How do you get a QA job if you don't have experience? Here is advice from a senior test analyst.
How to Get that First QA Testing Job: Part 3
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How do you get a QA job when you don't have experience?
Veteran tester George Arakal, CTFL, CTFL-PT, CTAL-Full, CTAL-SEC offers encouraging words that begin with this: "Don't despair!!"
The Stepping Stone
George suggests getting a job that requires similar skills that can eventually be transferable. He considers this the best stepping stone.
His classic example is Technical Support or similar customer-facing roles. According to George, these "help develop troubleshooting skills, improve documentation skills, and give a lot of insights into customers. Such skills are transferable when transitioning into a software testing role." George noted that these skills will also eventually make one a better software tester.
Bridge the Gap
This "similar" job might not teach you enough about software testing, so George has important advice. "The role of ASTQB certifications cannot be over-emphasized as it helps to bridge the gap that one might have in areas that one would not normally get exposed to." He continued, "It shows to prospective employers that the candidate has worked towards building skills and knowledge in various areas in software testing." George said that it also shows that you are serious about making a long-term career out of it.
George concluded with this wish for everyone looking for that first QA job: "All the best!!"
All the best to you, too, George, this is great advice!
It can help you get jobs with American companies. American companies and governmental organizations check with ASTQB & AT*SQA to see if you are certified. Why? Because ASTQB is the official U.S. board for ISTQB certification and AT*SQA is our official ISTQB exam provider. If you're on this list, companies know you took the official U.S. Board's American English ISTQB exam.
It could help your company get contracts with American companies. Your inclusion on the Official U.S. List of Certified Software Testers™ is a bonus for your company because it demonstrates your commitment to working with a U.S.-based software quality team. That's a big deal.
It makes you and your company more prominent. AT*SQA and ASTQB promote the importance of hiring individuals on our Official U.S. List of Certified Software Testers™, and our ads have been seen more than 45 million times. That makes you more well-known to U.S. employers and clients every day!
It goes without saying, but of course, ASTQB & AT*SQA also add you to the ISTQB Successful Candidate Register!
Take Your ISTQB Exam at Home
Did you know you can take your ISTQB exam from ASTQB & AT*SQA anywhere in the world? You've always been able to do so through a testing center, but now you can also do so from home!
