Software Tester interview: tips and questions.
There are computer programmes being developed every day and every new programme must be thoroughly checked by a software tester to establish where glitches with the function or performance are so that the software developer can correct and improve the programme before it can be signed off when perfect.
A software tester has a difficult job as he needs to find problems in programmes which the developer may have spent months of work in getting the programme to the testing stage. The software tester needs to ensure that every part of the programme works properly so that the end user won’t have any problems.
The software tester will work on more than one programme at any time, as each programme goes back to the developer after the tester has reported on it. There may be lengthy periods when the developer needs to work on the programme, so the software tester will move to other programmes.
There aren’t many courses for the person who wants to be a tester so technical knowledge is usually acquired from a previous job in software development or from their time at university. The software tester will need to know a wide variety of programming languages.
This is a highly technical career and software testers command a competitive salary.
Interview
It is taken for granted that the applicant has the essential qualifications, skills and experience necessary for this position. The candidate should be confident in their own ability but it is important not to appear over-confident. Spend some time finding out about the company, and ensure that there is a list of questions to ask the interviewer at the appropriate time.
It is essential to arrive in good time wearing a smart suit. Shake hands firmly with the interviewer and smile. The interviewer will tell you their name, so use it when speaking to them. Look at the interviewer throughout the interview – don’t look down at the floor. Ensure that you speak clearly, and not too quickly. If you don’t understand a question ask for clarification. This is preferable to answering a completely different question.
When speaking about your work sound positive and enthusiastic. The interviewer will probably show you around the company whilst giving you information. Do ask questions, but keep them short. Don’t wander away from the subject or start to ramble.
At the end of the interview, shake hands again and thank the interviewer for seeing you. Confirm that you really want the job and ask when a decision will be made.
Do they still have this specific role? I know a lot of companies now offer BETA testing out to their "members" meaning that they are basically testing the software before its released to the public. I guess that they will still need people to test the software before it gets to that stage though, as the BETA testers dont tend to get paid but do get the game etc for free
Jobs for a software tester are often hotly competed for. Qualifications and experience will be essential in this industry as proof will be needed that you are capable of working in a fast paced and cutting edge environment.
Due to the high demand for places getting a job in one of these sought after positions will normally go to the best candidate judged on experience. You will be required to work effectively unsupervised alone and as part of a team. Hours can be long and so the right candidate should be flexible. The majority of your interview questions are going to be technical ones. Your portfolio should already have been presented to the potential employer and now it is up to the interviewer to gauge your suitability.
Here are some example questions you may face:
Question: What is the difference between preventative and reactive approaches to testing?
Answer: Preventative tests are designed early on, whereas, reactive tests are designed after the software has been produced.
Question: What is the purpose of exit criteria?
Answer: To define when a test level is complete.
Question: When should configuration management procedures be implemented?
Answer: During test planning.
A software tester will most likely be a sideways entry candidate, i.e built a career in a similar job but has taken transferable skills into a new direction. This means that direct entry candidates, those just leaving university or coming from a completely different career path, are unlikely to make it this far. This means that the main emphasis of your preparation for the interview should be on swatting up on your technical knowledge. It would be advisable to do some homework on the company you have applied to. This will ensure you can get a heads up on what systems and software they currently use.