<a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/software-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Software testing</a> is more than creating tests, reporting bugs, or ensuring that a piece of software meets the specified requirements. It starts with a different mindset — a way of thinking about software in order to anticipate risks, overcome biases, think critically, and dive deeper into the complexities of a software application. 



This mindset brings a tester’s focus from technical complexity to overall quality and user satisfaction.



I have worked with inspiring testers from all over the world.&nbsp;



In this article, we will discuss the key aspects of a tester&#8217;s mindset; we will explore the way expert testers think, the reason behind their practices, and the principles they incorporate to ensure that the software is robust, reliable, and ready for the real world.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Risk_Investigators">1 Risk Investigators</a></li><li><a href="#Bias_Breakers">2 Bias Breakers</a></li><li><a href="#Critical_Thinkers">3 Critical Thinkers</a></li><li><a href="#Activity_Focused_Over_Artifact_Focused">4 Activity Focused Over Artifact Focused</a></li><li><a href="#Problem_Finders">5 Problem Finders</a></li><li><a href="#Other_Key_Traits_Testers_Mindset">6 Other Key Traits: Tester’s Mindset</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-risk-investigators">Risk Investigators</h2>



One of the fundamental traits of a good tester is the ability to investigate risks. Testers are Risk Investigators.&nbsp;



We believe in the possibility of risks.&nbsp;



Risk is the primary motivation for testing. If there is no risk, there is no need for any kind of testing. Whenever the testers interact with any feature, they ask questions to find potential risks:



<ul><li>&#8220;What could go wrong?&#8221;</li><li>“What specifically may not work?”</li><li>“In what way it might not work?”</li><li>“Is that sort of failure likely?”</li></ul>



This mentality helps testers with test design as well as the sampling tests for execution. While designing tests, the tester asks questions such as:



<ul><li>“Why does this test exist?”</li><li>“Is there an alternative test that covers the product?”</li><li>“What value does the test bring?”</li><li>“Can this test be clubbed with an existing test?”</li></ul>



 Whether a new feature is introduced or there is a subtle change in an existing one, the tester looks for potential risks. They’re realists, as they understand that software development involves various choices and each choice comes with its fair share of risk and potential pitfalls.



<h2 id="h-bias-breakers">Bias Breakers</h2>



Humans are biased.&nbsp;



But, biases aren’t always bad.&nbsp;&nbsp;



The problem begins when we pretend that biases don’t exist. Whether it&#8217;s confirmation bias, where we see only what we expect to see, or positivity bias, where we’re over-motivated by the success stories and fancy claims.&nbsp;



All these mental biases affect our judgment and perception of reality.&nbsp;



Testers, conscious of such biases, actively engage in conscious debiasing and act as bias breakers.



If you are new to the concept of biases, the <a href="https://www.sog.unc.edu/sites/www.sog.unc.edu/files/course_materials/Cognitive%20Biases%20Codex.pdf" rel="nofollow">cognitive bias codex</a> showcases a list of 188 different biases that people face in day-to-day life. <gwmw style="display:none;">



The tech industry is deeply affected by such biases.



To break free from biases, testers use strategies like:



<ul><li>Pair Testing: Two testers work together, questioning each other’s assumptions, and bringing different perspectives to the table.</li><li>De Bono Thinking Hats: Good testers actively engage with developers, product owners, business analysts, or even fresh testers to gain diverse perspectives and opinions. While a developer may find no flaw in a feature, a tester might see potential edge cases where it could break.&nbsp;</li></ul>



This activity increases a tester’s awareness giving him a 360-degree perspective.



<ul><li>Second Order Thinking: This involves moving beyond the immediate problem and considering multiple layers of implications and consequences of a given decision.</li></ul>



Biases can make testing socially challenging.&nbsp;



While everyone else on the team would be cheering for a quick release, the tester would have to work against the biases to explore, experiment, and evaluate any open risks and critical areas.&nbsp;



It’s like fighting an uphill battle. Having an awareness of biases and the strategies to work around them is what sets a good tester apart.



<h2 id="h-critical-thinkers">Critical Thinkers</h2>



A critical skill that defines a tester, critical thinking.&nbsp;



Critical thinking is all about analyzing your thought process and asking probing questions. It’s like a shortcut formula for testing. I use this three-question formula that I learned from James Bach to think critically:



<ul><li>Huh? – Does this make sense?</li><li>Really?? – Is this true?</li><li>So?? – Okay, Maybe it’s true! But, what does this mean in the context of this product?</li></ul>



For example, during a requirement review, a good tester often challenges vague or ambiguous requirements, asking questions like, &#8220;What if the user does something unexpected here?&#8221;&nbsp;



or&nbsp;



during product demos, a tester might question the assumptions behind the design, think about potential failure points, and reconsider the idea that the design even makes sense.



Testers are always on the lookout for uncovered pathways—those unconventional areas where bugs are probably hidden.&nbsp;



They think about failure possibilities, not just the happy paths that a user might take, but the edge cases, the &#8220;what if?&#8221; scenarios that could lead to unexpected results



<h2 id="h-activity-focused-over-artifact-focused">Activity Focused Over Artifact Focused</h2>



Testing is not limited to the end product, but all the activities involved in getting there. In the words of the famous testing expert, Michael Bolton:



While the artifacts can be useful to some degree, the key point of the exercise is the exercise: developing the tester’s mind and mental models. The map is not the territory, and it’s the mapping, not the map, that’s the important bit.



Good testers know that the whole point of testing is a journey, an ongoing process of investigation, exploration, and experimentation. They focus on&nbsp;



<ul><li>Testing Sessions: Engaging in hands-on testing activities where testers interact with the software to uncover issues.</li><li>Investigation: Digging deeper into areas of the software that seem problematic, unclear, risky, uncovered, etc.</li><li>Exploration: Navigating through the software in an unscripted manner, seeking out unknowns, recording observations, making notes, etc.</li><li>Scripting Good Ideas: Writing tests that cover specific scenarios but being aware that the scripts are only as good as the thought process behind them.</li></ul>



By being activity-focused, good testers know that artifacts such as bug reports, test reports, and test scripts are just the by-products of essential testing activities. Artifacts are important, but they should never be the top focus of good testers.&nbsp;



The best testers care more about activities carried out, the insight gained during the journey, the understanding of the product, and the potential issues identified along the way.



<h2 id="h-problem-finders">Problem Finders</h2>



Testers look for problems. They believe in the Veblen’s Principle, i.e.,



There’s no change, no matter how awful, that won’t benefit some people, and no change, no matter how good, that won’t hurt some.



As responsible testers, this means asking questions such as:&nbsp;



<ul><li>What problems could this change create?</li><li>How might customers get unhappy?</li><li>How might we lose business?</li><li>What could go wrong beyond the acceptance criteria?</li></ul>



Testers don’t just analyze the happy path—they’re concerned with what lies beyond it. They understand that problems can arise in unexpected areas.&nbsp;



Testers actively seek out potential pitfalls before these become real issues.



<h2 id="h-other-key-traits-tester-s-mindset">Other Key Traits: Tester’s Mindset</h2>



Apart from core mindsets, these are some qualities that a good tester has:



<ul><li>Honesty: Testers must be honest about the state of the software, even if the truth is difficult to hear. We are hired to present the true state of things.</li><li>Patience: Testing can be a repetitive process, and patience is key to uncovering deeper issues. You will never get good results unless you develop patience in your testing approach.</li><li>Showcasing Your Work: Testers need to effectively communicate their findings, status, risks, issues, etc. in a language that even non-technical stakeholders can understand.&nbsp;</li></ul>



Projecting testing work is difficult as a lot of it comes from tacit knowledge. Your ability to showcase work will set you apart.



<ul><li>Persuasion and Storytelling: A tester must be able to tell the story of a bug, persuading stakeholders of its importance and the potential impact it could have if left unaddressed.</li></ul>



The mindset of a tester is one of curiosity and skepticism. At the same time, it also needs a constant focus on quality. It involves thinking critically, challenging assumptions, and being vigilant for risks and potential issues.&nbsp;



So, the next time you think about a software testing role, remember it’s not just an ordinary tech role — it has a lot to do with the correct mindset, one that requires a blend of skills, traits, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

The Tester’s Mindset:  Thinking Beyond the Code

Testing is a world of adjectives where each type of testing comes with its own title.&nbsp;



I am sure you have heard of titles like Functional Tester, Automation Tester, Performance Tester, etc. These are popular specializations.&nbsp;



However, there are unique modes in which all these categories of testers operate.&nbsp;



There&#8217;s no one-approach-fits-all in the testing world. Each specialization has its’ own unique skills, perspectives, and values. While distinctly unique, at the end of the day, each of these testers contributes to the overall quality of the product.&nbsp;



In this article, we&#8217;ll explore various tester role types, their key responsibilities, skills, and how each of them contributes to creating a better testing process.&nbsp;



As a tester, it will also help you identify where you fit and how you can collaborate effectively with other testers. If you are someone who manages testers, knowing this distinction will also help you build a holistic testing team.



Spoiler Alert: Most testers have a blend of two or three types within them.&nbsp;



Let’s dive into each of these roles in detail.&nbsp;



<ol><li>Analytical Tester</li><li>Technical Tester</li><li>Administrative Tester</li><li>Social Tester</li><li>Customer Savvy Tester</li><li>AI Tester</li><li>Developer (Supportive Tester)</li></ol>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Analytical_Tester">1 Analytical Tester</a></li><li><a href="#Technical_Tester">2 Technical Tester</a></li><li><a href="#Administrative_Tester">3 Administrative Tester</a></li><li><a href="#Social_Tester">4 Social Tester</a></li><li><a href="#Customer_Savvy_Tester">5 Customer Savvy Tester</a></li><li><a href="#AI_Tester">6 AI Tester</a></li><li><a href="#Developer_as_Tester">7 Developer as Tester</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-analytical-tester">Analytical Tester</h2>



The Sherlock Holmes of the testing world



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXeYo0uYq6OWGWcZAihSJkPvza-F4-PGtDyJJSMJL2sfRlB5_EwxiMVfjzbaXrFSAR1PsEN6aCscaZrfH00KR8pVYk8YUDUv9a-Rb-Rkef9CNc65dEKngaE8j-yEVNgzeeIvIHgt7Nsqm5U2z1zt_wogr3Q?key=snlPEKSw9Jy_BSXT6fZerg" alt="Analytical Tester" width="600" height="400"/></figure></div>



They create models, diagrams, mindmaps, design documents, spreadsheets, and combinatorics to dissect and understand the product better.&nbsp;



The tests are then designed on their basis.&nbsp;



Analytical testers focus on test design. They meticulously plan their tests, analyze requirements, and create comprehensive tests covering a wide range of scenarios.&nbsp;



They also focus on analyzing and pinpointing the root causes behind any issue.



Top Skills &#8211; Analytical Testers:



<ul><li>Test Design: Creating detailed and structured tests for systemic coverage of product layers.</li><li>Risk Analysis: Identifying and mitigating potential risks and prioritizing testing accordingly.</li><li><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/exploratory-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Exploratory Testing</a>: Investigating software functionality with a focus on exploration and discovering the unknowns.</li><li>Note-taking: Keeping records of testing notes, findings, and bugs.</li></ul>



<h2 id="technical-tester">Technical Tester</h2>



The programming ninjas of the testing world



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXe61WTH00PgGRl666ZP_Bj3Mttr2R1oUFLf5HrNR4QteU69Gv42RzBPeWfB1eNuxbT_TdbuNhfA1Slk13YZtM62g8yra6qUrsuJOOfp9JeinVjcuDwsK2wss-HHtbiF1n0fNrn1v5biK2mUjnfobF2gc1k?key=snlPEKSw9Jy_BSXT6fZerg" alt="Technical Tester" width="600" height="400"/></figure></div>



They love writing code to test the application. They integrate testing assertions into their automation workflow, developing frameworks and scripts to accelerate the feedback loop.



Technical testers focus on writing code that automates repetitive tasks or test steps, enabling teams to execute test suites quickly and efficiently.



Some of the typical tasks performed by <a href="https://www.ministryoftesting.com/articles/what-does-it-mean-to-be-a-technical-tester" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">technical testers</a>:



<ul><li>Test Script Development: Writing scripts that execute various test cases.</li><li>Test Maintenance &amp; Execution: Ensuring <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/test-script/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test scripts</a> are always updated.</li><li>CI Integration: Seamlessly incorporating tests into the CI/CD pipeline.</li><li>Automation Framework Development: Building frameworks and utilities to support automated testing.</li><li>Result Analysis: Analyzing automation results to identify issues.</li></ul>



Top Skills &#8211; Technical Tester:



<ul><li>Testability and Automatibility: Develop tools that ensure smoother testing and automation.</li><li>Clean Coding: Write simple, efficient, and elegant code.</li><li>Design Patterns: Use established patterns such as Page Object Mode, Singleton, etc. to design test solutions.</li><li>Automation Design: Craft effective <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">automated tests</a>.</li><li>Programming Fundamentals: Basics of coding principles, and paradigms.</li><li>Tools and Platforms: Expertise in tools like Selenium, JUnit, Jenkins, etc.</li></ul>



<h2 id="administrative-tester">Administrative Tester</h2>



Project managers of the testing world



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXfxMp3f0KnDFSI-uuwxHa3wCbhSnY0h6yjeBZeqUHm2lOcfwLwxtnbuV41egtxxVHGtzaHg5HQv_yBi5P-EMrXT6U2h0HhLRNYKCfVdOJ7htmVIJcAWryLXhd17rU2yHhqcML9KIV991L2cO8RTJis3y5Tu?key=snlPEKSw9Jy_BSXT6fZerg" alt="Administrative Tester" width="600" height="400"/></figure></div>



They break down testing as a set of tasks to be completed efficiently and effectively.



They focus on the overall testing strategy, execution, and reporting. They handle test planning, scheduling, and people allocation. They ensure that all testing activities are aligned with the business goals and timelines.&nbsp;



They make sure that the relevant testing artifacts are created, updated, and maintained over time.



