3 July 2024 Leave a comment QA
Interviewing QA candidates can be a challenging process, especially when trying to assess their ability to find critical bugs in a game. In this article, we will explore effective strategies for interviewing QA candidates, focusing on how to structure the interview and the types of tasks that can provide valuable insights into a candidate’s capabilities.
Understanding the Role of QA
Quality Assurance (QA) is a critical aspect of game development, ensuring that the final product is free of major issues that could affect the user experience. QA has specific goals and requires a structured approach to evaluating software. It’s important to remember that QA is not just about finding bugs but also about understanding the software’s behavior and ensuring it meets the specified requirements.
Common Pitfalls in QA Interviews
One common mistake in QA interviews is asking candidates to perform tasks that are too broad or undefined. For example, asking candidates to test a game at home without providing a clear structure or objectives can lead to unproductive results. Here are some key points to consider:
- Unclear Objectives: Without specific goals, candidates may not know what to focus on, leading to irrelevant or minor issues being reported.
- Lack of Structure: Providing a clear pass/fail list of objectives and a well-defined scope can help candidates understand what is expected of them.
- Working for Free: Asking candidates to perform unpaid work outside the interview can be seen as exploitative and may deter strong candidates.
Effective Interview Techniques
To get the most out of your QA interviews, consider the following techniques:
Live Testing
Conduct live testing sessions during the interview. Provide candidates with a version of your game that has known issues and ask them to perform a structured QA run. This approach allows you to observe their thought process and problem-solving skills in real-time.
Structured Tasks
Give candidates specific tasks with clear objectives. For example, ask them to focus on certain aspects of the game, such as gameplay mechanics or UI interactions, and provide a list of expected outcomes. This helps you evaluate their attention to detail and ability to follow instructions.
Discussion and Reflection
After the testing session, discuss the findings with the candidate. Ask them to explain their thought process, the techniques they used, and how they approached the task. This discussion can provide insights into their analytical skills and their ability to communicate effectively.
Practical Example
Consider the following example: Instead of asking candidates to test your live game, provide them with an older version of the game that has known issues. Ask them to perform a QA run focusing on specific areas and see how their findings compare to your historical baseline. This approach not only helps you evaluate their skills but also allows you to see if they bring a fresh perspective that could identify issues missed by your existing QA team.
Conclusion
Interviewing QA candidates requires a structured approach and clear objectives. By conducting live testing sessions, providing specific tasks, and discussing the results, you can gain valuable insights into a candidate’s abilities and ensure they are a good fit for your team.
For those looking to streamline their QA processes, consider using Repeato, a no-code test automation tool for iOS and Android. Repeato allows you to create, run, and maintain automated tests quickly and efficiently, leveraging computer vision and AI. This tool can significantly enhance your QA efforts, especially for mobile applications, by providing a simple setup and easy-to-use interface.
