Software Testing Jobs

There are always software testing jobs that need to be filled! Computers & software; growing & evolving. New technology demands new software; new software requires testing. This means you!

Whether you are new to the technology industry, a self-taught computer whiz, or an experienced IT or Programming professional, there are software testing jobs that need your expertise and perspective. These jobs are available every day at every skill and experience level. Are you interested in joining an industry that is flourishing?

This is why I make the distinction. For you, the reader, to gain a clear understanding of Quality Assurance Jobs in the software industry I have created a page for each subject; one for video game testing jobs and one for software testing jobs.

End of explanation…onto the fun part.

Is Software Testing For You?

If you are a techno-junkie, then you will probably enjoy software testing jobs. If you are a “gadget freak”, software testing is a job you should look into.

If you are fascinated with keeping up with the latest computer trends, a job in software testing will pay you for your interest. If you are the kind of person that likes to be “in-the-know”, then software testing jobs will feed this need by giving you access to emerging technology months, and sometimes years, before it is ever released to the public.

Even if you are a hyper-critical, detail-oriented, perfectionist (or especially if you are…) then a software testing job can, and will, reward you for traits that people might otherwise consider faults (trust me…). You can actually be paid to be a nit-picking know-it-all. People will even appreciate and pay you for it!!

Does any of that sound like you? Do you see yourself in any of the descriptions above?

If not, think about this: The software industry is HUGE. And it is growing. Think about it…what do you think makes all those computers and websites and bank accounts and cable boxes and cameras and…well, you get the idea…what do you think makes all those run? All of those things take…Software.

So even if you don’t want to spend your life filling one of the many jobs in software testing, you may consider the possibilities. Software testing takes people with all kinds of backgrounds. It can pay very well. And, as mentioned before, there are so many openings that need to be filled.

Software isn’t going anywhere anytime soon…are you?

How To Establish Yourself

First things first: If you want to be treated like a professional, act the part. As simple as this seems, I have found fewer and fewer real professionals in the world of software testing as the years have gone by. If you comport yourself as a professional, you will stand out simply because you will be one of the small percentage of people who is…professional.

Now, this doesn’t mean that you have to be stiff, or rude, or even carry a briefcase. Quite the contrary, you should be personable and polite – and only carry a briefcase if it is useful to you and fits.

Being a professional means treating others with respect. Respect their time. Respect the job. Again, this will place you in the minority, but being a professional is a choice that you can make to stand out in a positive way.

If you choose to establish yourself as a professional, you will also need to know your job cold. Software testing jobs take all kinds, as I have said. And not all of the personnel filling software testing jobs actually understand what they are doing.

They don’t respect the job and so they never become any good at it. Testing may be simple, but it is not always easy. Any monkey can test (trust me, I’ve seen them) but only the professional QA Tester knows how to succeed.

If you really want to establish yourself, whether supplementing your income or pursuing a QA career, be a professional. Learn your trade. Develop your craft. You will be in demand and you can demand more.

Start with the fundamentals and learn how to succeed as a QA Tester. Really learning how to test will separate you. Knowing what to do with the results of your testing will differentiate you even further.

You must have a solid foundation if you want to excel in these jobs. Learn the basics first and then build on that. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that just because you know how to use a computer that you know how to test – testing is a skill. It is a skill that can, and should, be developed.

It doesn’t take all that much really. If you want to establish yourself as someone who handles software testing jobs with skill, be respectful, professional, and hone your craft. Simple right? Too bad more people don’t do it.

What Software Testing Jobs Need You?

All kinds! There are software testing jobs for all of the technology that we use in today’s world. If you have a computer, you should have some idea of the number of different programs that are available to you. How many programs and applications came with your computer – for free? Have you ever really thought about it? Chances are you don’t even use most of them.

Look at your computer right now. Can you see how many different programs are at your fingertips? Well, all of those programs needed testing at one time (and many of them still do).

