<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Introduction">1 Introduction</a></li><li><a href="#Defining_Brain_fog">2 Defining Brain fog:</a></li><li><a href="#Identifying_the_Causes_of_Brain_Fog">3 Identifying the Causes of Brain Fog:</a></li><li><a href="#What_Causes_Brain_Fog_in_Software_Testers">4 What Causes Brain Fog in Software Testers?</a></li><li><a href="#Recommended_Strategies_to_Overcome_Brain_Fog">5 Recommended Strategies to Overcome Brain Fog</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion_Putting_it_all_Together">6 Conclusion: Putting it all Together</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-introduction">Introduction</h2>



Hello there,



Welcome to another interesting blog that discusses the current hardships that we face. The past few years have indeed been tough for all of us. We were all faced with several challenges, both professionally and personally. One of the primary causes for this was COVID-19. Following the epidemic, we are returning to normalcy. Most of us are still dealing with <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/coronavirus-disease-(covid-19)-post-covid-19-condition" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">post-covid symptoms</a> like depression, anxiety, stress, and so on. You may or may not be aware of the implications. However, in order to live a calm existence, it is imperative that these issues be addressed.



In today&#8217;s article, we&#8217;ll look at brain fog and its impacts. Is this a brand-new term? Don&#8217;t be concerned! We&#8217;ve got you covered. Let us study and practice together.



Let&#8217;s study and use some of the finest strategies for overcoming brain fog.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-defining-brain-fog">Defining Brain fog:</h2>



The word &#8220;brain fog&#8221; refers to feelings of forgetfulness, bewilderment, and mental exhaustion. Brain fog is a prevalent occurrence that affects everyone, particularly in the post-COVID age. While brain fog is not a medical diagnosis, it is a genuine and distressing condition that can have an impact on your quality of life. When you have brain fog, it might be difficult to remember what you&#8217;ve learned, focus on your work, and think clearly. It can also make it difficult to think creatively or make decisions. In rare cases, brain fog might result in memory loss.



Brain fog can cause several symptoms, including:



&#8211; Being forgetful or unable to focus



&#8211; Being confused or disoriented&nbsp;



&#8211; Having difficulty performing activities&nbsp;



&#8211; Being mentally exhausted



 <h2 id="h-identifying-the-causes-of-brain-fog">Identifying the Causes of Brain Fog:</h2>



Brain fog is a prevalent problem that affects people of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. A multitude of reasons can contribute to it, including stress, lack of sleep, poor diet, dehydration, and hormone abnormalities.



<ul><li>Stress can overwhelm the brain, rendering it incapable of processing information properly.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<ul><li>Sleep deprivation can make it harder to concentrate and comprehend information.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<ul><li>Poor diet can lead to brain fog because the body needs certain nutrients to function properly.</li></ul>



<ul><li>Dehydration can cause disorientation and difficulties concentrating.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<ul><li>Hormonal imbalances might leave you feeling hazy and distracted.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<ul><li>Additionally, it can be caused by environmental factors like noise or light levels.&nbsp;</li></ul>



Identifying the origin of brain fog is critical for effective treatment. It is critical to monitor lifestyle factors such as stress, sleep, diet, and hydration.



<h2 id="h-what-causes-brain-fog-in-software-testers">What Causes Brain Fog in Software Testers?</h2>



Brain fog can be a debilitating condition for software testers, making it difficult to focus, remember facts, and recall details. It can be a source of frustration and cause of distress for testers, but there are ways to work through it. It is a state of confusion and difficulty to focus, which can make even the easiest of tasks seem difficult. As a software tester, it can be hard to complete tasks when brain fog is on the rise. By identifying the causes of brain fog, software testers can begin to move past it and shine brighter.&nbsp;



There are many possible causes of brain fog for software testers. It can be due to sleeplessness caused by project issues and timelines, improper work-life balance, same mundane project work, missing fun at work, etc. Whatever the cause, brain fog can make it difficult to think clearly and perform at your best.



<h2 id="h-recommended-strategies-to-overcome-brain-fog">Recommended Strategies to Overcome Brain Fog</h2>



We all suffer from brain fog at one time or another. As software testers, we are constantly finding bugs and checking for errors in code, a seemingly endless task. Also, we are gatekeepers of the project, which puts a lot of pressure on us. This can be draining and make it harder to stay focused and efficient. The first step in overcoming brain fog is to identify its source.



If you&#8217;re a software tester and you&#8217;re struggling with brain fog, there are a few things you can do to try and clear it up.



<ul><li>Take regular breaks: It is critical for software testers to take frequent breaks to renew their minds and avoid brain fog. During breaks, they are free to engage in whatever activity they find comforting, such as reading, listening to music, or creating anything really.</li></ul> 



<ul><li>Delegate tasks: Software testers can feel overwhelmed by the amount of work they have to do and feel brain fog due to the amount of pressure they are under. So to avoid this, it is crucial to do a proper work delegation and understand when it&#8217;s necessary to let go of some work and let someone else do it.</li></ul> 



<ul><li>Say &#8220;No&#8221;: As a software tester, it&#8217;s important to be a team player and be able to say &#8216;no.&#8217; You should be able to say &#8216;no&#8217; whenever you are overwhelmed by too much work. Please don&#8217;t wait for the threshold and burst on. Always keep an eye on how you feel and start saying no to any tasks that are not essential and adding to your workload.</li></ul> 



<ul><li>Get adequate sleep: The vast majority of testers work long hours, which might lead to exhaustion. To avoid this, it is crucial to keep a regular sleeping pattern to ensure that your mind and body receive adequate rest. Every day, strive to get 8 hours of good sleep.</li></ul> 



<ul><li>Organize the work and workstation: Staying organized helps you to keep track of tasks and deadlines and make sure that your work is progressing in the right direction. This will help to reduce confusion and make it easier for the tester to focus on the tasks at hand. Organizing doesn&#8217;t mean that you are supposed to complete all the tasks. It’s about prioritizing, deprioritizing, decluttering etc. This will give you clarity on what needs to be done when. Also, please keep your work environment neat and tidy. Organizing your workspace will help you to be more productive, and it will also help you to feel more relaxed and calm.&nbsp;</li></ul> 



<ul><li>Exercise regularly: Exercise not only keeps software testers physically healthy, but it also helps them clear their thoughts and focus more effectively. Regular physical activity also aids in the release of happy hormones, which can assist in boosting mood and maintaining the brain health. Start simple. Begin with walking for 30 minutes a day and gradually increase the amount of time and intensity.</li></ul> 



<ul><li>Eat a balanced diet: One of the biggest causes of fatigue and brain fog is a poor diet. A healthy diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables is vital for maintaining energy levels throughout the day. <a href="https://carnivorestyle.com/carnivore-diet/meal-plans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plan your meal</a> in advance to ensure that you have a healthy, balanced meal.</li></ul>



<ul><li>Drink Plenty of Water: Dehydration can cause fatigue and disorientation, so drinking lots of water throughout the day can assist in keeping the mind clear and operating at peak performance.</li></ul> 



