Todayâs task focuses on getting the most out of the relaunch of our ever-popular âTesting Ask Me Anythingâ (AMA) webinars. This monthâs topic is âGetting Hiredâ with @erindonnelly , a highly experienced Software Tester Recruiter who will share valuable insights and answer your burning questions about the job market, recruitment process, and more!
Task 22:
Register for the webinar: if you havenât already, register to join the AMA on our site to secure your spot. Youâll also need to register on Crowdcast, the platform weâre using to host the event. Note that this is a separate registration from our site.
Prepare your questions: Before the live webinar, take some time to think about any questions you have regarding getting hired as a software tester. Whether youâre curious about industry trends, CV tips, interview preparation, or negotiating job offers, Erin is here to provide expert guidance based on her extensive experience. Feel free to submit your questions in advance on Crowdcast in the Q&A tab to ensure they are addressed during the session.
Join the webinar: At 11.30 am UTC, access the Crowdcast platform using the details provided during registration.
Ask your question: Take advantage of the âQ&Aâ tab in Crowdcast to submit your question during the webinar. You can ask your question at any time, even before the session starts. Additionally, if you see questions from others that interest you, you can upvote them to show your interest.
Engage in the conversation: During the live webinar, Erin will answer as many questions as possible within the allotted time. Pay attention to her insights and engage with others in the chat. You may gain valuable information that can shape your approach to the job market and the hiring process.
Follow up in the Club forum: If, for any reason, your question remains unanswered during the live event, donât worry! Erin will be committed to addressing any remaining questions in the following days. These unanswered questions will be posted to the Club forum, where you can find Erinâs responses and continue the conversation.
This AMA is an excellent opportunity to gain insider knowledge and expert advice on getting hired as a software tester. Come prepared with your questions and engage in a lively and informative conversation with Erin.
Erin is based in Edinburgh and has worked in the recruitment industry having 4.5 years working for an external recruiter. A keen community member supporting all sorts of MoT events and the testing community.
Avoid putting down every single tool youâve had exposure to.
Write a bit about the particular project and give context about the responsibilities
Instead of âintroduced automation testingâ use numbers such as âDecreased time to test to xâ or âadded y% of automated testsâ
Someone without testing experience/expertise may be reading your CV/Resume
Candidate-driven market = There are more jobs in the market than there are candidates. You as the candidate are coming in with your choice. Although it might not feel like it for some.
Use âIâ instead of âWeâ
Cover letters arenât worth the time. The information should be on your CV. However, if youâre new to testing or a career changer then they are useful as you can flag your transferable skills. Try to create a portfolio to demonstrate what youâve done.
Amplify that you are part of a community. Speak to people in the community about what they are up to.
There is no robot that sifts through CVs. Itâs done by human recruiters. Recruiters will use a boolean search for keywords.
Thereâs more of a focus on a Quality Engineer â educate the wider teams, and implement new processes.
There is a trend that hiring is more reactive (within smaller to medium-sized businesses) â which means they arenât in a position to hire people to upskill/train and instead need people who are âready to go/hit the ground runningâ.
Accessibility testing has become more of a focus
Look at what the job description asks and not necessarily the title. Be willing to apply.
Ask for feedback if not successful. Some organisations just donât offer feedback - donât take it personally.
Being rejected doesnât mean you canât do the job
Be comfortable with the minimum salary of your range when you share it.
An organisation wants to make sure your expectations align with the companyâs as thereâs no point continuing the process if not.
Go through the interviews and reassess salary expectations during the process
A client typically gives a salary range to a recruiter.
Size of CV/Resume should respect the years of experience. Find a balancing act if youâve had many years of experience. Focus on sharing important information. No more than 5 pages long. Yet donât compromise it to 2 pages cos you think you need to.
Tailor your CV/Resume if you can. Use a good solid main CV. Add a summary.
Portfolios should include engagement with a professional community, blog writing, speaking, showing evidence of your testing efforts. Portfolios are a bonus and give you an advantage.
Some companies have a real understanding of what they want and some companies arenât sure what they want
Some companies are happy to talk on the phone to give feedback. Some canât give feedback due to legal reasons for documenting information. Be bold and ask for feedback, usually over email and not immediately at the end of the interview.
Thanks to Erin for sharing a whole treasure trove of helpful advice. The recording will be available soon enough to revisit.
Thank you, Simon, and thanks to Erin and MoT. This was an excellent webinar, something that fits right in with the purpose of this 30-day challenge we are on.
For those who couldnât attend the live AMA or want to rewatch, the recording of the AMA is now on our site. Watch @erindonnelly address a multitude of questions raised by the community here