Some tasks performed by administrative testers include:



<ul><li>Test Strategy: Define the overall test approach.</li><li>Test Estimation: Plan and negotiate the time and people needed for testing.</li><li>Test Reporting: Generate detailed reports on high-level test progress and results.</li><li>Test Planning: Schedule and coordinate testing activities.</li><li>Managing Overall Testing Activities: Align and manage the entire testing process and tasks.</li><li>Metrics &amp; Reviews: Define relevant metrics and review them over time.</li><li>Standards &amp; Compliance: Ensure compliance and industry standards are met.</li><li>Defining Workflows: Create efficient workflows for the testing process.</li></ul>



Top Skills &#8211; Administrative Tester:



<ul><li>Requirement Engineering: Understand and explore requirements.</li><li>Test Strategy and Planning: Develop comprehensive test plans.</li><li>Test Management: Oversee <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-execution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test execution</a> and progress.</li><li>Estimation: Predict testing tasks and their synchronization.</li><li>Planning: Schedule and resource allocation.</li><li>Note-taking: Document plans, progress, and issues.</li></ul>



<h2 id="social-tester">Social Tester</h2>



Network and communication hub of the testing world



<figure class="wp-block-image is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXfkM2oZbMCvqiCo1FFfPBcRHKI5-f4Kgu833SoBIihBTZ0nNvFpwCyLEpZPVze98ytxb-BqRCXkF_uEpUsSM0O_0rdO4HGcSRnJ0oSSx6-deHwagaSEdIZQcTy2lbWiknbeI_2ApUMYm6D7GfTMD-xwfj65?key=snlPEKSw9Jy_BSXT6fZerg" alt="Social Tester" width="600" height="400"/></figure>



They love interacting with people, building relationships, and fostering collaboration. They thrive on conversations, and understanding the internal as well as external sides of software development.&nbsp;



You can think of them as social butterflies — fluttering between technology and the people developing it.



Social testers focus on sharing opportunities and collaborating with other tester types, as well as developers ensuring a <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/holistic-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">holistic approach to testing</a>.



Top Skills &#8211; Social Testers:



<ul><li>Writing: Clear and concise written and visual communication.</li><li>Listening: Understand the perspectives and needs of others.</li><li>Persuasion: Convince stakeholders and influence them about the need for thorough testing.</li><li>Questioning: Ask the right questions at the right time to the right people.</li><li>Storytelling: To communicate testing stories effectively.</li><li>Communication: Articulation of thoughts, ideas, and plans.</li></ul>



<h2 id="customer-savvy-tester">Customer Savvy Tester</h2>



Advocates of the customers



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXfENGibXvJ4taB9Aw-KPQdqjVSyLPMWun6mdlR-s8PiE8ECGSu1yBLr-jlcpVeQzCTloGUcZPhfrrRrKYx0vv4BUSkalkhLYnZUu0pmNW2R2xGyhqDzuiH5MMWvxaRWWfgotTCRYiK3KLVSpyK11OAqFzA?key=snlPEKSw9Jy_BSXT6fZerg" alt="Customer Savvy Tester" width="600" height="400"/></figure></div>



They put themselves in users&#8217; shoes to understand their needs, personas, emotions, and actions. They advocate for fine-tuning user experiences.



They don’t just test the software, they feel it. This superpower helps them uncover issues that really matter to the end customer.&nbsp;



They focus on understanding user scenarios and advocating for issues that could impact the user.



Top Skills &#8211; Customer Savvy Tester:



<ul><li>User Touring: Investigate the software from a user&#8217;s journey perspective.</li><li>Bug Advocacy: Advocate the importance of fixing user-impacting challenges.</li><li>Requirement Engineering: Ensure requirements reflect user needs.</li><li>Note-taking: Document user scenarios and test results.</li></ul>



<h2 id="ai-tester">AI Tester</h2>



the cutting edge of modern testing and industrial revolution 5.0



<figure class="wp-block-image is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXfDqM2d3_3k_2zEz0gfxdjFDdQI2Zx5NMXOlb-6Nert_lDJfhjlYMmXr91oKqEnEcZH68JJnoSTYJuCf85AvmY0tMq1P2PwDxs8nNA-BnZzjPE0S93K35ZOq6HtPI94UuMSu5lnJkigNr-ZN083-AicCAU?key=snlPEKSw9Jy_BSXT6fZerg" alt="AI Tester" width="600" height="400"/></figure>



They leverage artificial intelligence to assist and enhance <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/test-process/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">testing processes</a> and outcomes.



They focus on developing precise models and strategies for implementing AI in testing, as well as educating their teams on AI tools and use cases.



Some of the typical tasks performed by AI testers:



<ul><li>Develop Precise Models for Testing: Create and train AI models on the right data.</li><li>Coach Team about AI Tools: Educate team on AI tools and applications.</li><li>Creating &#8220;AI in Testing&#8221; Strategy: Define how AI will be used in testing, what would be the benefits as well as risks.</li><li>Defining Smart Prompts for Testing Tasks: Create effective AI prompts for usage with the team.</li><li>Developing Utilities for Testing &amp; Automation via AI: Build AI-powered testing tools.</li><li>AI Ethics &amp; Governance: Ensure ethical use of AI in testing.</li></ul>



Top Skills &#8211; AI Testers:



<ul><li>Basics of AI and ML: Understand fundamental AI and machine learning concepts.</li><li>Models and LLMs: Knowledge of various AI models and large language models.</li><li>LLM Syndromes: Understand the limitations and challenges of LLMs.</li><li>AI Testing Tools: Proficiency in <a href="https://testsigma.com/tools/ai-testing-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI-based testing tools</a>.</li><li>AI Ethics: Ensure ethical considerations in AI usage.</li><li>Prompt Engineering: Craft efficient prompts for AI models using appropriate prompt engineering techniques.</li></ul>



This also is a great opportunity to tell you about a tool that an AI tester would want to know about.



<a href="https://testsigma.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Testsigma</a> is a low-code Gen-AI powered test automation tool that allows testers to automate web, mobile, desktop app, and API testing in the same platform. It makes test automation faster and more efficient with its robust test automation features. The Gen-AI capabilities provide intelligent suggestions that help scale your tests. The key areas of Testsigma where AI plays a major role are,



<ul><li>AI-powered auto healing reduces your test maintenance efforts by up to 70%</li><li>Makes your test automation 10x faster in terms of test creation and execution</li><li>Get smart test case suggestions via prompts and ensure 100% test coverage</li><li>Provides detailed and automated test reporting for every test run</li></ul>



There&#8217;s more: have a quick look into how Testsigma&#8217;s<a href="https://testsigma.com/ai-driven-test-automation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> AI-driven low-code testing</a>



<h2 id="developer-as-tester">Developer as Tester</h2>



Supportive testers



<figure class="wp-block-image is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXcyg3V18Srhviqoldxim-QzxWsmUAg-mbUCOjJWuv0PO7T05UWofpAoEQ2Q31bmSgUsKQJZ4Zwtt6V_8r7GfWcO2WWBr5i5RqbIKv_7t8u3wTaJMuv2od0fxEdRMhH0USfzIrGSJTiUjZMc1ntUPFvFntJU?key=snlPEKSw9Jy_BSXT6fZerg" alt="Developer as Tester" width="600" height="400"/></figure>



Developers aren&#8217;t primarily responsible for testing, but they play an equally crucial supportive role. They write unit tests and help testers with testability as well as automatibility. They contribute to unit tests as well as CI workflows.



Good developers focus on writing testable code and supporting the testing process through unit testing and design considerations.



Top Skills &#8211; Developer as Tester



<ul><li>Unit Testing: Writing tests for individual units of code.</li><li>Design Thinking: Designing features with testability in mind.</li><li>Collaboration: Working closely with testers to ensure seamless integration and testing.</li></ul>



Holla! That’s all!



While reading this article, you must have resonated with each tester type. We adapt to different roles in different conditions and contexts. Each role then brings valuable skills and perspectives, ensuring that the <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/software-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">software testing</a> process is in-check.&nbsp;



By recognizing, leveraging, and upskilling on these diverse talents, you can develop yourself as a well-rounded tester.&nbsp;



Happy testing!



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Types of Testers: A Comprehensive Guide  ￼

The role of testers is crucial to every project’s success. They act as investigators and quality champions that present insights, helping you understand the state of your software. Most companies struggle to hire talented testers and end up with AI-drafted resumes and rote learners on the top testing interview questions.&nbsp;



Interested in hiring talented and quality testers for your teams? Let’s dive in.



In this article, we will talk about the art and science of this talent hunt puzzle.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Interviewing_8211_The_Neglected_Skill">1 Interviewing &#8211; The Neglected Skill</a></li><li><a href="#Understanding_Common_Interviewing_Pitfalls">2 Understanding Common Interviewing Pitfalls</a></li><li><a href="#Key_Components_of_a_Healthy_Testing_Interview">3 Key Components of a Healthy Testing Interview</a><ul><li><a href="#1_The_Warm_Welcome">3.1 1. The Warm Welcome</a></li><li><a href="#2_Testing_Challenges_Puzzles_Observing_Their_Approach">3.2 2. Testing Challenges &amp; Puzzles: Observing Their Approach</a></li><li><a href="#3_Seek_Past_Project_Insights">3.3 3. Seek Past Project Insights</a></li><li><a href="#4_Go_Deep">3.4 4. Go Deep</a></li><li><a href="#5_Engage_in_Conversations">3.5 5. Engage in Conversations</a></li><li><a href="#6_The_Coding_Assignment">3.6 6. The Coding Assignment</a></li><li><a href="#7_Invite_their_Queries">3.7 7. Invite their Queries</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">4 Conclusion</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="interviewing-the-neglected-skill">Interviewing &#8211; The Neglected Skill</h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/_v9Zv2ttF5woBsaEclG8jZD7Pb2SY2eB2sYVpplvnI2kb_PY7RqZXYFptL7__B_nKcUGNe8qze37giFuMIGRE3N81H3L6oXnFzuPaKW9Ewnl0LUX_VEBXs3tZUiR5eBT9utIc9DhgIwV" alt="Interviewing - The Neglected Skill" width="621" height="413"/></figure></div>



Interviewing is a dynamic process where individuals engage in dialogue, exchange ideas, and explore each other’s perspectives.&nbsp;



It involves:&nbsp;



<ul><li>Asking thoughtful questions</li><li>Active listening</li><li>Understanding each other’s experiences, skills, and perspectives.&nbsp;</li></ul>



Unfortunately, interviewing is one of the most ignored skills in the tech industry, with most interviewers carrying on without caring about improving this skill. One major reason behind this is that most engineers are never judged or evaluated on this skill.&nbsp;



So, Why care to improve it?



If you are reading this, Congratulations! you are in the top 2% who really care about interviewing as a skill, thus bringing in talented candidates to your team. You will be adding massive value to your organization if you master the art of hiring talented and quality testers, trust me.



<h2 id="understanding-common-interviewing-pitfalls">Understanding Common Interviewing Pitfalls</h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/V5JNYQDXydk-GBph8An81SbmBy9TbUBdgv-x2zeDnp90T7_e3kIbLv-auvzgdgdZLSwIMIYsP24TCdh2N73Fw6fKXqul78TAtb4RwDCxbAR0q6NhFe9ci59WoEflOuXNY9bcPdoMW_77" alt="Understanding Common Interviewing Pitfalls" width="-152" height="-101"/></figure></div>



Before we talk about the key aspects of doing great interviews, let’s understand some common mistakes that most recruiters make. Avoiding these pitfalls would automatically position you to filter skillful testers.



<ul><li>Asking a question(s) without providing context and expecting one “RIGHT” Answer.<ul><li>Most testing answers vary with context. There is rarely one RIGHT answer in the testing space.</li><li>Not sharing appropriate context or a medium for clarification can trap good candidates.&nbsp;</li></ul></li></ul>



Note: Give bonus marks if the candidate proactively asks you questions that help them clarify the context or break down the problem into smaller parts.



<ul><li>Picking questions from Google / Social Media.<ul><li>Candidates already mug up such questions.&nbsp;</li><li>It will only help you a little in uncovering the real skills.</li><li>Such open questions revolve more on theory and do not test practical craftsmanship skills.</li></ul></li><li>Not sharing communication protocol for the interview:&nbsp;<ul><li>It’s good to explicitly mention that it is fine to ask questions to clarify the context.&nbsp;</li><li>This will allow you to witness their questioning, reasoning, and critical thinking.</li><li>You can also do a role-play exercise with the candidate. Example: Take the role of a product owner, create the context, and ask the tester to share their testing approach.</li></ul></li><li>Having a fixed questioning list and pattern:<ul><li>An interview is a dynamic process.&nbsp;</li><li>It’s important to tune it to the candidate’s responses, and experiences.</li><li>You can use a fixed list of questions for screening or filter rounds. Avoid using one for the actual interviews.</li></ul></li><li>Crafting (Copying) Poor Job Descriptions:&nbsp;<ul><li>Your job description is a sales pitch to hire good testers.</li><li>Most testing job descriptions are poorly written.&nbsp;</li><li>Copying any existing testing job description increase your chances of creating a poor one.&nbsp;</li></ul></li><li>Don’t trade theoretical Concepts with Practical Skills<ul><li>Don’t trade off theoretical concepts with practical skills.&nbsp;</li><li>A tester who can find bugs better is more valuable than one who knows the difference between White box and Black box testing. Similarly, a tester who explores software better is more valuable than one who knows the Software Development Lifecycle.</li></ul></li></ul>



<h2 id="key-components-of-a-healthy-testing-interview">Key Components of a Healthy Testing Interview</h2>



<h3 id="h-1-the-warm-welcome">1. The Warm Welcome</h3>



Imagine walking into a room filled with strangers, each armed with questions.&nbsp;



Intimidating, right?&nbsp;



As an interviewer, your first and foremost responsibility is to put the candidate at ease. Start with a friendly smile and give a genuine introduction.&nbsp;



Example:



<ul><li>Yourself: “Hi, I’m Rahul Parwal, and I work as a Specialist in the testing team here.”</li><li>Your Company: “We’re a quality-driven organization that values innovation and collaboration. We have our presence in ….”</li><li>The Role: “Today, we’ll discuss your potential fit for our [Test Engineer] position.”</li></ul>



Remember, the primary goal of a healthy interview is to develop rapport, instead of bombarding the candidate with technical topics from the start.