<ul><li>Practice positive thinking: Positive thinking is a powerful technique that may help to reduce worries and anxiety. Every day, software testers should practice positive thinking by visualizing their goals, staying present, and thinking about the positives/good results.</li></ul> 



<ul><li>Meditate: Meditation can assist the mind in being in the present moment, boosting attention and decreasing brain fog. The discipline of being attentive and present in the moment, focusing on the current experience, and letting thoughts and emotions pass without getting caught up in them, is known as mindful meditation. By clearing the thoughts of distractions and focusing on what is happening in the now, mindful meditation can help software testers stay focused and enthusiastic.</li></ul> 



<ul><li>Make a routine and stick to it: Developing a routine and sticking to it until it becomes a habit will help ensure that your body and mind get the rest and relaxation they require.</li></ul> 



<ul><li>Change up the Task: Doing the same task for an extended period of time can lead to boredom and exhaustion, therefore, switching tasks can assist in maintaining attention and prevent brain fog.</li></ul> 



<ul><li>Make Time for Fun: Taking time to unwind and enjoy activities outside of work can assist in decreasing stress, improve mental clarity, and rejuvenate the mind.</li></ul> 



<ul><li>Spending time outside in nature: Getting out in nature for a few minutes might assist to clear the mind and make it easier to focus on the subject at hand.</li></ul>



If you&#8217;re still struggling, there are some cognitive-enhancing supplements that you can try. Of course, you need to consult the medical practitioner before that. And finally, if all else fails, you can always take a long break from work and come back to it when you&#8217;re feeling more clear-headed.



<h2 id="h-conclusion-putting-it-all-together">Conclusion: Putting it all Together</h2>



Brain fog can be an obstacle in the software testing profession. However, with the proper knowledge and strategies, it can be managed and even eliminated. We, as software testers, should be more open-minded and enthusiastic so that our brains can help in delivering the best quality products.&nbsp;



Finally, it is important to remember that brain fog affects everyone. It is natural to experience difficulty in focusing at times. By taking regular breaks, staying organized and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, software testers can overcome the effects of brain fog and continue to shine brighter.&nbsp;



You might want to read some more blogs by Pricilla Bilavendran:



<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/software-test-engineer-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Is there a way for software test engineers to manage stress in this culture of hustle?</a>



<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/a-testers-gambit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A Tester’s Gambit</a>



<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/how-to-be-an-open-minded-tester/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">How To Be An Open-Minded Tester?</a>

How Software Testers can overcome Brain Fog and Shine Brighter

Hello there, I hope you are doing well! Welcome back to another interesting blog.&nbsp;



I was watching one of the NAS daily videos with my five-year-old recently. It was about a few Japanese facts. People are incredibly humble and kind. They also appear to emphasize respect for others. This piqued my curiosity to study Japanese culture further. 



Then I got to know about a book called “<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/40534545" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life</a>&#8216;. Reading that book was one of the life-changing experiences of my life. Yes, I enjoyed reading that book and suggested to a few of my friends and family members to read this book too.&nbsp;



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/QhJcuOPd5KHlcaQkaCfPyUndgKOae7iTbvjq84_GZtq2TqlozlbBsMFtwWj_1Qlj-xW1ztHl6vjwFW1v5iZm8TgAinnVjq8mdOuDVsy3ElPZ5ehoWKzm_14JlgtS8kFFWEVS2dLNl4Bt1Zw-ruwL3O0" alt="Testsigma - Test automation platform" width="600" height="400"/></figure></div>



However, my research on Japanese concepts continued. I discovered a wealth of fascinating facts and knowledge about Japanese culture. Finally, it appears that they have much to teach us.



Let&#8217;s study some Japanese phrases and the thoughts behind them in this blog. Also, how is this beneficial to software testers, and why should we have a good understanding of it.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_Are_Japanese_Concepts">1 What Are Japanese Concepts?</a></li><li><a href="#Japanese_Concepts_for_Software_Testers">2 Japanese Concepts for Software Testers:</a></li><li><a href="#To_conclude">3 To conclude:</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-are-japanese-concepts">What Are Japanese Concepts?</h2>



Japanese culture has had a long history of emphasizing excellence and appreciation of detail. Japanese concepts are ideas, values, and beliefs that are important in Japanese culture. Some examples include respect for elders, the importance of hard work, and the idea of harmony between people and nature. 



These concepts help to shape the way people in Japan live their lives. Many of the concepts and philosophies developed in Japan, such as Kaizen and Kanban, have become popular in the software industry. But to my surprise, there are many more overlooked concepts that will enrich your life and help you be a better software tester.



<h2 id="japanese-concepts-for-software-testers">Japanese Concepts for Software Testers:</h2>



Software Testers play an essential role in ensuring the quality of software applications. Let’s see in detail the Japanese concepts which can help us to elevate the testing process:



<p id="kaizen-it-s-an-approach-to-continuously-improve-processes-products-and-services-on-small-incremental-levels-a-philosophy-of-continuous-improvement-focused-on-small-incremental-adjustments-over-time-to-improve-quality">1. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaizen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kaizen</a>: It’s an approach to continuously improve processes, products, and services on small incremental levels. A philosophy of continuous improvement focused on small incremental adjustments over time to improve quality.&nbsp;



In the world of software testing, Kaizen is an important concept that testers should be familiar with. Kaizen, which literally translates to “change for the better”,&nbsp; emphasizes small incremental changes over drastic reform, which can help ensure that any changes made are manageable and effective. Kaizen requires that everyone involved in a project take responsibility for their actions and ensure that processes are continually improved.&nbsp;



It is a flexible system that allows for changes to be implemented quickly and efficiently, as problems are identified and solutions are put forward. This makes it the ideal methodology for software testing, as testers need to be able to quickly identify and debug any issues that arise during Test execution.



2. Kanban: Kanban is a popular method for managing tasks and processes. It is a system that utilizes visual cards to track progress and prioritize tasks. The cards are placed on a board and visually represent tasks to be done. A process commonly used among software testers, emphasizes doing only the necessary tasks in order to reach the goal. Using visual signals to identify and stimulate process improvement during software testing &#8211; a Kanban system describes, visualizes, and manages the production process.&nbsp;



Here’s an example of how kanban works: Say you’re working on a marketing project for a client. As part of the project, you need to arrange social media posts, develop content, design sales brochures, and book webinars. You use sticky notes and put them on a Kanban board. The labels on the notes will be: “To-Do”, “In Progress” and “Done”.&nbsp;



You start by labeling the first note “To-Do”. You need to arrange the social media posts so you write “Arrange Social Media Posts”. You then write the other tasks on other notes and label them “To-Do” as well. As you begin working on the tasks, you move them to the “In Progress” label. Once they are done, you move them to the “Done” label.&nbsp;



The Kanban board lets you easily see which tasks you have done, which tasks are in progress, and which tasks still need to be done. By visually tracking tasks, it allows you to focus on the tasks that still need to be done.&nbsp;



 In the world of software testing, there are a variety of concepts and principles that are essential to know in order to do one’s job effectively. Kanban is a powerful tool that can help software testers stay organized and efficient, leading to better results. Kanban works by breaking down tasks and resources into distinct stages, allowing software testers to easily identify bottlenecks and plan ahead for upcoming work.



