosity drives thorough exploration, while creativity helps find innovative solutions to complex problems, improving the overall quality of software products.
A fifth skill that is crucial for a software tester is the adaptability and learning that allow you to cope with the dynamic and evolving nature of the software industry. You need to be able to adapt to changing requirements, technologies, methodologies, and environments, and learn new skills and tools quickly and effectively. You also need to be open to feedback, criticism, and improvement, and seek opportunities to grow and develop your career. Adaptability and learning help you to stay relevant, competitive, and successful in the software testing field.
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Sumit Bansal
Linkedin Top Voice 🌟 | Proven Technical Test Lead with Expertise in Web, Mobile, API, Database, and Salesforce Testing | ISTQB Certified | Driving High-Quality Deliverable and Streamlining Processes for Business Success
Adaptability and a commitment to continuous learning are not just skills; they're the lifeblood of a software tester's career. The industry evolves rapidly, and being open to new challenges and technologies is what sets exceptional testers apart. Embrace change, be proactive in expanding your knowledge, and view each project as a chance to grow. Your ability to adapt and learn not only ensures your relevance but also enriches the quality of your work, ultimately benefitting your clients and team.
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Junaid Aziz 👨🏾🏫
𝗦𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝗤𝗔 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿? Let's Talk || Founder of QA Stack || 6+Yrs Diverse Exposure || SQA Mentor & Trainer || Manual & Automation || Selenium || Postman || JMeter || Toastmaster||41+
Adaptability and a commitment to continuous learning are pivotal qualities for a successful software tester. In the ever-evolving landscape of the software industry, the ability to embrace change is paramount. Testers must navigate shifting requirements, emerging technologies, evolving methodologies, and varying working environments with ease. Moreover, they must possess the capacity to rapidly acquire new skills and master unfamiliar tools, ensuring their effectiveness in an industry that is constantly pushing its boundaries. An openness to feedback and constructive criticism is also essential, as it fosters personal and professional growth.
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Jayateerth Katti
Top Voice For Quality Assurance | Sharing My Experience | Delighting users by building and delivering quality products
Following are the top skills for tester to excel: 1. Patience 2. Analytical skills 3. Risk management 4. Continuous learning 5. Documentation skills
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Paramjit Singh Aujla
Head of Quality engineering & AMS | University of London Alumni | Technology Management | Cloud Solutions | Agile | Certified Scrum Professional | Researcher @ SSBM | Guinness World Record Holder (Cycling)
Some lucrative roles for testers: - Customer's advocate - The Devil - The explorer - Information desk - The smiling support