10+ Tips to Survive and Progress in the Field of Software Testing

This article provides an assembly of the top 10 tactics to shape your growth and prosperity in the sphere of Software Testing.

These pointers are accompanied by straightforward and evident examples for easy comprehension. Not only are they a means of survival but they also set the path for development in your software testing journey.

It is crucial to adhere to these pointers to taste success.

Let us dissect each STRATEGY individually.

Top Methods to Excel in Software Testing

Strategy #1) Embrace Written Communication – I constantly stress the importance of recording everything instead of solely depending on oral communication. This rule applies to all guidelines or tasks communicated by your supervisors.

No matter how cordial your lead or manager might be, it is always safer to have matters in writing, such as emails or documents. Documentation of tasks ensures that they are registered, making it simpler to monitor their progression.

For example, While encountering a bug during testing, it is recommended to note the problem in the test management tool rather than communicating it orally to the developer. This ensures that the developer doesn’t neglect to fix the bug and the rest of the team stays updated about it.

By jotting down the bug in the system, everyone remains aligned about its status.

In the section below, you will come across useful links to articles that can enhance your communication ability.

Strategy #2) Automate Daily Tasks – Minimize time and effort by executing your day-to-day tasks automatically, regardless of their magnitude.

For example 1: If you manually launch daily project builds, you can compose a batch script to carry out this chore with just a tap.

For example 2: You might need to frequently access the issue management application throughout your day to examine bugs and their status. Instead of conducting these chores manually, you can script something that fetches the current status of issues/bugs regularly.

Strategy #3) Employ a 360-degree Testing Method – To uncover flaws in software, it is necessary to take into account all viewpoints. In addition to your SRS documents, aggregate all pertinent information about the application set for testing. Employ this collected data to attain a holistic comprehension of the project and utilize this insight during testing.

For instance, while testing the integration of a collaborating website with your application, verify that you have an in-depth understanding of the partner’s operations.

Undertake testing by incorporating the perspectives of all stakeholders. For example, while you may find the appearance and user interface of an application satisfactory as a tester, a commercial user may hold a different perspective. Consequently, during user acceptance testing, it becomes imperative to emulate and operate as an end-user.

Strategy #4) Keep Expand Your Expertise – Never halt learning.

Explore better alternatives to test applications. Get acquainted with new Automation tools like Selenium, QTP, or any Performance testing tool.

In present-day software testing market, some focal areas that you can target for learning involve open source testing tools, Agile & DevOps, Performance Engineering, Big data testing, mobile testing automation, and integration of development and testing (SDET – Software Developer in Test).

In the further reading section, you will encounter embedded links to articles about agile testing and automation testing tools. Feel free to delve deeper at STH!

Strategy #5) Acknowledge Errors and Ensure Confidence in Your Work – Learn from each error you commit and strive to prevent its repetition. This approach is the most effective way to learn and adjust to evolving scenarios.

Strategy #6) Get Engaged from the Start – Request your lead or manager to include you (as a QA) in design discussions and meetings from inception. This is specifically important for smaller teams lacking dedicated QA leads or managers. Possessing an in-depth knowledge of the application will potentiate better testing.

Strategy #7) Maintain Notes – Keep track of new learnings associated with the project on a day-to-day basis. This eradicates the need to continuously pose the same questions to co-testers or developers.

Your notes can range from simple commands for particular tasks to intricate testing procedures.

Strategy #8) Refine Your Communication and Interpersonal Abilities – These abilities are vital for propelling your career at every stage. As your tenure in the field of software testing amplifies, you should also evolve professionally.

Strategy #9) Ensure Your Work Gets Noticed – Occasionally, your lead may not portray your skills and progress accurately to your manager or company’s upper echelons. In such instances, you should grab opportunities where you can highlight your performance to the top brass.

Warning: If you’re of the belief that your lead or manager sincerely communicates your skills and progress to your manager or top management, refrain from playing politics at work. In such events, this strategy needn’t be implemented.

Strategy #10) Enjoy the Process of Software Testing – Maintain composure, stay focused, adhere to established procedures, and relish the testing experience. Explore the intriguing side of software testing. It has the potential of becoming compelling for some individuals.

A few extra strategies

Strategy #11) Keep Up-to-date with the Latest Software Testing Trends – It is paramount to stay tuned to the on-goings in the software testing market.

You can refer here to peruse through the recent software testing news.

Lately, I came across a projection stating that the worldwide software testing integration market is expected to escalate at a rate of 14.6% by 2020. The swift adherence to the agile methodology by global organizations has spurred this growth.

If you envision a flourishing future in software testing, commence learning agile methodology and integration testing tools immediately.

Mobile app automation testing is another rising domain that is slated for substantial growth in the near future. Possessing knowledge about automation testing tools for mobile apps would be highly advantageous.

Strategy #12) Network with Peer Professionals – Maintaining a robust network aids in staying timely updated and learning new aspects. Furthermore, it can also unearth promising job opportunities through referrals.

Bonus Strategy

Last but not least – “Read, read, and read” – Continue reading books, white papers, blogs, magazines, and case studies related to software testing and quality assurance. Keep yourself updated with software testing news and the QA industry. Alternatively, keep revisiting this blog to stay timely updated 🙂

Supplementary Reading

• How to Evolve as a Superior Communicator as a Tester – A 4-Stage Approach
• How Crucial is It for a Tester or Developer to Interact With Each Other?
• 9 Techniques to Enhance Your Writing Abilities as a Software Tester
• Top 20 Best Automation Testing Tools: The Ultimate List
• 7 Suggestions to Encourage Innovation in the Era of Agile Testing to Survive an Economic Crunch

Happy Testing! Do visit our other captivating posts on Software Testing guidelines and strategies. If you find these strategies useful, kindly spare a moment to share them amongst your peers. Furthermore, feel free to participate in the discussion below and share your top testing strategies!