Whether you are just starting your career as a software tester or a seasoned professional, searching for a new job in the software testing field can be a challenging process. Companies are on the hunt for the best candidates that can bring a well-rounded set of skills to the table, and complement their existing teams. In addition, the current highly competitive job market for software testers only adds to the complexity of the process. While you can’t know for sure if you are an ideal candidate for a particular company or who you’ll be up against for a certain role, there are a few ways to increase your chances. In this blog post, we will cover various tips and strategies that might help you land your next software testing job.
Gain Some Experience (If You Don’t Have)
One of the first and basic software testing interview questions is to provide a short brief about past projects, experience with testing tools, responsibilities, or any other relevant information that can indicate a candidate’s professional level. If you are looking for your first job as a tester with no prior experience, have minimal experience, or just want to enrich your portfolio with new software testing projects, the best way to do so is via crowdsourced testing platforms such as Global App Testing and Testlio.
These platforms serve as a bridge between freelance testers and businesses looking to test their software and applications to ensure they are high-quality. Participating in such testing projects could help you to evolve your skills, showcase abilities, and add valuable experience to your resume. Moreover, crowdsourced testing platforms provide testers with opportunities to work with real companies across different industries, working with different tools, and facing a wide range of testing scenarios and environments. This practical experience can significantly enhance the competitiveness of inexperienced testers in the job market.
Build Your Network
Enhancing your chances of finding new job opportunities in software testing can be accomplished through building a professional network. Utilize the power of social media and the internet to promote your professional brand as a tester and highlight your expertise. Join platforms such as LinkedIn and various online testing communities to connect with industry leaders and hiring managers, thereby increasing your visibility to potential employers and staying informed about open positions in your network.
Additionally, attending software testing conferences and meetups is an excellent way to expand your professional network. You can opt for in-person events to connect with industry professionals face-to-face or attend virtual conferences like the free OnlineTestConf. These opportunities allow you to stay current on trends, share valuable insights, and build relationships with other QA experts that could potentially be valuable additions to your network.
Stay in Touch with Former Colleagues
Staying in touch with former coworkers can greatly impact your chances of securing a new software testing job. Keeping in contact with people from past jobs can open up doors to new job opportunities through recommendations, referrals, and introductions. Former colleagues who know your skills and work ethic can vouch for you when new job opportunities arise. They can also provide valuable information into the company culture, hiring process, and key decision-makers, giving you an edge in the job search process.
Also from the company's perspective, they favor hiring candidates who have been referred by current employees over starting the hiring process from scratch. Employee referrals are seen as a reliable source as they are based on the referring employee's actual experience working with the candidate. This reduces the time and resources companies need to invest in the hiring process and often results in higher retention rates for new hires. Companies that understand the benefits of employee referrals typically implement referral programs to encourage their current employees to refer qualified candidates. According to Zippia, 88% of the employers believe that employee referral programs are the best source of applicants.
General Tip That Are Always Effective
Continuously seeking to evolve your software testing skills and being passionate about software testing is a crucial part of your job as a tester in general, but also in your job search in particular. Companies look for candidates who are eager to learn, passionate about their work, and up-to-date with the latest advancements in the industry. By staying knowledgeable about new software testing techniques, tools, and methodologies, you can differentiate yourself from other candidates and showcase your commitment to your profession. You should regularly try to expand your knowledge and learn new tricks and tips that can help you become better at your day-to-day duties. There are a large variety of mediums to catch up with the latest trends in software testing such as youtube channels, and podcasts.
