10 Qualities that Can Make You a Good Tester

What makes you think that you’re skilled in testing? What makes you a capable tester?

This questioning always reappears in my mind whenever it arises in a job interview.

Earlier in my career path as a software tester, an interviewer put this question towards me. He threw this question at me unexpectedly after asking a series of standard aptitude questions. I was taken aback and did not know how to respond. Often, we assume we’re good at something because we’re presently engaged in it, or we simply think we’re proficient at it.

Now, after nearly a decade in the industry, I think back on that question and understand its importance. Consequently, I will present you with a list of traits today that I have recognized as indicative of being an efficient tester.

Let’s dive in. Moreover, I encourage you to contribute to the list if you have additional points to include.

Traits Of an Efficient Tester

Thus, this is the list of qualities. Please prefix the phrase “you are proficient at testing when” to every point and read on:

#1) You Understand Priorities

A software tester inevitably grows into an effective time manager as they must grasp the notion of priority. Often, you are assigned a module or a functionality to test within a specific timeline, and you must produce results commensurately. These everyday hurdles assist you in understanding how to organize tasks.

As a tester, it is crucial to comprehend what needs immediate testing and what could be assigned less priority, which tasks should be automated and which require manual testing, and the sequence in which tasks should be addressed. Once you become skilled at organizing priorities, software testing significantly simplifies.

However, it’s worth noting that understanding priorities comes with time. Therefore, patience and vigilance are the most desirable qualities.

#2) You Propose Insightful Questions

Posing questions is crucial in software testing. Neglecting this may result in missing out on key details.

Questions can be proposed to:

• Understand the prerequisites
• Grasp the modifications implemented
• Understand how the prerequisites have been executed
• Investigate how the bug was resolved
• Evaluate the consequences of bug fixes
• Inspect the product from diverse perspectives, such as development and business

Asking questions aids in gaining a comprehensive understanding and outlining test coverage accordingly.

#3) You Can Create Multiple Ideas

As I have stressed in most of my articles, software testing centers around ideas. Being able to ideate multiple ways to test a product allows you to distinguish yourself from others. Numerous testers tend to limit themselves to writing standard functional and performance test cases, thinking they have fulfilled their obligation.

From my perception, a tester’s true task commences after writing ordinary test cases. The more you brainstorm various ways to use the product, the more ideas you can conceive for testing. This eventually results in product confidence, client satisfaction, and a profound experience.

If you aspire to excel in testing, strive to be an idea creator.

#4) You Are Capable of Data Analysis

As a tester, your responsibility extends beyond mere testing. You must be capable of understanding and analyzing the data gathered during testing to uncover the behavior of an application or product. Frequently, when I come across reports of bugs that couldn’t be reproduced, I smile inwardly.

In reality, there’s no such thing as a bug that can’t be reproduced. If it happened once, it’s likely to happen again. Nonetheless, to identify the root cause, you need to analyze the test environment, test data, and any potential disturbances.

Additionally, in regards to automation testing, the crux lies in analyzing test results instead of just creating and executing scripts multiple times.

#5) You Can Communicate Negative Aspects Positively

Indeed, you read that correctly. Testers need to learn techniques for dealing with individuals and develop exceptional communication skills. No one likes to hear that their work is entirely or partly wrong. However, the reaction is significantly different when you suggest enhancements or corrections with a positive, humble attitude.

Additionally, providing thorough details about the negative facets you noticed and how they could impact the overall product/application is paramount.

By communicating negative issues constructively, you can effectively motivate others to rectify them. 🙂

#6) You Are An Expert in Reporting

After a busy work day, during which you diligently implemented numerous test cases and recorded the outcomes (regardless of pass or fail) with test management tools, how would you summarize your progress? No one wants to hear about the number of test cases you implemented. People are interested in a concise, informative summary of your day’s work.

Thus, in your client status reports, condense your accomplishments into several sentences, denote any bugs you found by referring to their identification numbers, and describe the tasks you plan to undertake next.

#7) You Are Flexible and Supportive When Necessary

A tester’s role does not cease with reporting a bug. If a developer struggles to reproduce a certain bug, you are expected to assist in reproducing it to enable the developer to effectively fix it.

Also, testers frequently have to compromise quality due to tight testing timelines. However, the ideal approach involves appropriate planning and additional efforts to guarantee comprehensive coverage.

#8) You Can Correlate Real-time Scenarios to Software Testing

Testing becomes more manageable when you can establish connections between software testing and real-life scenarios. Challenge yourself to consider how you would test certain things in daily life, like a train, a vegetable, or a monument. This exercise will condition your brain to constantly generate ideas and link testing with everyday situations.

#9) You Are Committed to Lifelong Learning

Software testing is a challenging field that necessitates continual learning. It is more than just mastering a specific scripting language; it’s about staying current with the latest technologies, learning automation tools, creating ideas, and drawing knowledge from experience. Essentially, it is about constantly striving for progress.

Also, read => 10 Tips to Flourish and Advance in the Realm of Software Testing

#10) You Empathize With the End Users

You can consider yourself a proficient tester only when you genuinely understand your clients. The client is paramount, and it is your responsibility to understand their needs. Regardless of a product’s utility, it will not be successful if it fails to meet customer expectations. As a tester, it is your duty to sympathize with the end users.

---

Update:

10 Skills to Become an Exceptional Tester: How a Tester Can Stand Out in the Profession

There is always scope for refinement and improvement.

If you began as a QA beginner and, despite spending a couple of years in the field, have not transitioned from a tester to a proficient/excellent tester, this article is for you. Continue reading –

Testing, reporting, and completing tasks are things that anyone can do with experience and training. However, being an exceptional tester demands much more.

Persist in becoming an extraordinary tester and shine in the field.

What will assist you in achieving this? Let’s discover!

How a Tester Can Excel in the Field

Also, read => 10 Traits that Can Transform You into an Effective Tester

#1) Positive Attitude

A positive mindset is pivotal for success in any field, including software testing.

Exceptional testers:

• Are always ready to go the extra mile
• Contribute to enhancing product quality
• Facilitate smooth project delivery
• Support meeting project objectives

Exceptional testers maintain a positive attitude. They genuinely care about their work, acknowledge the power of positivity, and comprehend its impact.

To foster a positive attitude, testers should be given task ownership, immediate recognition, and engaging projects.

Read too => 16 Characteristics of an Outstanding Software Tester

#2) Proficient Communication

Proficient communication assists in smoothly resolving critical problems. It enables you to understand issues effortlessly, document them precisely, and effectively persuade others.

Exceptional testers possess superb communication skills, allowing them to ask questions, express their thoughts, and robustly debate critical scenarios and their implications.

Proficient communication skills can be acquired through communication training sessions and regular practice. However, it is vital to know that good communication extends beyond fluency in spoken or written English, though it certainly aids in the process.

#3) Aptitude to Juggle Numerous Tasks

In today’s world, the ability to multitask is crucial.

An extraordinary tester must be able to balance various activities, such as:

<

ul>