ARE YOU JOB READY? EDUCATION CERTIFICATION EXPERIENCE
HOW ARE YOUR
NETWORKING SKILLS?
MUST FOLLOW RESUME TIPS
INTRODUCTION Your job is in demand. As companies across a diverse spectrum of industries embrace new technologies, offer more technologyenabled services, and strive for innovation, the best software testers are needed for quality assurance from the very beginning. This guide is designed to help you in your search for a software testing job. Whether you are recently graduated or a seasoned professional, this guide covers all the basics of job hunting in your industry. It answers:
What are prospective employers looking for in a software tester?
Where do I start my job search? What should I write on my resume? What questions should I be prepared for in an interview? What networking and learning opportunities are available to me? Where can I find more information?
THE WHOLE PACKAGE
EDUCATION All employers are looking for the whole package. This means the right candidate has right mix of education, knowledge, experience, and skills. Here is what you need to take into consideration when applying as a software tester: The majority of organizations hiring software testers require post secondary education from the candidates they interview. Most often, a bachelors degree in a computer science or related field is required at a minimum. If your goal is to become a software tester, but you have not yet completed a bachelors degree, this would be a great goal to get started with.
CERTIFICATION Every employer requires software testing knowledge. Certification is an excellent way to prove you have the requisite knowledge and set you apart from the competition. Employers will require you to demonstrate this knowledge. It is of particular importance to attain certification when you do not have experience in the field. A few knowledge requirements employers are looking for include:
Demonstrated knowledge of testing technologies, techniques,
tools and methods Familiarity with a variety of scripting languages (Java, Python) Experience with mobile device applications Understanding of databases
Software tester certification is desired for many software testing jobs.
As the worlds most-used software tester certification, ISTQB certification is a preferred choice globally. The ISTQB certification scheme supports a career path from foundation to expert level. As you progress in your career, ISTQB certification gives you a competitive-edge over other candidates with the same experience.
CERTIFICATION SELA, a worlds leader in training and ISTQB Accredited training provider, offers courses both online and in-class courses to prepare you for the final examination. Courses include: Foundation Level (CTFL) CTFL is for anyone interested in software testing and globally recognized as a starting point for software testing professionals. Youll learn about the fundamentals of testing, testing throughout the lifecycle, static test techniques, test design techniques, test management, and test tools. Advanced Level-Test Manager (CTAL Test manager) CTAL Test Manager is designed to extend the knowledge of the Foundation Level certification. This certification is suitable for those who expect to be actively involved in the management of any aspect of software testing. Youll learn about testing process, test management, defect management, improving the test process, test tools and automation, as well as people skills and team composition. Advanced Level-Test Analyst (CTAL Test Analyst) CTAL Test Analyst is suitable for those who are looking to extend the broad understanding of testing of the Foundation level certification to enable the role of Test Analyst to be performed. Youll learn about testing processes, responsibilities of a test analyst, test techniques, testing software quality characteristics, defect management, and test tools.
CERTIFICATION Agile Extension The Agile extension is designed for testers who have completed the Foundation Level certificate and would like to become familiar with working in an agile environment, to formalize their skills, and to accredit their agile skills for recognition among employers. Youll learn how agile projects are organized, commonly applied agile development practices, differences between agile and traditional approaches, the fundamental agile testing principles, practices, processes, and skills, as well as testing tools commonly used on agile projects. If youd like to learn more or read the syllabi for each course visit the ISTQB official site here. Interested in our online courses, see our store. Or if youd prefer the in-class setting, see the class schedule.
EXPERIENCE All employers want experienced software testers. Experience dictates to an employer that you have proven skills within the field. The length of experience you have as a software tester often reflects the types of positions you can apply for. The more experience, the higher level position. In most cases, candidates applying for entry-level positions do not meet the experience requirements. In these instances, the necessary education and certification are important to landing a software testing position.
SOFT SKILLS What are Soft Skills?