<h3 id="h-2-testing-challenges-puzzles-observing-their-approach">2. Testing Challenges &amp; Puzzles: Observing Their Approach</h3>



You can use testing games, challenges, and puzzles to observe how the candidates approach them. Games help reduce barriers between the interviewer and interviewee. Games are fun and can help you to access multiple skills at once.&nbsp;



Here are popular collections for such testing challenges &amp; puzzles:



<ul><li><a href="https://yard-drain.unicornplatform.page/testersplayground/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Testers Playground</a></li><li><a href="http://testingchallenges.thetestingmap.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Testing Challenges (thetestingmap.org)</a></li></ul>



As these challenges unfold, pay attention to how the candidate approaches these problems.&nbsp;



Are they systematic or diving headfirst into the problem?&nbsp;



Is there a method or structure behind their approach?&nbsp;



Here are some cues to look for:



<ul><li>Making Notes: Good testers note down key points. It shows their organizational skills.</li><li>Using Tools: Proficiency with tools indicates practical experience. Ask them if they know of a tool to help with such problems.</li><li>Meaningful Data: Do they analyze data thoughtfully? Are they thinking of making diverse test data?</li><li>Asking Questions: Curiosity is a sign of a growth &amp; problem-solving mindset.</li><li>Time Management: Asking for time and constraints shows respect for schedules.</li><li>Hints: Seeking hints demonstrates adaptability. Check if they explicitly ask for hints.</li><li>Mistakes &amp; Assumptions: We all make them. Making mistakes is fine. It’s important to see how well do they handle slip-ups.</li><li>Doubts Clarification: Clear communication matters for planning and scope identification.</li><li>Meticulousness: Attention to detail is the hallmark of a meticulous tester.</li><li>Analytical Thinking: Testers are architects of logic, dissecting systems with analytical precision.</li><li>Learnability: In a fast-paced industry, quick adaptability and eagerness to learn are invaluable traits.</li></ul>



<h3 id="h-3-seek-past-project-insights">3. Seek Past Project Insights</h3>



Dig deeper into their past projects. Understand their contributions, the challenges faced, and what they enjoyed. You can ask about:



<ul><li>“Tell me about a project you worked on.”</li><li>“What did you like most about it?”</li><li>“If you could change something, what would it be?”</li><li>“What was one key innovation or initiative that you did in your project?”</li></ul>



Note: It’s recommended to communicate in advance that you do not expect them to disclose any sensitive data about their previous employer.



<h3 id="h-4-go-deep">4. Go Deep</h3>



Ask simple &amp; straightforward questions but encourage detailed responses. Probe further:



<ul><li>“Why did you choose that approach?”</li><li>“How would you handle X scenario?”</li><li>“What if constraints Y and Z were in play?”</li></ul>



Observe their reactions when you probe them with additional questions:



<ul><li>Do they defend themselves or are open to critique?</li><li>Do they get frustrated at any point? How did they cope back?</li><li>Did they question you back?</li><li>Do you both enjoy this deep conversation?</li></ul>



<h3 id="h-5-engage-in-conversations">5. Engage in Conversations</h3>



Beyond testing, it’s also important to assess their communication skills. You can also use non-technical topics to gauge these skills. Some sample questions:



<ul><li>Movies: “What’s the last movie you watched or liked?”</li><li>Books: “Any favorite reads? Technical Books?”</li><li>Podcasts: “Recommendations?”</li></ul>



<h3 id="h-6-the-coding-assignment">6. The Coding Assignment</h3>



If you want to check for someone who can do hands-on automation, then this is a must.&nbsp; Focus on their approach rather than nitpicking syntax. Some aspects to focus on:



<ul><li>Approach: How do they break down the problem?</li><li>Pace: Do they make steady progress, or do they rush in panic?</li><li>Logic: Do you see clear thinking or unorganized work?</li><li>Problem-solving: Are they trying to break the problems into small parts?</li><li>Variable Naming: A micro activity that helps you know the overall clarity in mind.</li><li>Comments: Are they putting insightful and meaningful comments or generic ones?</li></ul>



Don’t judge them on:



<ul><li>Syntax Correctness: We all Google syntax. Trust me, even I do 🙂</li><li>Exact Output: It’s about logic, reasoning, and thinking at the end.</li><li>IDE Usage: Familiarity varies, and these tools can always be quickly learned.</li></ul>



<h3 id="h-7-invite-their-queries">7. Invite their Queries</h3>



An interview is a two-way street. It is important to invite their queries. Questions will reveal insights into their priorities. See if they ask questions on the following:



<ul><li>Learning Curve: Are they eager to learn?</li><li>Opportunities: What excites them?</li><li>Infrastructure &amp; Logistics: Do they have some practical concerns?</li><li>Work Environment: What do they seek?</li><li>Company Culture: What matters to them?</li><li>Growth Prospects: Are they ambitious?</li></ul>



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<h2 id="h-conclusion">Conclusion</h2>



Hiring talented software testers is not just a task; it&#8217;s a voyage of discovery, a testament to human potential. Embrace the journey, cherish the dialogue, and celebrate the art of finding the perfect fit. As an interviewer, your goal is not just to evaluate but also to make candidates feel comfortable. So, next time you’re in the interviewer’s seat, help them get comfortable—they’ll appreciate it! 🌟



Happy hiring, and may the test of your hiring process turn GREEN soon.

Hiring Talented Software Testers: Unraveling the Secrets to Effective Hiring

Each year, aspirants enter the software industry through various roles. Software testing is one of these roles. If you are a beginner or planning to kick-start your career in software testing, this article will take you on a journey to some of the unknown and undiscussed aspects of this industry. We&#8217;ll also travel through the emotional aspects of software testing, exploring the stress, challenges, and strategies for staying sane in a high-stakes environment.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Testing_8211_An_Emotional_Activity">1 Testing &#8211; An Emotional Activity</a></li><li><a href="#Stress_Boosters_in_the_Software_Testing_World">2 Stress Boosters in the Software Testing World</a><ul><li><a href="#Work-Related_Factors">2.1 Work-Related Factors</a></li><li><a href="#Technology_Related_Factors">2.2 Technology Related Factors</a></li><li><a href="#Time-Related_Factors">2.3 Time-Related Factors</a></li><li><a href="#Communication_Factors">2.4 Communication Factors</a></li><li><a href="#Emotional_Factors">2.5 Emotional Factors</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Combating_Stress_with_Emotional_Intelligence">3 Combating Stress with Emotional Intelligence</a></li><li><a href="#Practical_Tips_8211_From_Experience">4 Practical Tips &#8211; From Experience</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-testing-an-emotional-activity">Testing &#8211; An Emotional Activity</h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/kACeUAF71jxKVRiaYoAZywxgZSUz3K3B1L3yiXjW44XHwHHOLhkEVIWAnz455KfaI9zjavGFtyhQaa5JBa_ZT3ftdhX9A8LluA6h7XRgezfpwKZ8sqQyQaVQaQhec4cWVdChbyQlPg6eejVoLy54tA" alt="Testing - An Emotional Activity"/></figure></div>



So, if you are still wondering whether software testing is a stressful job?&nbsp;



Yes, it is.&nbsp;



In a competitive world, a lot of jobs come with stress and pressure.&nbsp;



So, what makes software testing different? Let&#8217;s look at some of the human aspects that touch the nerves of this profession, making it an emotional activity:



<ol><li>Time: Time pressure is a constant companion in the world of testing, amplifying the emotional toll of the job. As a testing professional, you will often find yourself with tight deadlines to test a new feature before it goes live. Every second counts as you race against time, ensuring that the product is stable and the user experience is seamless. Remaining calm and focused amidst the chaos is a trait, honed through experience and emotional intelligence.</li></ol>



<ol start="2"><li>Emotional Stress: Each bug discovered is a victory for software testers, but it also puts you in a situation where you are the messenger of bad news. When the whole team is cheering for the product to succeed, a tester celebrates finding critical issues in the product. This puts even the most seasoned testers into an emotionally stressful state.</li></ol>



<ol start="3"><li>Blame Game:&nbsp; In cases when critical failures are found in production, testers are often the first people getting hammered. The pressure to diagnose, resolve, and prevent such slippage can be overwhelming, leading to heightened stress levels among testers.</li></ol>



<ol start="4"><li>Team Differences: Testing is a team game, and like any team, differences in mindset, culture, and interests add a layer of complexity to the job.</li></ol>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“Software testers always go to heaven; they’ve already had their fair share of hell.”– Anonymous</blockquote>



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<h2 id="stress-boosters-in-the-software-testing-world">Stress Boosters in the Software Testing World</h2>



Now that we&#8217;ve explored the emotional landscape of testing, let&#8217;s understand the various factors that contribute to stress in the software testing world.



Activity: Use the below factors to calculate your stress score at work. Add “+1” for every factor that you face in your day-to-day work. By the end of this section, we will calculate your testing stress levels.&nbsp;



<h3 id="work-related-factors">Work-Related Factors</h3>



<ol><li>High Expectations for Accuracy &amp; Coverage</li></ol>



Testing is not limited to writing test cases. It is also about ensuring comprehensive coverage and traceability reports. The pressure to leave no key aspect unchecked and untracked can be immense, leading to high stress levels.



2. Rigorous Attention to Identify Bugs



Testing requires a keen eye for detail and depth, as even the smallest oversight can lead to catastrophic bugs slipping through the gaps. High focus and attention lead to high stress levels.



3. Leaving No Stones Unturned



The fear of missing a critical area or variable in test design can keep testers up at night, driving them to push themselves.



4. High Stakes &amp; Impact on Missing Critical Issues



Today, the world runs on software. This raises the stakes and impact of missing critical issues. These things can have far-reaching consequences for both the product and as well as company&#8217;s reputation.



5. Project Complexity and Client Demands



Navigating complex projects with frequently changing / uncertain requirements or bleeding-edge technology needs can become a source of stress for testers. The situation aggravates when coupled with demanding clients who expect flawless execution amidst uncertainty.



<h3 id="technology-related-factors">Technology Related Factors</h3>



<ol><li>Keeping up with Continuous Learning Requirements</li></ol>



At present time, staying ahead of the curve requires testers to constantly upskill and expand their knowledge base, which is an overwhelming task.



2. Need for Adaptability to New Methodologies



As new methodologies and best practices emerge, like other tech workers, good testers need to be adaptable and willing to embrace change, adding another dimension of stress to the job.



3. Understanding Complex and Diverse Systems



Testing isn&#8217;t just about understanding the system from an end-user perspective; it&#8217;s also about navigating complex and diverse internal details of an application. This can be mentally taxing in certain projects.



<h3 id="time-related-factors">Time-Related Factors</h3>



<ol><li>Frequent Release Cycles Increasing Pressure</li></ol>



The pressure to deliver results quickly can lead to burnout among testers, especially when coupled with unplanned release cycles.



2. Managing Workload During Crunch Times



Shared testers among multiple projects lead to crunch times that can be stressful, as they&#8217;re tasked with juggling multiple deadlines simultaneously.



<h3 id="communication-factors">Communication Factors</h3>



<ol><li>Collaborating with Cross-Functional Teams</li></ol>



Testing involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, each with its priorities and objectives, leading to conflicts and misunderstandings.



2. Effectively Communicating Technical Issues



Documenting and communicating technical issues clearly and concisely can be challenging, especially when dealing with non-technical stakeholders. Lack of this skill can add to the stress levels.



3. Dealing with Conflicts and Differing Opinions



Conflicts and differing opinions are part of any team environment. Navigating these dynamics can be draining leading to cognitive dissonance for testers.



<h3 id="emotional-factors">Emotional Factors</h3>



<ol><li>Perception of Testing as a Less Prestigious Role</li></ol>



For most newcomers in the testing world, there is a common perception of testing being a less prestigious or useful role compared to development, leading to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. While the perception is wrong, it can add to a lot of stress.



2. Sensitivity to Repetitive Tasks and Burnout



Testing can involve repetitive tasks, which can quickly lead to burnout if not managed effectively.



3. Experience and Skill Level



Junior testers may experience heightened stress levels due to a lack of experience and confidence in their abilities. Whereas, Senior testers may face stress from leadership responsibilities, such as mentoring junior team members and making high-stakes decisions.



Activity Analysis: If your score from the above activity is 8 or above, then you are working in a considerably stressful situation. To help you cope with stress, it is important to be conscious of your stress factors and find ways to reduce stress.&nbsp;



P.S. Seek professional help if you feel stuck in a high-stress environment.



<h2 id="combating-stress-with-emotional-intelligence">Combating Stress with Emotional Intelligence</h2>



In the previous section, we discussed various stressors as well as emotional factors that lead to stressful situations for software testers. Good emotional and personal management can help combat these stressful situations.&nbsp;



Let’s understand how can emotional intelligence (EI) help you combat stress.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/SaQdQ31phLybaIS0tI10Lwa50-EMwZApfA4uMi0oX4Ld4zUHvy0w-kz09LWj-yMmgAJUS7cjs-sgQb9w55O3kE-k7S6r9txIeH5AqQOttxI0cNL4sHK_r1l2zCRlWGl-y1UjgpJXLk4Boz6NYyPKgQ" alt="Combating Stress with Emotional Intelligence"/></figure></div>



So, what is Emotional Intelligence?&nbsp;



It is the ability to manage both your own emotions and understand the emotions of people around you.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>High Emotional Intelligence (EI)</td></tr><tr><td>Characteristics</td><td>Helps with</td></tr><tr><td>Self-Aware</td><td>Anger Management</td></tr><tr><td>Self-Managed</td><td>Negative Thoughts</td></tr><tr><td>Socially-Aware</td><td>Criticism &amp; Conflicts</td></tr><tr><td>Good at Negotiations</td><td>Pressure and workload management</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



Here are some strategies to get better at your emotional management and raising your overall emotional intelligence:



<ul><li>Reflect on your own emotions. Ask others for perspective when in doubt.</li><li>When criticized, don&#8217;t take offense. Instead, ask &#8220;What can I learn or offer?&#8221;</li></ul>



Check out this article by Prashant Hegde about Hanlon Razor available on Testsigma blog to get better at this:<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/why-testers-should-embrace-hanlons-razor/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Why Testers Should Embrace Hanlon&#8217;s Razor (testsigma.com)</a>



<ul><li>Use &#8220;The Pause&#8221;. Avoid reacting to things immediately. You can always choose to take a pause instead of reacting quickly. Taking a “pause” creates an opportunity to think and choose a better response.</li><li>Explore the WHY behind stressful situations.<ul><li>Why does this person (subordinate, customer, manager, or teammate) feel this way?&nbsp;</li><li>What are they dealing with that I don&#8217;t see?</li><li>Why do I feel different than them?</li></ul></li><li>Build social awareness &amp; social skills such as:<ul><li>Persuasion. Recommended read:<a href="https://www.satisfice.com/blog/archives/487452" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow"> Persuasion for Testers &#8211; Satisfice, Inc.</a></li><li>Influence. Recommended read:<a href="https://www.amazon.in/Secrets-Consulting-Giving-Getting-Advice/dp/0932633013" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> The Secrets of Consulting</a>&nbsp;</li><li>Negotiation. Recommended read:<a href="https://secretsofconsulting.blogspot.com/2006/05/yielding-to-pressure-vs-negotiating.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Yielding to Pressure vs. Negotiating</a></li><li>Leadership. Recommended read:<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/qa-lead-responsibilities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Leading Your QA Team to Success: Insights from a Head of QA (testsigma.com)</a></li><li>Conflict resolution &amp; Effective Communication. Recommended read:<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/effective-communication-for-testers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> How Testers Can Communicate Effectively in Today&#8217;s Business World (testsigma.com)</a></li></ul></li></ul>



<h2 id="practical-tips-from-experience">Practical Tips &#8211; From Experience</h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/3w5kBzma79qq_cbJLtxb7DRVhIVgEXK6vPn9SDtfFulhDaB_H_OZMeJssRH6R1P4t9c5CxsosWpBGX_JCpCUestMQMpQQLlRC9CUBxAIFPCxcQOqnLIw6F1kIS8QAIFRbw5zQ4rXP49f_qU8tYipmQ" alt="Practical Tips - From Experience"/></figure></div>



Now that we&#8217;ve discussed the concept of emotional intelligence and how you can work towards raising your emotional intelligence, I want to share some practical tips from my own experience.&nbsp;



I use these tips as a periodic self-reminder in times of stress and crisis. It works!



