Working in an ever-growing industry of technology one cannot stay up to date with every single technology, application or coding skills at all times. Have you ever thought that you are not great at a certain task, or confused on how to complete your work, or have asked way too many questions to another colleague on how to complete your work? This is something we can all relate to, and this is the famous word you hear &#8211; theimposter syndrome. 



<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK585058/#:~:text=Imposter%20syndrome%20(IS)%20is%20a,accomplishments%20among%20high%2Dachieving%20individuals." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Imposter syndrome</a> is something that is very likely to kick in in various stages of your career for various different reasons too. “Imposter syndrome (IS) is a behavioral health phenomenon described as self-doubt of intellect, skills, or accomplishments among high-achieving individuals”



<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/overcoming-imposter-syndrome-tech-industry-felicia-boyd/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard Business Review</a> defines ” imposter syndrome as a feeling of inadequacy and self-doubt that can affect anyone regardless of their level of success or skill. It can manifest as a fear of being exposed as a fraud, a belief that success is due to luck, or a sense of not belonging to a particular field. People with imposter syndrome tend to discount their abilities, downplay their accomplishments, and overemphasize their mistakes.”



It becomes very difficult at times to manage time between learning and working within your teams &#8211; it is a situation where it is up to you how you overcome it, or work with it. The big question that arises here is how happy are you in your current role and how confident are you ? Do not worry at all if you are reading this and thinking you are going through it, there are ways to work around it, and this blog will help you conquer it. 



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Am_I_going_through_an_imposter_syndrome_patch">1 Am I going through an imposter syndrome patch?</a></li><li><a href="#Why_does_this_happen">2 Why does this happen?</a></li><li><a href="#Perfectionism_Pleasing_procrastination_and_Paralysis">3 Perfectionism, Pleasing, procrastination, and Paralysis</a></li><li><a href="#How_to_work_with_Imposter_Syndrome">4 How to work with Imposter Syndrome?</a></li><li><a href="#A_software_testers_experience">5 A software tester’s experience </a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">6 Conclusion</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-am-i-going-through-an-imposter-syndrome-patch">Am I going through an imposter syndrome patch?</h2>



Symptoms of Imposter Syndrome:



<ol><li>Are you an individual who has a fear of being discovered?</li><li>Self-doubting your skills and questioning being part of a team </li><li>Stress related to work where an employee thinks that they are expected to work more than needed. </li><li>Some people might judge themselves and don&#8217;t come to terms that they did actually put in the effort to achieve gold. </li><li>One going through Depression, frustration, anxiety, lack of self-confidence, and a few to name</li><li>Do I feel that the opportunities I’ve had so far are due to luck?</li><li>When I have new challenges, do I doubt my ability to meet them?</li><li>Am I unmotivated about new opportunities?</li><li>Do I think things that have gone well in the past are going to go wrong now?</li><li>Do I worry that people will find out that I an a fraud?</li><li>Do I compare myself to other people?</li><li>Am I not satisfied with the things I do?</li><li>Do I think that I don’t deserve the success that I’ve had?</li></ol>



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<h2 id="h-why-does-this-happen">Why does this happen?</h2>



There are several reasons, as explained in the syndromes above on why Imposter syndrome affects individuals, however some other examples within an organization that can cause this include the following;



<ul><li>Transition/change &#8211; A new role, change of role, or being a new parent can increase this feeling as it pushes one out of their comfort zones</li><li>Traditional gender norms- In the tech world, it has been seen that more men than women are holding senior roles. Though, this is slightly changing now, still there are times when a woman&#8217;s success is compared with the impact on her family while men do not go through this. Thus, societal pressure also impacts gender as more is expected from one. </li><li>Intersectionality and systemic bias- Intersectional factors have led to individuals facing more imposter syndrome symptoms </li></ul>



<h2 id="h-perfectionism-pleasing-procrastination-and-paralysis">Perfectionism, Pleasing, procrastination, and Paralysis</h2>



The 4 P’s are something that has and can cause self-doubt leading to imposter syndrome. Lets understand what they really are and how their impact leads to imposter syndrome:



As a human being when we are in a new role, we want to be a perfectionist to either showcase our potential or just worry about getting a bad feedback. This can lead to worrying over small details and being very thorough, where one might not need to spend extra time.



Procrastination and Paralysis are where we think too much or plan too much before actually experiencing our next project/task/meeting. This then becomes an approach to many tasks and leads to not achieving much and spending too much time thinking.



People pleasing is one where one is aiming their best to make sure they please their team members all the time. This is not really a positive quality to have at all times as one may be a great communicator, empathetic, and diplomatic at work, however, this trait can cause destruction by leading to burnout. 



<h2 id="h-how-to-work-with-imposter-syndrome">How to work with Imposter Syndrome?</h2> 



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First of all you should understand that IT IS OK. Everyone goes through different stages in their careers and someone might be a fast learner and someone might take a little bit of time to get to it. What one needs to do is be honest about their skillset and let the team know so, if there is some support available, it can be provided. Remember always to have open and clear conversations about how you feel.