3. Genchi Genbutsu: It’s a Japanese phrase meaning &#8220;go and see&#8221; that encourages software testers to observe and learn about the end-user experience. A notion that promotes traveling to the real location to obtain knowledge to make a more informed decision. Going to the source to gain a deeper understanding of a process, product, or anything related by directly observing and questioning.&nbsp;



 It is a core part of the Toyota Production System (TPS) and is a central principle of the company&#8217;s philosophy. The lean manufacturing philosophy behind Genchi Genbutsu is that management should be thorough in their investigations, always going to the source of any customer or production issue to not just physically observe but also learn the underlying causes. For example, a customer is complaining about the application&#8217;s slowness. They try to replicate the user scenario (location, OS/device, user profile) and try to understand more about the root cause. Armed with this data, the project team will then be in a much stronger position to diagnose the issue and prevent it from happening in the future.



4. Shikata Ga Nai:&nbsp; &#8220;Shikata ga nai,&#8221; or &#8220;Sho ga nai,&#8221; is a Japanese phrase that means “it cannot be helped” or “it is what it is” and nothing can be done about it, accepting that there are certain situations and circumstances that are out of our control. It’s the art of letting it go. Sometimes after strenuous effort, things won’t work the way we wanted them to. For example, if you have worked hard for a production release, and something goes wrong in production, there are multiple reasons for that &#8211; not just insufficient test coverage. So, start work on the bugs and test the fixes. Also, make sure to add those scenarios to the regression test case suite. In a nutshell, instead of thinking about it, work on the action items and just let it go.



5. Kata: Kata is a Japanese word that means &#8220;form&#8221; or &#8220;pattern&#8221;. It is often used to describe specific sequences of exercises used to teach martial arts techniques, such as Shotokan karate. A structured sequence of steps and actions used to practice and teach a skill. Every event will follow a specific pattern and we should implement this skill while studying the application behavior or debugging a defect. Getting to know the pattern can help you gain a deeper understanding of the application behavior.



6. Jidoka: Jidoka is an automated quality control technique pioneered by Sakichi Toyoda of the Toyota Corporation in the early 20th century. It is used to identify and correct defects in a process or product before it is sent to a customer. Jidoka teaches machines and people to detect problems and take appropriate action. Automation with a Human Touch that focuses on preventing defects versus a quick discovery and repair. For example, A manufacturer of widgets is using a jidoka system in their production process. Every time a widget is made, its form and function are assessed. If the widget fails these tests, the machine will shut down and alert a human operator. The operator can then investigate the issue and correct it before any further widgets are produced. This ensures that each widget meets quality standards and prevents bad widgets from being shipped to customers. Similarly, we develop the product prototype and then we develop in sprints, which can help us to ensure that we are on track with the product features.



7. Jishuken: A competitive method of testing in which two tester teams are pitted against one another to improve and refine ideas or processes. Jishuken is a Japanese management style focusing on self-improvement and small, steady improvements in the form of Kaizen. It utilizes a team-based approach to problem-solving, incorporating small incremental changes in improvement processes. Jishuken revolves around a process of continuous improvement and self-reflection, conducted within a team and supported by leaders, to identify areas of improvement and develop strategies to address the issues identified. The concept puts forth the idea that a team can accomplish more when each individual gives up his own opinion to reach a common goal.



8. Muda: Muda is a Japanese business term for “waste”. It is derived from the Lean manufacturing production system and refers to any activity that does not directly add value to the product or service. A concept used for process testing and efficiency; identifying and eliminating unnecessary steps in order to improve the overall process. Waste or any activity that doesn’t add value to the product or service. In the entire Software Testing life cycle, we have to identify the waste and try to eliminate it. This saves a lot of our time and effort.&nbsp;



9. Poka-Yoke: Poka-Yoke is an approach to mistake-proofing (inadvertent error prevention) processes, products, and services to ensure the end user gets the expected and correct outcome the first time. The purpose of Poka-Yoke is to develop processes to reduce defects by avoiding or correcting (designed to show alerts or warning messages to the user) mistakes in the early design and development phases.&nbsp;



 This technique is mostly used in manufacturing industries but now this effective technique is also adapted to software development processes as well. We focus more on <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/how-does-testsigma-support-the-shift-left-approach/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shift left</a> defects and back-end testing to reduce the effort, cost, and time. One simple example could include placing a sticky warning label right next to a hazard sign to draw attention to it, or having a different color key for each type of tool so an operator can easily identify the correct key. In Software Testing, we can implement this and focus more on error-prevention techniques in the early phases of testing.



10. Hansei: The Japanese concept of Hansei is a process of reflection and self-criticism used to improve one’s self. The term translates to “self-reflection” and refers to a reflective process that focuses on challenging one’s own beliefs and opening up to alternatives. Through Hansei, individuals can gain insight into how to solve their present challenges and identify areas of improvement. A concept of personal reflection after completing a task meant to improve future projects. Our retrospective meetings are a great example of the Hansei.



11. Ishikawa Diagram: An Ishikawa diagram, also known as a fishbone, cause-and-effect diagram, or Carter diagram, is a business tool used to identify, analyze, and prevent errors and defects in a process. The Ishikawa diagram is a graphical representation of various causes for an event that can help identify and categorize potential causes. It&#8217;s an organized way to look at an event, breaking down the individual components that cause it.



For example, a software project that is facing delays might look something like this:



Head of Fish (Problem Statement): Delays in Software Project



Bones:



&#8211; People: Unskilled staff, incompatible skills with the task, lack of coordination



&#8211; Process/Systems: Poor planning, resource mismanagement, lack of documentation



&#8211; Materials: Inadequate budget, poor quality



&#8211; Environment: Poor environment, External dependencies



Once the potential causes have been identified, the team can organize and prioritize potential solutions. This helps the team to quickly and efficiently identify the root cause of the problem and take the necessary steps to remedy it.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/Rk_reaRBFcPAuSmQ6BAokY9fdzN-UxCABJTfLPjIF0mNRLyY6cDVzwv0yactfSOkfettedCr92mfOLCnqndXgLpGgNL5L0dFQKishX5iR3lQiSZSH3N7_ftpe3XHCner2Gktod0eYRjwZMZjIyjPJVk" alt="Fish bone diagram" width="800" height="400"/></figure></div>



 <h2 id="to-conclude">To conclude:</h2>



Isn’t it way too interesting? I enjoyed learning about these Japanese concepts and found that in a way we are already using many of them in our processes and daily work. Not only technical, but sometimes we need to rethink our whole way of doing things. It’s a holistic process of mind, body, and soul.&nbsp;



I strongly believe everyone has something to teach us and we can learn from everyone. Same way, we can learn from people with different cultural backgrounds and that’s why inclusive teams are the best-performing ones.&nbsp;