Soft skills are character traits and interpersonal skills that
characterize a persons relationships with other people. In the workplace, soft skills are considered a complement to hard skills, which refer to a persons knowledge and occupational skill. Investopedia Job candidates need to have a mix of both technical and soft skills. Here are a few of the top soft skills employers look for in software testers:
Communication Problem-solving Team-oriented Creativity & resourcefulness Critical-thinking skills Multi-tasking abilities
YOUR TOOLBOX
YOUR RESUME Your resume represents who you are. It showcases your skills, experience, and personal brand. And ultimately, it is your sales piece to sell yourself to a prospective employer. Things to remember when writing your resume: 1. Its not about whats in it for you Its about whats in it for your employer. Explain the tangible benefits of your skills. What is the employers return on investment from hiring you? Think to yourself, how does my knowledge and experience help meet the companys goals. 2. Do not send out the same resume to every job posting. Your resume needs to be tailored to the job posting you are applying for. Companies prioritize hiring qualities differently. Tailor your resume to the job posting ensuring the keywords in the posting are within your resume. It is more work than sending out a standard resume, but you will increase your chances of getting an interview. 3. Never lie. The truth will come out one way or another. It is likely you will not possess every quality an employer is looking for. When tailoring your resume to a job posting focus on the skills you do have that the employer wants.
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YOUR RESUME 4. Focus on achievements and qualify your strengths.
Numbers are always good. Employers want to know what you have achieved and what you are capable of, rather than your responsibilities. You can qualify your strengths by sharing your experiences. Simply stating a strength does not prove to an employer that you have it. Showing instances where you demonstrated or developed the strength is a proof point. 5.Organize your information with the most important material first. This may differ between individuals. Typically, work experience comes first followed by education and certifications. However, for an individual with little work experience, education may be a stronger start. Always remember to put the most important strengths and skills first in the list, as well. 6. Dont use pronouns. Use actions verbs. Action verbs are words which easily communicate the skills you are trying to describe. They provide greater strength to your skills and are easily recognized. See this list of action verbs, you can use in your resume here.
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YOUR RESUME 7. Effectively format your resume.
An employer will not spend time on something that is difficult to read.
Your resume needs a visual flow to it. Do not fill the 1-2 pages with text. Instead, make use of white space and use bullets. Choose appropriate fonts and text sizes. If the resume is easy to follow you will have a better chance of an employer reading to the end. 8. Update your resume regularly and proof read multiple times. Your resume should be an evolving document of your accomplishments. It should also be flawless. Edit your resume as you regularly add to it. Have someone else read your resume they may see something youre missing.
Additional Resources: Want an Unbeatable Resume? Read These Tips from a Top Recruiter on Forbes 5 Critical Elements of Any Resume by monster.ca
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WHERE TO START YOUR SEARCH
JOB BOARDS There are many job boards where you can begin your search for a job. Use keywords or specific titles to help narrow down your search to what you are looking for and fits your abilities. Many job boards allow you to upload a resume which employers and recruiters can see this may be a good option to get more visibility. Here are some great job boards: www.monster.ca
www.indeed.ca www.workopolis.com www.wowjobs.ca
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NETWORKING A job search cannot be limited to applying to job postings. Business is all about human connections and the best way to find employment opportunities is to network with others in the industry both online and offline. Using LinkedIn LinkedIn is a professional social networking site. It provides a space for you to build your professional network with those in your industry, as well as, the best personal branding resource available. With 93% of companies using LinkedIn for recruiting and 3 million active job listings, its important for your career to be on LinkedIn. Social networking is making it easier than ever to stay in touch. Use LinkedIn as part of your overall career strategy. Youll be surprised by the number of recruiters who approach you and the numbers of doors opened from within your network. Focus on developing your LinkedIn profile as you create your resume. Resources to get you started on LinkedIn: 6 Steps to Building a Killer LinkedIn Profile [Infographic] on Fast Company 9 Reasons Why You Must Update Your LinkedIn Profile Today on Forbes Why LinkedIn is the only Personal Branding Resource You Need on Forbes LinkedIn Etiquette: 20 Dos & Donts by Melonie Dodaro, LinkedIn Expert
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NETWORKING Attending Industry-Specific Events
Industry-specific events are a great place to meet new people who
work in your field, as well as keep up-to-date with the latest trends. Come prepared with business cards, speak to as many people as possible, collect their business cards, and be sure to follow up with an email or a connection request on LinkedIn. Software Testing events to attend:
StarCanada one of the longest running software testing
conferences in the industry. Learn from the experts on the most up-to-date software testing technologies and tools and spend time networking with other individuals in your field. http://starcanada.techwell.com Toronto Association of Systems & Software Quality as an organization for quality assurance professionals the TASSQ is for anyone interested in software testing. Become a member of the association to network with others and become involved in the software testing community. http://www.torontoassq.com/home.html User Groups attending a user group session connects you with industry peers where you can network and participate in expert led presentations. To find software testing user groups look on www.meetup.com and www.eventbrite.com.
