Monday, January 30, 2012

How do you Start a Career in Software Testing?

By Isaac C. Vincent


Software testing is bucking the trend in some ways as an area that seems to be employing people. In seriousness, software testing is in high demand, and if you can meet the requirements of a software tester then you're likely to find there are people willing to pay you for your skills. The problem is starting out. Companies might need people, but they won't just hand the role over to anyone.

Software companies want to find people that are good with computers. There isn't really any getting around the fact that your work will require an understanding of coding and the software construction process. But although programmers are preferred, there is sometimes room for manoeuvre with candidates that can show a good level of motivation and adaptability. At the very least you need to show your word processing skills are top notch, so take time to make the right impression with a CV and covering letter.

For people that want to distinguish themselves with extra qualifications then it's a good idea to think about what you're applying for first. A tried and tested certificate that will show your potential is the ISTQB qualifications, ranging from foundation to expert. It's worth noting that although these are official certificates for software testers, they won't look as impressive to employers as actual experience, and the higher levels are usually taken by people already within the profession.

The actual interview process can be stressful, as with any job, but there's plenty you can do to make yourself look like an ideal candidate. Software testing attracts two types of people, those that want to develop in a new field with creative potential, and those that want a job where they can run scripts to do the work for them and blame others if problems come up later. This means you have to go that extra mile to show you're capable of being self-motivated at interview.

So there you have it. It's not too complicated to think about the steps necessary for the job in question, but it's your commitment to it that will make all the difference.




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