The Best Software Tester Resume Writing Guide & Tips
If you’re a talented software tester and looking for your next career challenge, it’s time to get serious about building your resume. Your resume is often the first impression you’ll have with new employers, so how do you set yourself apart from the competition?
Going through a job search is tough enough without having to worry about writing your own resume. But if you’re serious about landing a job as a software tester, then you need to do everything possible to increase your chances.
Fortunately, building a great resume isn’t as hard as it seems. When you follow this step-by-step guide, your resume will be in good hands. We’ll show you how to take your skills and experience and translate them into a software tester resume that will get noticed by employers.
A Software Tester is a software engineer who tests the programs written by another software engineer. Software testing involves the use of various methods to manually insert and verify the features of a program, to determine if it meets the needs of its users or does not meet the needs of its users. A program tester will use industry-specific guidelines and methods to document bugs found, complete code reviews, design test cases, and ensure that their program successfully performs as designed.
Software Tester Responsibilities:
- Define the software’s specifications
- Test the software to see if it performs its functions correctly
- Observe automated test results and modify tests as needed
- Monitor and evaluate the testing of other software testers
- Closely analyze and document bugs, issues, faults, or problems with the software.
- Report on system performance in a clear and concise manner
- Update test documentation to reflect defect status (open/closed/reopened) as well as any other test-related information.
- Provide support and guidance to other software testers
- Report on the status of all completed tests.
- Conduct tests on prototype or beta releases of the software
- Submit quality assurance reports to management.
- Perform acceptance testing on new releases or updates of existing products
Learn About the Software Tester’s Job Description Before You Write Your Resume
If you want to write a software tester resume that gets noticed by employers, it’s important to understand the job requirements for the role.
Tips to write a Software Tester Resume Summary:
- List your work experience first, then education, and finally any other relevant information.
- Use action statements in your job descriptions (ie :”Improved software test process by 20%” or “Reduced defects in software product” or “Achieved 95% test coverage rate”).
- Keep the explanations short and to the point. Avoid long-winded sentences and use bullet points to highlight achievements.
- Don’t forget to mention your strong skills. Even if you haven’t used them at your current job, it shows you have the ability to learn quickly.
- Highlight your ability to work as a team/part of a team or independently.
- A short skills section is best, only list the skills that are applicable to Software testing jobs and make them easy for the recruiter to read (ie : avoid long skill lists).
- Make connections. Recruiters often link candidates to jobs, so it’s important to make contacts.
Here are some quick tips:
- List your work experience first, then education, and finally any other relevant information.
- Use action statements in your job descriptions (ie:”Improved software test process by 20%” or “Reduced defects in software product” or “Achieved 95% test coverage rate”).
- Keep the explanations short and to the point. Avoid long-winded sentences and use bullet points to highlight achievements.
Software Tester Qualification:
A software tester has the following qualification :
- A degree in Computer Science or Information Technology
- The knowledge and ability to understand the software development process which includes: programming languages, design patterns, QA methodologies, defect tracking system
- Various techniques to test the software product and knowledge of testing methodologies as well as the techniques used by Software Testers.
- Knowledge of various programming and testing tools
- Knowledge about the Internet and Internet Protocols (IP).
- Knowledge of various operating systems, coding standards, and development methodologies used in Software Development.
- Solid understanding of the software product to be tested.
Top 15 Effective Software Tester Skills:
Here are the top 15 must-have software tester skills on a resume:
- Testing Methodology
- Planning, Monitoring, Execution, and Control
- Writing Test Cases
- Understanding Requirements
- Quality Analysis and Auditing skills
- Knowledge of various programming languages. (e.g. C & C++, Java, J2EE, Cobol, C# etc.) and Database Systems (e.g. Oracle, SQL Server ).
- Web Technologies
- Programming: Development and Testing
- Testing Tools
- User Interface Testing
- Software Development
- Software Quality Assurance (QA), field testing
- Technical Testing, testing tools
- Troubleshooting, debugging, and error analysis.
- Communication
How to write a Software Tester Resume with no experience?
If you are new to the field of software testing, it may be necessary for you to let the potential employer know that you have no experience as test engineer. As a new tester on the job market, it is important for you to show your competence and enthusiasm by including in your resume examples of successful work projects, community involvement, and extracurricular activities. The goal is to leave a long-lasting impression and show your expertise during the interview.
If you are graduating with a degree in computer science or information technology, I suggest that you include any software development experience on your resume. This can be projects done at school or even on your own.
How to write a Software Tester cover letter?
The cover letter is the first thing that will be read by your potential employer, Thus it is a very important thing to write a cover letter with no experience. I recommend writing your cover letter from a third-person point of view. Write about why you are applying for this position and how you can contribute to the success of the organization.
Be sure that your cover letter is formatted correctly. The information displayed on your cover letter should be easy for a hiring manager to read without any distractions.
Lastly, say something on how you can grow as a software tester if hired to this role and make it about you more than anyone else who has previously worked there.
Key takeaways:
- Be honest about your experience and enthusiasm.
- Keep your resume to one page if possible.
- Do not make spelling mistakes.
- Tailor every resume for individual positions that you are applying for.