<ul><li>Every day, you make a choice. Know that it’s always in your control to make a choice.</li><li>Plan for small steps instead of overnight changes.</li><li>Reconsider negative events from a positive perspective: Try to focus on the positive aspects.</li></ul>



Tip: Ask yourself &#8220;What is the opposite of it?&#8221; to formulate a positive statement



<ul><li>Talk about solutions instead of problems<ul><li>Incorrect❌: The reported defects often have missed essential info on how to reproduce it</li><li>Correct ✅: Our bug reporting guide can mention what information is necessary to understand and fix defects. We can share that with our team of testers.</li></ul></li><li>Use Socratic Questioning: i.e., Question the thoughts that contribute to your anxiety. Ask yourself:<ul><li>“Are my thoughts based on facts or feelings?”</li><li>“How would my customers see this situation?”</li><li>“How likely is it that my anticipated risks will come true?”</li><li>“What’s most likely to happen in case of failures?”</li><li>“If this goes wrong, will it still matter in a week? A month? A year?”</li></ul></li><li>Do regular exercise &amp; meditation: There is no golden rule for it. Everyone has their approach and preference. Do whatever works for you but find ways to:<ul><li>Move your body</li><li>Calm your mind</li><li>Avoid straining your body</li><li>Live an ergonomic lifestyle</li></ul></li><li>Remind yourself: You have to spend 40 years here with your career.</li></ul>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">”Don’t sweat the small stuff, it’s all small stuff”Richard Carlson</blockquote>



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Is Software Testing a Stressful Job?Uncovering the Unknown Sides

In the ever-evolving software testing landscape, a term became the latest buzzword – Prompt Engineering.&nbsp;



What is it? &amp; How did it become the talk of the town?&nbsp;



Thanks to the emergence of powerful Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, and Bard, along with applications popping out across domains such as marketing, copywriting, sales, development, product management, and, most importantly, testing.



In this article, let’s delve into the intriguing world of Prompt Engineering for testers.&nbsp;



Let’s explore how this skill can supercharge our testing efforts and serve as an icing on the cake. Fasten your seatbelts because we&#8217;re about to embark on a journey that will transform our approach as a software tester.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#The_Multifaceted_Applications_of_Prompt_Engineering">1 The Multifaceted Applications of Prompt Engineering</a></li><li><a href="#Frameworks_to_Craft_Meaningful_Prompts">2 Frameworks to Craft Meaningful Prompts</a></li><li><a href="#Tips_for_Effective_Prompt_Engineering">3 Tips for Effective Prompt Engineering</a></li><li><a href="#Cautionary_noticenbsp">4 Cautionary notice:&nbsp;</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-the-multifaceted-applications-of-prompt-engineering">The Multifaceted Applications of Prompt Engineering</h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/RVq-CQwom70BRIbUykPgJAJqE6UcFl9-C1wX_hcN2PWI8JJ_TsZPz7f1BLzuG5iyUgWhJb2zmLvglvf3HWFPDkR0zVUsXZYI4Ny1QDgvKnjJjl3vHD28Xf8jyApipW4GRf1ZcBfyHSmMxTsYLH_fXQ" alt="The Multifaceted Applications of Prompt Engineering" width="648" height="432" /></figure></div>



Let’s explore the versatility of Prompt Engineering across domains to understand its diverse potential.



<ol><li>Marketing: From generating compelling ad copies, and engaging social media posts, to creating click-worthy headlines, the possibilities are limitless.&nbsp;</li><li>Copywriting: From crafting persuasive sales letters, and email marketing campaigns, to attention-grabbing product descriptions that maximize their selling potential made easier.</li><li>Operations: From creating automated responses to customer queries, optimizing supply chain processes, and many other values help increase operation efficiency.</li></ol>



All one needs is the right prompt.



<ol start="4"><li>Testing: Prompt Engineering can revolutionize your testing process. Here are a few examples to level up your testing game with prompt engineering:<ol><li>Test Idea Generator: Prompt Engineering can be used in generating test ideas. By providing your LLM with a well-crafted prompt, we can obtain a list of test ideas to jumpstart our testing efforts.&nbsp;</li></ol></li></ol>



Think of it as a brainstorming partner that never gets tired.&nbsp;



We can get test ideas based on the type of application, quality criteria to be checked, and testing depth required.&nbsp;



<ol start="2"><li>Analyze Key Statements / Text: Understanding and interpreting requirement documents is critical for a tester. Prompt Engineering allows testers to feed these statements to LLM and receive multiple interpretations along with questions to clarify ambiguity, helping us validate understanding and uncover potential issues.</li><li>Learning Guide: As testers, we are always learning continuously. Prompt Engineering can kickstart the learning process when we try to learn different topics.&nbsp;</li></ol>



Creating prompts to provide you a concise overview of any topic can increase the pace of learning.



<ol start="4"><li>Coding: Generating code, whether it&#8217;s in Python, Java, C#, or any other language, can be assisted to a great extent with the help of prompts. Effective prompts can be written to create boilerplate code, test scripts, and even for deep tasks such as code review.</li></ol>



<ol start="5"><li>Brainstorming Partner: Stuck with testing? Need fresh ideas for finding bugs?</li></ol>



LLM applications can be our brainstorming partner. Feed it with the right prompts and get rid of your creative block. 



While the above applications might look like an instant game changer and time saver, there&#8217;s a major challenge that needs to be addressed with prompting.&nbsp;



LLMs rely on the quality of the prompts. As the famous saying goes, &#8220;Garbage In, Garbage Out.&#8221; The response from LLMs will only be as good as the prompt you provide.&nbsp;



This is where the skills of a tester play a major role.&nbsp;



Crafting meaningful prompts is an art that can significantly impact the quality of our output. In the coming section, we will see how to craft meaningful prompts to get high-quality desired outcomes.



<h2 id="frameworks-to-craft-meaningful-prompts">Frameworks to Craft Meaningful Prompts</h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/_K2HUM0vX8nHjKHyUWS7ROt20EWhy-z3UM9CJqs0yMmwhica_lnshyjGGvnN0klgYl6owfZWC-P0YDBFX-HSy7p4otqTiDDXSTPc0JhZBpVNmIUz9eupnX65T565ULr1a3FHHx89n9StT3xS44tbEw" alt="Frameworks to Craft Meaningful Prompts" /></figure></div>



Several frameworks have emerged in recent times. A framework can be used depending on the depth of the task at hand.&nbsp;



Let&#8217;s explore a few of them with examples of sample prompts as a tester:&nbsp;



<ol><li>APE (Action, Purpose, Expectation)<ul><li>Action: Define the job or activity to be done.</li><li>Purpose: Discuss the intention or goal.</li><li>Expectation: State the desired outcome.</li></ul></li></ol>



Example: Generating test data using the APE framework.



[Action]: Generate test data for a regular user attempting to log in.



[Purpose]: To assess the login form&#8217;s functionality and security by testing various scenarios with different input data.&nbsp;



[Expectation]: The test data should include both valid and invalid input values, such as correct and incorrect usernames and passwords, as well as special characters, excessively long inputs, and empty fields. This data will be used to evaluate how the login form handles different situations, including successful logins, failed logins, and the prevention of security vulnerabilities like SQL injection.



<ol start="2"><li>RACE (Role, Action, Context, Expectation)</li></ol>



<ul><li>Role: Specify the role of LLM.</li><li>Action: Detail what action is needed.</li><li>Context: Provide relevant details of the situation.</li><li>Expectation: Describe the expected outcome.</li></ul>



Example: Generating boilerplate selenium code in C# for login to a web application.



[Role]: As an automation engineer using C# and NUnit who uses Pascal Coding standards.



[Action]: Write boilerplate Selenium code to automate the login functionality of a web application.



[Context]: The web application has a login page with input fields for username and password, a login button, and the expected elements for successful login, such as a welcome message.



[Expectation]: The Selenium code should be written following Pascal Coding standards, and it should include the setup of the WebDriver, navigating to the login page, entering valid credentials, clicking the login button, and verifying the expected elements on the successful login page. Additionally, proper exception handling and reporting should be implemented in the code.



<ol start="3"><li>COAST (Context, Objective, Actions, Scenario, Task)<ul><li>Context: Set the stage for the conversation.</li><li>Objective: Describe the goal.</li><li>Actions: Explain the actions needed.</li><li>Scenario: Describe the scenario.</li><li>Task: Describe the task.</li></ul></li></ol>



Example: Performing requirement analysis for an application



[Context]: As a test engineer, you are leading the requirements review session for a new mobile banking application.



[Objective]: The goal is to conduct a comprehensive review of the project requirements to ensure they are well-defined, unambiguous, and testable.



[Actions]:&nbsp;



<ul><li>Carefully examine each requirement.</li><li>For each requirement, provide notes, raise questions on ambiguity, suggest test ideas, and offer comments.</li><li>Determine if each requirement is testable in its current state.</li></ul>



[Scenario]: You are part of a cross-functional team consisting of developers, product managers, and business analysts.



[Task]: Review the following requirements.



<ol start="4"><li>TAG (Task, Action, Goal)<ul><li>Task: Define the specific task.</li><li>Action: Describe what needs to be done.</li><li>Goal: Explain the end goal.</li></ul></li></ol>



Example: Analyze sample test data JSON file and generate relevant test data ideas.



[Task]: Extract input variables from the provided JSON data file.



[Action]: Review the JSON data file and identify key input variables.



[Goal]: Suggest possible values for each input variable to facilitate test data generation.



<ol start="5"><li>RISE (Role, Input, Steps, Expectation)</li></ol>



<ul><li>Role: Specify the role of LLM.</li><li>Input: Describe the information or resources.</li><li>Steps: Ask for detailed steps.</li><li>Expectation: Describe the desired result.</li></ul>



Example: Crafting step-by-step documentation for test environment setup on fresh PCs.



[Role]: In the role of a Lead Test Engineer (LTE), you are responsible for documenting the test setup process.



[Input]: The .NET test application source code, necessary dependencies, and access to the target test machine.



[Steps]:



<ul><li>Explain how to set up the development environment (e.g., Visual Studio) and which components need to be installed.</li><li>Detail the steps to clone or download the test application&#8217;s source code from the version control repository.</li><li>Explain how to build and compile the project, specifying any build configurations or build tools required.</li><li>Provide guidance on running the tests, including any specific commands for NUnit to use.</li><li>Include troubleshooting steps for common setup issues or errors that testers might encounter.</li></ul>



[Expectation]: After following the documented setup steps, other testers should be able to successfully set up their test machines, build the test application, and run the tests without encountering significant issues. The documentation should ensure a smooth and error-free setup process.



<h2 id="tips-for-effective-prompt-engineering">Tips for Effective Prompt Engineering</h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/0ErJiscatqkfXrxNmi4FsS5-Eiq4aSwM5gzc-zTFsufOOCsnS-b4OTqIGoc-9UUNCTkkVEXTqtgCAeKrXt60ZVGBlB55I1Zdp4gxFun3lVAMurxEogwuK2pXLs9CioDU5PYq9FkpmKVWKxSNG1P5uQ" alt="Tips for Effective Prompt Engineering" /></figure></div>



<ul><li>While crafting a prompt, ensure that enough context is provided to ensure accurate responses.</li><li>Be mindful of implicit details like the version of the programming language, coding conventions, and commenting standards.</li><li>Save frequently used prompts in text expanders like <a href="https://www.getmagical.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GetMagical</a> or <a href="https://www.autohotkey.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">AutoHotKey</a> for quick access.</li><li>Just like LLMs refine their models with updated data, keep refining prompts based on the responses received.</li></ul>



<h2 id="cautionary-notice">Cautionary notice:&nbsp;</h2>



Treat LLM responses as heuristics. They are not infallible, so always review and verify before implementation.&nbsp;



With great power comes great responsibility. Use this technology wisely and ethically.



Check out our <a href="https://testsigma.com/ai-driven-test-automation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI-powered open-source test automation</a> solution which can provide a balance of responsibility and creativity in terms of using AI for testing: Green button to try out open source Testsigma



 <button class="btn bg-primary cta-btn" style="margin: auto"><a href="https://testsigma.com/signup" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:#fff">Try Testsigma open source</a></button> 



In conclusion, Prompt Engineering is a game-changer for testers. It enables testers to harness the incredible capabilities of LLMs and can aid in making the testing process more efficient and effective. By mastering the art of crafting meaningful prompts, testers can unlock a whole new world of possibilities in <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/software-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">software testing</a>.&nbsp;



So, embrace this new era of testing and make Prompt Engineering your secret weapon for success!

Prompt Engineering for Testers Unleashing the Power of LLMs

Prompt Engineering for Testers: Unleashing the Power of LLMs

We are surrounded by software!&nbsp;



However, we rarely focus on the consequences that can happen if software fails. Today, we will dive deeper into the fascinating world of defects to understand how even the tiniest of glitches can have critical consequences. Most software anomalies might appear inconsequential at first, but we&#8217;ll understand that ripple effects can span across finances, reputation, employee morale, and beyond.&nbsp;



Get ready to explore the intricate layers of defect costs that lurk beneath the surface of the software world.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#The_Social_Costs">1 The Social Costs</a></li><li><a href="#The_Financial_Costs">2 The Financial Costs</a></li><li><a href="#The_Technical_Costs">3 The Technical Costs</a></li><li><a href="#The_Testing_Costs">4 The Testing Costs</a></li><li><a href="#Operational_Costs">5 Operational Costs</a></li><li><a href="#Lost_Opportunities">6 Lost Opportunities</a></li><li><a href="#Customer_Acquisition_Costs">7 Customer Acquisition Costs</a></li><li><a href="#The_Complexity_of_Defect_Costs">8 The Complexity of Defect Costs</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-the-social-costs">The Social Costs</h2> 



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/zd9-O5kL_G__tWT41g5P7LwmsyzV78YqMnwBZyvkSx1FSBYKkWRF526rXRpmpYtgz4O8Oy9AihfmxNxFmQ_BdAJ5VX29ZCazQPO0IahTWhfEFWh1T5OU7rsaeBKmhdwqgVOnS_94fw4z5d7_1RuobA" alt="social costs" /></figure></div>



Reputation Loss: A Cautionary Tale of Boeing 737 MAX Aircraft



In 2018, Boeing, a towering giant in the aerospace industry, unveiled the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. It was an exciting moment for aviation, but little did they know that a series of software-related defects would put their reputation at risk.



