Having a solid software testing team is a crucial component of development. In the US alone, software quality problems cost businesses an estimated $2.41 trillion in 2022.
This underscores the importance of hiring software testers who know what needs to be tested and when, thereby reducing the number of software bugs upon release.
If your company is searching for software testers, there are certain traits to look for in candidates. Here are seven skills that highly effective software testers have.
7 Critical Skills for Software QA Testers
1. Technical Skills
First and foremost, testers need to be technologically savvy. Since these people are assessing software, they need to have a comprehensive understanding of how that product should work.
Testers with technical skills like knowledge of programming languages, troubleshooting, and more can better communicate with developers when there are problems and clearly explain why and how the technology is malfunctioning. Software testers should also know which tests to perform manually and which tests should be automated at which point in development. They should also be able to execute tests on a constant basis with the appropriate QA tools.
Testers should also have the domain knowledge to fully understand how the end-user will use the program or application. Furthermore, they must know the terminology to describe a problem accurately. Depending on the type of testing performed, software testers will need to learn other technical skills as well.
2. Curiosity
Curiosity is an absolutely necessary trait for software testers. It’s vital to hire someone that can think outside the box and search for problems where other team members might not even think to look. They need to be curious about the software and want to explore its ins and outs.
A high-performing software tester seeks new ways to solve problems, considers the non-ideal situations and how to solve them, and always factors in environmental conditions.
3. Analytical Thinking
Analytical thinking involves being able to evaluate software and consider its different angles.
Top-performing software testers can analyze data collected from the testing process and assess the best way forward. Analytical thinkers build smart testing solutions through careful feedback from both clients and developers. Furthermore, a good software tester will enjoy assessing the work of others to produce a high-quality product.
4. Communication
One of the most important soft skills any technology professional needs to have is communication. This is important for working in teams and with stakeholders.
In particular, software testers have to communicate with developers, project managers, clients, and executives, often under stressful circumstances. These individuals must communicate verbally and in writing with highly technical people and non-technical people, listening to their concerns and addressing them appropriately. They should also be able to translate technical issues into understandable language for laypeople. A software tester who can do all of that makes for a strong team player.
5. Reporting
Testers are constantly compiling reports before, during, and after the development process. They involve tracking project statuses, logging bugs, and noting what tests have been performed and when. They also write out the test conditions, steps that must be taken, and outcomes.
All of these tests must be clear, coherent, and readable for the technical and non-technical readers. Good testers report effectively and efficiently, using proper documentation.
6. Risk Assessment Ability
Software testers who can evaluate risk are in high demand. Individuals who can identify risk, analyze it, and take steps to alleviate this risk can improve productivity and the overall product quality. Since much of the testing process relies on mitigating risk, having someone with this skill is crucial. After all, it’s important for these professionals to have good judgement since the entire software development lifecycle and process involves taking risks.
7. Time Management
Development teams are constantly dealing with time constraints and pressure to deliver products quickly. Therefore, a software tester must be able to manage their time effectively.
Someone who can prioritize tasks, automate other aspects of testing, and keep the team on track will definitely help improve the development process and productivity.
Valuable Skills, Valuable Knowledge: The Keys to an Effective Software Tester
Most highly effective software testers have these skills, which is why companies value them so so much. When hiring, make sure to ask about these qualities to find a software tester that can improve internal processes.
