Asked by: Lai Duyen
Hello. I am an IT student who just graduated and I don’t find many job posts for Fresher Tester. I am currently unemployed and confused about my current career path. Can you help me with some directions I should do at this time.
Thank you so much sir.
Hi Duyen,
Thanks for your question.
First off, it’s ok that you feel confused about your career path. It’s especially true for those who newly graduated and preparing a new chapter in life.
Here’s my suggestion for career path:
1) Learn the ropes:
As people say “You cannot go hunting with bare hands.”. If you’d like to follow software testing career, let’s find opportunities to learn and practice it as much as you can. The more you learn and know about testing, the more advantage you’ll have to find the job.
If you have much time, you can research and learn by yourself. Most of software testing knowledge is there and free. Spending your time researching, learning about it.
If you have money to spend, you can join online/offline testing class to speed up your learning curve. Don’t think too much, the idea to learn as much as you can.
Tips:
_Start with basic knowledge such as test case design, bug reporting, SDLC, etc. You can start with ISQTB syllabus to give you basic terms and knowledge
_Look for job descriptions in job ads for junior tester position and see what skills, tools, knowledge in demand. Start from there, go back and learn about these.
2) When you have learn and believe that you have basics about software testing, let find the jobs.
Frequently review all job sites and look for position for junior/fresher testers. Don’t be discouraged by the requirement of the job post. Trust me, many companies they don’t know what they’re writing in the job ads. So if they’re looking for junior/fresher, you can try to apply.
3) Prepare a good CV.
It’s 2023 now and I don’t think it’s that difficult to find the good looking CV template to apply for the job.
What to put in the CV?
There are many things you can put in your CV. However, the rule of thumb is to put to CV what related to the job ads. If the job is looking for tester with certification, mentioning your certification in the CV. If the job look for tester with good English skills, mentioning your TOEIC score, etc. So you got the point.
Note: Please customize your CV for each job ads. Don’t use one CV and apply for all the job ads. Don’t be a lazy job seeker. In order to have interview call, you need to stand out from the crowd.
4) Apply for the job and wait….
Now apply for the job and wait for your interview call
5) Keep learning
Even if you haven’t received interview call or you have a job, keep learning and sharpen your skills. You’ll achieve what you want but it entirely depends on how much you want it.
Don’t lose hope. Keep trying. You’re very young and many great things waiting for you ahead.
I wish you luck.
-Thanh