Software Testing Blog - Rosie Sherry, DrivenQA

Bugs are like diamonds

They can be found anywhere and could cost you a fortune.

Hiring a test manager

When looking to recruit a test manager, what should you look for?

It can be a frustrating experience for everyone if the right person isn't in charge of a test process or team.  I speak from experience of having horrible test managers.

Non testing managerial experience

This is where someone with experience of managing a team or project is brought in to manage a test team or project.  To me this just does not work because:

• They do not have the knowledge of testing
• They do not have the experience of testing
• They do not have the passion for testing.

Knowledge, experience and passion of software testing is essential.  Having a background in managing or another area of IT is not good enough!

What is needed is someone who truly understands the day to day issues that testers face and have the ability to get their hands dirty or come up with solutions.  Good test managers are not scared of this.

Testers, lead testers or senior testers are promoted by default

The second frustration is the belief of testers that they should be promoted up the ladder by default.  Just because you are a good tester it doesn't mean that you will be the most suitable test manager.  Being able to manage projects and communicate with people are completely different skills to testing.  Getting to a managerial position should not be seen as a default target.

And I'm not saying being a test manager is a bad thing, but it can be for some people! 

Increasingly there are more options and opportunities for individuals to determine their career path.  We all need to keep an open mind to what the big world has to offer, encourage ourselves as individuals to learn and grow in our own direction - which may not be the direction your organisation is thinking of.

Software Testing SkillSwap

I've been a co-organiser of SkillSwap Brighton for a few months now and as a team of a handful of organisers we have managed to put on some nice good events.

My time has finally come to do my own presentation on Software Testing (of course) and will be one of the many events happening at the Brighton Digital Fesitval.

Reason 1 to attend the Rapid Software Testing Course

In the run up to the Rapid Software Testing Course that I am running with James Bach, I will be giving you some very good reasons to attend the course.

The bookings are hotting up now (honestly!) so if you are interested, I recommend you get in touch quickly.

Reason #1 - A Christmas present for each student

I've asked James Bach to provide me a list of his most recommended books to read.  Now, I have that secret list and have kept it safe.  Each student that attends the course will be able to choose one book from the list which in turn will be delivered to their preferred address - in time for good ole Christmas.

It would be a way of DrivenQA thanking you.

Come along to the next Software Testing meetup

For those of you that live or work near Brighton and want to meet testers or talk testing - come along to the next software testing meetup.

Tuesday, October 16th 2007 from 6pm at The Eagle.

A look at the Software Testing Club

I originally started the Software Testing Club as an experiment, keen to make it grow and become a useful place to visit, though was never sure it would take off.

Some good things are happening and am humbled at the fact we have reached and passed 200 members.  There are people from all over the world which is a great thing.

In bullet point style here are some things that are happening:

• There's a Group area where you can set up groups according to your location.  The idea is to get people to actually meet face to face.  Global is good, localising things has some great benefits.
• If you are looking for Software Testing Videos the club is the place to go.  Anyone can add videos to the site (by uploading or embedding the video code).
• There is a Software Testing Job board where anyone can post jobs for free at the moment.
• There is now a LinkedIn group, only members of the club will be accepted/approved.
• The Forum is getting more active with some quality conversations going on.

Personally, I'm quite please with the way the Club is heading.  The service from Ning is fab.  Ning react quickly to support requests - the quickest resolution being within 5 minutes of sending an email.  So big thumbs up from DrivenQA to Ning. 

It's also quite 'cool' that some of the Ning testers are hanging out in the Club :)  They are also hiring if it is of interest to anyone.

So what do you think of it all?