Software Tester Resume Sample
Contact Information
Name: Arnold G. Katz
Address: 78945 Mary Lou Way, Sacramento, CA.
Phone: (916) 748 9745
Email: [email protected]
Current Job: Software Tester; TechWix Business Solutions, Sacramento, CA.
Objective Statement
ISTQB-certified Software Tester with more than 5 years of experience is interested in joining your software development team at HarrisTech. I am also certified in the following operating systems: Microsoft and Oracle.
Strengths/Special Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science; California State University, Sacramento, CA.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Performs well in a team environment.
- Ability to manage stressful situations.
- Proactive; stays involved in the team’s activities.
Work Experience
Software Tester; 2016 to Present
TechWix Business Solutions; Sacramento, CA
Responsibilities:
- Attend preliminary meetings with clients; provide assistance to Software Architect as needed.
- Conduct a thorough review and analysis of the client’s needs, purpose, and objectives for the proprietary software program.
- Work with the software development team in developing testing protocols including per stage testing.
- Track and monitor progress of software development cycle.
- Preside and take the lead in all stages of testing.
- Prepare reports that will be distributed and discussed with top management and the client.
Software Tester; 2015 to 2016
Virtual Innovations; Sacramento, CA.
Responsibilities
- Design and develop software testing schedules.
- Identify potential pain points in the development cycle.
- Collaborate with the development team in creating alternative solutions.
- Run tests and prepare detailed reports on the test results.
- Perform QA protocols before finalizing and turning over the proprietary software to the client..
Education
College
Bachelor Degree in Computer Science
California State University
Sacramento, CA
2009 to 2013
High School
Mira Loma High School
Sacramento, CA
2005 to 2009
How To Write A Good Software Tester Resume
A good Software Tester resume is one that meets the requirements of the company. Depending on the industry, each employer will have their own set of qualifications for the Software Tester.
Generally, your Software Tester resume should have the following information to convince the recruiter that you are the right person for the job.
Educational Background
Without question, employers prefer candidates who have received the appropriate training and education for the profession.
The foundation of your training IS the right education. Preferably, you should have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or a related field such as Mathematics or Engineering.
Having a degree in a course that is related to Information Technology will give you an advantage over applicants who don’t.
Experience
In some industries, experience is more important than education.
For example, if you are applying for an entry-level to a mid-intermediate level position, you may find potential employers who prefer candidates with 3 years of direct experience in software testing over those with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science.
The job ad may state in its heading “College Degree Not Required” or something to that effect.
If this is the case, use the reverse-chronological format and highlight the duties and responsibilities you handled as a Software Tester.
Go deep in detail. Without the benefit of a college degree, you want to prove to the recruiter that direct experience makes you ready for the job right now.
Certifications
To stay ahead of the competition, get certified in either one of these 2 vendor-neutral Software Tester certifications:
- CTSE or Certified Software Tester – Administered by the International Software Certification Board (ISCB), this certification covers 8 different types of competencies.
- ISTQB Certified Tester – Administered by the American Software Testing Qualification Board (ASTQB), this type of certification will benefit those interested in mobile app development and business analysis.
You can also get certified in programs that are more specific such as Microsoft or Linux. The bottom line is the more you can prove your technical qualifications, the better the chances of getting the interview.
Use the Correct Resume Format
Your choice of resume format should highlight your strengths and shift attention from your weaknesses or shortcomings.
Which resume format is for you?
- Reverse-chronological – If you have good tenure – at least 3 years of work experience as a Software Tester – and have no instance of unemployment exceeding a period of 4 months.
- Functional – If you have no work experience but have acquired a college degree in a technology-based discipline in addition to various certifications in the field of software testing.
- Combination – If you are applying for a Software Tester position that requires higher skill, education, and experience or if you are in the middle of a career shift.
- Keep Your Software Tester Resume Short – and Flawless
Unless you have more than 10 years of experience, keep your Software Tester resume within one page.
Before submitting your resume, practice your Quality Assurance skills and check your application for errors in spelling and grammar.
If a recruiter finds these types of errors on your resume, it will create a bad, deal-breaking impression of your capabilities as a Software Tester.
Software Tester Skills List
Your Software Tester skills list must include most, if not all of the qualifications indicated on the job ad. Certainly, having the right hard skills is important. Recruiters will also be looking for evidence that you have the right soft skills to fit the demands of the job.
What kinds of hard skills will the recruiter be looking for?
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field.
- Certifications in relevant software programs and operating systems.
- Solid understanding of business processes.
- Proficiency in running lifecycle management software.
