50 Test Engineering Interview Questions (Plus Answers)

Updated 30 September 2022

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Interview questions for test engineers typically focus on the candidate's education, skills and experience and how they apply to the role. Hiring managers ask these questions to determine how the candidate compares to other candidates and whether they may be a suitable fit for the position. To prepare, you can review some of the most common questions hiring managers ask in test engineering interviews and practice your responses. In this article, we list 50 test engineering interview questions employers often ask and share five example answers you can use to help you craft your own answers.

General Test Engineering Interview Questions

Asking general test engineering interview questions allows hiring managers to learn about your personality, goals and interest in the role. Here are 15 general questions a hiring manager may ask you at the beginning of your test engineer job interview:

Can you summarise your qualifications as a test engineer?
What interested you about working at this company?
What motivated you to apply for this role?
What do you think is your greatest strength as a test engineer?
What are some areas of the field you want to understand better?
Where do you see yourself professionally in five years?
What is your ultimate career goal?
What made you decide to leave your current or most recent position?
What are your salary expectations for this role?
If we hire you, when can you start?
Can you work evenings and weekends as necessary to complete urgent projects?
What differentiates you from other candidates for this job?
What do you like best about being a test engineer?
What do you find most challenging about being a test engineer?
Do you have questions for me about the role or this company?

Test Engineering Interview Questions About Experience And Background

A hiring manager often continues the interview by asking questions that enable them to learn about your professional and educational background. Here are 15 common questions hiring managers ask about a candidate's experience:

Do you have experience leading test engineering teams?
Do you prefer working independently or as part of a team?
Do you have experience in any other area of engineering?
What software testing tools did you use in your previous job?
How do you differentiate a symptom from a primary cause in testing?
Can you describe the SDLC testing method?
Can you explain the test strategy you have identified to be most effective?
What is your work experience with object-focused programming languages?
What software engineering test cases can you write for any remote desktop feature?
How can you ensure the firm's staff is well-trained on testing protocols and procedures?
What strategy do you think is critical in developing testing methods for a product?
What troubleshooting systems do you use to finalise your testing procedures?
What experience do you have with emerging corner cases?
What made you want to be a software test engineer?
What software testing methods are comfortable implementing?

In-Depth Interview Questions For A Test Engineer

An interviewer may ask you complex or challenging questions about the role and the industry. This helps them determine if you have the qualifications to perform well as a test engineer at the company. Here are 15 in-depth questions an interviewer may ask you:

Can you tell me about the best practices for crafting a test case?
What is configuration management?
Can you name some useful configuration management tools?
What is the difference between quality control and quality assurance?
What is the difference between nonfunctional and functional testing?
What is the difference between sanity testing and smoke testing?
What is the validation process in software testing?
Can you summarise static testing?
What is involved in black box testing?
What is a test suit?
What is the top-down approach?
What is the bottom-up approach?
What is monkey testing?
What is exploratory testing?
In software testing, what are test closure tasks?

Interview Questions With Sample Answers

Reviewing responses to interview questions can help you develop your own so you feel prepared and confident when you meet with the hiring manager. Here are five questions with example answers you can use as inspiration:

1. What do you want to accomplish as an engineer at this company?

Hiring managers may ask this question because they want to know the plans you have for the company. Your answer can show them how you intend to improve productivity to contribute to their development process. In your answer, try to provide specific examples of goals you want to reach that can benefit you and the company.

Example: 'When I read the description for this job, there was a detail that got my attention right away. It said the company is looking for a test engineer who can use their proven background in developing creative solutions to make testing processes more efficient. I believe my ability to think innovatively is one of my strongest skills, and I enjoy collaborating with teams to further develop my ideas. I look forward to the opportunity to help the team improve current testing methods that can help the company reach its goals.'

2. How do your colleagues describe your contributions to your development team?

A hiring manager might ask you this question to learn about the traits you have that influence your relationships with coworkers in a test engineering capacity. This can help them determine if you may be a good fit for their team. Consider sharing what your colleagues enjoy about working with you and why these contributions are important to you.

Example: 'I think my colleagues would describe me as helpful and motivated. They often comment that my optimistic attitude encourages them on challenging days, and I appreciate that I am able to contribute to the productivity of the team in this way. I make sure my team knows I am here to help whenever they need me, but I also respect their space and autonomy. This has helped me develop a positive relationship with my team, and I know I can also rely on them for assistance when I need it.'

3. Why do you want to leave your current test position?

An interviewer may want to know why you are pursuing a new job at another company and the relationship you have with your current employer. This question can also help them understand the extent of your current software test engineering responsibilities. When you respond, you can highlight the goals you have that you think the role may help you fulfil.

Example: 'While I have enjoyed the opportunities my current role has provided me, I am looking for a position that allows me to continue expanding my knowledge and skills in the field. There is always more to learn as a test engineer, and I am ready to take the next step into a mid-level position. After learning about this role and the company, I feel confident that working here can help me reach my goals and make beneficial contributions to the team and the company.'

4. Can you tell me about a recent professional achievement using software test engineering practices?

The employer may want to know what you have accomplished recently as a software test engineer. This can help them determine your potential contributions to the company and whether you may succeed in the role. In your answer, consider providing a specific example that relates to the test engineering role you want.

Example: 'In recent years, I have worked with colleagues to help my current employer install new devices that improve the company's productivity through increased software testing abilities. I have also provided strategies that have helped the company meet its clients' software needs. A few months ago, I suggested using a different development method that involves testing it at regular intervals and sharing the product with the client at each stage. After implementing this process with two clients, the management team agrees that it led to improved communication, reduced costs and increased client satisfaction.'

5. How do you feel about skipping testing stages to meet deadlines?

The hiring manager may ask you this question to ensure you prioritise completing your tasks fully. It also allows them to measure your level of commitment to the quality of your work. When you answer this question, consider providing alternatives to skipping stages to show the hiring manager you can develop effective solutions under pressure.

Example: 'Even when working on a project that involves urgent deadlines, I avoid skipping testing stages or making other decisions that can affect the quality of the product. Alternatively, I have suggested to management teams that they offer additional pay to team members who can work extra hours or combine processes team members can complete simultaneously. If preventing a delay is not possible, it is much better to explain the situation to the client and discuss a new timeline than provide them with a low-quality product.'