How to build a QA Mindset from scratch - Chapter 5 - Benefits of improving your skills
Are you aware that Quality Assurance in IT is a domain characterized by ongoing learning aimed at enhancing the quality of developed products/services?
When stepping into the role of a QA Engineer, it's essential to hold a set of specific skills. Often, job descriptions predominantly emphasize technical expertise over soft skills. Take, for instance, a generic job description for a Senior QA Engineer:
BS/MS degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a strong technical background
5+ years of experience in software development or QA automation
Proficiency in mobile/web application testing
Experience with programming languages such as Java, Groovy, Ruby, Python, or JavaScript
Familiarity with Appium or Selenium WebDriver, and testing frameworks like TestNG, JUnit, or Cucumber
Comfortable using Git, and experienced with CI tools like Jenkins, and test management tools like JIRA
Knowledge of SQL/NoSQL databases
Bonus for experience in native mobile testing frameworks (XCUITest, UI Automator, Espresso) or micro-services architecture
What are the typical prerequisites? Proficiency in multiple test frameworks for automation, aligning with the prevailing market inclination towards comprehensive automation, while neglecting manual testing aspects like exploratory testing techniques and essential soft skills. Let’s have a closer look at it:
Attention to Detail: The ability to discern subtle nuances is what sets QA Engineers apart. Being able to piece together the puzzle requires keen observation and meticulousness. I acknowledge myself for my innate attention to detail, both in my personal and professional life. I invest time in comprehensively understanding the task at hand and continuously strive to enhance not only my work but also that of my team.
Proactiveness: A proactive approach involves taking initiative without waiting to be prompted. It's about anticipating needs and offering support even before it's requested. I'm the type of individual who doesn't wait for instructions. I’ve started by initiating discussions, preparing test plans, and executing tasks without being prompted. It's about being steps ahead and ensuring smooth workflow within the team.
Innovativeness: Thinking outside the box and finding novel solutions to streamline processes is crucial. By introducing initiatives like implementing component tests for scenarios unsuitable for automation, I've demonstrated my commitment to improving team efficiency. It's about fostering a culture of innovation and actively seeking ways to enhance team agility.
Communication: is essential for collaboration and knowledge exchange. Whether it occurs during meetings, via Slack/Teams channels, or through presentations, the sharing of ideas nurtures a culture of learning for all parties. Effective communication goes beyond merely transmitting information, it's about forging connections and promoting mutual development.
Willingness to Learn: In a rapidly evolving industry like IT, being open to learning is indispensable. Staying updated with trends, attending webinars, reading blogs, like this one, and articles from https://www.ministryoftesting.com/
or participating in courses enriches the knowledge base and enables the sharing of fresh ideas within the team. Learning isn't confined to formal education, it's a continuous journey of growth and adaptation.
Empathy: Recognizing the human aspect within a predominantly technical field is vital. Demonstrating empathy towards colleagues fosters trust and strengthens relationships. Whether it's offering support to someone having a rough day or simply checking in with a sincere "How are you?", empathy cultivates a supportive work environment where everyone feels valued.
Fortunately, not all companies prioritize technical skills over these essential soft skills. Hiring a QA engineer isn't just about technical prowess; it's about entrusting quality ownership to individuals with a QA mindset—those who can communicate effectively, innovate, and continually learn and share their expertise. It's about fostering a collaborative environment where the team collectively drives towards delivering products/services that align with customer and market expectations.
Sharing an example of a Senior QA Engineer role, similar to my current one, elaborated by the ideas shared in this article combined with the technical skills, use it:
Responsibilities:
Develop and execute test plans, test cases, and test scripts to validate software functionality, performance, and scalability.
Utilize automation frameworks and tools to streamline testing processes and maximize test coverage.
Conduct thorough regression testing to identify and mitigate software defects across multiple platforms.
Collaborate with software engineers, product managers, and other stakeholders to ensure a clear understanding of requirements and user stories.
Champion best practices for software quality assurance, including code reviews, continuous integration, and deployment automation.
Mentor junior QA team members, providing guidance and support to foster their professional growth.
Actively participate in sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and retrospectives to drive improvements in product quality and development efficiency.
Communicate effectively with team members through various channels such as meetings, Slack/Teams channels, and presentations to share ideas and insights.
Continuously seek opportunities to innovate and improve testing processes, tools, and methodologies.
Demonstrate empathy and understanding towards colleagues, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.
Requirements:
Technical Skills:
Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
5+ years of experience in software quality assurance, with a focus on automation testing and manual testing, like exploratory testing.
Proficiency in test automation frameworks such as Selenium WebDriver, Appium, or similar.
Proficiency in Exploratory Testing, using mind mapping and ad-hoc testing.
Strong programming skills in languages like Java, Python, or JavaScript.
Experience with testing tools like TestNG, JUnit, or Cucumber.
Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git), CI/CD pipelines, and issue tracking tools (e.g., JIRA).
Knowledge of SQL/NoSQL databases and API testing.
Soft Skills:
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
Proven ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams, fostering a culture of knowledge-sharing and mutual growth.
Detail-oriented with a keen eye for identifying and addressing software defects.
Proactive mindset, capable of taking initiative and driving projects to completion.
Innovative thinker with a willingness to explore new ideas and methodologies to improve testing processes.
Empathetic and supportive attitude towards colleagues, promoting a positive work environment.
Do you agree?