30 Test Engineer Interview Questions & Answers
Behavioral
1. How would you proceed with a software test if proper documentation was not available?
How to Answer
This question is a bit tricky because you can respond to it in two different ways. The first is to describe how you would proceed with the testing even though the proper documentation was unavailable. This may involve turning to your previous experience, seeking documentation similar to what you would expect for this product, or simply making your best effort despite the lack of documentation. You could also respond by saying that you would not proceed with the software testing and would instead seek to obtain the documentation necessary for the testing. Most employers prefer the second option since they try to maintain standard procedures and are sometimes governed by rules and regulations requiring them to produce documentation upon request.
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"There been several occasions when I was presented with a piece of software to test without the appropriate documentation. In each case, I elected to postpone the testing so I could obtain the necessary documentation. This would enable me to perform the test properly, obtain the desired results, and remain compliant with the organization's processes and procedures and any industry or government regulations and requirements. The small delay in testing is preferred to the additional time required to repeat a faulty test or respond to regulatory actions."
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Behavioral
2. Please describe a time when your testing strategy and methodology conflicted with one your supervisor preferred and how you resolved the conflict.
How to Answer
During an interview, you will be asked a mix of technical, operational, general, situational, and behavioral questions. Recognizing these and framing your answer appropriately will help you navigate the interview and demonstrate your qualifications for the job. Having a framework makes it easier for you to construct your answer, especially if you were unprepared for the interviewer's question. Since this is a behavioral question, you should use the STAR framework for your answer.
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"It has only happened once, but I did encounter a conflict with one of my supervisors about a software test strategy I recommended. They were new to the organization and felt they could improve the operations by implementing their former employers' test strategies. I knew that our current test procedures were effective and that the software development team helped develop them. I explained this to the supervisor and then suggested that perhaps we could integrate some of his new procedures into the existing test plan to improve the efficiency of the process. After reviewing the new procedures, we agreed to add several steps to the process to replace some of the initial tests. This allowed us to reduce the testing time by 20%, which pleased the software development team."
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Behavioral
3. Have you ever experienced a software developer disagreeing with your test results? How did you manage this?
How to Answer
This is a behavioral question. Behavioral questions present you with a scenario and then ask how you would respond. The purpose of these questions is to see how well you will fit into the organization's culture and how you handle typical situations such as conflicts, failures, and communicating with people outside of your organization. You can structure your answer to a behavioral question using the STAR format. Describe the Situation, define the Task you had to complete, talk about the Actions you took, and then discuss the Results you achieved.
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"While it's unusual, I sometimes do disagree with members of the software development team about my testing strategies and the results they achieve. When this occurs, I focus on reaching a consensus to ensure that my testing will be valid and help the development team improve their products and processes. I listen to the team's concerns and then recommend ways to modify the testing procedures to achieve the desired results without compromising the quality of the products. We negotiate until we've reached an agreement, which usually results in a valid test strategy that contributes to the overall quality of the end product produced by the software team."
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Behavioral
4. Tell me about a time when you collaborated with a team of developers to successfully launch a new application.
How to Answer
There was a time when the quality assurance process and the work done by test engineers conflicted with the goals of the software development team. It resulted in identifying errors and bugs in the software at the end of the development process, which caused more work for the development team. However, the new paradigm is that the software development team and the test engineering team are partners and need to collaborate to develop processes that result in high-quality products with little to no rework or bug fixes. Processes like agile, lean, and waterfall identify critical issues at each stage of the process before they have a larger impact later on. You should have several examples of when you collaborated with the dev team to launch a new application.
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"In every one of my jobs, I have worked closely with the software development team to successfully launch new products. I recently collaborated with the team to develop an HR application that allowed employees to self-manage their benefits packages. The team and I met early in the process to define the requirements, discuss the application's features, uncover any challenges, and set up a test plan that would help the developers be more accurate and finish the job quickly. Because of this planning, the project went smoothly, and we launched the application two weeks ahead of schedule with no bugs in the final product."
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
General
5. What specific duties do you perform in your role as a test engineer?
How to Answer
By asking this question, interviewers seek to understand the daily activities and duties you performed in the role of a test engineer. They use your answer to validate the information you provided in your resume and determine if your experience matches the job requirements. Carefully reviewing the job posting and your resume before the interview will help you answer this question to the interviewer's satisfaction.