Hope you enjoyed reading this blog. The list is so big, so stay tuned for the next blog to know more about a few other interesting concepts. please let us know what your favorite Japanese concept is and what makes you feel so.&nbsp;



PC:<a href="http://Freepik.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Freepik.com</a>



Read more similar blogs by <a href="mailto:bpricilla@gmail.com">Pricilla Bilavendran</a>:



<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/how-to-be-an-open-minded-tester/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">How To Be An Open-Minded Tester?</a>



<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/software-test-engineer-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Is there a way for software test engineers to manage stress in this culture of hustle?</a>



<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/a-testers-gambit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A Tester’s Gambit</a>



<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/how-to-be-an-open-minded-tester/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">How To Be An Open-Minded Tester?</a>&nbsp;

Achieving Zen in Software Testing A Journey Through Japanese Concepts

Achieving Zen in Software Testing: A Journey Through Japanese Concepts

Most Commonly Asked API Testing Interview Questions

Top 27 API Testing Interview Questions

It&#8217;s already 2023, and as we all know, software testing has advanced significantly. But it doesn&#8217;t imply we should ignore the fundamentals or the basics. The &#8220;7 Principles of Software Testing&#8221; are such basics that we should always adhere to. You may have studied these concepts as part of your ISTQB certification training when you started your testing career.



Did you just forget about them after reading the book, as you did with previous theoretical papers? Or do you continue to adhere to or follow these principles in your day-to-day testing activities? We should follow particular processes for testing activities, which may appear more difficult at first, but will save us a lot of time in the long run.



As a quality assurance measure, testing is essential to the software development process. By testing the software, developers can ensure that the product meets the requirements and is free of defects.



There are various types of testing that can be employed, depending on the stage of development. For example, unit testing is conducted on individual components or modules, while integration testing focuses on the interactions between different modules/components. System testing is a comprehensive testing approach that covers the entire system, from end to end.&nbsp;



So, let us go through the principles of Software testing that every software tester should be aware of in-depth, these will be helpful in all stages of testing.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Why_are_Software_Testing_Principles_Important">1 Why are Software Testing Principles Important?</a></li><li><a href="#What_are_the_7_Principles_of_Software_Testing">2 What are the 7 Principles of Software Testing?</a><ul><li><a href="#1_Testing_shows_the_presence_of_defects_not_their_absence">2.1 1. Testing shows the presence of defects (not their absence)</a></li><li><a href="#2_Exhaustive_testing_is_impossible">2.2 2. Exhaustive testing is impossible</a></li><li><a href="#3_Early_testing">2.3 3. Early testing</a></li><li><a href="#4_Defect_Clustering">2.4 4. Defect Clustering</a></li><li><a href="#5_Pesticide_Paradox">2.5 5. Pesticide Paradox</a></li><li><a href="#6_Testing_is_context-dependent">2.6 6. Testing is context-dependent</a></li><li><a href="#7_Absence-of-errors_fallacy">2.7 7. Absence-of-errors fallacy</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Myth_8220Testing_Principles_Arenbspjust_for_Reference_Not_to_be_Used_in_Practice8221nbsp">3 Myth: &#8220;Testing Principles Are&nbsp;just for Reference, Not to be Used in Practice&#8221;&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="#Closing_words">4 Closing words:</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions">5 Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#What_are_the_First_Principles_of_Testing">5.1 What are the First Principles of Testing?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="why-are-software-testing-principles-important">Why are Software Testing Principles Important?</h2>



Software testing principles are important for ensuring the quality and reliability of software applications. Here&#8217;s why they matter:



<ol><li>Early Bug Detection: Testing principles detect defects early, preventing them from escalating into larger problems in production.</li><li>Better Software Quality: Adhering to testing standards leads to higher-quality software that fulfills user expectations.</li><li>Risk Mitigation: The testing principles detect and reduce possible risks, improving software security and performance.</li><li>Enhanced client Confidence: Thorough testing increases client trust and pleasure with the software.</li><li>Cost Savings: Testing principles save time and resources by preventing costly rework and problem fixes.</li><li>Compliance and Standards: Testing principles aid in meeting industry and regulatory standards.</li><li>Iterative Development: Adhering to testing principles develops a learning and iterative development culture.</li></ol>



These ideas emphasize the significance of testing principles in producing dependable and high-quality software.



Read here &#8211; <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/principles-of-software-test-automation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Principles of Automation</a>



<h2 id="what-are-the-7-principles-of-software-testing">What are the 7 Principles of Software Testing?</h2>



Below are the 7 fundamental principles :



<ol><li>Testing shows the presence of defects</li><li>Exhaustive testing is impossible</li><li>Early testing</li><li>Defect clustering</li><li>Pesticide paradox</li><li>Testing is context dependent</li><li>Absence-of-errors fallacy</li></ol>



<h3 id="1-testing-shows-the-presence-of-defects-not-their-absence">1. Testing shows the presence of defects (not their absence)</h3>



Who doesn&#8217;t love identifying defects? We&#8217;d all like to. Every product or web application I use will have defects 😀. Primarily, we conduct testing to identify flaws and deviations. We concentrate on the faults and vulnerable modules.



Also, we perform different types of testing to uncover the defects. Once the software has been developed and tested, it is ready for release. However, in some cases, defects may still be present. In these cases, it is important to have a process in place for tracking and resolving defects.



Because there are still a few defects in the system that you were unable to discover for a variety of reasons. That doesn&#8217;t imply we&#8217;re not competent. This issue can be mitigated by updating or revising the scenarios and test data. As a result, we can endeavor to develop day by day.



<h3 id="2-exhaustive-testing-is-impossible">2. Exhaustive testing is impossible</h3>



Exhaustive testing is impossible. You cannot utilize every permutation and combination feasible. That&#8217;s why we have to rely on the heuristics and best practices to guide our testing efforts. We use our business and domain knowledge to <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-efficiency/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test efficiently</a>.&nbsp;



There are several reasons why exhaustive testing isn&#8217;t really possible. The first point is that testing anything and everything is impossible. Second, testing everything in a reasonable timeframe is impossible. Third, it is difficult to foresee every single problem. Fourth, it is hard to predict how the test will be performed. Finally, exhaustive testing is impossible to validate.



There is no such thing as a perfect test in software testing. There will always be some edge cases that we get to neglect or sections of the code that are more complex than others. That is why it is critical to employ a range of testing approaches and to always seek new ways to improve our testing process.



No matter how much time and effort we put into it, some bugs will always creep through the gaps. We can only do our best to reduce the number of potential issues and ensure that we have a comprehensive testing methodology to capture as many of them as possible.



<h3 id="3-early-testing">3. Early testing</h3>



Testing is a critical component of software development. Early testing, on the other hand, is critical since it helps developers to detect and correct problems before they become mainstream. Also, this saves a lot of money and effort.&nbsp;



Conducting user testing is one of the greatest methods to uncover problems early on. When a user tests software, they undertake tasks that are essential to them. This enables developers to learn how users interact with the product and assess if the features and design are functioning properly.