You can also speak to like-minded individuals. See if there are like-minded individuals who work with you or even in other teams and talk to them or raise it on a central forum. One thing to bear in mind is that other individuals may also be going through what you are going through so, talking to them could help as someone might have overcome it and provide constructive feedback on how to turn the syndrome around!



Another way to overcome your thoughts that while through imposter syndrome is by keeping yourself busy; perhaps do a new course at work that could help you grow, do some mindfulness sessions(yoga, meditation); perhaps join a STEM group at work or play sports with your colleagues/friends &#8211; these are great ways to relax your mind and not overthink. Try to learn what triggers you and then see what solutions could protect you. 



Your managers and leaders should also be trained to make the team members feel comfortable, for instance, by celebrating the achievements of their team members, taking the team out for lunch, and making sure the team feels happy in general. Small successes lead to big successes, and to be empathetic as a leader for your team members and those who work with you is a great positive step in your leadership style. 



Something more to bear in mind is that leaders/managers/higher management can also have imposter syndrome, however, if the work provides a positive supportive environment, individuals can feel comfortable.



Record your wins always regardless of the size, big or small as they count a lot as your experience as well as serve as great feedback for you too. Yes, there are times one doubts themselves, but do not forget all the good work one puts in which weighs more than anything else.



Finally, one can focus on thinking about how they provide value to their work and team rather than thinking about how they are being perceived. Focus on what you have to do and help team members as this small contribution can bring more confidence in individuals. 



Self belief, experiences, and praise are things that drive one away from this syndrome. 



<h2 id="h-a-software-tester-s-experience">A software tester’s experience </h2>



Sometimes, it is not YOU. What I mean by this is that the environment that you are working in and the people you work with can cause you to think that you are lacking skills or not understanding the work. I have experienced this with some managers who are micromanaging and it has made me feel low as well as underskilled. 



Other than that, sometimes you are pressured for a task which you may have understood little or not at all, which can also make one feel confused and under-experienced or doubting themselves. You have to remember that sometimes you can solve this situation by being upfront and honest that you do not have the needed skill or it&#8217;s not possible at the moment, for you. It can create a discussion or an argument, however, you have to remember you spoke up and said the truth and it needs to be respected. 



Another example is when you are not celebrated for the work you are putting in &#8211; your team is providing excellent feedback on it, but the management does not see it enough to celebrate it. This easily can delve one into thinking they are not that good yet or feel puzzled.



Sometimes when working with many software testers, I have witnessed favoritism which is not fair. The other testers get put forward for projects that others may feel they should go for and get to do the “fun” activities whereas other testers just sit back and continue with their day to day tasks. If there are various testers in the team, aim to balance it out so all testers feel valued and celebrate all. Not all will showcase big achievements, so celebrate the small wins too. 



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



Imposter syndrome starts from various situations and reasons &#8211; burnout, thinking of how others perceive you and your work, favoritism at work, micromanagement, etc. It should be a task for all companies to make sure mindfulness sessions are provided to all employees and make sure that this is practiced throughout. Every company prefers retaining as many employees as possible, so why not work on supporting them all? 



I came across 6 powerful Mantras which will help:



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">It is normal to feel insecure in a team environment.</blockquote>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">Perfection does not exist.</blockquote>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">Mistakes are part of your journey to success.</blockquote>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">Criticism does not equate to failure, it helps one get better.</blockquote>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">It&#8217;s best to give your best shot than not to try at all</blockquote>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">You have been hired for a great reason, don&#8217;t self-doubt.</blockquote>



Do not aim for perfection as that does not exist, really, as all one can do is their best in their role. 



Adding the time factor to the task at hand puts a nice boundary around it, and you’re less likely to head into burnout territory. 



Remember, imposter syndrome is a very normal situation to be in, what&#8217;s difficult is the way to work around it. The tips provided in this blog can definitely be a starting point for all reading this.

How to overcome Imposter Syndrome – Tester’s edition

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We are surrounded by software!


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.


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 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-social-costs">The Social Costs</h2>



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 class="wp-block-list">
<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 class="wp-block-heading" id="the-financial-costs">The Financial Costs</h2>



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.  


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="the-technical-costs">The Technical Costs</h2>



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.


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 class="wp-block-heading" id="the-testing-costs">The Testing Costs</h2>



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 class="wp-block-heading" id="operational-costs">Operational Costs</h2>



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


Remember your latest flight boarding experience?


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 class="wp-block-heading" id="lost-opportunities">Lost Opportunities</h2>



Apple iOS6 Maps Issue


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


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.


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


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="customer-acquisition-costs">Customer Acquisition Costs</h2>



Equifax data breach, 2017


Defects can increase customer acquisition costs.


