The software testing industry is rapidly growing – and there are plenty of opportunities for manual testers to get involved. Manual testing is a process of finding problems in the software by performing manual tests. It requires a different set of skills and expertise than automated testing, and can often require more time and effort. In this blog post, we’re going to look at what manual testing is, what qualifications and skills are needed to become a manual tester, the different types of manual testing, and how to prepare for a manual testing job interview. We’ll also look at the salary range for career potential as a manual tester, and resources for finding manual tester jobs.
What is manual testing?
Manual testing is a type of software testing that involves manually testing the software for errors, bugs or any other issues. Unlike automated testing, manual testing requires a human tester to use their own pre-defined test cases to evaluate the software. Manual testing is often used in combination with automated testing, to provide an extra layer of assurance that the software is working correctly.
Manual testing can help to identify potential issues with the software, such as functionality issues, performance issues, compatibility issues, or UI/UX issues. Manual testers can also help to create test plans, develop test cases, and execute tests to ensure the software meets the desired requirements.
Advantages and disadvantages of manual testing
Manual testing has a number of advantages over automated testing. It is often more accurate than automated testing, as it requires a human to evaluate the software. Manual testing can also be used to test more complex scenarios and interactions, which may not be possible to automate. Additionally, manual testing is often more cost-effective than automated testing, as it requires fewer resources and is less time-consuming.
However, manual testing also has its disadvantages. It can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, and it may not be able to cover all possible scenarios. Additionally, manual testing may not be able to detect certain types of errors, such as performance issues or compatibility issues.
Types of manual testing
There are a number of different types of manual testing, which can be used to test different aspects of the software. Here are some of the most common types of manual testing:
- Functional Testing: Functional testing is used to test the functionality of the software. It involves testing the software to ensure that it performs as expected.
- Regression Testing: Regression testing is used to test changes made to the software, to ensure that they do not introduce any new bugs.
- System Testing: System testing is used to test the entire system, including the hardware, software, and any other components.
- Usability Testing: Usability testing is used to test the usability of the software, to ensure that it is easy to use.
- Performance Testing: Performance testing is used to test the performance of the software, to ensure that it is running optimally.
- Security Testing: Security testing is used to test the security of the software, to ensure that it is secure from any potential threats.
Qualifications and skills needed to become a manual tester
Becoming a manual tester requires a certain set of qualifications and skills. To become a manual tester, you should have a strong understanding of software development lifecycles, as well as experience in software development, testing, and quality assurance. You should also have excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, as well as strong communication and interpersonal skills.
You should also have experience in creating test plans and test cases, as well as experience in executing manual tests. Additionally, you should have experience in using manual testing tools, such as bug tracking and test management tools.
Different manual testing tools
There are a number of different manual testing tools available, which can be used to test different aspects of the software. Some of the most popular manual testing tools include:
- Bug Tracking Tools: Bug tracking tools are used to track and manage any bugs or issues found during the testing process.
- Test Management Tools: Test management tools are used to manage the entire testing process, from creating test plans to executing tests and reporting results.
- Test Case Management Tools: Test case management tools are used to create and manage test cases, as well as track and report test results.
- Automation Tools: Automation tools are used to automate certain parts of the testing process, such as running tests and generating reports.
- Performance Testing Tools: Performance testing tools are used to test the performance of the software, to ensure that it is running optimally.
- Security Testing Tools: Security testing tools are used to test the security of the software, to ensure that it is secure from any potential threats.
How to prepare for a manual tester job interview
Preparing for a manual tester job interview is an important part of the job search process. To prepare for a manual tester job interview, you should research the company and the position, practice your interviewing skills, and have a list of questions prepared. You should also have a portfolio of work that you can show to the interviewer, and be prepared to discuss your experience and qualifications.
Additionally, you should be prepared to discuss any manual testing tools that you are familiar with, as well as any challenges that you have faced in your previous manual testing roles.
Manual testing job roles and responsibilities
Manual testers typically have a number of job roles and responsibilities. These typically include creating and executing test plans, writing test cases, and reporting test results. Additionally, manual testers may be responsible for designing and implementing automated tests, as well as performing usability testing.
Manual testers may also be responsible for creating and managing bug databases, as well as providing technical support to other teams. Additionally, manual testers may be responsible for creating documentation, such as user manuals, training manuals, and troubleshooting guides.
Salary range for a manual tester
The salary range for a manual tester can vary greatly, depending on experience and location. According to PayScale, the average salary for a manual tester in the United States is $69,917 per year. However, this can vary from as low as $38,000 per year to as high as $110,000 per year.
Resources for finding manual tester jobs
There are a number of resources available for finding manual tester jobs. Some of the most popular job search websites include Indeed, Monster, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn. Additionally, there are a number of specialized job search websites for software testers, such as ExpertSoftwareTesting and TestingJob.
You can also search for manual tester jobs in your area, using job search websites such as Craigslist or local job search websites. Additionally, you can search for manual tester jobs in your city or state, using job search websites such as Monster, Glassdoor, or Indeed.
Conclusion
Manual testing is an important part of the software development process, and there are plenty of opportunities for manual testers to get involved. It requires a different set of skills and expertise than automated testing, and can often require more time and effort. To become a manual tester, you should have a strong understanding of software development lifecycles, as well as experience in software development, testing, and quality assurance. You should also have experience in creating test plans and test cases, as well as experience in using manual testing tools.
If you’re looking for a career in manual testing, there are plenty of resources available for finding manual tester jobs. You can search for jobs on job search websites such as Indeed, Monster, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn, or search for manual tester jobs in your area using job search websites such as Craigslist or local job search websites. Additionally, you can learn how to develop skills needed in the software testing industry by taking a case-based software manual testing course from LSET.
Manual testing is an exciting and rewarding career – and with the right qualifications and skills, you can unlock your career potential as a manual tester.