User testing may also assist developers to assess whether a proposed feature is feasible. They can evaluate if consumers will find the new feature beneficial and whether it will create any problems by testing it with a group of users.



Early testing is critical for a number of reasons. For instance, it can detect possible problems early on, before they trigger significant problems. Early testing can also assist to enhance the overall quality of the completed product. Finally, early testing can assist to enhance development efficiency by letting developers focus on correcting issues that are discovered early on.



<h3 id="4-defect-clustering">4. Defect Clustering</h3>



Defect clustering refers to the tendency for faults to concentrate in particular areas of code. This might be due to a variety of variables, such as how the code is designed, how the team is organized, or just how the human brain works.



For whatever reason, defect clustering can have a significant impact on your development process. If the majority of your defects are concentrated in one region of code, you&#8217;ll spend most of your time and effort repairing them there.



It is a problem-solving technique that helps identify and resolve defects in products. It is based on the observation that defects are often grouped together in clusters.



As anyone in software development knows, defects are inevitable. But what many people don&#8217;t realize is that defects tend to cluster together. Here&#8217;s what you need to know about defect clustering and how to deal with it effectively.



Have you heard about <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pareto_principle" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pareto Principle</a>?&nbsp;



The Pareto principle states that for many outcomes, roughly 80% of consequences come from 20% of causes (the &#8220;vital few&#8221;). Other names for this principle are the 80/20 rule, the law of the vital few, or the principle of factor sparsity.



Knowing this might be very useful for your testing; if we identify one problem in a certain module/area, there is a good probability we will find many more. Identifying the most complicated components, or regions with the greatest dependencies or change, for example, might help you focus your testing on the most critical risk areas. This should always be the primary consideration when planning future test activities.



<h3 id="5-pesticide-paradox">5. Pesticide Paradox</h3>



The pesticide paradox describes how, while pesticides are intended to kill pests, they frequently have the opposite effect. That is, they have the potential to boost insect populations. This paradox arises because pesticide usage might result in the evolution of insect resistance. When this occurs, insecticides no longer efficiently kill the bugs, allowing the pests to thrive.



Similarly, the same testing technique and test scenarios may not help in the discovery of new defects. As software testers, we must always strive to improve test quality in order to offer a high-quality product. We must also regularly evaluate and examine the Test process, Test cases, Approach, and Test data in order to overcome the Pesticide Paradox. Retrospective meetings can be of greater assistance here.



<h3 id="6-testing-is-context-dependent">6. Testing is context-dependent</h3>



There is no questioning the significance of testing. But understanding when and how to test is much more crucial. There is no right or wrong answer since testing is context-dependent. The idea is to use your best judgment to determine what is appropriate for your individual scenario.



Here are a few things to consider during testing:



1. Do not conduct tests in a vacuum



Make certain that you understand the context in which your code will be utilized. This will assist you in determining what needs to be tested and how to test it.



2. Keep things simple



Try not to test everything all at once. Begin with the fundamentals and progressively add more exams as needed.



3. Be meticulous



Once you&#8217;ve determined what needs to be tested, make sure you test every part of it. Testing for both good and negative results is included.



<h3 id="7-absence-of-errors-fallacy">7. Absence-of-errors fallacy</h3>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/Software-testing-process-07.jpg" alt="Zero defects identified ≠ Bug-Free Product
" class="wp-image-25259" width="600" height="400" /><figcaption>Zero defects identified ≠ Bug-Free Product </figcaption></figure></div>



Testing is performed to guarantee that the software/system is fit for purpose and satisfies the users&#8217; expectations. As a result, finding no defects does not indicate that the product meets the quality and expectations of the customers.



Assuming that something will never happen because it has never happened before. The absence-of-errors fallacy can give the illusion of security. Just because something has never happened before does not exclude it. It is a logical fallacy that occurs when it is assumed that something must be true since it has not been proven to be false. This is sometimes seen in arguments when one person argues, as if it were evidence, &#8220;There is no proof that X is true.&#8221;



<h2 id="myth-testing-principles-are-just-for-reference-not-to-be-used-in-practice">Myth: &#8220;Testing Principles Are&nbsp;just for Reference, Not to be Used in Practice&#8221;&nbsp;</h2>



This myth couldn&#8217;t be further from the truth. Testing principles are crucial in creating an effective Test Strategy and crafting robust test cases that catch errors. It&#8217;s like learning to drive for the first time.



When you start learning to drive, you pay attention to every detail: gear shifts, speed control, clutch handling, and more. But as you gain experience, driving becomes second nature. You effortlessly engage in conversations with passengers while seamlessly navigating the road.



Similarly, experienced testers have internalized testing principles to the point of applying them instinctively. They become integral to their testing approach, guiding their decisions without conscious effort. Therefore, the myth that testing principles are not used in practice is unfounded.



Understanding and embracing testing principles empowers testers to deliver high-quality software by leveraging industry best practices. So, let go of this myth and embrace the power of testing principles in your endeavors.



<h2 id="h-closing-words">Closing words:</h2>



Whatever testing you do, these principles will always be a guiding light to you. <a href="https://attentioninsight.com/best-web-analytics-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Testing is an important</a> part of the software development process and is essential for ensuring the quality of the final product. Software testing is a discipline, and each tester must be disciplined in order to create a seamless and high-quality product. As a result, the methods and principles differ, and we, as testers must be able to adhere to and follow them.



While testing, as in other professions, sometimes there are tasks that become repetitive. One of the solutions to improve productivity, in such cases, is to implement test automation. Testsigma is a test automation tool that lets you automate your <a href="https://testsigma.com/end-to-end-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">end-to-end test</a> cases for web, mobile, API and desktop applications. It is also available as an open-source and free version.



<button class="btn bg-primary cta-btn" style="margin: auto"><a href="https://testsigma.com/signup" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:#fff">Get your test automation journey started with Testsigma.</a></button>



Read more articles written by Sowmya Sridharamurthy:



<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/the-unpleasant-phenomenon-in-agile-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Unpleasant Phenomenon In Agile Testing</a>



<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/api-testing-basics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">API testing basics for beginners</a>



<h2 id="frequently-asked-questions">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>



<h3 id="what-are-the-first-principles-of-testing">What are the First Principles of Testing?</h3>



There is no set sequence of principles for testing, but essential rules should be followed. These guidelines should be tailored to your endeavors&#8217; unique demands and restrictions. They form the foundation for successful and efficient testing practices, improving software quality and dependability. Adopt and adapt these ideas to your situation to ensure good testing outcomes.

How to ace your Software testing process using the 7 Testing Principles

7 Principles of Software Testing to Ace your Testing Process

Is there a way for software test engineers to manage stress in this culture of hustle?

Is there a Way to Manage Software Test Engineers Stress?

