Description

If a software or application creator is developing a program intended for consumer or professional use, software testers play an important role in the development process. The tester is usually part of an engineering or quality assurance Quality Control department. The tester receives software development at different stages of completion, and then puts the program through various tests, logging the software's responses. One of the most important elements of testing is to document the procedures used in testing software and documentation is particularly important because it can be crucial in helping software engineers identify coding issues. Another important aspect of a testing process is identifying repeated crashes and bugs within the program.

Testers can use scripted testing scenarios or conduct more stress tests that are freeform and generally work with software at every stage of development. They may also give feedback to users and provide reports on excessive interface clutter and non-responsive user interface systems and other issues, like tools that do not show or display menus which trigger excessive clicks. Although many software companies have dedicated testers for user interfaces who give feedback to users early on, feedback from software testers seeking out programming mistakes and crashes can assist in smoothing the process of development.

The majority of software testers are looking for jobs in the area that deals with software development. This is usually a position at beginning-level, but it may still require programming skills and certifications in programming. Many software engineers have found feedback from testers who know the development process to be particularly helpful Testers who have certifications and expertise in this field are sought-after within the software industry.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Software Tester with 9+ years of experience in the United Kingdom, your main responsibilities include:

  • Conducting comprehensive testing of software applications to ensure functionality, performance, and security standards are met.
  • Creating and executing test plans, test cases, and test scripts to identify and report defects and usability issues.
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams to define testing requirements, prioritize tasks, and ensure timely delivery of high-quality software.
  • Mentoring and training junior testers, providing guidance on best testing practices, tools, and methodologies for continuous improvement.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Software Tester job role, the following qualifications are required:

  • Strong understanding of software testing methodologies and best practices to ensure efficient and effective testing of software applications.
  • Proficiency in test case design, execution, and defect tracking to identify and report software issues accurately and systematically.
  • Excellent problem-solving and debugging skills to identify the root cause of software defects and propose solutions for their resolution.
  • Knowledge of test automation tools and frameworks to design, develop, and execute automated tests, improving testing efficiency and coverage.

Essential Skills For Software Tester

1

White-box Testing

2

Unit Testing

3

Selenium

4

Functional Programming

5

Auditing

6

Test Procedures

Career Prospects

With 9+ years of experience as a Software Tester in the United Kingdom, professionals may consider exploring alternative roles in the field. Here are following options to consider:

  • Test Automation Engineer: This role focuses on developing and implementing automated testing frameworks and tools to improve testing efficiency and accuracy.
  • Quality Assurance Manager: A position that involves overseeing the entire quality assurance process, managing testing teams, and ensuring adherence to quality standards.
  • Agile Coach: In this role, professionals can utilize their experience to guide teams in implementing agile methodologies, facilitating collaboration, and improving the overall efficiency of software development processes.
  • Software Development Engineer in Test SDET: This role combines coding skills with testing expertise, allowing professionals to contribute to both development and testing activities, such as writing automated tests and ensuring code quality.

How to Learn

The job role of software tester in the United Kingdom is projected to experience significant growth in the market. According to a 10-year analysis, there is an increasing demand for software testers due to the rapidly evolving technology landscape. This trend is anticipated to continue in the future, with a substantial number of employment opportunities for software testers. The growth prospects for this position align with the rising importance of software quality assurance in various industries. The data from Google indicates that the software testing field is expanding, presenting promising career prospects for individuals seeking this role.