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"While each day is different in the job of a test engineer, there are some common duties I perform regularly. These include developing test cases and the resources needed to execute them, verifying and validating the tests I use, finding ways to automate the testing, creating documentation for the tests procedures and test results, and collaborating with the design teams to help them develop more effective products. I also allocate some time each day to learn new processes and procedures and mentor my team."
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
General
6. What is your strategy for staying up-to-date with developing technologies in your field?
How to Answer
Professionals who engage in any type of technology must have current knowledge of new developments in their field. This requires a great deal of effort and a strategy for learning new technologies, processes, and procedures. Describing your strategy to the interviewer will confirm your ability to do this and demonstrate that you will stay up-to-date on developments in software testing after the organization hires you.
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"Software development and testing is a fast-moving profession with new developments occurring almost daily. It is very challenging to stay abreast of these changes and developments. Therefore, I have developed a strategy to keep myself up to date. This includes reading industry publications, following leading bloggers in the software testing profession, attending industry conferences, and having regular conversations with my peers to discuss what they have learned and how I can use their discoveries in my work."
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
General
7. Do you have experience working with object-oriented programming languages?
How to Answer
While test engineers do not develop or write application code, they need to be familiar with software programming languages to understand how the code was developed and where there may be errors or bugs. Most developers prefer object-oriented programming languages due to their ease of use and large libraries of pre-developed code. As a software test engineer, you should be familiar with these languages and be able to discuss some of their features with the interviewer.
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"I am very familiar with the more common object-oriented programming languages. Some of the languages I work with frequently include Java, C++, Ruby, and Python. If I'm working with the team that uses a language other than these, I am either already familiar with it, or I use online resources to research and learn the program quickly."
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
User-Submitted Answer
"I am very familiar with the more common object-oriented programming languages. Some of the languages I work with frequently include R, mathematics, C, Fortran, and Python. I am learning the design of experiments using JMP software and data science using the online platform."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Amanda Knight Reviewed the Above Answer
Well done! You've shared that you have experience with several languages and also talked about the new aspects you're learning. Consider expanding your answer a bit by talking about what kind of projects you've used these programming languages on. This will give the interviewer deeper insight into your level of expertise in project work as well as with the programming languages you've mentioned.
General
8. What soft skills do you believe are important for a test engineer to possess?
How to Answer
It should be obvious that test engineers need certain technical skills to perform this job effectively. However, there is also a portfolio of soft skills required to be effective in this role. Knowing these and describing them to the interviewer will validate your qualifications and persuade them to consider you as a serious candidate for the job.
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"There are several soft skills I possess that allow me to be successful in the role of a test engineer. These include my analytical skills and attention to detail, my ability to collaborate with other teams from across the organization, my focus on deadlines and ability to work under pressure to meet them, and how effectively I communicate complex technical topics to audiences with both a strong technical or no technical background."
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
General
9. Please describe the job responsibilities of a test engineer.
How to Answer
Interviewers will ask this question early in the interview to begin the conversation, learn more about your background, and collect information they can use throughout the interview. By asking you to describe the responsibilities for this job, they learn about your understanding of the position and whether it aligns with theirs. You can easily answer this question appropriately by reviewing the job posting and researching the organization to learn more about its operations.
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"The key job responsibilities of a test engineer involve testing a product to ensure that it functions properly and performs as specified. I accomplish this by designing effective test environments, plans, and use cases. I also work closely with the product development team to understand the use case scenario for the product and provide them with feedback which will help improve both the useability and the serviceability of the product."
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Operational
10. What are some of the challenges you encounter in software testing?
How to Answer
Every job has its challenges, and software test engineers are no exception. When an interviewer asks you about challenges, they expect you to identify large, difficult barriers to your work that you have encountered in the past and can overcome if hired by the organization. When answering this question, a mistake would be to identify trivial challenges or nuisance items that are part of the job and which you are expected to deal with as a test engineer.
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"Even though I have learned to do this job effectively and efficiently, I still encounter challenges. These typically involve missing documentation, the software development team ignoring processes and procedures, malfunctioning test equipment, and unrealistic expectations regarding test cycle times and defect rates. When I do encounter one of these challenges, I first analyze it and determine its root cause. I then identify possible solutions to overcome the challenge, selecting the best alternative and using it to resolve the issue and move forward. Finally, I modify the processes or procedures to prevent the challenge from recurring. I consider challenges to be a test of my abilities and enjoy overcoming them."