Two devastating crashes occurred:



<ul><li>Lion Air Flight 610 in October 2018</li><li>Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 in March 2019</li></ul>



causing the deaths of 346 people. The heart-breaking incidents were traced back to a software glitch. A bitter revelation that shattered Boeing&#8217;s reputation in an industry where trust is paramount.



Lesson: The loss of lives was irreplaceable, and the damage to Boeing&#8217;s reputation was enormous. There are social consequences of software defects.



<h2 id="the-financial-costs">The Financial Costs</h2> 



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/HwPzy5XzYZubL3YyHV30UhyitO-3uTgRps3ZF8Vg7TwMJAIZlw2Os-x8kSO7NXYBEcKFwLU2Eao0IeyyYgmrfakqpPIxQlIgQE76kWWopdd2RK6kmyZR8G1VfXjotD4o1_AlcXPITZCjU2aeBaCqdw" alt="Financial costs" /></figure></div>



Facebook NASDAQ Disaster



Back in 2012, during the highly anticipated initial public offering (IPO) of Facebook. The event captured the world&#8217;s attention, but it swiftly devolved into a financial nightmare due to a software glitch.



Nasdaq&#8217;s trading platform encountered unforeseen hiccups, causing significant disruptions. Unable to confirm orders, traders were left in the dark, confusing the entire market. Investors and brokerages bore the brunt of this software hiccup, resulting in financial losses and severe damage to Nasdaq&#8217;s reputation.



Lesson: The Nasdaq Facebook IPO disaster serves as a reminder that software defects can manifest in the most unexpected places, triggering financial repercussions that extend far beyond the realm of technology. &nbsp;



<h2 id="the-technical-costs">The Technical Costs</h2> 



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/yqHIcK2Ok6FYUbDc9k0Z77t9uXSWRW0dy7y13OHBDZeGrpgtCsgJkeC1GRh2UVpAM_4sXoOSmFA3t8SJ2cZv4yFzjjZh-cvYmP6NWBxuuXM-UpttwMvyt-kvCWf58MRIgWR3tyk1T8V5Y0LS93k5Tg" alt="The technical costs" /></figure></div>



A tale of technical burden: Microsoft&#8217;s October 2018 Update



Microsoft&#8217;s Windows 10 October Update (Version 1809) was highly anticipated. As soon as it was released, reports flooded about users losing their documents, photos, and precious files during the update.&nbsp;



Due to the panic, Microsoft had to halt the rollout and investigate immediately.



Root Cause: An annoying software defect.



Lesson: The incident highlights technical costs associated with a software defect. Microsoft&#8217;s response involved halting the rollout, investigating the issue, and releasing a fix. The technical and operational costs escalated due to hidden technical complexities.



<h2 id="the-testing-costs">The Testing Costs</h2> 



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/Cdo4TtVNeqVXBcPljpqKlguEzUvzSVDJXJ0hvAw-VPFvQUjWlyiNb17haWj7arfPYMgst40x47LE-SLpAgAl5ih1-qPaJ6frRwIlHaULBIJ--4UxPe2Jo835rgG286zJWrnL5HNOzPukLgfQTHGCBQ" alt="the testing costs" /></figure></div>



Unexpected Costs of Testing, Documenting, &amp; Reproducing Issues: HealthCare.gov&#8217;s Ordeal



One of the highly anticipated HealthCare.gov was launched in 2013. The website was designed to streamline the process of enrolling in health insurance plans under Obamacare. However, technical issues cast a long shadow and disappointment over this grand vision.



Slow-loading pages, frequent crashes, difficulty in creating an account, and verifying user information marred the initial rollout. To address these defects and ensure the website&#8217;s functionality, the U.S. government had to allocate additional budgets for extensive testing and debugging efforts.



Lesson: The HealthCare.gov debacle exemplifies the significant testing costs that can arise from software defects. The government had to invest substantial time and resources to rectify the situation, underscoring the importance of rigorous testing before launching any software product.



<h2 id="operational-costs">Operational Costs</h2> 



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/E026RVo9sR8CxueKirTqmSOgTTJIkYWio7nvOXDd9fqwacVjPi4hJMV9H-mkMsxVTP1XA4AgSdMppJYW6f9JcYYZpk5mXMGH0azdFhPoxI3-QaV_o6nP_0Yh5Zo_IXQoYM1lT6cBQ5v9I-1ywBS3-g" alt="operational cost" /></figure></div>



The Toll of Additional Support: British Airways&#8217; Software Saga



Remember your latest flight boarding experience?&nbsp;



When you were eagerly anticipating your upcoming journey. But British Airways (BA), in 2017, had a different narrative. Their check-in system malfunctioned due to a software defect, triggering a global IT outage and domino effect failures.



Due to this issue, multiple flights were canceled, baggage handling went haywire, and passengers encountered endless delays and frustration. To mitigate the operational fallout, British Airways had to deploy additional staff, compensate affected passengers, and invest heavily in rectifying the underlying software problem.



Lesson: This scenario highlights the operational costs caused due to a software defect. Beyond the technical and financial burdens, the need for additional support staff to handle customer complaints and implement workarounds can be a substantial drain on your existing operational system.



<h2 id="lost-opportunities">Lost Opportunities</h2> 



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/p4pTPx9C_A4P13YvGCha751U-tqEgGePDZdCwrCCi0eXFX8sx4GN2xqVwgmyKdJk0DadarO0Dk3mVKk2Q_HS0MAndUM2LLZarf0365jp2-_BlJiKetXVTZwAsAwkzH4upxuH-FJSmQ_quWxM8aBy2w" alt="Apple iOS6 Maps Issue" /></figure></div>



Apple iOS6 Maps Issue



In 2012, Apple introduced its own mapping application as a replacement for Google Maps in iOS 6.&nbsp;



The bold move was blocked by a host of production defects. Users encountered inaccuracies, missing landmarks, and unreliable directions that led to a series of missed opportunities.



Apple had the potential to cross-sell other products and services, such as Siri and location-based app recommendations, to users who switched to alternative mapping apps like Google Maps. However, the poor user experience damaged Apple&#8217;s reputation and led to lost revenue from location-based services, app recommendations, and advertisements.



The Apple Maps fiasco demonstrates that software defects can incur immediate costs hindering the realization of potential revenue streams.&nbsp;



Lesson: It serves as a reminder that user experience, quality, and trust are invaluable commodities that cannot be achieved without proper testing.



<h2 id="customer-acquisition-costs">Customer Acquisition Costs</h2> 



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/nCVm-HRvVtWO1wHOA1IFLOIMsaZTcfhD7JV2yWkCcec4JoGaEkW5pmjGYf9xOlnbwsQV7WlvfGYmWIpUgh_QzQzMUk2jSG7nlJv21jByrwIH5JtZ6Gp2DFoWxfXUm0qclJrtBpLImAPfNBz7n2pa1Q" alt="customer acquisition cost" /></figure></div>



Equifax data breach, 2017



Defects can increase customer acquisition costs.&nbsp;



As organizations scramble to build trust and attract new customers, replacing lost customers is proven to be more expensive than retaining existing ones.



One striking example is the Equifax Data Breach of 2017. The security breach exposed the personal information of 147 million US consumers, triggering a crisis. Equifax found itself in the unenviable position of having to work diligently to rebuild customer trust and reputation. It leads to the following:



<ul><li>Increased Customer Acquisition Efforts: Equifax had to invest significantly in rebuilding trust. This involved extensive marketing and communication efforts to address customer concerns and promote improved security measures.</li><li>Impact on Attracting New Customers: The incident cast a long shadow over Equifax&#8217;s ability to attract new customers. Heightened regulatory scrutiny, which indirectly impacted customer acquisition costs, added to the financial burden.</li></ul>



<h2 id="the-complexity-of-defect-costs">The Complexity of Defect Costs</h2> 



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/fD6xwABe--497XR2k-w6MeEvRhoSz_07UZnpRm6rIR7FQi4gCLyv9VOwKEtYSkashi9OQPhucPjlBqdlBN95zCnndAflEbJSiLC5xMpG7WibvvFnNZXXxJHFCo_n8g_C6SK_--iMRA-j-9xpMydE9A" alt="the complexity of defect costs" /></figure></div>



Throughout all these diverse examples, one thing is absolutely clear i.e., the cost of a software defect is a multifaceted and interconnected web of consequences. From the immediate financial hits to the long-term damage to reputation, from the toll on an organization’s morale to the need for extensive legal and public relations efforts, defects can wreak havoc in unpredictable ways.



The complexities of these costs serve as an important reminder of the critical importance of rigorous testing and quality processes in the software development process. Identifying and addressing defects early can save organizations from the maze of trouble and consequences.



Here are a few lessons to take from the case studies &amp; exploration of various costs associated with the defects:



<ol><li>Invest in Testing: Rigorous testing and quality practices are not optional—they are essential. The cost of fixing defects after they&#8217;ve reached production can be exponentially higher. Checkout our open source tool to accelerate your testing effort.</li></ol>



 <button class="btn bg-primary cta-btn" style="margin: auto"><a href="https://testsigma.com/signup" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:#fff">Try Testsigma Opensource</a></button> 



<ol start="2"><li>Consider the Human Element: Software defects don&#8217;t just impact systems; they impact people. Customer’s morale, trust, and satisfaction are intangible yet invaluable assets. Do join our free discord community to stay up to date with fellow professionals and be on top of your quality and testing game.</li></ol>



 <button class="btn bg-primary cta-btn" style="margin: auto"><a href="https://discord.com/invite/5caWS7R6QX" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:#fff">Join Testsigma Community</a></button> 



<ol start="3"><li>Trust is Priceless: Once trust is shattered, the cost of rebuilding it can be exorbitant. Trust is a currency that can&#8217;t be quantified but holds immeasurable value.</li><li>Prepare for the Unpredictable: Defects can manifest in unexpected ways and places. A proactive stance towards testing and quality is the best defense.</li></ol>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote has-text-align-center">“Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution.”</blockquote>



John Ruskin



Like a hidden iceberg lurking beneath the surface of the sea, with the potential to sink even the mightiest of ships, defects exist in the software world.



Understanding and mitigating these costs should be at the forefront of every organization&#8217;s software strategy. As we navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape, let&#8217;s do so with a keen awareness of the hidden consequences that lie beneath the surface.

Cost of a Defect Unboxing the Hidden Consequences

Cost of a Defect: Unboxing the Hidden Consequences

Welcome to the exciting world of software testing! In today&#8217;s exponentially paced tech era, software testers play a pivotal role in enabling the quality and reliability of software applications. In this article, we&#8217;ll dive deep into the art of being a software tester, exploring the foundational principles, customer-centric mindset, continuous learning, social media leverage, essential skills, and tips on landing your dream testing job. So, whether you&#8217;re a budding testing enthusiast or completely new to this field, let&#8217;s unleash on this journey of becoming a software testing professional.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Foundations_Building_Your_Testing_Knowledge_Base">1 Foundations: Building Your Testing Knowledge Base</a></li><li><a href="#Understanding_Customers_The_Heart_of_Software_Testing">2 Understanding Customers: The Heart of Software Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Learning_to_Learn_A_Continuous_Journey">3 Learning to Learn: A Continuous Journey</a></li><li><a href="#Leveraging_Social_Media_Turn_Scrolling_into_Learning">4 Leveraging Social Media: Turn Scrolling into Learning</a></li><li><a href="#Skills_That_Will_Set_You_Apart">5 Skills That Will Set You Apart</a></li><li><a href="#Applying_for_Your_Dream_Testing_Job_Get_Noticed">6 Applying for Your Dream Testing Job: Get Noticed</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">7 Conclusion</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-foundations-building-your-testing-knowledge-base">Foundations: Building Your Testing Knowledge Base</h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/tfXA6q-BTZ4E8zadrJGYx2VLUdfjdBwGK_p-TGuJA7kJrJC2y8g9JFch6sq06ZuZG4d0AfYH7nBN8pKOg0hGATveugu71cL37yYhk5AjQ97gfiGySU_q3-jjyGtO7805r_R1GSV-bWbfTpEKOHs0-w" alt="Building Your Testing Knowledge Base" width="663" height="468" /></figure></div>



Before you begin your software testing journey, it&#8217;s crucial to lay a solid foundation. One excellent resource for aspiring testers is the BBST (Black Box Software Testing) 3.0 Foundations course. It provides a comprehensive understanding of software testing principles and concepts. The video lecture library for this course is available for free here: <a href="https://bbst.courses/category/open-course-materials/">BBST® Video Lectures &#8211; Learn Black Box Software Testing</a> Additionally, consider reading and revisiting this summary eBook that distills the key concepts, making it easier to grasp and refresh your testing concepts: <a href="https://www.thetesttribe.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/BBST-Foundations-2.pdf">Testing Foundations Summary</a>.&nbsp;



Homework: Document your study notes and publish your learnings from this lecture in the form of a social media post or article. This will be your first step toward your <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/portfolio-ideas-for-testers/">learning portfolio</a>.



<h2 id="understanding-customers-the-heart-of-software-testing">Understanding Customers: The Heart of Software Testing</h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/u0iXp_1x7tM2XdIe-2soc5eN82G91VhXK0atSkxcWq_rrA_P29caUifKU3LDwCF1Z-6vBG9WFJQBc72JWxixp9HK_0gzsjHwbAgZoQH5B0HygA54oXgS5Nq6GsZIt-an1trzNDrSa6WwlGWCOv38pg" alt="The Heart of Software Testing" width="763" height="509" /></figure></div>



In the journey of becoming a tester, many aspirants tend to direct their focus on technology and tools. However, as a software tester, your primary focus should always be on your customers. Understanding their needs, challenges, and business objectives is essential. Assume the role of a tester for a software application “A” being built by a company “C” and start by asking yourself questions like:



<ul><li>Why are your customers paying for this “A” software?</li><li>What is the business model of your customer “C”, and how does the software application “A” support it?</li><li>What are the specific business challenges or contexts that “C” has?</li><li>How can your testing efforts contribute to solving these challenges?</li><li>How does the application “A” fit in the bigger picture of “C”?</li></ul>



Imagine being in your customers&#8217; shoes when they encounter frustrating software bugs or issues. How would you feel? Your role as a tester is to minimize such negative experiences and ensure a smooth, user journey.&nbsp;



Homework: Take your favorite app. Now, as a customer of that app, write down the following:



<ul><li>What makes the app so pleasurable for you?&nbsp;</li><li>What do you like the most?</li><li>What can ruin this experience in future?</li></ul>



After you are done with the above points. Assume the role of a potential tester, now write down how will you test this app so that the customer experience is not ruined.