Types of APIs & Protocols: Choose the Best for Your Project

<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/migrated_images/6CekEeAi1joWG2iHIV8DtwB5ntH2Dpy-qRdIcWkpddxrbn8SAvEikjSVFn0AtVj7nVPCqiyMO6cAsF4jaHlppDSL2SSmAP8o6bswSfcQrjLFzzpOrYftFO0mBW5008Z8toj0ioCIGhupZrHpao83nmA_1748949223.jpg" alt="Testsigma - Test automation platform" width="600" height="400"/></figure></div>



Hello Folks,



Great to meet you all with another interesting blog. There are many relationships between Games and Testing. Many people use that as a metaphor and define testing. Why is it so? Every game requires strategy and analytical skills to play and win. In today’s blog, I will be explaining how chess and the pieces in chess are related to software testers and what we learn from them.



Chess is one of the brilliant games. No one could deny it. But have you ever wondered that the chess pieces have a lot of similarities with the different roles that testers can have and our everyday life?&nbsp;



Yes, we are facing a lot of challenges every day and we take on new roles and responsibilities based on them. We need to act differently in different situations. We all know that life is a game, and we all are players here. So let’s see in detail each chess piece and what it symbolizes.&nbsp;



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#The_King">1 The King</a></li><li><a href="#The_Queen">2 The Queen</a></li><li><a href="#The_Bishop">3 The Bishop</a></li><li><a href="#The_Knight">4 The Knight</a></li><li><a href="#The_Rook">5 The Rook</a></li><li><a href="#Pawns">6 Pawns</a></li><li><a href="#Closing_thoughts">7 Closing thoughts:</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-the-king">The King</h2>



The King is the most important one among the chess coins because the entire game revolves around the King. He is the most influential decision-maker. He doesn’t have much power, but he decides the fate of the entire game. All other pieces are meant to play the game of protecting the King. If there’s no King, then there’s no game at all.&nbsp;



Sometimes, we should act as King to avoid conflicts in the team. There should be only one decision-maker and multiple ones will lead to chaos. Of course, getting multiple options and feedback from the team is the first step. 



You need power, and authority to decide and everything in the project is revolving around you. This role helps you to make the right decisions, and guide and build the team better. Overall the King piece is advocating leadership that every tester of all levels should learn and implement. For instance, every Project/Test Manager should think and act like a king in most scenarios.&nbsp;



<h2 id="the-queen">The Queen</h2>



The Queen is the most powerful piece of all, with a lot of freedom provided she tends to save her King and the territory. She can move in any direction and take down anything that comes her way. She is aware of her strengths and weaknesses.&nbsp;



Also, I strongly believe that the QUEEN is a demonstration that implies that women are given more freedom since they are capable of handling it. Women are good at multitasking and delivering quality at the same time. 



So this role, in the game of chess, is suitable for Testers who are given a lot of freedom in the project and in turn they deliver the best. They are aware of the granular level details of the projects. They use their power to fight for the team, and they use their smartness to handle and tackle the stakeholders. We testers should be fierce and utilize emancipation in a righter way.&nbsp;



Under certain circumstances, we need testers to behave smart as the Queen and make use of the freedom in a realistic and diligent way. Here comes the role of the Test Lead. I would say that a Test Lead should react and play the game with Queen’s attitude. This is helpful for the entire team to be led in the right way.&nbsp;



<h2 id="the-bishop">The Bishop</h2>



There are two bishops and they are close to the king and queen. They are considered the third most powerful pieces. Next to the King and Queen, they have the power and authority to make decisions. But they play the game the same way and same move.&nbsp;



Bishop is a highly respected and valued piece. Sometimes, we need to provide authority to someone and watch. This builds the team rapport and confidence in everyone and brings out the leadership in them. Delegating small chunks of work and asking our team to take responsibility, helps the team to grow and be productive.&nbsp;



Sometimes we have our senior associates in the team who possess a greater knowledge of the project and systems. Along with the power, experience helps a lot. So should try to gain real-time hands-on experience in the tools or projects we are being a part of.&nbsp;



<h2 id="the-knight">The Knight</h2>



The Knight is the only piece, that can skip or jump between pieces on the chessboard. They are happy-go-lucky and smarter ones. Other than Pawns, they have the power to start the game. It is on equal footing with Bishop and holds military ranking. Along with the power, you need strategic and pragmatic thinking.&nbsp;



A horse is used to denote and illustrate the Knight. It is an elegantly designed chessman. Just like the knight in a game of chess, testers should be versatile and clever. For instance, I can relate the Knight with some new joiners to the team with a few years of experience and knowledge in new tools/technologies. 



They are energetic, vibrant, and enthusiastic. They are well aware of their roles and responsibilities. They needed a little mentorship initially and they can work smart and play the game and make unexpected magic happen.&nbsp;



<h2 id="the-rook">The Rook</h2>



They are strong, hefty, and powerful ones and the front-liners during the war. They provide support to the remaining pieces. They form a protective layer to the castle and that’s why even the piece designed represents the Castle with the turrets on top.&nbsp;



We as testers should be strong-headed and face the challenges. We should be defending our team. In every project, there will be a handful of techy, nerd people. They like to play around with the tools and make our work easier. They are super smart and will be ready to take on challenges at any time. I would say everyone in the project should act as a rook.&nbsp;



<h2 id="pawns">Pawns</h2>



Pawns are the underrated pieces on the chessboard, due to their power limitation. They are more in number with less power on the chessboard. In history, they have great stories to share. They are considered weak. 



But they are more in numbers which make happen anything. We have to learn teamwork and humility from the pawns. Also, they showcase the traits like bravery and sacrifice. So never underestimate the presence and the strategy of the pawns.&nbsp;



I would relate this to the trainees in our team. If they receive proper guidance they thrive. We all need to understand their needs and should work together for the team&#8217;s success.



<h2 id="closing-thoughts">Closing thoughts:</h2> 



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/migrated_images/ojDYeOQgG4EHK04CbG1h3i50I-xkFFQSFjqGiQMDRLkvrcOIh1cBq_lscS5p0B6b19MNXY1MhLPiMpY-58mF4hDBgOJeWRJSMTlkmbxoGsIV_CpegVfkd3otuG53Bfl2NIf_5UwVt3kszsc-OPrYaWQ_1748949222.jpg" alt="Testsigma - Test automation platform" width="600" height="400"/></figure></div>



Every chess piece has a meaning and some elegant takeaway for us. These are different roles which I can relate to a few of our roles. Sometimes we need to play more than one role. I hope you will be able to relate the roles along with me. Lots of roles to play and act in a single day. That’s the life of a software tester.&nbsp;



To face the challenges or roadblocks we wear different hats every day. Just like this chess board and the chessmen we testers are juggling different roles and responsibilities.&nbsp;



Which one are you? Life is a long game. Of course, this is your game, and you need to play it your way. Please comment, let’s hear it out from you. Let’s celebrate each other!



PC: <a href="https://www.freepik.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Freepik</a>



Disclaimer: Inspired by the Queen’s Gambit series on Netflix and this is written based on Author’s sole views and opinions, not with an intention to hurt others.



