Software testers are tasked with interrogating and testing software programs to ensure that they do what they are supposed to do, and meet all requirements and expectations. As a tester, you will identify bugs or problems, record them appropriately and report them to software developers for fixes. You need to have strong analytical, communication, and technical skills to succeed in this profession.
Ideally, recruiters would like to see a resume that shows a degree in computer sciences or a related degree. If you do not have a degree, certifications in software testing and the tools generally used, would be expected. This is also a field that will require your constant training as technology quickly evolves and new more efficient tools are created all the time.
Here are some software testing resumes for specific positions. We have also included some tips to bolster your resume and get recruiters to notice and hire you.
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QA (Quality Assurance) manual testers perform tests on software to try and find any bugs or irregularities in the way the software operates. You will usually come into the software development process towards the end when the software is developed enough to be tested. Unlike automated testing, where you can create program scripts to perform tests, as a manual tester, you will perform the tests yourself. You do not need as much programming knowledge as in other positions in software development so this may be a great position to enter the software testing and development industry with. What you will need is great attention to detail and great communication skills. We should note that QA manual testers often work for multiple companies at a time on a freelance or consultant basis, so proper time management is also essential.
While recruiters would like to see resumes that show an educational background in computer science or a related field, experience is very heavily weighted. So be sure to list all experience you have had as a tester or in any other position in the software development process. Here is an example of a strong QA manual tester resume.
Because this is usually an entry-level position, you may not have a wealth of experience on your resume. To compensate for that, ensure that you list all programs, languages, and certifications you have. If you do not have many, invest in gaining skills to add to your skills section.
This position requires one to work on an efficient computer with good internet speeds. If you have a powerful computer and high internet speeds, state the type of computer and internet speeds on your resume. It’s one less thing for employers to worry about if they employ you.
Unlike manual testers, automation testers will use automation testing tools to test software programs. You will be testing to find any bugs or irregularities and reporting them to the software team so they can be fixed and retested. For this position, you will need to be experienced using an array of automation testing tools as well as have programming knowledge. You will also need to know the various methodologies used to test. Most automation testers began as manual testers and progressed to automation testing.
Recruiters will be looking at your resume primarily to see the languages and tools you are familiar with, as well as your experience as a tester. This resume excels in having both a strong skills section, as well as an in-depth list of experience.
One of the biggest benefits of automated testing vis-a-vis manual testing is the ability to do very many tests in a short period. So impress recruiters by quantifying the output of your automated testing. How many tests were you able to do and how did your results help your previous employer? Did it save them time or money? If so, how much?
Being an automation tester is a highly technical job. As such, the software programs and technologies you are experienced with are what are going to impress recruiters. Beyond listing a program or language you are experienced in, getting certification to prove your proficiency using the language or program is always a welcome addition to recruiters.
Unlike manual testers, automation testers will use automation testing tools to test software programs. You will be testing to find any bugs or irregularities and reporting them to the software team so they can be fixed and retested. For this position, you will need to be experienced using an array of automation testing tools as well as have programming knowledge. You will also need to know the various methodologies used to test. Most automation testers began as manual testers and progressed to automation testing.
Recruiters will be looking at your resume primarily to see the languages and tools you are familiar with, as well as your experience as a tester. This resume excels in having both a strong skills section, as well as an in-depth list of experience.
One of the biggest benefits of automated testing vis-a-vis manual testing is the ability to do very many tests in a short period. So impress recruiters by quantifying the output of your automated testing. How many tests were you able to do and how did your results help your previous employer? Did it save them time or money? If so, how much?
Being an automation tester is a highly technical job. As such, the software programs and technologies you are experienced with are what are going to impress recruiters. Beyond listing a program or language you are experienced in, getting certification to prove your proficiency using the language or program is always a welcome addition to recruiters.
A test engineer is charged with designing, building, and implementing tests for software programs. This is a very technical position and you will be expected to have a strong knowledge of programming, code, and coding language. You will also be expected to be creative as you try to find bugs and errors and as you offer potential solutions.
Your resume should show a strong education background in software development or a closely related field. Alternatively, recruiters would appreciate any professional certification from a software development program or course.
To be competent in this position, you have to be up to date with the latest technologies and software. So ensure that your resume reflects that. Update your skill and then update the skills section of your resume.
Because this position is so closely related to software development, feel free to include software developer experience in your resume. Both positions require the same basic knowledge, so excelling at one is a good indication to recruiters that you will excel in the other.
While software testers will design and perform tests, test analysts will analyze the test results. As a test analyst, you will also be in charge of analyzing and defining the testing process and parameters. There may also be a managerial/leadership component to your job as you may be in charge of delegating tasks to testers.