<h2 id="learning-to-learn-a-continuous-journey">Learning to Learn: A Continuous Journey</h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/YF5_wJjPIQ0c7WYXLTjsS7mdhhP-R5ZTIBmMcOv-Zq0jfptf3FyyNlrEzct3aNNSVj_BEAs3o9IbL_DlzPUkEcnK-t2NTO_njnw01XZ7NdndSbLEtwQUh9XyLpD9D7c6vM_X0jTWhsaIy5ToCbfOJw" alt="Learning to Learn: A Continuous Journey" width="532" height="355" /></figure></div>



Software testing is an ever-evolving field. With the fast changing landscape of the tech world, testing landscape is changing too. To stay relevant and excel in your role as a tester, you must be committed to continuous learning. Three areas where you will have to continuously expand your knowledge and skills are:



<ol><li>Core Testing: Dive deep into various testing methodologies, test design skills, exploratory testing, questioning, etc.&nbsp;</li><li>Technology &amp; Tools: Keep pace with the latest technological advancements in software industry, as they will directly influence your testing practices. Be up to date with state of the art tools and technology trends.</li><li>Business &amp; Customer Domain: Understand the business domain of the software you are testing. It&#8217;s not enough to know how to find bugs; you must also know how those bugs affect the business. This will help you advocate better as a tester.</li></ol>



To kickstart your learning journey, explore the A-Z of Testing Tips, a treasure trove of practical testing wisdom available on Testsigma blog: <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/software-testing-tips/">A to Z of Software Testing: Terms, Tips, &amp; Advice for Newbies (testsigma.com)</a>



“In this era of machine learning, be a learning machine.”



Ajay Balamurugadas



<h2 id="leveraging-social-media-turn-scrolling-into-learning">Leveraging Social Media: Turn Scrolling into Learning</h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/menW1Qq5-p6BmgbXuDkLZyRwneff2rPyB7reEXSs_03d_2HNJ78wIiNCToyBY5Dw4sEwOvGdOapLlHc_p4bFr2pdx_PYu1b-gyw4ZvsnSFkcjMJ-iOStyDPQcCH98_AZA5bEnM00jszibQVDLaVb1A" alt="Leveraging Social Media: Turn Scrolling into Learning" width="583" height="437" /></figure></div>



Let&#8217;s face it; we all spend around 10% of our days’ time on social media. So, why not make it productive?&nbsp;



<ol><li>Start by following popular testers, testing communities, and testing blogs on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn. Here are few curated lists for you:<ol><li><a href="https://testingtitbits.com/7-testing-communities-from-where-i-learn-something-new-almost-everyday/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">7 Testing Communities from where I learn new stuff in 2023</a></li><li><a href="https://www.testingcircus.com/testers-in-twitter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">200+ Software Testers To Follow on Twitter | X</a></li></ol></li><li>Some recommended websites / social platforms to follow include:<ol><li><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Testsigma</a>: Offering insights into testing, tech and latest trends on testing.</li><li><a href="https://www.satisfice.com/blog" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Satisfice</a>: Home to James Bach, this is a popular testing blog for serious testers.&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://testingtitbits.com/blog/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Testing Titbits</a>: A source of bite-sized testing knowledge, tips, and curated learning materials.</li><li><a href="https://testingdaily.info/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Testing Daily</a>: Daily feed on testing to stay updated on the latest testing trends and news.</li></ol></li></ol>



Homework: While going through all these platforms, don&#8217;t just be a passive observer; engage with the community, share your thoughts, and ask questions.&nbsp;



The above homework will help you to find mentors and passionate peers from the industry. Mentors can be invaluable in your journey to becoming a good software tester. However, remember that your first message to any potential mentor should not be asking for help. Instead, offer your assistance or insights on a topic you&#8217;re knowledgeable about. Build a genuine relationship by discussing testing and sharing your experiences. Over time, you can seek guidance and advice as your relations grow.



<h2 id="skills-that-will-set-you-apart">Skills That Will Set You Apart</h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/DsV_bJzJHWRwUFUeAXIaQuGU4VG9HlKZoEE4KMSUuy8u9jEIcqcnjIQhL_sgQ-2fAjXwNSWWrQvKQVoDKwehOKqX7c8S89UU1Qx4P2wRxdwnwMS79F_0JmetvsxzqfWpzKYoXX6_gL5CbszGQjvnXA" alt="Skills That Will Set You Apart" /></figure></div>



While the above things will make you ready to be a software tester, you will need diverse set of skills to really stand out in this highly competitive market. Let&#8217;s understand some of our most critical ones:



<ol><li>Mindmapping: Use this technique for note-taking, documenting product details, creating presentations, and modeling products. It&#8217;s a versatile skill that enhances your ability to organize and communicate information effectively.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ol>



 Reference: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijRhVwLCHMU&amp;t=607s" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Prashant Hegde &#8211; Mindmap Driven Testing &#8211; YouTube</a>



<ol start="2"><li>Communication Skills: Testing is not just about finding bugs; it&#8217;s about conveying your findings to others. Hone your written, verbal, and visual communication skills. Presentation skills are a fusion of these three components and are essential for effectively conveying your testing results. Your bug reports are also a way for you to present your bugs.&nbsp;</li></ol>



 Reference: <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/bug-report-template/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">How to report an issue using a bug report template? (testsigma.com)</a>



<ol start="3"><li>Business Language: A good command of English can open doors for you in the job market. The ability to communicate clearly and professionally is a valuable asset. In today’s world, you can use AI assistants to get better at business communication.&nbsp;</li></ol>



Reference: <a href="https://app.yoodli.ai/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Yoodli | Free Communication Coach</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;



<ol start="4"><li>Programming: While not mandatory, having programming skills can be a game-changer for a tester. Choose a popular language like JavaScript, C#, Java, or Python. Learning to code and write logical test scripts will make you more versatile and adaptable in the world of testing. If you want a balance between coding and non-coding, you can also checkout platforms like Testsigma which offers you the power of no code along with the capability to extend it via code.</li></ol>



 <button class="btn bg-primary cta-btn" style="margin: auto"><a href="https://testsigma.com/signup" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:#fff">Try Testsigma Open source</a></button> 



<ol start="5"><li>Questioning: Testing is fundamentally about asking questions. In the words of James Bach, &#8220;Testing is questioning a product in order to evaluate it.&#8221; Learn how to craft context-free questions for testing and build your questioning toolkit to extract valuable information from the software under test.</li></ol>



Reference: <a href="https://developsense.com/blog/2010/11/context-free-questions-for-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Context-Free Questions for Testing – DevelopSense</a>



<h2 id="applying-for-your-dream-testing-job-get-noticed">Applying for Your Dream Testing Job: Get Noticed</h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Qh8s1BO_SuLt0Y_zMNGnNL-WKhaKzXnjUUgw6of0nuEXpny0Pw4P75cR7HYsHz-1XNqf-YmlaBV2wCyuX9uGGOCIif6h_6tivIJWzUz5Q-96rI_rMumDzU6tl7325wXt7IRW7GRxorlgPSGp7Aa8UQ" alt="Applying for Your Dream Testing Job: Get Noticed" width="632" height="422" /></figure></div>



Now that you&#8217;ve built your knowledge, skills, and network, it&#8217;s time to apply for testing jobs. Leverage social media and job handles to find opportunities. Showcase your skills and experience through a professional portfolio that prospective employers can review. Check out this article to understand the perspective of your potential interviewer and prepare for your interview: <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/an-interviewers-complete-guide-to-hire-the-best-qa-engineers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">An Interviewer&#8217;s Complete Guide to hire the best QA Engineers.</a>



<h2 id="conclusion">Conclusion</h2>



Becoming a software tester is a fulfilling journey that will require dedication and continuous learning. By understanding your customers, cultivating a learning mindset, leveraging social media, acquiring essential skills, and effectively applying for jobs, you can carve out a successful career in software testing. Remember, software testing is not just about finding bugs; it&#8217;s about ensuring that the software meets its intended purpose and provides a seamless user experience. Embrace this responsibility, and you&#8217;ll become an indispensable part of any software development team. Happy testing!

How to Become a Software Tester?

Everyone has their own unique testing journey, but not everyone has it documented online for others to see. Nowadays, everything is online in almost all spheres of work. So, the important question is, &#8220;Are your professional skills, capabilities, and offerings visible online?&#8221; Surprisingly, only a small percentage of testers have a portfolio they can share. However, this is a great opportunity for new testers to create their portfolio and stand out.&nbsp;



In this article, I&#8217;ll share some easy and creative portfolio ideas for testers to showcase their skills, capabilities, and offerings. Let&#8217;s explore how one can build an impressive testing portfolio that will make you stand out among your peers.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Blogging">1 Blogging</a></li><li><a href="#Automation_Work">2 Automation Work</a></li><li><a href="#Public_Study_Notes">3 Public Study Notes</a></li><li><a href="#Start_Your_Own_Blog_Website">4 Start Your Own Blog / Website</a></li><li><a href="#Talk_at_Conferences_Meetups">5 Talk at Conferences &amp; Meetups</a></li><li><a href="#Share_Your_Presentations">6 Share Your Presentations</a></li><li><a href="#GitHub_Repos">7 GitHub Repos</a></li><li><a href="#Test_Open_Source_Software">8 Test Open Source Software</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-blogging">Blogging</h2> 



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/IAn1fHPjxtazmYgBVpg-FxksN9hvhNmMqtAJU4OtjdHZmCfWU4d2rt25fPJpknVR7geTSXae1_fY8CA6XFhS3f1vyMPOLMD7mqFajOeKJGbx7B2NdtaIMVa7ms7Y80SZqcVX80UNjdTryb9hM2dVUw" alt="A person typing on a computer

Description automatically generated"/></figure></div>



<ol>
<li>Small Threads / Micro Blogs
<ol>
<li>This is a good starting point for folks who want to make a <a href="https://writerbuddy.ai/free-tools" target="_blank" rel="noopener">start with writing</a>.</li>
<li>You can share small bite-sized testing tips, interesting observations, or even fun testing-related anecdotes from your day-to-day learnings in a small tweet or thread of tweets to keep your followers engaged.</li>
<li>Popular Platforms: Twitter, Threads, Mastodon</li>
<li>Example: <a href="https://twitter.com/QualityFrog" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Ben Simo 🐋 X (twitter.com)</a></li>
</ol>
</li>
</ol>


<ol start="2"><li>Text Blogs<ol><li>Easiest way to start if you have some experience with writing.</li><li>Share your testing experiences, lessons learned, and insights through posts, or long-form articles on LinkedIn or Medium. It&#8217;s a great way to reach a professional audience and make a lasting impact.</li><li>Popular Platforms: LinkedIn – Articles / Posts, Medium, WordPress, Blogspot, etc.</li><li>Example: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahul-parwal/recent-activity/articles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Articles | Rahul Parwal | LinkedIn</a></li></ol></li></ol>



<ol start="3"><li>Image Blog / Visuals<ol><li>They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so why not use images / visuals to feature&nbsp; visually appealing posts? Share before-and-after bug images of public apps, testing process snapshots, or infographics explaining complex testing concepts.</li><li>Popular Platforms: Instagram, Twitter</li><li>Example: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/eviltester/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Agile Software Testing Tips (@eviltester)</a></li></ol></li></ol>



<ol start="4"><li>Video Blogs:&nbsp;<ol><li>If you love to face the camera or create engaging <a href="https://www.renderforest.com/intro-maker" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">youtube intro maker</a> video content on platforms like YouTube or Instagram. Walkthrough testing scenarios, demonstrate bug-finding techniques, or anything that you would like to share and connect with a wider audience through your visual storytelling.</li><li>Popular Platforms: YouTube, Instagram, etc.</li><li>Example: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@NicolaLindgren/videos" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Nicola Lindgren &#8211; YouTube</a></li></ol></li></ol>



<h2 id="automation-work">Automation Work</h2> 



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/GUW1AAkS4-IWSVt7ZrP81CXUC-VBMJbl5iwvkHOHOqnYG41wTYNC4QQca9zn5LULPAcMbQ8lnItkZU8nMk_vMF81XomjHCnsgV9V0J4zDMFFGBfG-pEER5YLFNSOIdx96gHP8wpOPmYIUxr4OoSWhQ" alt="A toy in front of a computer

Description automatically generated"/></figure></div>



 <ol><li>GitHub Repos<ol><li>If you are actively into coding, set up a GitHub repository to showcase your automation prowess. Share your personal automation scripts, projects, pull requests, and any custom frameworks you&#8217;ve developed to make your testing more efficient.</li><li>Take inspiration from creative profiles like &#8220;<a href="https://github.com/gauravkhuraana/gauravkhuraana" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Gaurav Khurana</a>&#8221; and put your own spin on it. You can make your GitHub profile a visually stunning representation of your testing &amp; automation journey. Here is a short video to help you get started: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xvLSmnXYuI" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">How to make your GitHub Profile look better &#8211; YouTube</a></li><li>Example: <a href="https://github.com/amuthansakthivel" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">amuthansakthivel · GitHub</a></li></ol></li></ol>



<ol start="2"><li>Framework Design<ol><li>If you&#8217;ve built testing frameworks for learnings or modified existing ones available in public, share your thought process, challenges faced, and the final results. Be sure to explain how your frameworks adds value to the testing process.</li><li>Example: <a href="https://github.com/automationhacks/appium-fast-boilerplate" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">GitHub &#8211; automationhacks/appium-fast-boilerplate</a></li></ol></li></ol>



<h2 id="public-study-notes">Public Study Notes</h2> 



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/Wy3W5MyJRsTO6-dD1tQ7cFR1mcbEuWxy_TpcWPgE5Sb8OLqJSYzzveCjyOlsX2zyy30mhp_JH26MKKeNoHxNhpvuFmurnsxoE8KGonGYn8FNu1ZD_IhnsgVNQtTYjSh9RE2NDyXrcDu15SQAC1ir4A" alt="Portfolio Ideas for Testers"/></figure></div>



 <ul><li>In this age of continuous learning, how about not stopping at learning alone. An interesting way to convert your learnings into an online record of your learnings is to document your learnings by taking comprehensive study notes while learning new testing concepts or tools. </li><li>It will not only help you retain information better but also serve as valuable resources for others. The key is to organize your study notes and make them easily accessible. </li><li>Popular Platforms: Notion, OneNote, Github, etc. </li><li>Example: <a href="https://synapse-qa.com/?s=study+notes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Rahul&#8217;s Study Notes</a></li></ul>