- Knowledge of DevOps and Agile Technologies.
- Proficiency in coding/computer programming.
- Proficient in testing cycle planning.
- Updated knowledge of the latest web and mobile technology trends.
- Excellent planning and documentation skills.
- Knowledge of various testing tools and processes.
While the job requires precision and accuracy, it takes the right person to get the job done correctly. Anyone can be trained but who you are will determine how you can work with a team.
What are the ideal soft skills for a Software Tester?
- Excellent communicator.
- Well-organized approach to work.
- Team-oriented.
- Self-motivated.
- Dedicated; willingness to work long hours.
- Passion for learning new concepts and technologies.
- Excellent problem-solving skills.
- Creative thinker.
- Excellent analytical skills.
- Proactive; offers assistance, knowledge, and suggestions to team members.
How to present these skills?
In your work experience section, describe specific instances where you utilized these skills or drew upon these attributes to get the job done.
Software Tester Duties And Responsibilities For The Work Experience Section
Selecting the best Software Tester for the job is not an easy task. Many candidates will have the same qualifications, years of experience, educational attainment, and certifications.
How you present your Software Tester duties and responsibilities for the work experience section will be the difference-maker.
Take the Recruiter Through a Step-by-Step Process
One of the key soft skills for a Software Tester is being organized. Take the recruiter through a step-by-step process on how you performed your duties and responsibilities as a Software Tester. This will help convince the recruiter that you know the position very well:
- Participate in the preliminary meeting with clients.
- Analyze the client’s business; its operations, case studies, and requirements to formulate a programming model for the app/software solution.
- Collaborate with the front-end and back-end teams to review the client’s software requirements, prepare testing scenarios, anticipate pain points, and develop alternative courses of action.
- Frequently communicate with the client to gain a better understanding of the app requirements.
- Create automation scripts.
- Design and develop testing procedures at different levels – System, Integration, and Regression.
- Prepare reports on all stages of testing and provide copies to clients.
Don’t Forget the Details
When writing your job description for the work experience section of your Software Tester resume, include the names of the software programs you used and other details that are pertinent to the position.
For example, some companies may prefer a candidate who is certified in Linux. If you are certified in Linux and have worked with the operating system before, highlight the experience in your duties and responsibilities.
The job ad is your main reference point in preparing the work experience section of your resume. The recruiter will only scan your resume for details and those details are the ones indicated in the job ad.
Highlight Multifaceted Skills
A Software Tester does not only test software programs. Your job description covers a wide range of duties and responsibilities. You are involved in the following areas of software development:
- Planning
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Reporting
- Scheduling
- Coordination
- Testing
- Evaluating
- Analysis
- Problem-solving
- Orientation
Touch on these duties and responsibilities when describing your work as a Software Tester.
Include Your Accomplishments
Numbers will surely catch the eye of the recruiter. Nothing validates your qualifications than accomplishments that are verified by numbers.
What did you accomplish as a Software Tester? To be clear, the accomplishments are your team’s. How did the software or app that your team designed and developed for a client help the company achieve its goals?
If your team made significant contributions to the success of clients, make sure to include these types of information in your work experience section.
Entry-Level Software Tester
There are opportunities in the market for those with an entry-level Software Tester resume. As mentioned above, the job is in demand and various companies have different needs and requirements for its Software Tester.
Approach resume-writing the same way you would your job – with the best of your abilities!
The resume is your first point-of-contact with any employer. Make a good impression that lasts by following these tips:
1. Highlight Your Technical Skills and Qualifications – Without enough work experience, shine the spotlight on the skills and qualifications that bring the highest value to your resume. We are referring to your Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and certifications in courses related to Software Testing.
2. Use The Functional Format – The functional format is perfect for candidates who don’t have enough work experience. Bring your certifications to the forefront of your resume by indicating them in your objective statement and strengths/skills sections.
3. Include Informat Work Experience – Did you work as a freelance Software Tester? Did you run a business offering Software Testing services? Did you sign up for an apprenticeship in a Software Development company?
These are all opportunities for you to practice your craft and should be included in your resume’s work experience section.
If you want to land a job right away, apply to jobs that specifically indicate “Entry-Level” or “No Work Experience Needed”. The job may not pay well but you will build your experience.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job of a Software Tester is financially rewarding with an average median salary of $105,590. Likewise, the demand for Software Testers is very high. The expected job growth over the next 10 years is 21% – one of the highest in the job market.
Just because there is a solid demand for Software Testers doesn’t mean you can walk in any technology company and sign an employment contract. The industry remains competitive. Companies only want to hire the best people in the business.
