Software testing is an increasingly popular career path for people who are eager to get involved in a growing industry with plenty of opportunity for progression and training. This can be testing software for gaming, applications for a Visitor Management System like the one offered by Ofec to use or even high profile systems for large corporations. The possibilities are almost endless.
While there are automated software testing services, it is still essential for human experts to get involved in this process. With this in mind, what are the key attributes that are required if you want to succeed as a software tester?
Excellent observational skills
A good software tester will not only be capable of picking out the most obvious flaws within a program but also the easy-to-miss issues that might lurk beneath the surface and yet have managed to escape the notice of programmers. Attention to detail and a willingness to question design decisions will help to identify and eliminate bugs as efficiently as possible.
Good time management
As software testers may be working on several cases at once, they must be able to effectively manage their workload and ensure they are having the biggest possible impact by prioritising the cases that are most worthy of their time.
The ability to communicate
Software testers do not work in a vacuum – a big part of their job is communicating and collaborating with wider teams of testers, programmers and managers to achieve collective goals. This means interpersonal skills are also important, in addition to being able to express yourself accurately and concisely in both written and verbal platforms.
Left field thinking
The software development cycle can create an environment in which those inside the process cannot gain the perspective to see where mistakes are being made and where issues lie. It is therefore the job of software testers to think outside of the box, put themselves in the shoes of potential users and dream up scenarios that might be faced further down the line so that precautions can be taken.
Open-mindedness
As with any position that involves working with others, it is necessary for software testers to be willing to take suggestions and listen to advice from colleagues and contemporaries. This is the only way in which you will be able to improve your skills effectively.
