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Software tester job profile: What are your tasks?

Damn, this app isn't working again! You know this feeling? Time and again you come across software in everyday life that doesn't want to work properly. Unfortunately, not all bugs in the world can be fixed, but software development teams can do everything they can to ensure that your application works as error-free as possible. This is exactly where software testers come into play! Sounds exciting? We'll explain what a software tester does and how you can get started on this career path!

What is software testing?

Software testing is the crucial process in which programs and applications are systematically tested to ensure that they function properly and meet the company's requirements. This involves not only detecting errors, but also checking the performance, security and user-friendliness of the software using test cases. From simple functional tests to complex load scenarios - testing accompanies the entire software development process and is an essential component in making products ready for the market. As a software tester at FIDA, you will make a significant contribution to guaranteeing quality at the highest level and creating a smooth user experience for our customers.

What does a software tester do?

In your position as a software tester, you play a key role in the development of first-class software solutions. You make a significant contribution to ensuring that software products function smoothly and meet or exceed the high requirements of customers.

Your tasks summarized:

  • Test planning with foresight: You develop comprehensive test strategies that cover all functions of our software solutions.

  • Test execution and error analysis: You put our software through its paces, analyze test results and find sources of errors.

  • Close exchange with the development team: You support the software developers in finding causes and ensure that solutions are implemented efficiently.

  • Future-proof test environments: You keep an eye on the hardware and test requirements and ensure that all components are up to date.

You use these tools as a test manager

As a software tester, you use state-of-the-art tools to ensure that new software works perfectly in real-life use.

Simulation tools: With customized simulation solutions, you can simulate a wide variety of input signals - from everyday usage scenarios to extraordinary extreme situations that rarely occur in practice. This allows you to test not only the functions, but also the resilience of new software.

Tracing tools: You will use precise tracing tools to analyze and record signals and software outputs. This allows you to identify sources of error efficiently and makes collaboration with the development team much easier.

A software tester should have these skills

To be successful as a software tester, you need a whole range of hard and soft skills.

The hard skills you should have for software testing

There is no set training for entry into software testing, but certain skills and requirements will help you get your career off to a good start. Your profile:

  • Technical understanding: A degree in computer science, engineering or natural sciences provides a solid basis, but is not a must. Much more important is your affinity for technology and your analytical thinking skills.

  • Tool expertise: You work with various tools, including simulation and test case management systems, versioning solutions and documentation platforms. Quick familiarization with new programs is no problem for you.

  • Systematic way of working: You recognize patterns, find errors and develop clear strategies for quality assurance.

  • Solution-oriented approach: You see problems as challenges that you actively tackle in order to make our software even better.

Programming knowledge is not essential for software testing jobs, but a basic understanding does not hurt. More important is your ability to quickly and flexibly familiarize yourself with different technologies and work processes.

With your technical flair, an IT-related education and a structured approach, you fulfill the most important criteria for software testing jobs!

These soft skills will help you succeed as a software tester

In addition to technical know-how, your personal skillset is particularly important - because a software tester is much more than just someone who finds bugs.

  • Quick comprehension: You can quickly familiarize yourself with new programs, systems and complex test environments.

  • Analytical and creative thinking: You don't just think in straight lines. You can also think of scenarios with unexpected inputs, so you develop test cases that go beyond standard tests.

  • Strong communication skills: You are an important sparring partner for our developers, provide constructive feedback on test results and support error analysis.

  • Flexibility and problem-solving skills: You react quickly to changes and find creative solutions to complex challenges.

  • Ability to work in a team: Projects only succeed together. You know how to work in a team and actively share knowledge.

With these skills, you bring a breath of fresh air to software projects and ensure that applications leave a lasting impression on customers.

Software testing jobs are demanding - your challenges as a software tester

Jobs as a software tester involve exciting challenges that will put your skills to the test:

Keeping an eye on complexity: The more extensive and functional software becomes, the more demanding test planning becomes. You coordinate test scenarios that cover a variety of functionalities and their dependencies.

Dynamic development process: Software is constantly evolving. New functions always require new tests - flexibility and foresight are required.

Bug-finding without an endpoint: Even if it is almost impossible to create completely error-free software, you do everything you can to track down and eliminate as many errors as possible.

Critical quality standards: You are driven by the desire for perfection - you stand for stability and functionality, even if the perfect solution remains a rare ideal.

Your expertise is more in demand than ever - software testers in focus

In a world that is becoming increasingly digital, reliable software is essential in all industries. Companies are increasingly relying on experienced test managers and software testers to ensure that their products work flawlessly and meet the high expectations of users. Agile development processes and faster release cycles give you a key role as a tester in your job: you ensure that innovations are implemented in a stable and practical manner. With your trained eye for detail and your ability to recognize problems early on, you are a decisive success factor - and your career opportunities as a software tester couldn't be better.

Conclusion

The job of a software tester is varied and requires constant adaptation to new circumstances. Software requirements are constantly changing, which is why new functions are constantly being added to existing systems. Just like new developments, these functions must be tested extensively in advance. In your job as a software tester, you ensure that applications run as error-free as possible when they reach the end user.

Is testing exactly your thing? Take a look at our job advertisements. We offer exciting jobs in the IT industry and are always on the lookout for new test managers! Maybe we'll soon welcome you to #teamfida!

FAQ - Frequently asked questions about working as a software tester

The core tasks include test planning with a view to all functionalities, the execution of test cases, error analysis and close cooperation with the development team to identify causes.

Manual and automated tests are carried out, including functional tests, load tests, usability and security tests as well as scenarios with unusual inputs or extreme situations

Important requirements are technical understanding, quick familiarization with new tools, knowledge of test and versioning systems as well as a systematic and solution-oriented way of working. Programming skills are helpful, but not essential.

Relevant soft skills are analytical and creative thinking, strong communication skills for the exchange with developers, the ability to work in a team, flexibility and quick comprehension.

There is not necessarily a clear training path; entry is often via a technical degree or IT-related training. Further training and practical experience in testing improve your chances.

Particularly challenging are large software systems with many functionalities, constantly changing requirements and development cycles as well as the fact that error-free software is rarely achievable - quality assurance remains an ongoing process.

Test management and simulation tools, tracing and logging tools for analyzing signals and outputs as well as versioning systems and documentation platforms are used.

Software products are subject to increasingly high requirements in terms of quality, stability and user experience. Effective testing helps to ensure marketability, reduce risks due to errors and increase customer satisfaction - so testing plays a central role in digital value creation.

About the Author

Paul Wettstein lenkt bei der FIDA die digitalen Marketingbereiche SEO, SEA und Social Ads in die richtige Spur. Als begeisterter Radsportler kombiniert er Ausdauer, Strategie und den Blick fürs Detail – Qualitäten, die ihn sowohl auf der Straße als auch in der digitalen Welt auszeichnen.

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