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Operational
11. Have you ever cut corners to save time on testing, and if so, what was the result?
How to Answer
While cutting corners to save time or accelerate a software testing cycle may seem to make sense, doing this may compromise the integrity of the testing or another element of the software development project. While you may do this when performing the job, you should never admit it to the interviewer. Their primary interest is ensuring that the software testing is accurate and effective. The interviewer may press you on this and ask follow-up questions. It is best to keep your answers consistent and emphasize your commitment to the integrity and accuracy of the testing above all else.
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"While I have sometimes been encouraged to cut corners while performing a test on software products to save time or meet a deadline, I resist this temptation. I always strive to perform my job accurately and correctly to ensure the functionality and other features of the software. Suppose I am in jeopardy of missing a deadline or delaying a software development project. In that case, I have a conversation with the other project stakeholders and try to secure additional time for the testing. I emphasize the importance of accuracy, and we discuss how a false test may have a greater impact on the project than missing a deadline."
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Operational
12. How are the severity and priority of a software defect defined?
How to Answer
This question can serve as a follow-up to one you were asked earlier in the interview, or it can stand on its own as a separate question if this is the first time the interviewer has asked about this topic. Your response should align with industry standards in either case since determining the severity and priority of software defects is a standard process used by any test engineer. If possible, provide metrics for these, which will help the interviewer more easily understand your methodology.
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"Severity and priority of a software defect are determined by the software test engineer based on standards and procedures within the organization. The severity of a software defect indicates how serious the defect is and its impact on the software's functionality or the overall development project. Priority is related to severity, and it indicates how important a bug is and how quickly it should be addressed. The priority of the defect is established using organizational guidelines and through consultation with the software development team and other product stakeholders. Some organizations use scales from 1 to 10 or letter designations such as ABC to quickly designate severity and priority."
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Operational
13. What are some of the test cases you would write for a mobile application?
How to Answer
Software test engineers use test cases to quickly develop testing procedures that will identify specific issues and lead to their resolution. Once a test case has been developed, it can be repurposed to test similar products for similar issues. This makes the work of a test engineer more effective and drives consistency within the testing process. Interviewers are interested in both of these outcomes. Answering this question appropriately will demonstrate that you're qualified for this role.
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"There are several different test cases I've developed that I could recreate for the mobile applications your organization develops. These address issues which can occur in several different categories. The test cases I've developed include functional testing, compatibility testing, usability testing, security testing, and recoverability testing. These test cases can be easily adapted for any product that I am working with."
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Operational
14. What steps do you take to learn about a new product you will be testing?
How to Answer
The more you know about a product that you will be testing, the more effective you'll be at developing and running the test cases needed to verify the product's functionality and identify any bugs or issues it may have. Employers expect you to learn as much as you can about a product before you begin testing it. This requires prior experience with similar products, collaborating with the product development team, and quickly learning new things. Your answer should reflect your abilities in each of these areas.
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"Whenever I am assigned to develop testing strategies for a new product, I start by learning as much about the product as I possibly can. This involves conversations with the development team to understand their strategy and desired outcomes for the product, reviewing the product documentation, and relying on my previous experience with similar products. If I don't have experience with the product type, I conduct independent research using resources available on the Internet to learn about similar and competing products."
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
User-Submitted Answer
"Before we go for the final measurement functional test or production test, we should simulate the defects like bridging faults, stuck-at faults, and the transistor on faults on the device. We test contact, power supply test, burn-in test ( high temp and high power 1.5 Vdd for 24 hr), dc ( input-output test and leakage test), ac test ( delay time, rise and fall time ), functional test, and production test."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Amanda Knight Reviewed the Above Answer
I can see where you're headed here. You've clearly explained the kind of testing you conduct on a new product. However, this question is asking what you do before any testing ever begins to learn about a new product. Do you research what it would be used for, discuss potential issues with team members, or review all of the components to discover potential failure points?
Operational
15. What sort of documentation do you create when testing a software product?
How to Answer
You can anticipate a question about the type of documentation you use and produce in an interview for a test engineer role. The interviewer is interested in confirming that you know the typical types of documents used in this profession and that the documents you use align with their processes. The best way to answer this question is to be honest and describe the documents you've used in the past. These will very likely align with the organization's documentation requirements.
