Common mistakes when starting as a QA and how to avoid them

???? Embarking on a career in Quality Assurance (QA) can be both exciting and challenging. Based on insights from a recent workshop by QA analysts at XOOR, here are five common pitfalls to watch out as you start your QA journey:

1??? Get stuck in your current knowledge ??

Technology and software development are rapidly evolving fields. Relying only on the knowledge from initial certifications or past experiences can leave you behind.?

Stay updated through new training courses and interacting with colleagues across different roles. Regularly refresh your knowledge through blogs, webinars, and industry news to keep pace with advancements.

2??? Limit yourself to tools ???

Mastering QA tools is essential, but focusing too much on them can narrow your perspective. Stick to the foundational principles of QA, which include striving for continuous improvement and keeping the bigger picture in mind.?

This approach helps you prioritize and assess issues more effectively, beyond just the functionality of the tools you use.

3??? Become a bug hunter without context ??

Identifying bugs is important, but understanding the project’s context is essential for prioritizing and addressing these issues.?

Consider the product’s end goal and impact of each bug. For instance, a minor visual glitch might be less critical than a major issue affecting payment processing in an e-commerce application.

4??? Underestimate documentation and communication ??

Effective documentation and communication are key to a successful QA process. Ensure that you record detailed test results, conditions, and steps in a clear manner.?

Good documentation helps continuity, especially when team members need to understand or follow up on your work. Maintain open lines of communication with your team to ensure everyone is aligned and informed.

5??? Disregard English language skills ????

English is the dominant language in international business and tech industries. While you don’t need to be a native speaker, improving your English proficiency is vital.?

Practice regularly, engage in conversations, and use English in your professional tasks to enhance your communication skills and career prospects.

?? What challenges have you faced in your QA career? How did you overcome them??

Share your experiences in the comments section!

?? If you enjoyed this article, you can dive deeper watching the full workshop "I want to become a QA, but... Where do I start?".

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