Want to become a Software Tester?

This post is dedicated to the people who want to start their career in Software Testing. Based on my knowledge and experience I have listed a few points below which may help an individual to achieve this goal.

1. Why you want to become a Software Tester?

Before you start with anything; first ask this question to yourself why you want to become a Software Tester? As a fresher you will come across this question on many occasions; and it is always required to come up with realistic, logical answers to such questions rather than preparing something from readily available materials.

In order to prepare an answer for this question, find out the origin where you heard this term Software Testing first time, what all things you know about it, what is the essential qualification & skill sets required for it etc. This will help you to consolidate your knowledge about Software Testing and you can prepare the logical answer for the interest that you have in Software Testing.

2. Take a training on Software Testing

                 Once you decide to take a forward step in Software Testing, your first job is to find out a good Training provider for the same. I recommend getting trained from the industry professionals as conceptual and pragmatically endorsed learning is more helpful. 

                 Check the course content properly and coverage of Testing Tools (if any). Make sure to ask questions and get them answered during your training itself. Simultaneously read some articles about Software Testing, develop a proper understanding of every term, and remember Thought Clarity plays a vital role in Software Testing.

      3. Test something on your own

                 During and after the completion of your training, try testing something on your own. Though you are a fresher, still you can gain some experience by performing following activities. Note; this is the point where you should start applying what you are learning or learned about Software Testing.

•      Consider a popular Social Network Facebook (Web Application) as your application under test. 
•      Write down the Test Scenarios, Test Cases (may be for Login page & Timeline) in the format or a template that you were asked during training.   
•      Get them reviewed from respective trainers or an experienced person in your network. 
•      Start executing those Test Cases and log the results. The probability of getting any defect is very less but do it seriously as you will do it in your first job. :)

             Like this you can try testing any other Web Application (may be a website that you access frequently), any Windows Application (which you can search online & download), any Mobile Application (that you are using currently). Believe me; this is a good way to explore your Software Testing skills and gain the significant level of confidence. Remember; Software Testing is context dependent (testing is done differently in different contexts) and here we are trying building thought clarity.

4. Build professional network

Building a strong professional network really helps in your career path. You can join some Software Testing Groups, Communities, Discussion Forums which are available on popular Social (Facebook, Twitter) & Business networks (LinkedIn) and get in touch with industry professionals. This is the source where you will come across useful articles on Software Testing, keep reading them, and subscribe to good blogs or websites.

Here is the important point to note, reading is good, but don't read too much which may lead to confusion in some cases. Eventually based on your experience you will have the ability to distinguish between what you should read and what you shouldn't.

      5. Get ready for an Interview

Prepare a neat resume which highlights your education details and exposure on Software Testing. Avoid any sort of spelling or grammatical mistake; don’t forget that this is a Resume for the post of Software Tester. :) Make sure you are putting only those skills about Software Testing which are in line with your training contents and you can rigorously justify them.

            Upload your Resume on job portals and keep updating it frequently. In addition share your profile within your professional network, communities etc.