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"I use a variety of different documentation before, during, and after software testing procedures. These include test policies and requirements which define testing procedures and acceptable outcomes, a test strategy to ensure I measure the appropriate elements of the product, a test plan and test case which define the test procedure, checklists, and reports of the test results, including summaries and bug reports."
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
User-Submitted Answer
"We use the sequence command in the PPMS multiview by which we can run the device for a long time. We can measure many response parameters like heat capacity, thermal conductivity, magnetoresistance, resistance in changing fields, pressure, temperature, etc."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Amanda Knight Reviewed the Above Answer
It sounds like you have strong software testing experience. If you use any additional test documents including test policy, test strategy, test plan, test case, etc. it's appropriate to list that information to confirm that you strive to reduce or remove any uncertainties around testing activities.
Operational
16. Can you describe some of the software testing tools you have used in your previous jobs?
How to Answer
Interviewers are interested in hiring candidates who not only have the right skills and experience for the job but can quickly assimilate into their team. They will ask you about your experience with testing tools to determine if you are familiar with the tools they currently use and can begin contributing to their test requirements soon after joining the organization. Learning as much as you can about the organization's tools will help you respond to this question effectively. You may also want to consider a strategy of recommending tools you've used in your previous jobs to help the company improve its operations.
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"I have used several different software testing tools in my previous jobs. The ones used by virtually every organization I've worked for include Selenium, HP Unified Functional Testing (UFT), IBM Rational Functional Tester, CA Technologies Application Test, and the Tosca Test Suite. I have also used other tools for specific situations and test cases, including TestingWhiz, Worksoft Certify, Sahi, Watir, and Katalon Studio."
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Operational
17. Tell me about an effective test strategy you have used in your career.
How to Answer
Being able to describe effective test strategies you have used in your career demonstrates your qualifications for this job to the interviewer. Organizations like to hire individuals who come to the job prepared to contribute on day one. They also look for candidates who can help improve their operations by using their previous experience and the success they've had in their other jobs. Answering this question will confirm your ability to do this.
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"One of the best test strategies I've employed in my previous roles is known as a top-down testing strategy. This begins with the selection of the appropriate test plans that will identify both the symptoms of an issue and its root cause. I then strive to automate the software testing as much as possible, which reduces the test time and increases the test's consistency. If possible, I reuse test cases that were previously developed and have proven to be effective. The final element of this is to test early and often, identifying issues before they have a greater impact on the software development lifecycle."
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Operational
18. How do you go about creating a software test script?
How to Answer
The interviewer is asking you an operational question to learn more about how you go about performing this job. They could also present this question in the form of a case, where you would be asked to create a sample script based on a set of criteria provided by the interviewer. When preparing for a test engineer interview, you should anticipate both operational questions and cases. These allow interviewers to confirm the information in your resume and test your ability to perform the job.
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"As you may be aware, a test script in software testing is the set of instructions needed to perform a specific test on a piece of software to confirm that it functions properly and meets the design specifications. These tests also identify bugs or errors within the software. Creating a test script involves meeting with the development team to understand their intended outcomes for the software and all the functions it is expected to perform. I then create test procedures to verify and validate the design and the functionality of the product. The test script identifies these, places them in the correct order, details the anticipated outcomes, and describes the reports provided once the testing is complete. I depend on previous tests I have conducted, my library of test scripts, and the organization's processes and procedures to create the script."
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Technical
19. What are defect life cycles?
How to Answer
To anybody other than a software test engineer, the concept of a defect having a life cycle would seem strange. However, as a test professional, you understand that defects pass through various stages during a software development and testing process. By answering this question, you will convince the interviewer that you have experience in this area and are qualified to do the job. Since this is a technical question, keep your answer brief and to the point and anticipate a follow-up question that the interviewer will use to explore the topic in more detail.
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"Software bugs and defects move through a defined cycle during software development and testing. When a defect has been initially identified, it is considered 'new,' which is the first phase in the cycle. It is then assigned for resolution and moves through stages, including open, fixed, and pending retest. The bug is then retested and either inserted back into the cycle or verified and closed. The performance of the software development and testing teams are measured partially by how the defects move through the process and how much time they spend at each stage."