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



Just like, the pieces of chess can be related to different members of the testing team, the gaming strategies can be related to testing strategies. Read more about testing types and strategies here:



<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/the-different-software-testing-types-explained/"> Software Testing Types</a>



Test Automation, is one of the major strategies and requires tools for implementation, read more about such tools for automation here:



<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/most-popular-tools-for-cloud-automation-testing/">Popular tools for cloud automation testing</a>



<a href="https://testsigma.com/cross-browser-testing-tools">cross-browser testing tools</a>



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A Tester’s Gambit

The era of Low-code/No-code platforms: What you should know?

The Era of Low Code No Code Platforms: What You Should Know?

Interview tips when appearing for QA roles

QA Interview Tips When Appearing for QA Roles

In this fast-paced market, it’s very hard to find the right talent. Even the expectations from the employers are pretty high in some cases. But here, various components play a role. Hiring managers should have a clear view of the open roles. The job description should clearly explain the mandatory/preferable skills.&nbsp;



Recently I had an experience, and one of the candidates during the interview said to me that I am a good interviewer. She also added that she had bitter experiences before. I was pondering over the same statement for a few days, and I realized that few of us are not doing justice to the role of “Interviewer”. Being an interviewer is hard, I agree. Keep in mind that this is an acquired skill. 



Based on my personal experience over the years, I thought of sharing a few tips for our community. I always believe the interview should be an interesting conversation between the candidate and the interview panel. We should try to understand more about the candidate, their skillset (what sort of tool and technologies they worked on), strengths, communication and listening skills, etc.&nbsp;



The expectations for the QA role have grown to a greater level. Few organizations genuinely look for the right candidates with the right level of expectation. But the other few organizations expect the Testers to do an all-rounder job in the project. It’s fine unless we get the remuneration equivalent to it, LoL.&nbsp;



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Before_the_interview">1 Before the interview:</a><ul><li><a href="#1_Read_through_the_resume_before_meeting_the_candidate">1.1 1. Read through the resume before meeting the candidate</a></li><li><a href="#2_Prepare_the_questionsactivities_tailored">1.2 2. Prepare the questions/activities (tailored)</a></li><li><a href="#3_Be_there_on_time">1.3 3. Be there on time</a></li><li><a href="#4_Make_yourself_available_no_distractions">1.4 4. Make yourself available (no distractions)</a></li><li><a href="#5_If_its_a_virtual_interview_make_sure_that_Camera_is_on">1.5 5. If it’s a virtual interview make sure that “Camera” is on</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#During_the_Interview">2 During the Interview:</a><ul><li><a href="#1_Meet_and_Greet">2.1 1. Meet and Greet:</a></li><li><a href="#2_Ask_them_to_introduce">2.2 2. Ask them to introduce</a></li><li><a href="#3_Categorize_the_questions">2.3 3. Categorize the questions</a></li><li><a href="#4_Perception_of_asking_questions">2.4 4. Perception of asking questions:</a></li><li><a href="#5_Focus_on_Automation_and_other_special_skill_sets">2.5 5. Focus on Automation and other special skill sets:</a></li><li><a href="#6_Cover_the_skills_stated_in_the_resume_but_not_required_for_the_current_role">2.6 6. Cover the skills stated in the resume but not required for the current role:</a></li><li><a href="#7_Ensuring_the_Confidential_information_is_not_leaked">2.7 7. Ensuring the Confidential information is not leaked:</a></li><li><a href="#8_Be_empathetic">2.8 8. Be empathetic:</a></li><li><a href="#9_Proper_closure">2.9 9. Proper closure:</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Next_steps">3 Next steps?</a></li><li><a href="#Bonus_tips">4 Bonus tips:</a></li><li><a href="#Final_words">5 Final words:</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="before-the-interview">Before the interview:</h2>



Similar to candidates, the interviewer should be well prepared for every interview.



<img src="https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/migrated_images/vBQ6-MNEcvQxxGd5r04N3MkAZxBkivYxMjaNh6WcwLBGoqitxESR5ERTyaoF7x39Cg8rXm_1QR0QfPSxM5V7GQ5vFHRsCTLJcCxKFpBhPIvqvylbVYUbptt5iQCxuJk_NzLvcssR_1748949315.png" alt="Interviewer's Complete Guide" style="width: 600px">



<div style="height:20px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>



<h3 id="1-read-through-the-resume-before-meeting-the-candidate">1. Read through the resume before meeting the candidate</h3>



Scan the resume properly and make a note of the required and optional skills. It’s again the responsibility of the candidate to add genuine details to the resume. Try to understand the project/domain knowledge of the candidate. Think about the ways their previous experience is going to bring value to the current role you are looking for. If there are questions regarding their <a href="https://lensa.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">career journey</a> make sure to clarify them during the interview. Please don’t assume.&nbsp;







<h3 id="2-prepare-the-questions-activities-tailored">2. Prepare the questions/activities (tailored)</h3>



Nowadays Testers are very versatile. So try to understand their experience with different flavors of Testing. Based on their knowledge of tools/technology, try to pose your questions.&nbsp;







<h3 id="3-be-there-on-time">3. Be there on time</h3>



It’s always good to start the interviews a bit early to avoid some technical or unexpected difficulties. Even if you join early, and if the candidate is also joining then initiate a casual conversation to make them comfortable. Bad things happen, it’s unavoidable, sometimes we cannot make it on time. In that case, apologize for being late, and try to engage in the current conversation.&nbsp;



<h3 id="4-make-yourself-available-no-distractions">4. Make yourself available (no distractions)</h3>



As an interviewer, you should be all ears. Sometimes, this helps you to build further questions to understand the technical knowledge of the candidate. So, turn on the DND mode wherever necessary.



<h3 id="5-if-it-s-a-virtual-interview-make-sure-that-camera-is-on">5. If it’s a virtual interview make sure that “Camera” is on</h3>



In this digital era, with the help of every available technology, the world has gotten smaller. So for virtual interviews &#8211; along with the candidates, interviewers should also have their cameras on. Without this, the candidate would feel like they are talking to pictures.&nbsp;



<h2 id="during-the-interview">During the Interview:</h2>



Remember that you are the face of your organization. The person who applied for this role will treat you as a representative of your organization.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/migrated_images/BSJE3UQKsqRE6DJMxA7m06TNdSEmYEJrjTuuPS9O3z6Un4MmuXAO7p1ch84hIk5HLLSB7ROGjJIhWBimXlHaY3fYd9dTGv0b88nj4LWcyK6l1vfwexF-XamYZ-7U1BurHuumGAJq_1748949314.png" alt="Interviewer's Complete Guide" width="600" height="400"/></figure></div>



<h3 id="1-meet-and-greet">1. Meet and Greet:</h3>



Once you kick off the interview officially, first greet them. Introduce yourself, a bit about your team, the current projects you are working on and you can add about the Testing experts available in your team/organization. Also, explain the process of the interview. 



For instance, the introduction part, the Technical theory questions, a few exercises/Hands-on, Q&amp;A (if the candidate has any questions), and wrap-off. By explaining this, the candidate will have better clarity and be prepared. If there’s another interviewer as well, ask them to give a brief introduction. Please don’t have too many people as watchers during the interview.&nbsp;



If you sense that the candidate is a bit edgy, make sure to have a casual conversation to calm them down. Go easy on them.



