Tag Archives: software testing

A Winning Combination: Mastering Manual Testing and Test Automation for a Successful Career as a Software Test Analyst

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Introduction:

In today’s competitive job market, aspiring software test analysts need to equip themselves with a diverse skill set that includes both manual testing and test automation. The ability to seamlessly transition between these two realms not only enhances your marketability but also opens doors to a wider range of opportunities. In this blog, we will explore the importance of mastering both manual testing and test automation, along with essential tools such as Selenium, Cucumber, Jenkins, GitHub, Jira, and API testing. By acquiring the right software testing skills, you can boost your CV and position yourself at the top of the candidate pile and securing a rewarding career as a software test analyst.

1. The Power of Manual Testing:

Manual testing forms the foundation of software testing and is essential for understanding the intricacies of the testing process. Mastering manual testing allows you to gain valuable insights into the software and its functionalities. It enables you to design effective test cases, execute them meticulously, and identify defects through hands-on exploration. Manual testing helps you develop a deep understanding of the software’s behaviour and user experience, allowing you to provide meaningful feedback and contribute to the overall improvement of the product. Essential knowledge areas here include:

•     Analysing various forms of requirement documents

•    Producing Test Plans.

•    Identifying Test Data required.

•    Determining Test Environment.

•    Understanding the context of the test effort.

2. Embracing Test Automation with Selenium:

Software Testing

Test automation has become an integral part of the software testing landscape, and proficiency with automation tools is highly valued in the industry. Selenium, a widely-used open-source automation framework, empowers testers to automate web service testing. Learning Selenium enables you to write efficient and reliable test scripts, execute test cases across different browsers and platforms, and identify defects quickly. By incorporating Selenium into your skill set, you showcase your ability to expedite testing processes and ensure robust software quality.

Essential knowledge areas here include:

  • Learning how to set up WebDriver, launch browsers, navigate web pages, locate and interact with elements
  • Effectively locating elements on a web page is crucial in test automation
  • Handling Alerts, Frames, and Windows
  • Page Object Model (POM) and the Page Factory pattern
  • Using reporting libraries and frameworks compatible with Selenium, such as TestNG, JUnit

3. Leveraging Agile Tools for Collaboration:

In today’s Agile-driven environment, collaboration and efficient project management are key. Familiarity with tools such as Cucumber, Jenkins, GitHub, and Jira can significantly enhance your employability as a software test analyst. Cucumber facilitates behaviour-driven development (BDD) by providing a common language for communication between stakeholders. Jenkins enables continuous integration and automation of test execution. GitHub offers version control for collaborative development, while Jira helps manage Agile projects effectively. Proficiency in these tools demonstrates your adaptability to Agile methodologies and enhances your ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.

4. Emphasizing API Testing:

API Testing

API (Application Programming Interface) testing plays a crucial role in validating the integration and communication between software components. Understanding API testing and becoming familiar with tools like Postman and SOAPUI expands your testing capabilities beyond the user interface. Proficiency in API testing allows you to validate data transfers, test API endpoints, and verify proper functioning of backend systems. This skill set positions you as a well-rounded software test analyst capable of handling diverse testing scenarios.

5. Giving Your CV the Competitive Edge:

CV with a competitive edge

By acquiring a combination of manual testing, test automation, Agile tools, and API testing skills, you provide your CV with the competitive edge it needs to stand out. Employers value candidates who possess a holistic understanding of the testing process, as well as the ability to adapt to evolving industry trends. Highlighting your proficiency in these areas demonstrates your versatility, adaptability, and commitment to professional growth. Showcase your hands-on experience, certifications, and successful project outcomes to give potential employers confidence in your abilities as a software test analyst.

Conclusion:

To secure a software test analyst job and position yourself at the top of the candidate pile, it’s essential to master both manual testing and test automation. Additionally, gaining proficiency in tools like Selenium, Cucumber, Jenkins, GitHub, Jira, and API testing adds significant value to your skill set. By learning the right combination of manual and automated testing techniques, along with familiarity with Agile tools,

3 things you need to do to clinch your first Software Testing job

6 Replies

How many bugs have you found today?

How many bugs have you found today?

A software test analyst reviews software functionality and documents the testing of that software.  Essentialy, a tester will read through specifications of an application and create test conditions to check that it works as specified.
As no particular programming knowledge is required there are very few barriers to entry and  therefore it has become a very competitive field. In 2012, landing a job as a software tester will require you to completely stand-out amongst other applicants. By following a few practical tips, you can easily get that interview you need to move you to next base.

 

CV

Software Testing isn't for dummies

Software Testing isn't for dummies

One of the first things you need to focus on is your CV, as this is your advertising medium. It is your opportunity to demonstrate your capability as the best person for the job. Moreso, you need to prove that you understand what an employer is looking for. Your services as a Software Tester are an essential element to a company’s reputation and as such they need to know how reliable, responsible and serious you are.

So firstly, don’t just go and copy any old bog-standard CV template that you find. Many of them are really appalling! Your formatting is very important here so be certain to use nothing less than 11 pt and either Arial or Sans-serif font.
Secondly, always include a covering letter. I cannot stress how important this is. Here you can focus on what the employer wants and prepare a list of your skills that matches that job requirement. Highlight these skills within your CV. State your objectives clearly but keep it all short, only one to two sentences. Be sure that any skills you have in software testing are emphasised. Avoid writing your life story and irrelevant interests in your CV. I once read on a CV sent to me “I have a dog called Muggles and just as parents love children and children love parents, I love my dog and my dog loves me” Seriously? If you are applying for a dog-walking position fine but on what planet would this be of interest to anyone in IT?

I could write a whole book on CV do’s and don’ts but this isn’t the forum for that. My final point on the matter is don’t turn yourself into a bullet-point Billy or Belinda (every one does that!) I really want to read your timeline as a tester; don’t just tell me what you did, tell me why you did it and what the result was.

 Get Experience

Ensure software does what it says on the tin

If you don’t have relevant software testing experience, then get some by all means possible. This is invaluable; so try amd get some specific practical training working on dummy or real live projects. There are many of these available on the Internet. Look for software programs like inventory management software to work on. Download the software and documentation and follow the testing process. Get your work evaluated by other software testing professionals.


If you require a training course to hone your skills then ensure that you will be working on practical exercises just as you would if you were at work. Better still if you can find an internship/work experience scenario Even if’s unpaid take it! Some people will give their left arm for the opportunity!

Certification

OK I’ve left this last deliberately –  that’s because it’s the least important of the three
(imho). Employers these days will not even consider applicants that only have a theoretical overview ISQTB qualified or not. As laudable as that may be (becoming certified), what they will need you to demonstrate is knowledge of real world Testing scenarios and solutions.
So why become certified ? To understand testing methodologies and processes. More importantly, to get your nose past the glorified gate keepers aka recruitment consultants. Yes, those agencies will throw in the kitchen sink along with all sorts of qualifications and skills that they deem to be essential for you to have before applying to their testing role. Most of them really don’t have a clue as to what their client is looking for but are continuously regurgitating the same old job template they’ve been using for the last 5 years.
So get your certification by all means but don’t rest on that as the other two are far more important. Good luck !
Femi Lana is the Managing Director of Futuretrend Technologies Ltd who run training courses  for aspiring software testers via CareerTesters.com