Introduction
While in the modern era of software development, automation testing seems to have taken over the industry, it is of no doubt that manual testing holds equal value. It plays a very important role both in terms of reliability and quality. It is performed by an individual simulating end-user conditions, examining features, and validating proper execution within the software. This is an important phase in the software development life cycle (SDLC) as it helps ensure that the software applications developed are of the highest possible quality.
But what makes a good manual tester? Aside pressing buttons and reading predefined scripts, manual testers have an equally important responsibility. They work preventatively in terms of software errors and help improve user satisfaction. In order to survive in this field, manual testers must possess a counterbalance of technical and non-technical skill sets.
If you have just landed your first manual testing job or you are looking for ways to move up the career ladder, then this blog is for you as we showcase the primary skills needed for a manual tester and how you can sharpen your skills using specialized manual testing programs.
Analytical Skills
The most important and perhaps the most useful skill for a manual tester is having a sharp analytical thinking. Testing is not just following the provided step, it requires taking the software application in question apart to figure out its building blocks, its features, and its potential problem areas.
Take a financial application as an example.
In master’s case and scenario planning in manual testing, users would need to prepare for edge cases such as negative numbers, concurrent transactions from users, or uncommon usage patterns. The analytical skills enable the tester to predict situations which are far beyond logical reasoning with many unexplored possibilities and identify the risks before the users get hold of it.
To develop this particular skill:
• Identify patterns and think of different ways of using the system.
• Participate regularly in problem-solving activities.
• Learn to analyze using flowcharts, diagrams, or mind maps to logically decompose systems into their functions and components.
Attention to Detail
As far as manual testing is concerned, it is all about computing accurately and dealing with precise details. A single error within the software results into catastrophic consequences whether in the form of user workflow bugs or data breaches associated with leaks. There is no denying the fact that the eagle-eyed attention and focus for any inconsistency within software applications is what sets manual testers apart, and thus they strive to achieve accuracy at all levels.
For testing a seemingly trivial task like filling in a login form, these testers should also check the input fields together with the default values set in them, the error messages, and the resultant flow-in that should take place afterward before working on equal performance testing on other browsers and devices.
To sharpen and to improve on paying attention to details one can use these suggestions:
• Check all workflows stepwise and check every step performed.
• Go over every test case frequently to check if all aspects are covered in it.
• Engaging in mindfulness practices and managing to avoid distractions in your work setting.
Soft Skills
Apart from tools, testing requires human communication. Manual testers interact with developers, project managers, and other relevant parties to ensure that all defects captured are diagnosed and fixed properly. Failure to communicate properly results in idle time and sometimes unfixable issues.
Testers with strong communication skills perform better in the following areas:
• Reporting bugs that are well explained, detailed, and to the point.
• Discussing issues that are intricate in nature during meetings.
• Documenting the steps taken in tests so that they can be repeated.
If you are seeking to improve your communication skills:
• Work on summarizing information in bullet points.
• Manage feedback and comments with Slack or Jira.
• Use empathy to listen to understand team members’ needs during conversations.
Durable Knowledge
Unlike automation engineers, manual testers do not need a lot of coding knowledge, but they do need some technical knowledge. Knowing the software’s structure, systems it uses like databases, APIs, and version control helps a tester determine the possible causes of problems as well as how to deal with them meaningfully.
Some of the most important ones for manual testers to learn are:
• Some SQL for validating data from the backend.
• Testing API to check the responses from applications like Postman.
• To know the structure of the program, utilize its documentations, and use version control system like Git.
Time Management
Test software against the set deadlines. With mobile tests, manual testers need superb time management skills to finish the work under the time allowed while still maintaining quality standards.
In time management, the following should be observed:
• Emphasis on valuable test cases that treat essential parts.
• Add buffer time for unplanned exploratory testing that might be added.
Adaptability
Stay ahead of emerging technologies as well as the software requirments. They include new frameworks, tools and methodologies aimed at improving the testing process. Manual testers have to learn to cope with changing and constantly evolving challenges.
Shifting workloads or change in scope does not affect me. Also willingness to learn about new tested tools and methods means the tester is adaptable.
• This individual accepts and provides feedback readily without it adversely affecting them.
An example would be if the team moves from using the waterfall model to agile methodologies and an agile manual tester shifts to working with daily stand-ups and shorter test cycles seamlessly.
What Manual Testing Courses Can Do
Attaining these skills can often prove difficult so if you are unsure where to begin, taking a manual testing course can alleviate the problem. Such courses normally aim to provide basic competencies for those wishing to pursue a career in such areas.
A manual testing course usually consists of modules on:
• The creation of test plans and their corresponding test cases.
• Basic operation of bug tracking tools such as JIRA.
• Testing techniques white-box testing and black-box testing.
• Fundamentals of web testing, mobile app testing, and API testing.
• Best practices for detailing bug reports.
Selecting a course will allow you to learn from simulations and actual activities, and you will be prepared to meet the testing needs of any organization. Manual testing courses can be viewed here.
Realize what you can do when you become a Manual Tester
Manual testing is the most basic form of testing in any quality assurance department. Using logical reasoning, attention to detail, good communication skills, and other talents, great testers make certain that even the most sophisticated systems are user friendly.
The step by step guide to becoming an expert in manual testing starts with one being naturally gifted. Everything else is easy, enroll in a manual testing course, and the rest is easy.
Enroll in the course today and you will be making a difference in the software world tomorrow.