<h3 id="2-ask-them-to-introduce">2. Ask them to introduce</h3>



Once your introduction and process explanations are over, ask the candidate to give a brief introduction about their current role and project. Mostly their resume states everything, so this part should be kept short and crisp. My tip here would be to ask them to rate their top three skill sets. This helps us to proceed further with the technical evaluation.&nbsp;



<h3 id="3-categorize-the-questions">3. Categorize the questions</h3>



Instead of simply shooting the questions one by one, try to categorize them. For instance &#8211; Section 1: Testing Fundamentals, Section 2: Testing Artifacts, Section 3: Automation Skills, Section 4: Tools/Technologies, Section 5: Problem-solving skills, Section 6: Programming Language knowledge, and so on. Tweak these categories based on your organization&#8217;s needs. This helps to capture the detailed feedback as well.



<h3 id="4-perception-of-asking-questions">4. Perception of asking questions:</h3>



If you have a clear objective on the expectation for this role, try to understand if the candidate is having experience with the same tool/technology. Say, for instance, if you are looking for a candidate with AWS experience, check if they have similar cloud platform experience. 



They might have worked with Azure, if the cloud basics are strong they could scale up in AWS in weeks. Now, your questions should be more focused on the cloud basics, cloud-based testing skills, etc.&nbsp;



My pro tip: Don’t expect the candidate to have hands-on every time with your tool requirement. Software Testers can learn and adapt any tool faster than anyone.&nbsp;



If you are hiring for Test lead or similar leadership roles, try to analyze the leadership skills through behavioral and situation-based questions.&nbsp;



<h3 id="5-focus-on-automation-and-other-special-skill-sets">5. Focus on Automation and other special skill sets:</h3>



If you are expecting Selenium expertise, and the candidate doesn’t have that don’t judge too quickly. Get to understand more about their <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/different-types-of-tools-to-help-testers-day-to-day-life-easier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">knowledge of tools</a> or which they are using for Automation. Who knows, we might switch from Selenium to another tool later. 



Or we might prefer any low code/no-code automation tool. In this situation, try to understand the Automation knowledge of the candidate. They should be aware of that when we should do Test Automation, and when not. Check if they are good with Automation concepts, jargon, etc.&nbsp;



<h3 id="6-cover-the-skills-stated-in-the-resume-but-not-required-for-the-current-role">6. Cover the skills stated in the resume but not required for the current role:</h3>



For instance, if the candidate mentioned that Performance Testing is also one of the strong skill sets, but you are not performing any performance tests right now in your project. In this case, try to validate their knowledge. 



Get to know the tools they used. In the future, your applications might require performance testing. This is why we need to come prepared for the interview. If you are not experienced in performance testing, you can ask other interviewers to check that specific skill. That’s an advantage of having multiple interviewers.&nbsp;



<h3 id="7-ensuring-the-confidential-information-is-not-leaked">7. Ensuring the Confidential information is not leaked:</h3>



Sharing information related to clients could be harmful, so better try to avoid such details. Also, any organization-related information shouldn’t be shared while conversing with the candidate.&nbsp;



<h3 id="8-be-empathetic">8. Be empathetic:</h3>



Kindness doesn’t cost a thing. We are not sure what the candidate is going through. So try to be patient.&nbsp;



<h3 id="9-proper-closure">9. Proper closure:</h3>



Once done with all the questions, check if the candidate is having any questions for you. Set the expectations for the next steps and time frames. Don’t forget to thank the candidate for their time.&nbsp;







<h2 id="next-steps">Next steps?</h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/migrated_images/xUXBVPuKXVph_GmoBP1HNReTfdBgQIx3A0k1N-g-cAVsdMJXurYQi0x_rlJoGM7BUe4hllGFsqUFGtpvlCHRl0Lclq3nusbZhh0FxhJp8Uq-wlRxqHrh_asRVFqKgEweQc6CW_ER_1748949314.png" alt="Interviewer's Complete Guide" width="600" height="400"/></figure></div>



Once the interview is done, it’s time to provide feedback. Think about various factors before deciding on them. If there are multiple interviewers along with you in the interview panel, try reaching them and discuss the candidate&#8217;s performance. Few instances, if the interviewers are located across different time zones or teams, then every interviewer can send individual feedback about the candidate.



Now, based on the answers, assess the degree to which each candidate possesses and/or demonstrates meeting the expectations, and categorize them accordingly.



<ul><li>Exceeds the requirement</li><li>Meets the requirement</li><li>Does not meet the requirement</li></ul>



<h2 id="bonus-tips">Bonus tips:</h2>



1. For any Software Tester, Testing basics are mandatory. Try to refresh their memory and ask questions related to it2. Tweak the questions based on their years of experience in Software Testing3. Ask them to explain the interesting bug they found4. Focus on the Analytical skills: Ask them how they would test a lift, airplane, water bottle, etc.5. Check if the candidate is willing or already contributed to any open source communities



<button class="btn bg-primary cta-btn" style="margin: auto"><a href="https://github.com/testsigmahq" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:#fff">Contribute to Testsigma GitHub repo</a></button> 



6. Try to ask more scenario-based questions, instead of theories. Because this helps to make a wise decision7. Develop a form that fits all QA role requirements and follow it across teams for sharing feedback8. While testing the coding skills, try to provide some real problem statements, instead of asking them to make a Fibonacci series9. For tool based interviews, ask them to install the tool before the interview and try giving simple exercises10. Don’t forget to note down the additional skills of the candidates in the feedback form11. Always look out for versatile testers12. Check the aspirations of the candidate (If they want to learn Automation, or they are looking for more management or lead-related roles, etc.)13. Check if they have completed any certifications. Or if they have anything in the pipeline. This will also help us to understand how they are planning to shape their career



Learn More: Top 15 <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/qa-conferences/">QA conferences</a>



<h2 id="final-words">Final words:</h2>



Even if the right candidate lands up with the wrong interviewer there is a chance of mishap. So it’s the interviewer&#8217;s responsibility to find out the best in the candidate. Later, you can decide if they fit into your current openings.&nbsp;



Remember that the Software Testers can learn any tool/technology based on their previous experience. Look out for a person who is eagle-eyed and curious like a child. So you need to find out if this candidate is smart enough to scale and grow along with you 🙂



<button class="btn bg-primary cta-btn" style="margin: auto"><a href="https://testsigma.com/signup" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:#fff">Checkout Testsigma, a no-code test automation tool </a></button> 



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/migrated_images/OqnunDxdocouMSMsA5lDYoSTXvu7UAd_rJsTG0qHIPV9YgoZBsIIHjtHcSd0iw9B-mkXg5K5DZbwBvtpNDO7CStGtrJsIDLE76prLfs78A0vFldCid3tH11r0w1Sdmf4Jn4UEUUJ_1748949313.png" alt="Interviewer's Complete Guide" width="600" height="400"/><figcaption>PC: slidesgo</figcaption></figure></div>

An Interviewer’s Complete Guide to hire the best QA Engineers