Is your organization growing or shrinking? No matter what, these 3 strategies will keep you ahead. What happens if the economy slows? What if your workload skyrockets? As a software tester or manager, how can you stay prepared? We’ve identified 3 key trends that will help you stay competitive and secure, no matter what the market brings. Trend #1: Saying you’re a great tester isn’t enough – you need to prove it. Gain an Edge: If you’re a software tester, now is the time to invest in your skills. Waiting until a downturn forces you to act means you’re already behind. When economic uncertainty hits, everyone scrambles to upskill. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that educational enrollment peaks during tough economic times. But simply saying you’ve learned something won’t cut it—you need to prove your expertise to employers. Improve your testing skills now and validate them with ISTQB certifications through ASTQB. If you’re unsure where to start, check out the Software Testing Career & Skills Path for guidance. Take charge of your own growth. As cybersecurity expert Taz Daughtrey notes, employers value testers who proactively build new skills. And if the economy surges, you’ll be first in line for promotions. Trend #2: Standing out in a crowded job market starts with ISTQB certifications. Gain an Edge: A strong resume gets interviews. ISTQB certifications make sure yours rises to the top. Competition for jobs can be fierce. Companies get flooded with applications, and yours needs to stand out immediately. Veteran test manager Judy McKay offers this insight: “Training in specific testing areas makes you more marketable. Today, most testing jobs expect automation experience. Performance testing and security testing skills are even bigger differentiators. A well-crafted resume that highlights certifications will get you through the door.” Randall Rice, author of Surviving the Top Ten Challenges of Software Testing, agrees: “My advanced certification students tell me that having multiple certifications dramatically increases recruiter interest. Instead of getting one or two calls, they get 10 to 12.” Getting ISTQB certified through ASTQB offers an additional advantage: You’ll be listed in the AT*Work™ List of Testers for Hire, a database employers use to find certified professionals. Trend #3: Workloads won’t shrink, so build your team’s capacity now. Gain an Edge: If you’re a manager, strengthen your team. If you’re a tester, broaden your skillset to prepare for new responsibilities. Workloads don’t disappear just because staffing gets leaner. Imagine being a manager struggling to meet deadlines with fewer resources—or a tester suddenly asked to take on unfamiliar tasks. The solution? Proactively increase your capacity and your team’s expertise with advanced certifications like Test Analyst and Technical Test Analyst. Expand your skills further with specialty testing certifications, including Test Automation Engineering, Security Testing, Performance Testing, Usability Testing, and Mobile Testing. Explore all career options for testers. The best time to prepare is now. Strengthen your skills, safeguard your career, and ensure your team’s success. Now is the time to take action. Start improving your skills. Get ISTQB certified. Expand your team’s capabilities. Then rest easy knowing you’re ready for whatever comes next.