<h2 id="start-your-own-blog-website">Start Your Own Blog / Website</h2> 



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/cCCkG2QCTyKwBd8kOL8EfEF6wluK_5QSaFt8HdhQfTWtmjuPKCDppuiwwU4sM2O5OsQzzUzhC8Q2mlXcPaZY3wQllH3hB2g-3TY8p47yceXt35Nb1omsrOben2pOinVJj0JWrwGKy5Z3u8e7Cm7l3Q" alt="Portfolio Ideas for Testers"/></figure></div>



 <ul><li>Creating your own blog or website gives you complete control over your content and presentation. It&#8217;s like having your own piece of real estate on the internet. It will act as your home on the internet.</li><li>Having a blog / website will also create luck for like-minded people to find you.</li><li>By regularly updating your blog or website with fresh and insightful content, you increase the chances of connecting with like-minded testers, potential employers, or collaborators.</li><li>Blogging Tip: Whenever you stumble upon useful testing resources or insightful articles, blog about them! It serves as a local cache for yourself and helps others discover valuable content.</li><li>Example: <a href="https://testingtitbits.com/blog/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Blog &#8211; Rahul&#8217;s Testing Titbits</a></li></ul>



<h2 id="talk-at-conferences-meetups">Talk at Conferences &amp; Meetups</h2> 



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/CpPQNwn054Zg0DFkAp61wr6DP5NMIljvKekqgRzhskQAv-feUapceQ8IKxrPNt7gtAPfBCq46TA3Ypv7UnToIltqlNAbhc10K0cLbzSR33uJPr5iDhAM8sCilJQSOIDFTRP08MinAvUssl_Q50oTXg" alt="A close up of a microphone Description automatically generated"/></figure></div>



 <ul><li>Step 1 &#8211; Know about them: Stay updated about testing conferences and meetups happening around you or even online. Keep an eye on social media and tech event websites for announcements. Follow hashtags such as: #testingconference, #testingmeetup, etc.</li><li>Step 2 &#8211; Attend Them: Attend conferences and meetups to learn from fellow testers, network with industry experts, and gain insights into the latest trends and practices.</li><li>Step 3 &#8211; Apply as a Speaker: Once you gain enough confidence and experience, apply to speak at these events. Talk to the organizers about it. Sharing your knowledge with others is incredibly rewarding and helps you grow as a tester.</li><li>Step 4 – Start with Sharing Micro Learnings:&nbsp; Short on time? Or not sure what to speak for a big talk. No worries! Start with sharing 15-minute micro-learnings on specific testing topics. It could be a small tool demo, a code snippet, or a bug-hunting technique.</li></ul>



<h2 id="share-your-presentations">Share Your Presentations</h2> 



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/nWZOE7OUcgegEN0QB_-oJHGBJ8r-7-A6cMkuvY7ije0FCUBp4junwii8lmmCNQRmRym59kk5AE3WLr1lM_Wq7zQwhyMrQBrC0JpMLzylIS0uc8LQjR-v6TQfydiSCp7dbAluExJICpz_qdp9VFm1Wg" alt="A projector with a beam of light Description automatically generated"/></figure></div>



<ul><li>You can turn your testing talks or ideas into <a href="https://publuu.com/multimedia-presentation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">multimedia presentations</a> and share them on social platforms.</li><li>It is a fantastic way to reach a wider audience and establish yourself as a knowledgeable tester.</li><li>This gives you the opportunity to expose your work in public and create an opportunity to attract review comments and collaborators.</li><li>Popular platform: LinkedIn, Slideshare, Slides, Github, etc.</li><li>Example: <a href="https://www.slideshare.net/rahul_verma/presentations" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Rahul Verma presentations | SlideShare</a></li></ul>



<h2 id="github-repos">GitHub Repos</h2> 



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/uz5YIwUqihqGGSWI5vQ5685cNlJwOr-Eo6yPCaHeubcjtzuO28MK2k1ATdotAzcQNNr6mlw9vcbbRuGars6Ba70jNqRWitqa8KSdVWhvK1wFTeu-K6ACao2YFEYOVwENmliYwLTqSA_LqtHkKcdjsg" alt="Portfolio Ideas for Testers"/></figure></div>



 <ol><li>Showcase Code | Utilities<ol><li>GitHub is a treasure for engineers.</li><li>Create utilities that help testers, or showcase your testing-related code snippets.</li><li>Example: <a href="https://github.com/yatt-ai/yattie" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">GitHub &#8211; dacoaster/yattie: A tool to help testers test.</a></li></ol></li></ol>



<ol start="2"><li>Curate Resources:<ol><li>Gather and curate testing-related resources from various repositories and create your own well-organized collection.&nbsp;</li><li>It&#8217;s an excellent way to show your expertise in the testing domain.</li><li>Example: <a href="https://github.com/abhivaikar/howtheytest" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">GitHub &#8211; abhivaikar/howtheytest: A collection of public resources about how software companies test their software</a></li></ol></li></ol>



<h2 id="test-open-source-software">Test Open Source Software</h2> 



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/LTA5yhiH2YRLeqfpwvQSX5Xk5jCq-BOaozME9f4aLilKG3ihTbTHXKt3TfnWuh1UCDMQj35RpLuoHrzXmDOrioIPdJhO7mDPLhBvgeHzNGSEbzbh67WjwociVmWDvJKpcVoLTz2zjl7Imd-4pvlzOw" alt="A heart and a heart Description automatically generated with medium confidence"/></figure>



 <ul><li>Testing open-source software not only helps the community but also helps you demonstrate your testing skills to the global world.</li><li>Most of the contributions that you do with Open Source Software remains public and can be used as a proof of work. You can contribute using any of the following: <ul><li>Bug Reports</li><li>Pull Requests</li><li>Change Requests</li><li>Documentation Contribution</li><li>&#8220;How To&#8221; articles / guides / tutorials on such software</li></ul></li><li>Writing &#8220;How-To&#8221; articles on testing open-source software will serve as evidence of your hands-on experience with these projects.</li><li>Popular open source project: <a href="https://github.com/testsigmahq/testsigma" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">GitHub &#8211; testsigmahq/testsigma: A powerful open source test automation platform for Web Apps, Mobile Apps, and APIs.</a></li><li>Contribution guide: <a href="https://testsigma.com/open-source-contribution" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A Detailed Step-by-Step Guide for anyone who wants to start contributing to Open Source. (testsigma.com)</a></li></ul>



 <button class="btn bg-primary cta-btn" style="margin: auto"><a href="https://testsigma.com/signup" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:#fff">Try Testsigma Open source</a></button> 



Remember, your portfolio is a reflection of your testing passion and skills. Mix and match these ideas to create a unique and personal showcase of your journey.&nbsp;



Happy testing, and may your portfolio shine like a bug-free application! Cheers!

Portfolio Ideas for Testers Showcasing Your Testing Journey!

Portfolio Ideas for Testers: Showcasing Your Testing Journey!

Hey there, tech enthusiasts and passionate testers! For the last one year, our industry is flooded with material on how ChatGPT and other AI models will transform the <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/future-of-software-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">future of testing</a>. I promise you that this article will be different and would not talk about the capabilities of ChatGPT but would instead talk about the myths in testing industry that ChatGPT has busted.&nbsp;



Brace yourselves as we unveil the myth that ChatGPT, the AI language model, has finally shattered: the notion that coding is the primary &#8220;super&#8221; skill for success in testing. Believe it or not, coding is not the be-all and end-all of testing prowess. Let&#8217;s explore why and discover what lies ahead for the testing landscape.



<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="#Whats_Next">2 What’s Next?</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">3 Conclusion</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-introduction">Introduction</h2>



For years, the belief that coding skills are paramount for testers has sustained in the industry. Many aspiring testers or mid-range experienced testers felt compelled to hone their programming abilities, and even practice competitive programming assuming it was the golden ticket to excel in the industry. But ChatGPT has emerged as a game-changer, challenging this long-running assumption.



 With ChatGPT, it has become increasingly easy and simple to generate test framework codes, sample scripts, test data generation utilities, and whatnot. Just a simple search on YouTube, and you will find a plethora of video tutorials on how to generate code samples <a href="https://hix.ai/chatgpt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">using ChatGPT</a>. In most cases, the code generated by the AI model needs basic to no modification for most simple to basic use cases of test automation. 



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/kpX0JFZdmD4kjR3zlbNj67fONXu2XONzOf6t5-41mJ3TteTTVmVoxk6i1k0zjyRGfJ0pIoWOxAqGZwgvCB0t6n6Qe5WbB75eqC-0PZ9hce7R-foqFFujlvU7G6BiDFk1xMu6hf7M3RiHpHK3CfLdhQ" alt="A picture containing wall, flag, indoor, fabric

Description automatically generated" /></figure>



This article is not against coding or programming as a skill. Coding is undeniably valuable in testing, especially when it comes to creative and custom automation needs. However, it is merely one piece of the puzzle. Testing is a multidimensional craft that demands a diverse skill set to deliver fruitful results.&nbsp;



<h2 id="what-s-next">What’s Next?</h2>



With the rise and boom of AI &amp; No Code tools in the market (Ex: <a href="https://testsigma.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Testsigma</a>), it’s clear that basic framework generation or scripting work will get easy and simple. As the testing landscape evolves, it&#8217;s essential for testers to embrace this transformation and continue to nurture their diverse skill set. By focusing on the key testing skills, testers can adapt to the changing industry and remain at the forefront of delivering exceptional value.



So, what are these key testing skills that deserve your attention? Let&#8217;s see some of the essential abilities that testers have not been focusing much but should be focusing on:



<ol><li>Risk Analysis: As a tester, we primarily test to find information about the risks and help the team reduce their risk gap. Your ability to assess risks and prioritize them is crucial. Identifying potential issues, the risk gap associated with them as well as their impact on the system under test helps the team make well-informed decisions and drive the project effectively. Here are a few resources to get started and understand risk analysis in testing:<ul><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g97mMeC9EIE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Michael Bolton. Risk Analysis. QA Fest 2018 &#8211; YouTube</a></li><li><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/risk-based-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">What is Risk Based Testing? Top Benefits &amp; Approaches (testsigma.com)</a></li><li><a href="https://riskstormingonline.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">RiskStorming Online</a><a href="https://riskstormingonline.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> | A Quality Strategy Created Together</a></li><li><a href="http://catless.ncl.ac.uk/Risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">RISKS-LIST: RISKS-FORUM Digest (ncl.ac.uk)</a></li></ul></li></ol>



<ol start="2"><li>Effective Communication: As a tester, we are often the bearer of bad news. Conveying such news is socially difficult. Being able to articulate such thoughts in verbal as well as written forms, report bugs with advocacy, collaborate with developers, and interact with stakeholders are all vital aspects of a tester&#8217;s role. If you are looking for a long-term career in tech, communication is one skill that you should master early in your career.</li></ol>



 Here are a few resources to learn the art of persuasive and influential communication:



<ul><li><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/top-ways-communicate-software-testing-insights-better/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Top 7 Ways t</a><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/top-ways-communicate-software-testing-insights-better/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">o Communicate Software Testing Insights Better (testsigma.com)</a></li><li><a href="https://manassaloi.com/2020/05/19/master-communication-writing.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">How to communicate better | Manas J. Saloi (manassaloi.com)</a></li><li><a href="http://testertested.blogspot.com/2013/05/emailing-skills-and-its-power-to.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Tester Tested !: Emailing skills and its power to influence for software testers (no, just me)</a></li></ul> 



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/2KJ0vYoXRKTYVfQ5ZhTzQMlSNPZuVObXkP4NX9txfe4qIXENhtkR-hUEwh43poGlIavxJbkkoUUXG5TyZ2PJZfFMZ6ZGQZaIHUK_70Zl2jxeupWqSQUYjQqxOI4aNbfiSaTh4lQgo3MOQ9DjIEfZZg" alt="influential communication" /></figure></div>



 <ol start="3"><li>Bug Advocacy: Bug Reports are high-visibility items for project stakeholders. As a tester, simply reporting bugs is not enough. Bugs that are not acted upon do not translate into actual value. Testers should learn the art of advocating for the bugs they discover. This skill involves presenting clear evidence, explaining the impact of the bug, and conveying its risk and importance to the stakeholders. Here are few resources to learn the art of bug advocacy &amp; beyond:</li></ol>



<ul><li><a href="https://www.thetesttribe.com/courses/bug-advocacy-course/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Bug Advocacy: Report Bugs that Get Fixed, Like a Pro (thetesttribe.com)</a></li><li><a href="https://leanpub.com/bugadvocacy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Bug Advocacy by Rahul Parwal et al. [Leanpub PDF/iPad/Kindle]</a></li><li><a href="https://issuu.com/santhoshtuppad/docs/crash-course-on-reporting-bugs-in-software-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Crash Course on Reporting Bugs in Software Testing by Santhosh Tuppad &#8211; Issuu</a></li></ul>



<ol start="4"><li>Exploring Requirements: Requirements are often unclear, ambiguous, and inconsistent in most software projects. Also, not all requirements will be in written form. Just like development, requirements need to be tested as well as explored too. Testers need to be skilled at diving deep into the project context, understanding the scope, and exploring the missing parts of the requirements. This key skill will determine your ability to cover and target the right areas.</li></ol> 



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/BolEhu8S7KgroC6_HSxOAkDluyfO_v8mrHBdGl0rXWmtliwT3aQcxPzllyaKxwu916p9viODM0WoCaujCh2TUeLQoPJdF8J-qFfgc5DRLeVBY0vJNiJ9FaXjxIbV8nhTvm2JDF0eeuDw5ZzA2BxTyQ" alt="A picture containing text, screenshot, font, line
" /></figure></div>



 Here are a few resources to be good at exploring requirements:



<ul><li><a href="https://www.thetesttribe.com/blog/exploring-requirements/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Exploring Requirements: Part 3 of Requirement Gathering Blog Series (thetesttribe.com)</a></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wh4-p_02coc&amp;t=583s" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Perform Systematic Exploration and Understand Testing Requirement | Rahul Parwal #requirements #test &#8211; YouTube</a></li><li><a href="https://leanpub.com/exploringrequirementsone" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Exploring Requirements… by Gerald M. Weinberg [PDF/iPad/Kindle] (leanpub.com)</a></li></ul>



<ol start="5"><li>Test Strategy: Creating and discussing about your <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/software-testing-strategy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test strategy</a> is an important aspect of professional systematic software testing. Crafting a solid test strategy is a vital skill for testers. It involves devising a plan that outlines the testing approach, techniques, quality criteria’s, project environment, and coverage areas to ensure thorough testing.</li></ol>



 Here are a few resources and reference examples to learn the art of creating a holistic test strategy:



<ul><li><a href="https://www.huibschoots.nl/wordpress/?p=2726" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Creating a Test Strategy – Magnifiant: exploring software testing (huibschoots.nl)</a></li><li><a href="https://www.satisfice.com/download/heuristic-test-strategy-model" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Heuristic Test Strategy Model &#8211; Satisfice, Inc.</a></li><li><a href="http://thetesteye.com/posters/TestStrategyChecklist.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Test Strategy Checklist (thetesteye.com)</a></li></ul>



<ol start="6"><li>Product Modeling: The ability to model the product mentally or as an abstract model helps testers gain a deeper understanding of its behavior, interactions, and potential risk areas. By creating a visual model or representation of the product, testers can target effective test scenarios as well as structure their tests better. It also helps in achieving a higher test coverage.&nbsp;</li></ol>



 Here are a few resources to learn about systematic product modeling:



<ul><li><a href="http://thetesteye.com/blog/2012/02/many-models-better-test-ideas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Many Models – Better Test Ideas</a></li><li><a href="https://www.annemariecharrett.com/how-i-use-modelling-in-software-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Model a system is critical in software testing (here&#8217;s how) (annemariecharrett.com)</a></li><li><a href="http://testerstories.com/2017/12/modeling-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Modeling Testing – Stories from a Software Tester (testerstories.com)</a></li></ul>



<ol start="7"><li>Biases: Like in any other field, biases, and prejudices can be very risky in software development. As a tester, it’s good to know about them in advance and develop a questioning / investigative attitude whenever you feel you are getting biased. Biases can affect your testing judgments and overall decision-making processes. Often, you will have to consciously de-bias yourself from the diverse set of information and emotions around you.&nbsp;</li></ol>



 Here are few resources to learn about biases and how to not let them affect your testing:



<ul><li><a href="https://originality.ai/blog/are-gpt-detectors-biased-against-non-native-english-speakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Are ChatGPT Detectors Biased Against Non Native English Speakers</a></li><li><a href="https://testingtitbits.com/does-psychology-influence-your-test-experiments/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Are Biases Influencing your Test Results? &#8211; Rahul&#8217;s Testing Titbits</a></li><li><a href="https://www.sog.unc.edu/sites/www.sog.unc.edu/files/course_materials/Cognitive%20Biases%20Codex.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Cognitive Biases Codex.pdf (unc.edu)</a></li><li><a href="https://betterhumans.pub/cognitive-bias-cheat-sheet-55a472476b18#.5q3u387fg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Cognitive bias cheat sheet. An organized list of cognitive biases because thinking is hard. | by Buster Benson | Better Humans</a></li></ul>



<ol start="8"><li>Negotiation: Testers often find themselves in situations where negotiation skills come in handy. Estimations and negotiations go hand in hand. Your ability to negotiate and buy time will play a key role in quality delivery. Collaborating with stakeholders under pressure to address conflicting priorities is an art that will save you a lot of hassle in the long run.</li></ol>



 Here are a few resources to learn the art of negotiation as a software tester or consultant:



<ul><li><a href="https://secretsofconsulting.blogspot.com/2006/05/yielding-to-pressure-vs-negotiating.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Gerald Weinberg&#8217;s Secrets of Writing and Consulting: Yielding to Pressure vs. Negotiating (secretsofconsulting.blogspot.com)</a></li><li><a href="https://developsense.com/blog/2009/08/test-estimation-is-really-negotiation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Test Estimation Is Really Negotiation – DevelopSense</a></li></ul>



<ol start="9"><li>Persuasion: Testing is not just about finding information about the product. It also involves helping the team make well-informed and beneficial decisions for the product and team. Often these things are not directly under your control as a tester. Convincing others about the importance of testing, the value of certain approaches, or the severity of a bug requires persuasive skills. Testers who can effectively present their case influence decision-makers positively.</li></ol>



 Here is a crisp mindmap to help you understand and implement the art of persuasion as a tester:



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/TUG3XgOs4H-dfigxv2SmhNzPC3Kzhe6WdzBlRVlkfAD7W1Pm9tqSpnMFbnUeryftLCOnwj1LP7YC2ytcc_2_f6O-k6ebSGhYngGjFDJltWsdFHXisZS2CDM0YCdMVwLyWxoKEYoxJXWYqN1YtkqXgw" alt="Testsigma - Test automation platform" /></figure>



 <ol start="10"><li>Note-Taking: Just like testing, everyone can do note-taking to some degree. However, professional note-taking requires conscious practice and consistent efforts. Effective note-taking is a skill that often goes underrated but plays a significant role in your testing as well as your credibility as a professional. Taking comprehensive and organized notes helps testers track their progress, document important findings, and maintain a clear record of their work.</li></ol>



 Here is a crisp summary of the paper on Exploratory Tester’s Notebook by Michael Bolton that would give you the need and benefits of good note-taking in exploration:



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/mZ7sOcHSzPIZ0Ur3Lali31QjRc8oBCVQ9nSVx3Hz1xM2cwNYBbcdiCOb9jUh7M0PmjyxxJtgcNUwxfuEYNB4N75TFMH9_uyTQqCIO4UfQ1RMEycQ1WAL5Grk2SxvuXdhcXZJYIvi3HvH-o4woSelcg" alt="Testsigma - Test automation platform" /></figure>



 <h2 id="conclusion">Conclusion</h2>



In this article, we covered 10 essential skills that testers should now focus on honing to stay relevant and excel in their testing career. With testers upskilling themselves on these skills, we can soon envision a future where skilled testers collaborate seamlessly with AI models like ChatGPT, combining their human expertise and critical thinking skills with the model&#8217;s computational and processing capabilities. This synergy would result in more comprehensive and intelligent testing.



Interested to explore a powerful open-source testing tool that aims to assist you well with your human expertise?&nbsp; 



 <button class="btn bg-primary cta-btn" style="margin: auto"><a href="https://testsigma.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:#fff">Check out Testsigma</a></button> 



 In conclusion, ChatGPT&#8217;s disruption of the long-standing myth that coding is the primary &#8220;super&#8221; skill for success in testing has pushed everyone to look around for a new era of possibilities. By recognizing, nurturing and embracing the diverse skill set required for testing, we empower ourselves to tackle complex challenges, advocate for quality, and drive innovation in the ever-evolving world of software testing.



Happy testing, and may your bug hunts be fruitful and fulfilling!

With ChatGPT here, what's next for the Testing Industry

With ChatGPT here, what’s next for the Testing Industry?

As a software tester, I have been fortunate enough to work on a variety of projects, from web services to SDK (Software Development Kit) APIs, and in different industries. Throughout my journey, I have learned some valuable lessons, mostly from my own failures. In this article, I would like to share those lessons with you. Whether you are an experienced tester or just starting out, I hope these lessons will help you to be more successful and efficient in your role.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Mistake_1_Neglecting_UX_Over_Focus_on_Functionality">1 Mistake 1: Neglecting UX: Over Focus on Functionality.</a></li><li><a href="#Mistake_2_Chasing_Trends_Hunt_Latest_Tools">2 Mistake 2: Chasing Trends: Hunt Latest Tools</a></li><li><a href="#Mistake_3_No_Pairing_Collaboration_with_Dev_Team">3 Mistake 3: No Pairing &amp; Collaboration with Dev Team</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">4 Conclusion</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-mistake-1-neglecting-ux-over-focus-on-functionality">Mistake 1: Neglecting UX: Over Focus on Functionality.</h2> 



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/mistake-1.jpg" alt="Testsigma - Test automation platform" class="wp-image-26845" width="600" height="400"/></figure></div>



When testing software, it is easy to get caught up in checking that the functionality works as expected. However, testing for usability and user experience is equally important. The software may be functioning correctly, but if it is difficult to use or understand, it will not be adopted by developers and would not be met with a positive response from the customers. Without good usability, you will always risk dealing with people’s problems more instead of technical problems.&nbsp;



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“No matter what they tell you, it&#8217;s always a people problem.” <cite>– Jerry Weinberg</cite></blockquote>



Lesson 1: Don&#8217;t Neglect the UX: Balance Functionality Testing with Usability Testing



<ul><li>Implement steps to improve the usability of software, such as clear and easy-to-follow documentation, helpful error messages, unique error codes, avoiding breaking changes, etc.</li> <li>Increase the selling potential of software through good usability testing.</li> <li>Focus on the usability feedback about the product from the sales and customer relationship team.</li></ul>



To ensure that your software is usable, ensure the following:



<ul><li>The documentation is clear and easy to follow.</li> <li>The error messages are helpful.</li> <li>There are unique error codes for unique errors.</li> <li>Make sure the documentation does not assume the user to be knowledgeable of the technical jargon.</li> <li>All jargon and abbreviations are documented.</li> <li>Avoid any changes that break the existing functionality without repeated prior notifications in release notes. Ex: It’s very important to mark APIs deprecated well in advance instead of surprising them with breaking changes.</li></ul>



Good usability testing of your software can help you to increase your software’s selling ability. Here is a checklist that I have made to cover important usability checkpoints for your usability testing: <a href="https://testingtitbits.com/usabilitychecklist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Usability Heuristic Checklist &#8211; Testing Titbits &#8211; Rahul Parwal</a>



Also, Checkout these articles on Testsigma blog to learn more about UX Lessons:&nbsp;



<ul><li><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/ux-testing-ux-lessons-learned-from-my-real-life-experiences-part-1/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UX &amp; Testing: UX Lessons Learned From My Real-Life Experiences &#8211; Part 1 (testsigma.com)</a></li> <li><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/ux-lessons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UX Lessons Learned From My Real-Life Experiences Part &#8211; 2 (testsigma.com)</a></li></ul>



<h2 id="mistake-2-chasing-trends-hunt-latest-tools">Mistake 2: Chasing Trends: Hunt Latest Tools</h2> 



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/mistake2.jpg" alt="Testsigma - Test automation platform" class="wp-image-26847" width="600" height="400"/></figure></div>



In one of my initial projects, we made the mistake of using a popular testing tool without fully considering its suitability for our specific use case and problem statement. This turned out to be a costly mistake in the long run, as the tool did not provide the features and capabilities we needed to effectively test and validate our software. We delayed switching to another suitable tool due to sunk cost fallacy. 



Sunk cost fallacy is the phenomenon whereby a person is reluctant to abandon a strategy or course of action because they have invested heavily in it, even when it is clear that abandonment would be more beneficial. We eventually had to switch to a different tool that was better suited to our use case and problem statement, but the cost of this transition was significant.&nbsp;



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">&#8220;The sunk cost fallacy is throwing good money after bad.&#8221; <cite>&#8211; Unknown</cite></blockquote>



Lesson 2: Solve the Problem, don’t just chase Trends: Choose Tools Wisely



While it&#8217;s understandable to be drawn to a popular tool, it&#8217;s crucial to take the time to perform a detailed tool analysis for your current and future needs before making a decision. Having learned this lesson, these are the changes that I have done to my tooling approach:



<ul><li>Started a practice of conducting tool analysis before making a decision, taking into consideration parameters such as supported protocols, testability, documentation and community, capabilities, adaptability, etc.</li> <li>Shifted focus from finding a problem for a trending solution (or tool) to solving the real problem.</li> <li>Enabled deep testing by using customizable and flexible tools.</li></ul>



When selecting a tool, consider the following parameters:



<ul><li>Supported protocols and standards.</li> <li>The tool should enable your testability.</li> <li>The tool has good documentation and a supportive community.</li> <li>Capabilities of the tool, how well it integrates with your existing systems, and how easily it can be customized to fit your needs.</li> <li>Can it be adapted to accommodate growth, new technologies, and changes in the market.</li></ul>



Testsigma is one such platform that checks all these parameters.



<button class="btn bg-primary cta-btn" style="display: block;
 margin: auto;"><a href="https://github.com/testsigmahq/testsigma" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:#fff">Try Testsigma Open Source</a></button>



The list of possible factors can be very exhaustive. To ensure that I cover all important points, here is a checklist that I personally use when evaluating new tools: <a href="https://www.developsense.com/resource/RapidSoftwareTestingHeuristicsForEvaluatingTestingTools.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rapid Software Testing Heuristics for Evaluating Testing Tools</a>.



<h2 id="mistake-3-no-pairing-collaboration-with-dev-team">Mistake 3: No Pairing &amp; Collaboration with Dev Team</h2> 



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/mistake3.jpg" alt="Testsigma - Test automation platform" class="wp-image-26853" width="600" height="400"/></figure></div>



During the early stages of my career, I did not collaborate or interact much with my developers. I believed that my role as a tester might get biased if I talk with them or listen to their opinions on testing. However, this is a double edge sword.&nbsp;



Lesson 3: Unleash Pairing: Collaborate to Innovate



Over the years, I have realized that collaboration is the key when it comes to innovation and one of the most effective ways to do this is through pairing. By pairing with your developers, you can share technical skills, and testing knowledge, and help identify potential risks and challenges early on. This would also contribute towards preventing bugs instead of fixing them.&nbsp;



One can also ask questions to better plan their testing:



<ul><li>What have you tested already?</li><li>What testing is remaining?</li><li>How are you mocking the API for your development?</li><li>Do you have some tools that I can also use?</li><li>Can we add this feature to enable testability?</li><li>What are you worried about?</li><li>Do you want me to deep test certain areas?</li></ul>



By doing so, you tap into the tacit knowledge of your development team and upskill your testing game. Transferring great inter-disciplinary knowledge is also a key aspect of pairing, as it helps bridge the gap between different departments and enhances cross-functional collaboration.



When working with developers, I have found the below practices to be useful in increasing collaboration:



<ul><li>Share your testing plans and results with the developers.</li><li>Ask for their input on the testing process.</li><li>Debrief your test strategy and test notes.</li><li>Talk about testability and how developers can enable you to test better.</li><li>Documenting your <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test automation</a> solutions to enable test collaboration.</li></ul>



By collaborating well with your developers, you can help to ensure that the testing of software is done with good quality and meets the expectations of your stakeholders.



<h2 id="conclusion">Conclusion</h2>



These are just a few of the lessons that I have learnt from my journey as a software tester. I hope that these lessons will help you to be more successful in your role as a software tester. Whether you are just starting out or are an experienced tester, never stop learning and improving your skills. 



The world of technology is changing constantly and it’s important to change, upskill and adapt to the times today. It is also important to treat every failure as a learning opportunity and use it as a building block towards becoming a better testing craftsperson.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">Successful people do what unsuccessful people are not willing to do. Don&#8217;t wish it were easier; wish you were better. <cite>&#8211; Jim Rohn</cite></blockquote>


For all our visual readers, I have summarized this entire article in this <a href="https://xmind.app/m/ADviJG/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mind map</a>.


Embed URL:<iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.xmind.app/embed/ADviJG/" width="750" height="422" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>



Until next time, Happy Testing, Happy Learning!

My Career in Software Testing A Reflection on 3 Mistakes and What They Taught Me

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