To excel in this role, you will need strong analytical skills as well as the ability to see the bigger picture. Take a look at this strong test analyst resume.
Most test analysts will have similar skill sets and levels of experience. So to differentiate yourself from other test analysts, quantify what your work was able to accomplish. Highlight how many tests you ran, and how much money or time you saved your previous employer.
Part of a test analyst's tasks may include leading a group of testers. So you will want to show recruiters your ability to lead a team effectively. So be sure to highlight any leadership or managerial experience in your resume.
A software development engineer in test (SDET) participates in the entire software development cycle. They both develop and test software. Essentially the position is two professions combined into one. The demand for this role has greatly increased as companies have started to look for multifaceted I.T. professionals and have started to look for ways to decrease the size of the IT department.
To excel in this role, you will need a very strong software development background as well as a testing background. This sample resume shows this very effectively.
SDETs perform both software development and software testing functions. So be sure to show an equally balanced resume. Ensure your experience and skills sections, show your capabilities in developing and testing.
SDETs are tasked with not only identifying bugs and issues, like other testers but are also tasked with creating solutions. This requires creativity. So be sure to highlight instances where you found a creative solution to a software bug or where you created a more efficient testing system.
A validation specialist is someone who measures instruments and/or software to ensure the tool is performing as expected. They will often develop, establish and maintain a regulated protocol for the testing of instruments. A validation specialist also takes performance data and compares it to the established criteria to ensure the product is falling within an acceptable level.
Someone who is a validation specialist will often have a background in engineering, analytics, or data science. A bachelor’s degree is highly recommended for the role, though substantive experience may supplement a degree in some cases. Hiring managers will be looking for candidates with related experiences in the field, such as roles as a test analyst, IT associate, data entry specialist, and more.
Many companies employ validation specialists. The role will have different duties and must-have competencies depending on the industry. It’s wise to identify one or two industries you’re interested in working for, and build your resume around that. For example, if you want to work in a healthcare setting, then you should highlight relevant experience and knowledge you have specific to the industry.
To jumpstart your career as a validation specialist, you can earn certifications to show employers your knowledge. The most common certificate to obtain is Certified Professional Coder (CDC). Those looking to work in validation in the medical field will benefit from validation specialist certificates specific to the medical field. The CIC (Certified Inpatient Coder) and COC (Certified Outpatient Coder) can help you land a job in a medical setting.
As a hiring manager who has recruited software testers at companies like Microsoft, Google, and Apple, I've seen countless resumes over the years. The best ones always stand out by showcasing the candidate's testing skills, technical expertise, and ability to collaborate with development teams. In this article, we'll share some tips to help you create a strong software tester resume that will catch the attention of hiring managers and increase your chances of landing an interview.
Employers want to know that you have experience with the testing methodologies and tools they use. Be sure to include specific examples of the testing techniques you've used, such as:
By providing concrete examples of your testing skills, you'll demonstrate to hiring managers that you have the expertise they're looking for.
A resume summary is a short, optional section that sits at the top of your resume, just below your contact information. While a summary is not required, it can be a valuable addition to your resume if you are a career changer, have a lot of experience, or want to provide additional context not already included in your resume.
When writing a summary for a software tester position, focus on highlighting your relevant skills, experience, and achievements. Avoid using generic buzzwords or soft skills, and instead, provide specific examples that demonstrate your ability to excel in the role. Remember to keep your summary concise, typically no more than a few sentences or a short paragraph.
The work experience section is the heart of your resume. It's where you show hiring managers how you've applied your skills to make an impact for your previous employers. When applying for software tester roles, focus on achievements that showcase your ability to find and report defects, collaborate with developers, and ensure high-quality software.
Let's break down each step for writing an effective work experience section on your software tester resume:
Strong action verbs tell a recruiter your role in a specific task. Software tester resumes should use action verbs that are relevant to the software testing process. Action verbs like "Tested", "Developed" or “Analyzed" are strong action verbs that effectively showcase a strong software testing skill set.
For more related action verbs, visit Software Engineering Action Verbs.
For a full list of effective resume action verbs, visit Resume Action Verbs.
Software testing is a very technical profession. When we speak of skills, most importantly, you will want to list languages, programs, tools, and software you are experienced with.
Here is a list of skills you would expect to see in a software tester's resume. Add those that you are experienced with to your resume to impress recruiters.
You can include the above skills in a dedicated Skills section on your resume, or weave them in your experience. Here's how you might create your dedicated skills section:
This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on Software Tester job descriptions and resumes. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more 'important' it is.
Thank you for the checklist! I realized I was making so many mistakes on my resume that I've now fixed. I'm much more confident in my resume now.
