Software Testing Blog - Rosie Sherry, DrivenQA

Coming to the Rapid Software Testing course? Some hotel options.

I've had a few request for hotel information for people coming from afar for the Rapid Software Testing course.  Location of these hotels vary from a 5 - 30 minute walk from the course location.

(I do not take responsibility for any of these hotels or information, never used them, etc, etc).

• Hilton: from £115 per night
• Premier Travel Inn: (very central) from £65
• Blanch House: (+44 1273 603 504), rooms from £100 - £190 per night (week nights). Call for Fri/Sat night rates
• Drakes Hotel: (+44 1273 696934), rooms from £95 (week nights) or from £125 (Fri/Sat)
• Five Hotel: (+44 1273 686547), rooms from £35 - £60 pp/pn
• Hotel du Vin: (+44 1273 718588), rooms from £150 (week nights), or £160 (Fri/Sat)
• Hotel Nineteen: (+44 1273 675529), rooms from £130
• Hotel Pelirocco: (+44 1273 327055), rooms from £50 (week nights). Call for Fri/Sat night rates
• Paskins Townhouse: (+44 1273 601203), rooms from £35
• Sea Spray: www.seaspraybrighton.co.uk (+44 1273 680332), rooms from £50

A bit of advice in applying for work

A few quick thoughts on the topic of applying for work.

At DrivenQA we often receive applications for testing work, both interested in freelance and permanent opportunities.  The frustrating point is the amount of applications that are just not interesting to read or don't highlight the points that we are looking for.

So, here are a few points that I would like to see (generally) improved:

Cover letter

If you apply for a job or email your CV over please include a cover letter (usually just as part of the email) that says more than 'See attached CV'.

• Tell us about yourself.
• Why are you applying for this specific job?
• Why should we spend our time reviewing your application?
• Where do you live?
• What are you looking for in a job? Flexibility? Job satisfaction? Learn, learn, learn?  Permanent? Temporary? Part-time? Freelance?
• Stand out. Don't be boring.  Surprise and entertain us.
• What is your current position?  Can you start tomorrow? Next week? Next month?

CV

My main objections with CVs are that they all look the same.  Put yourself in the employers eyes, understand what they are looking for and tailor your CV to catch their attention.

Do something that will make you stand out and be remembered.

Pay

Tell us what your pay expectations are, what are you worth?  I know most people shy away from this, but really you can save us all alot of time by saying what you are expecting.

We are a small company.  We work with people globally.  Rates vary significantly from country to country and sometimes the deciding factor is cost.  So all we ask is that you state what you would be happy getting paid, afterall if you are not happy with your pay you probably wouldn't be doing the best job you can.

Be persistant - but not a pain

Generally, people are busy.  They may read your application at the wrong time and put it to one side.  This doesn't mean you are not a great tester or ideal for the job - it's just not the right time.

If you don't get a response and are still interested, follow up - nicely :)  Trust me it can work.

Cheat sheets for testing

I met James Bach a few months ago and managed to talk testing over dinner.  Amongst the numerous challenges he presented me with, I recall him mentioning using hot keys for testing can be a great way to find bugs.

Today I came across not one, but two great cheat sheet resources.  A great tool to help you understand the basics of the ever increasing languages, progammes, etc out there - ultimately leading to potentially great test ideas.

Testers are like magicians of the software world

I came across this nice quote:

A good bug, I mean a really good, pound-your-head-on-the-desk-for-a-week bug, is exactly like a magic trick in that something impossible appears to be happening.
Steven Frank

It rings true.  It's a magical experience when a tester finds a truly remarkable bug.

James Bach refers to magic in the Rapid Software Testing course he presents.