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Technical
20. What does the term 'smoke testing' mean, and how does this differ from sanity testing?
How to Answer
Smoke testing and sanity testing are two terms that may be unfamiliar to someone outside of the test engineer profession. Like retesting and regression testing, these terms are similar but not identical. As a test engineer, you should be aware of this and be able to describe their differences. The interviewer is likely to ask you about several different types of tests during the interview. Reviewing all the tests used in your profession to refresh your knowledge is a good practice before any interview.
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"Smoke testing and sanity testing are both performed to ensure that a software product is functioning properly. Sanity testing is similar to retesting in that it is done to determine that the bugs already identified have been resolved and the product is functioning properly. Smoke testing is a subset of acceptance testing and is similar to regression testing. It verifies that the software is functioning properly after any updates or changes. These tests are used in place of retesting and regression testing to save time when the changes are minimal."
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Technical
21. How do retesting and regression testing differ from each other?
How to Answer
These are two terms that sound similar to somebody outside of the test engineering profession, but which are very different from each other. Each of these tests has a specific function, and the interviewer will expect you to know this and be able to describe it. You can immediately recognize this is a technical question since it asks you to define and compare two terms used in this job. The best way to respond is to first define each term and then discuss their differences. You may also be asked a follow-up question.
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"There are subtle differences between retesting and regression testing. Both involve testing software that has already been tested. Retesting is the process of testing a piece of software after it has already failed a test case. Regression testing is repeating tests even though the software passed the original test procedures. Retesting is used to fix identified defects and confirm the bug fixes. Regression testing is used to verify the original tests and to ensure that any updates or changes to the software have not impacted its functionality or created additional bugs."
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Technical
22. Can you discuss the differences between quality assurance, quality control, and software testing?
How to Answer
Individuals from outside of the field of software testing may consider quality assurance, quality control, and software testing to be synonymous. However, as a test engineer, you understand that each of these practices is distinct and has its own set of characteristics. Describing these to the interviewer will demonstrate your qualifications and your experience as a software test engineer. As with any question, keep your answer brief and anticipate a follow-up question if the interviewer needs additional information or wants to explore this topic in more detail.
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"While many people consider these three practices to be similar, they are very distinct from one another. Quality assurance focuses on continuous quality and preventing defects. It is proactive and preventative and compliments the software development process. Quality control focuses on meeting production standards. It functions to identify and fix defects. Quality control is reactive and is used to prevent defective products from reaching the market. Software testing is the process used within the quality assurance program to test specific features of a product during its development to identify and resolve defects before they have larger consequences. It is executed at each stage of the development process."
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Technical
23. What are the items addressed in a software bug report?
How to Answer
If this question looks familiar to one that the interviewer has already asked you, it may be. Interviewers often ask similar questions in different ways to correlate the information you are providing them and determine if you are being consistent throughout the interview. This is one method they use to discover if any of the answers you have provided were fabricated or inaccurate. Keeping your answers brief and to the point and never fabricating an answer will help you be consistent throughout the interview. If you don't know the answer to a question, let the interviewer know this and then describe how you would locate the information they are asking you about.
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"There are four key features of a good bug report. These include a unique identifier, a thorough description of the bug, how it was identified, and recommended fixes. A bug report should identify the severity and priority of the bug and ensure that the report only covers a single bug. Specific elements of these four features include the identifier, a description, the test environment, steps to reproduce the bug, the severity and priority, and any supporting documentation or images."
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Technical
24. What is meant by the term 'defect cascading'?
How to Answer
The interviewer is asking you about a term specific to the test engineer profession and quality assurance process. Being able to adequately define this term and explain its meaning will demonstrate to the interviewer that you are qualified for this role. Since this is a technical question, keep your answer brief and to the point.
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"Defect cascading is the process in which an original defect triggers or creates other defects within the application. This typically occurs when the original defect is not noticed during a testing procedure. The other defects may show up later in the process and will require a root cause analysis to be performed to determine where the original defect is. It is sometimes possible for a defect to hide from even the most rigorous test procedures."
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Technical
25. What are the elements of a defect report?
How to Answer
While each organization uses its own version of a software bug or defect report, there are some common elements across the board. The best way to answer this question is to define some of the elements you've used in your previous roles, even if they span different organizations. This will make sure that your answer to the question is comprehensive. The interviewer is very likely to ask you a follow-up question about one or more of the elements you discuss.