Additional Resources: Go to: http://testingconferences.org/ for information on more software testing conferences taking place across the globe.
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NETWORKING Getting Over Networking Fears
Networking does not always come naturally. It can be intimidating and
frightening for some. However, there are many steps you can take to get over the fear of networking. Helpful tips on how to get over networking fears: How to Master Non-Awkward, Effective In-Person Networking on HubSpot How to Network: 12 Tips for Shy People on CIO.com
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INTERVIEW TIPS
DO YOUR HOMEWORK You need to be prepared for every interview. Part of this preparation is researching the company youre being interviewed at. When employers decide to interview a candidate they typically know from your resume that you have the skills and experience to do the job. What they dont know is if youll fit into the company culture. Before you go to any interview spend some time learning about the company.
What is their vision and mission?
What products or services do they sell? What is their company culture? What current events are happening within the company? What is their past? Where do they want to go in the future?
To find answers to these questions start with their website, read
their press releases, do a google search. Check out www.glassdoor.ca to see what others have said about working there. You can expect at some point in your interview that youll be asked some of these questions. But, an added benefit of doing your homework on the company is determining if it is a company you can see yourself being a part of.
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QUESTION PREPARATION Interviews can be nerve-wrecking. You cant be prepared for every question an interviewer will ask, but there are a bunch you can. Be prepared to answer: Tell me about yourself? theres a lot of information you could say, but its important your answer reflects the job. It is best practice to talk about professional experiences that relate to the job and support your qualifications. What are your weaknesses? the best answer to this question speaks to how you are working to overcome your weaknesses. Why do you want to work here? the interviewer wants to test your level of interest in the job. Its important to know why you want to work at a company and those reasons should endear the interviewer. What are your salary expectations? The best approach for tackling this questions is to know the typical rate within your field and level of experience. See Robert Half Tech Salary Guide for Technology Professionals for salary forecast trends in Canada:
* see pages 37-38 in the full guide for job descriptions
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QUESTION PREPARATION Why did you leave (or are you leaving) your last job? it is best to present the answer in a positive manner or speak to what you want to accomplish in your next position. Tricky psychological questions some interviewers like to throw in a curve ball. These are tricky questions that many seem out of context to the job interview. What these questions are really testing is your ability to think quickly, your thought process, and what your answer revels about yourself. Here are a few weve heard of:
If you could be any animal what would you be?
Who is your favourite blogger? If your life was to be made into a movie what actor would you want to portray you? Why? How do you find the center of a square? If the Internet is down what do you do?
Technical exam a technical exam is going to test your software
testing skills. You need to know how to do what the job requires of you and employers want to test this. Youll need to take steps to prepare. Spend some time refreshing on the basics, see if there are any practice exams available online, and find ways to relax to be in the right mindset. Additional Resources 10 Most Common Interview Questions on monster.ca How to Ace the 50 Most Common Interview Questions on Forbes 14 Interview Questions that are Designed to Trick You on Business Insider Top 10 Odd Ball Interview Questions in 2015 on GlassDoor How to Prepare (and Ace) a Technical Interview on CIO.com
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BODY LANGUAGE Actions speak louder than words. The same is true for your body language and demeanor during an interview. What you should be doing:
Smiling Good eye contact Open body posture A professional handshake
You want to show your interviewer that you are confident,
assertive and interested in the job. Watch this Ted Talk by Amy Cuddy, Social Psychologist on How Body Language Shapes Who We Are.
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SUMMARY
SUMMARY This guide provides you with helpful tips and direction as you begin and continue your search for a position as a software tester. Here are a few things to remember along the way:
Be positive about your job search and keep yourself
motivated Keep track of the jobs youve applied for and follow-up with the contact Spend time building your network Develop an elevator pitch to describe yourself in a few sentences Continue to build your personal brand even after landing a job
