Following are some tips that will help you guide your preparation for the software testing interview.
- Research
This is an important part of any interview preparation. You should be aware of some basic facts about the company such as its mission statement, major products, clients, competitors, role in market etc. Review the job specification very carefully and find out what it would entail and prepare accordingly.
- Refresh Your Knowledge
Whether you are experienced or a fresher you should brush up your basic knowledge of the software testing. At the very least you should be aware of the different types of software testing and at which stages of software development lifecycle (SDLC) they are conducted or can be conducted. Beside your own field you should have a general knowledge of software testing field as well.
Beside software testing you should also have a basic understanding of data base concepts and knowledge of SQL queries. In order to be effective at automated testing you should also know at least one of the scripting languages.
- Interview questions
You can find lots of interview related to the software interview on the internet. Make a collection and go through them they are one of the best ways to refresh your knowledge as well as getting an idea of what kind of questions you can expect in the interview and how to answer them.
- Update Your Knowledge
The software industry is one of the most fluid and fast changing industries. New technologies are developed and older once become outdated all the time. You should be aware of recent advances and changes in the field of software testing. Stay updated on the latest automated testing tools currently in use within the industry.
- Resume
Using the same resume for every job is not a very good idea. Revise and modify your resume to highlight the points that make you better suited for the current job. Also the questions that the interviewer will ask would depend very much on your resume so be careful about what you put in there.
- Certification
You should get one or more certifications related to software testing. These will give you an edge over other candidates. Details of these certification exams can be found on the internet.
- Experience
Employers prefer candidates with experience preferably in a similar kind of job. If you have any relevant experience, be sure to bring it to the interviewer's attentions. When answering real life examples are much more effective than imaginary scenarios.
- Make Notes
When preparing for the software testing interview keep notes of the important points. The points should be brief as possible without being incomprehensible.
These notes will help you refresh your memory and will be good for future references as well. You can take these notes on paper or save them in a word file and later take a printout.
- Be Confident
Like any other interview the confidence matter in a software testing interview. You should show confidence and interest in job both by your body language and statements. Look the interviewer in the eye when talking. Speak clearly and without hurrying. Sit straight. You can lean forward a little to show interest but don't act aggressive or intrude in to interviewer's personal space.
- When Answering Questions
Before answering a question listen carefully to what the interviewer is saying. If you have any doubts ask for clarification. This will also give you additional time to think. It not necessary to answer immediately after the interviewer has finished asking question. Ask the interviewer if can have a minute to think about the problem if you need additional time. Don't start a monolog, observe the interviewer's body language and pause if you think he wishes to say something. Let the interviewer take the lead.
Before answering a question, clearly state any assumptions that you have made. This avoids any unnecessary confusion and makes your thought process clear to the interviewer.
- When You Don't Know Something
Don't be afraid to admit your ignorance. Be frank and positive. Software testing is a very wide and varied field and you are not expected to know all of it. Show your positive side and willingness to learn.
Software testing in general is much less technical in nature than software development. Your presentation, confidence and attitude would have a significant impact on the result of the interview. If you would keep these things in mind and prepare well, you will have a good chance of being selected.
