Following skills are indispensable to become a good software tester. Compare your skill set against the following checklist to determine whether Software Testing is a really for you-
- A good software tester should have sharp analytical skills. Analytical skills will help break up a complex software system into smaller units to gain a better understanding and created corresponding test cases.
- A good software tester must have strong technical skills . This would include high level of proficiency in tools like MS Office , OpenOffice etc , Testing tools like QTP , Loadrunner , etc.. and of course deep understand of the application under test. These skills can be acquired through relevant training and practice. Also it's an added advantage that you have some programming skills but its NOT a must.
- A good software tester must have a good verbal and written communication skill. Testing artifacts (like test cases/plans, test strategies, bug reports etc) created by the software tester should be easy to read and comprehend. Dealing with developers (in case of bugs or any other issue) will require a shade of discreetness and diplomacy.
- Testing at times could be a demanding job especially during the release of code. A software tester must efficiently manage workload, have high productivity ,exhibit optimal time management and organization skills
- To be a good software tester you must a GREAT attitude. An attitude to ‘test to break' , detail orientation , willingness to learn and suggest process improvements. In software industry, technologies evolved with an overwhelming speed and a good software tester should upgrade his/her technical skills with the changing technologies. Your attitude must reflect a certain degree of independence where you take ownership of the task allocated and complete it without much direct supervision.
- To excel in any profession or job, one must have a great degree of the passion for it. A software tester must have passion for his / her field. BUT how do you determine whether you have a passion for software testing if you have never tested before? Simple TRY it out and if software testing does not excite you switch to something else that holds your interest.
- A good software tester should have sharp analytical skills. Analytical skills will help break up a complex software system into smaller units to gain a better understanding and created corresponding test cases.
- A good software tester must have strong technical skills . This would include high level of proficiency in tools like MS Office , OpenOffice etc , Testing tools like QTP , Loadrunner , etc.. and of course deep understand of the application under test. These skills can be acquired through relevant training and practice. Also it's an added advantage that you have some programming skills but its NOT a must.
- A good software tester must have a good verbal and written communication skill. Testing artifacts (like test cases/plans, test strategies, bug reports etc) created by the software tester should be easy to read and comprehend. Dealing with developers (in case of bugs or any other issue) will require a shade of discreetness and diplomacy.
- Testing at times could be a demanding job especially during the release of code. A software tester must efficiently manage workload, have high productivity ,exhibit optimal time management and organization skills
- To be a good software tester you must a GREAT attitude. An attitude to ‘test to break' , detail orientation , willingness to learn and suggest process improvements. In software industry, technologies evolved with an overwhelming speed and a good software tester should upgrade his/her technical skills with the changing technologies. Your attitude must reflect a certain degree of independence where you take ownership of the task allocated and complete it without much direct supervision.
- To excel in any profession or job, one must have a great degree of the passion for it. A software tester must have passion for his / her field. BUT how do you determine whether you have a passion for software testing if you have never tested before? Simple TRY it out and if software testing does not excite you switch to something else that holds your interest.
