The Key Skills Every Manual Tester Needs
The world of software development is constantly growing and evolving, and with it, the role of manual testers. Many people considering a career change are looking towards manual testing as a viable option, and it's not hard to see why. A career in manual testing can be a great stepping stone for those who want to work in the tech industry in the long term.
So, what exactly does a manual tester do? In short, they are responsible for checking the functionality and usability of software applications before they are released to the public. This includes verifying that the application works as intended, finding and reporting any bugs or errors, and ensuring that the user interface is user-friendly.
Manual testers use a range of tools to carry out their work, including bug tracking systems, test management software, and even good old pen and paper. They work closely with developers and other stakeholders to ensure that the software meets all requirements and is ready for release.
If you're interested in becoming a manual tester, there are certain skills that you should focus on developing. First and foremost, attention to detail is key. Manual testers need to be able to spot even the slightest deviations from what is expected, and report them promptly. Additionally, good communication skills are a must, as manual testers need to be able to explain their findings clearly and effectively to others.
Another important aspect of manual testing is problem-solving. Testers need to be able to think critically and come up with creative solutions to any issues they encounter. Familiarity with a variety of software applications and programming languages is also helpful, as this will allow you to test a wider range of applications and ensure you're up-to-date with the latest technology.
As the Talent Acquisition Manager, I recently had the opportunity to sit down with one of our manual testers to gain a better understanding of what a typical day in her role looks like. I was impressed by the level of detail and thought that goes into her work, and I wanted to share some of her insights with the rest of the team. She described how she starts each day by reviewing the test cases assigned to her, and then uses those cases to guide her testing process. Throughout the day, she constantly checks and updates her testing progress, making notes of any bugs or issues she encounters along the way. She also spends time collaborating with the development team to ensure that any bugs are resolved efficiently. It was fascinating to hear about the various tools and techniques she uses to carry out her work, and I left the conversation feeling grateful for the valuable contributions she makes to our company. But let her speak:
A typical day for a manual tester is a blend of technical work and creative problem-solving. As someone who has been working in manual testing for several years now, I can attest to the fact that no two days are ever the same. Every day presents new challenges and new opportunities to learn and grow as a professional.
My day usually starts with a cup of coffee and a quick check of my email to see if there are any updates or urgent bugs that need to be addressed. Once I'm up-to-date, I sit down with my team to go over the day's tasks and priorities. This might include testing a new feature that has been added to the application, verifying that existing features are still working correctly, or preparing test cases for an upcoming release.
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Another important part of my day as a manual tester is attending the daily agile standup. During these short meetings, each member of the team shares what they worked on yesterday, what they plan to work on today, and any obstacles or roadblocks they've encountered. Being a part of this daily huddle gives me a sense of belonging and allows me to contribute my perspective as a key member of the team.
For example, during one standup, I brought up a bug that I had discovered during my testing that morning. I explained the steps I had taken to reproduce the issue and provided my initial thoughts on the cause of the problem. This information was valuable to the development team, as they were able to use it to quickly identify and resolve the issue. By having a voice in the agile standup, I felt like a real equal member of the team and was able to add value to the conversations. This experience reinforced the importance of regular communication and collaboration within a software development team.
The core of my day is spent actually testing the software. This might involve manually entering data into the application, clicking through various screens to verify that everything is functioning as it should, or checking for usability issues that might arise. As a manual tester, I need to be meticulous in my approach, paying close attention to detail and making sure that I test every possible scenario.
One of the aspects of manual testing that I love is the creative problem-solving aspect. No two bugs are ever the same, and finding the root cause of an issue requires a combination of technical expertise and critical thinking. For example, recently I encountered an issue where the application was crashing every time I tried to save a particular file. After a bit of detective work, I discovered that the issue was related to a bug in the file format. By taking the time to understand the problem and come up with a solution, I was able to save my team time and resources that would have been wasted if I simply reported the issue without any context.
At the end of the day, I sit down with my team to go over any bugs or issues that have been found. This might involve discussing potential solutions, assigning tasks to other team members, or simply documenting the issue for future reference.
Each and every day in manual testing offers a unique combination of technical work and creative problem-solving. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities for growth and learning, making for a fast-paced and dynamic work experience. Whether you're verifying new features, finding and fixing bugs, or collaborating with your team, a day as a manual tester is never dull. If you enjoy being challenged, enjoy working with technology, and want to work in an industry that is constantly evolving, then manual testing might just be the perfect fit for you.
To sum up, manual testing is a challenging and rewarding career that can open doors to other opportunities in the tech industry. If you're looking for a change and have a passion for technology, then consider becoming a manual tester. With the right skills and experience, you can make a meaningful contribution to the software development process and help bring new and innovative products to market.