Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Tester Career

Job Description: Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules.


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Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Tester Career

What skills are required for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?

Importance Skills
  Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
  Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  Programming - Writing computer programs for various purposes.
  Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
  Systems Evaluation - Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
  Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  Systems Analysis - Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
  Operations Analysis - Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
  Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
  Operations Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
  Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
  Learning Strategies - Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
  Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.
  Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
  Technology Design - Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
  Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.
  Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
  Persuasion - Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.

What knowledge is needed to be a Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Tester?

Importance Knowledge
  Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
  English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
  Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
  Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
  Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
  Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
  Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
  Administrative - Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

Work Styles

Importance Styles
  Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
  Analytical Thinking - Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
  Cooperation - Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
  Integrity - Job requires being honest and ethical.
  Adaptability/Flexibility - Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
  Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
  Persistence - Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
  Initiative - Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
  Self-Control - Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
  Stress Tolerance - Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
  Achievement/Effort - Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
  Independence - Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
  Innovation - Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
  Leadership - Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
  Concern for Others - Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
  Social Orientation - Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.