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 class="wp-block-list">
<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 class="wp-block-heading" id="the-complexity-of-defect-costs">The Complexity of Defect Costs</h2>



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 class="wp-block-list">
<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>
<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>
<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 is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
“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.

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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="#Conclusion">6 Conclusion</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-foundations-building-your-testing-knowledge-base">Foundations: Building Your Testing Knowledge Base<gwmw style="display:none;"></h2>



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: BBST® Video Lectures &#8211; Learn Black Box Software Testing 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" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">learning portfolio</a>.



As you develop essential testing skills, gaining familiarity with data concepts can also be beneficial. For example, taking a <a href="https://www.datacamp.com/category/machine-learning" target="_blank" rel="noopener">beginner-friendly ML course</a> can provide an accessible introduction to machine learning principles that complement your core testing abilities.



<div class="cta-banner-v2">
<div class="title-with-description ">
Free Live Workshop on AI in QA to Automate, Fix, and Optimize Tests
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<a href="https://testsigma.com/ai-qa-certification-course-testers" target="_blank" class="cta-btn-v1" rel="noopener" data-faitracker-click-bind="true">Book Your Seat</a>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="understanding-customers-the-heart-of-software-testing">Understanding Customers: The Heart of Software Testing<gwmw style="display:none;"></gwmw></h2>



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 class="wp-block-list">
<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 class="wp-block-list">
<li>What makes the app so pleasurable for you? </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 class="wp-block-heading" id="learning-to-learn-a-continuous-journey">Learning to Learn: A Continuous Journey<gwmw style="display:none;"></gwmw></h2>



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 class="wp-block-list">
<li>Core Testing: Dive deep into various testing methodologies, test design skills, exploratory testing, questioning, etc. </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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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 class="wp-block-heading" id="leveraging-social-media-turn-scrolling-into-learning">Leveraging Social Media: Turn Scrolling into Learning<gwmw style="display:none;"></gwmw></h2>



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 class="wp-block-list">
<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 class="wp-block-list">
<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 class="wp-block-list">
<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. </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 class="wp-block-heading" id="skills-that-will-set-you-apart">Skills That Will Set You Apart<gwmw style="display:none;"></h2>



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 class="wp-block-list">
<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.  </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" class="wp-block-list">
<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. </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" class="wp-block-list">
<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 <a href="https://krispcall.com/cloud-communication/business-communication/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">business communication</a>. </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" class="wp-block-list">
<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" class="wp-block-list">
<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><gwmw style="display:none;">



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" 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!<gwmw style="display:none;">

How to Become a Software Tester?

In this month&#8217;s release, our product team has packed some cool new features like GraphQL support, native AWS integration, and testing capabilities to better simulate real-world usage conditions in an effort to continue to revolutionize your testing experience.&nbsp;



Let&#8217;s dive into the details:



<ol class="wp-block-list"><li>Optimized <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-graphql/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GraphQL testing</a> (Beta): Say goodbye to overfetching and underfetching. Testsigma&#8217;s support for GraphQL simplifies testing while enhancing accuracy. It lets you request multiple resources in a single query call, reducing back-and-forth between your app and the server. This optimization not only saves time but also minimizes bandwidth usage.</li></ol>



<ol class="wp-block-list" start="2"><li>Native AWS Integration: Seamlessly merge your testing and deployment efforts with our AWS integration. Our native integration allows you to trigger Testsigma Test plans within your CI/CD pipeline, ensuring a smooth workflow based on Test Plan Results.</li></ol>



<ol class="wp-block-list" start="3"><li>Network Throttling: Experience your website&#8217;s performance under real-world conditions of limited bandwidths and network speeds. Simulate scenarios with low network speeds and analyze your website&#8217;s performance to ensure optimal user experience, even in challenging network environments.</li></ol>



<ol class="wp-block-list" start="4"><li>Geolocation Testing: Accurate and contextually relevant translations, culturally appropriate content, functional adaptability and more, localization features enable you to address diverse user preferences and languages. With our Geolocation testing capabilities, you can effortlessly test these features for your web and mobile apps, ensuring quality releases for users across the globe.&nbsp;</li></ol>



Stay tuned for more updates from our Product Team. And if you haven&#8217;t experienced the effect that Testsigma can have on your release velocity, <a href="https://testsigma.com/signup">try it for free</a>.

August ’23 Product Digest The latest on Testsigma

August ’23 Product Digest: The latest on Testsigma

What is Sandbox Importance, Benefits & How it Works

What is Sandbox | Importance, Benefits & How it Works?

Quality Control What It Is and How It Works

Quality Control: What It Is and How It Works?

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. 



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"></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  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: <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> 



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 <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"></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"></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"></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:  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"></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"></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. </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"></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. 



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!

Agile Model in Software Testing | What it is , Why & Benefits

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. 



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"></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. 



<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"></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"></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. </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. </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:



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 <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:



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 <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?  



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 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!