There are so many different software testing positions out there that need you. You can test user applications like checkbook balancing software, antivirus software, educational software, language-specific installers, websites, picture organizing programs, video editing software…can you start to see where I’m going with this?

In short, there is software for every kind of tester. This means that there are jobs for every kind of tester. That means you have choices.

Because there are so many options, you should focus your job search on subjects that interest you. You will bring an educated, opinionated perspective to your role. This will make you more valuable in whichever software testing jobs you accept.

Where to Find Software Testing Jobs

Take the time to follow their resume upload process so that you are in their system (check out the Tips ‘n’ Tricks section on our Software Testing Resume – Help! page). Then set up the automated searches that they allow. This way you will get emails every day (or week, depending) with any jobs that match your search criteria.

Yes, there are many, many jobs listed that you will have to sort through (I think I mentioned that this field was growing, didn’t I). The more specifically you set up your search criteria, the easier your sorting will be. But this is where you will want to start.

Manually search through the jobs that they have listed. Take the time to understand the job descriptions; what role does the employer really want filled? If you take the time to read many listings, you will begin to have an understanding of how different companies categorize the various software testing jobs that are available.

Don’t worry about applying to any jobs at first. Just read through as many as you can stomach so you become knowledgeable about the kinds of jobs currently open. How are the positions described? What does the employer really want? Is the position contract or full time? What responsibilities does each position have? How do the responsibilities differ for the same job title from company to company?

Read and understand. Study and become knowledgeable. If you want to land better testing jobs, you should first understand how to identify them. This can save you years of toiling in the wrong role at the wrong company – this study time is well worth it.

As you search through their software testing job listings, make special note of any that require a skill that you have (this should also be a part of your automated search criteria, right?). If you have a specific expertise with computers; a programming language, database experience, website knowledge, hardware compatibility, or even know a foreign language – these are all viable skills that can help separate you in your job search.

If you don’t have any special computer skills (or don’t think you do) that’s ok too. If you know how to use a computer, have or can form an opinion, and can follow directions...there is a software testing job out there that need you. You should focus on entry-level positions at companies that work in a field you have interest in.

Whether skilled or not, experienced or not, there are software testing jobs that are a fit for you. Focus on your areas of interest and you will find a company that needs you.

Once you have started with the big online job search sites, there are a few other places to go. Never forget Craigslist.org. Search by metropolitan area, then search “software/qa/dba” in the Jobs column. Not always the juiciest place to search, but never leave them out.

Register and interview with staffing agencies that place technical positions – specifically QA Tester positions. Start with these:
• Robert Half Technologies (a division of RHI)
• Nelson Staffing
• Modis

Look them up online. Do a little Google dance and check out their sites. Find an office near you. Get your resume together and contact them. Then go down and find out in person what software testing jobs they have available that are a good fit for you.

Once You Have Experience

Stroll on down to TekSystems.com. They are another tech staffing agency that I have had good experience with. I can’t vouch for all of their offices, but all of their representatives that I have had the pleasure of meeting have been wonderful to work with. Professional and personable – give them a try, especially if you have any specialized computer skills.

Go to Elance.com. Put out your shingle. Especially if you have testing experience, this is a must. You may be presented with an opportunity that you would otherwise never have seen.

Look up Utest.com. If you want to build a reputation for yourself and can land the jobs, Elance and Utest are worldwide forums in which to shine. This is not the easiest place to start, but you should not overlook them. No one there is sending you money right now anyway, right? Why not give them the opportunity. Don’t be shy. Tell (and then show) the world why you are unique and what greatness you have inside.

Another site that may yield some software testing jobs for you is Guru.com. It’s not the most filled with QA jobs, but they are there. If you are going to put out your shingle, don’t overlook any opportunity to have people throw money at you.

There are many, many other online job search websites. None are a waste of time – as long as they don’t cost you any money. Search their listings and use the tools they provide to post your resume and put out your shingle.

Software testing jobs won’t usually come to you, so you will have to do a little searching. But if you search and persevere, you will find a software testing position that is a match for you.

"You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor."
~ Aristotle