In software testing, apart from the work experience and technical knowledge, there are certain aspects and skillsets that a software tester must possess. Unlike a few years before, it is not the same now. Software testers with only technical knowledge of testing won’t survive in the race of testing opportunities. Year 2021 and the future demands more qualities and skillsets in the field of software testing as the digital space is becoming more challenging.
In this article, we discuss some of those skills. From the ability to be a logical and analytical thinker to being rational we have covered most of it. Let’s have a look!
- Logical and analytical thinking
- A sense of creativity and an inquisitive mind
- A global as well as local approach
- The right application of knowledge
- Skills related to project management
- Documentation and communication
- Social networking skills
- A better understanding of coding
- Evidence gathering
- Being Rational
1. Logical and Analytical Thinking
For obvious reasons, this is one of the most essential quality a software tester should have. The digital space of software demands professionals who are analytical and can logically code and decode things.
Consideration of various permutations and combinations is the basis of software coding and that’s why logical thinking plays a significant role in the process of software testing. This way, if the tester can think like an end-user, it gets easier and the output is finer.
Analyzing the different ways to do things, and deciding the best possible scenario to make the software strong is the main part of software testing and this demands an analytical mind.
2. A Sense of Creativity and an Inquisitive Mind
Along with an analytical mind, a creative and curious approach is also a non-replaceable skillset required for software testing. At first, software testing might sound like a boring and technical job but to create astonishing technology, the testers must take decisions driven by creativity.
Curiosity drives home a unique and good product as it encourages one to explore more and more and hence, newer errors and bugs are found and corrected to create a finer product.
A good software tester constantly asks questions and tries to gain knowledge about the product. This way, the tester contributes more to the creation of good software.
3. A Global as Well as Local Approach
As globalization is increasing day by day, designing a software product is becoming more complex. In this case, the testing becomes more complicated and the establishment of good communication is necessary. Knowing the requirements of the software company and testing the app accordingly becomes key.
Thinking globally but still having a good sense of the local market is also one of the unique qualities a software tester should possess.
4. The Right Application of Knowledge
The theoretical knowledge gained by the software tester must be fully and efficiently used in the practical aspects. A good software tester knows how to implement the knowledge in the most efficient and optimum way.
5. Skills Related to Project Management
The field of software testing is not all technical and no management. In the long run, only the people with a good managerial sense and confidence will survive. Basic knowledge of business ethics and a sense of project management are the qualities that software must possess. Also, skillsets like problem-solving, strategizing help in working with, or leading a team.
6. Documentation and Communication
History is what shapes the future and without proper documentation skills, one won’t be able to analyze and gain knowledge from history because there won’t be anything to analyze. A software tester must be a clean documenter.
Also, without proper communication with the team or the leader, the process won’t be as smooth. Hence, Documentation and communication are the two things that are required in making the whole process of software testing finer.
7. Social Networking Skills
The new world is driven by social media and there is no escape from it even for a software tester. The latest technology news and trends are on social media and a software tester must know it all. Also, he/she should take part in various workshops and forums happening around the media to gain more insights about the work.
8. A Better Understanding of Coding
It is quite obvious if we say that a software tester is required to have a good sense of coding and software languages. This helps him/her in the testing process and gives more power as the development team is all about coding. Also, while executing the test, the Language of the program is essential.
9. Evidence Gathering
When looks at the errors from a software development company’s perspective, detecting and documenting bugs might not be enough. Collecting evidence and documenting the proofs properly to gain the trust of the client is also a necessity.
10. Being Rational
A rational mind is an overall plus point to have in any given profession. Software testing is not an exception. While testing software, analyzing the product rationally is a prominent part of the process. The testers have to consider that the developer might make a mistake or miss out on something and he/she should rationally take a decision to improve the quality of the software.
Conclusion
As mentioned earlier, these are some of the skills which a good software tester. When any software testing agency recruits newer candidates, these are the factors they consider the best. It is not like we are undermining the importance of technical knowledge but the growth of this industry in the last few years demands these extra skills and approach towards work.
How VTEST can help
At VTEST, we work with a futuristic approach. Testers at VTEST have a knack for the whole process of software creation and hence can achieve more and get more creative in smaller aspects of the process. VTEST employs a great set of analytical and creative minds and is a one-stop solution to all your software testing needs.
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