3 July 2024 Leave a comment QA
When it comes to hiring software testers, the interview process can be quite nuanced. Unlike programmers, where coding skills can be tested straightforwardly, evaluating a tester’s capability requires a different approach. Here are some effective strategies to help you assess a potential QA tester’s skills and mindset during an interview.
1. Use Practical Testing Scenarios
One effective method is to present candidates with a practical scenario. For instance, you can draw a sample dialog or system on a whiteboard and ask them to discuss their testing ideas. This approach, inspired by Cem Kaner’s test auditions, helps you observe how candidates think and what kind of questions they ask.
Key points to observe:
- The variety and depth of test ideas they propose.
- How quickly they run out of ideas.
- Whether they ask insightful questions to build a mental model of the system.
2. Real-World Application Testing
Giving candidates a real application to test during the interview can also be insightful. Although some interviewers find this less effective than whiteboard discussions, it can still offer valuable insights if the application and the framing of the task are well-chosen.
3. Scenario-Based Questions
Instead of abstract objects like a pen or a lightswitch, use scenarios closer to real-world problems. For example, ask candidates to test a well-known system, such as an elevator, and provide them with a basic specification. Observe how they interpret the spec and what questions they ask.
4. Collaborative Problem Solving
If teamwork and collaboration are critical aspects of your testing environment, simulate a collaborative problem-solving session. This will help you gauge how well the candidate works in a team setting and their ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
5. Focus on Questions and Curiosity
Good testers are naturally curious and ask a lot of questions. During the interview, pay attention to the candidate’s curiosity and the types of questions they ask. This can give you insight into their thought process and attention to detail.
6. Practical Assignments Before Interviews
Consider giving candidates a practical assignment before the face-to-face interview. For example, provide them with an iOS or Android app and an instruction sheet, asking them to perform various types of testing and find bugs. This preliminary task can help you filter out candidates who lack the necessary judgment, attention to detail, and efficiency.
Conclusion
Hiring the right QA tester involves more than just asking theoretical questions. By incorporating practical scenarios, real-world applications, and collaborative problem-solving into your interview process, you can better assess a candidate’s true capabilities and fit for your team.
If you’re looking to streamline your testing processes, consider using Repeato, our no-code test automation tool for iOS and Android. Repeato leverages computer vision and AI to help you create, run, and maintain automated tests quickly and efficiently. Its intuitive interface makes it easy to set up and use, ensuring that your QA team can focus on what they do best: ensuring the quality of your applications.
Like this article? there’s more where that came from!
- Resolving the “xcrun: error: invalid active developer path” Error on macOS
- Adding Existing Frameworks in Xcode 4: A Comprehensive Guide
- Disabling ARC for a Single File in Xcode: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Resolving the Xcode-Select Active Developer Directory Error
- Resolving the “Multiple Commands Produce” Error in Xcode 10