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"While no two organization's defect reports are the same, there are some common elements between them. It begins with an ID or defect identifier, which is used to file and index the report. Other ID information includes the date and time the defect was identified, the version and build of the software, and the name of the test engineer who identified the defect. Next, I include a summary of the defect and a detailed description for the software development team. Other elements include assigning a severity and priority level so the defect will be addressed appropriately. Finally, I attach any additional reports or evidence of the defect along with my recommendations for resolution."
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Technical
26. What are the differences between verification and validation software testing?
How to Answer
While verification and validation seem to be similar terms that can be used interchangeably, they are very different in the context of software testing. Knowing this and being able to describe each term as software test engineers use it will validate your qualifications and verify that you are well suited for this position. As with any technical question, start by defining each term, then describe the differences between them.
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"Both verification and validation are processes used by test engineers. Verification is used throughout the testing process to ensure that the software functions as specified without any bugs. It verifies that the product is being developed properly. On the other hand, validation is a process used later in the software development and testing life cycle to determine whether the software product meets the original design criteria and requirements."
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Technical
27. Can you discuss some of the different methods used in software testing?
How to Answer
Several different test methods are used to validate and verify software as it moves through the development process. Every organization will select the processes that enable them to develop products that function effectively and are free of defects or bugs. While you should be aware of all the testing methods and be able to define and discuss them, you may want a limit your answer to a few which the organization you are interviewing with likely uses. You can discover those in the job description and by speaking with current and former software engineers from the organization.
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"You're probably aware that there are several different software testing methods. The ones I commonly use include unit testing, integration testing, system testing, and acceptance testing. Unit testing focuses on the smallest unit within a software development lifecycle. Integrating this in the agile methodology helps identify bugs and errors early in the process before they have a greater impact. Integration testing assembles each unit test to develop a test plan for the entire software development lifecycle. System testing is performed by creating an environment in which the software is likely to be used. Acceptance testing can include several other tests, such as alpha, beta, and stress testing."
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Technical
28. What are the criteria that distinguish a symptom from a cause when executing a test?
How to Answer
This question addresses the topic of root cause analysis. Distinguishing the symptom from a cause allows the test engineer to identify the issue that needs to be addressed. Once the appropriate root cause has been determined, the development team can begin to resolve it. Once the issue is resolved and the software is retested, the symptom should disappear, indicating that the cause has been addressed and resolved.
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"The key element that distinguishes a symptom from a cause is that the symptom indicates that a problem exists, and the cause creates the issue that generated the symptom. Addressing the symptom will not fix the cause while fixing the cause will eliminate the symptom. By using the symptom to identify the root cause, I can make recommendations to the development team on how the root cause can be corrected."
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Technical
29. Can you discuss the SDLC methodology and how test engineers employ this in their work?
How to Answer
Every test engineer should be intimately familiar with the software development lifecycle, or SDLC. This process enables engineers to develop test cases appropriate for each cycle stage and collaborate with the software development teams at the appropriate times, minimizing the impacts of the defects they identify. Software development lifecycles are relatively standard and vary little from organization to organization.
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"SDLC, or the software development lifecycle, is a methodology software that development teams use to create software systematically and cost-effectively. It usually involves leveraging software development models such as agile, lean, and waterfall. Test engineers also follow this framework to develop test cases at each stage of the lifecycle to identify issues so that they can be corrected before they have a greater impact later in the cycle. This is more effective than testing the final product and identifying defects and bugs which then need to be addressed."
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Technical
30. What are the software testing life cycle phases?
How to Answer
The software testing lifecycle, or STLC, has been standardized across the industry, and there are several default steps within the STLC that every organization and test engineer uses. You should be familiar with these and be able to name them and discuss each phase in detail. Since this is a technical question, keep your initial answer brief and to the point. You can be sure that the interviewer will ask a follow-up question if they need additional information.
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"Every organization I've worked for uses the same software testing lifecycle. The individual steps within the STLC make a great deal of sense and, if followed, will result in efficient and accurate testing. The process starts with requirement analysis, followed by test planning, test case design, and the development of a detailed test plan. The next step is to set up the testing environment, execute the tests, then close the cycle by documenting the results and providing recommendations for bug fixes and other corrections to the software. While it's not a formal step, I usually end the process by reviewing the results with the software development team."
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021