Test Engineer Interview Questions
Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Test Engineer interview questions and answers.
- Explain the difference between test engineers and developers. See answer
- What are the different methods of testing? See answer
- What do you verify in white-box testing? See answer
- What is your process for resolving issues while testing? See answer
- Tell us your thoughts about automating manual testing. See answer
- Is it viable to skip testing stages to save time? See answer
- How will you improve our process in your first three months as a test engineer? See answer
- Tell us about your recent professional success using test engineering practices. See answer
- How would you allocate tasks to team members? See answer
- What, according to you, is a common risk that leads to project failure? See answer
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Explain the difference between test engineers and developers.
Test engineers and developers have differing roles in a software development cycle. The goal of this question is to learn if the candidate understands these differences and the full extent of the roles and responsibilities of their role.
What to look for in an answer:
- Knowledge of the software development cycle
- Understanding of the test engineer role
- Logical thinking and clarity
Example:
Developers think about developing systems and making functionalities work. They possess coding knowledge and create the software while accommodating customer needs. Meanwhile, test engineers do not have coding expertise but work during the test life cycle to see if they can break the software, thus discovering passing or failing test cases. Both developers and test engineers are essential for developing robust, bug-free software.
What are the different methods of testing?
This question aims to help you learn if the candidate is well-versed in different testing methods. This way, you can hire a versatile and flexible test engineer who can work according to your organisation’s needs.
What to look for in an answer:
- Conceptual understanding of the testing process
- Utility of different testing methods
- Relevant testing experience
Example:
In my previous roles, I have become proficient in all three methods of testing- black-box testing, white-box testing, and grey-box testing. Black-box testing is a strategy based on requirements and specifications, while white-box testing is based on internal paths, code, structures and implementation of the software being tested. Grey-box testing is the strategy where the tester does not have sufficient knowledge of internal details and works to identify any necessary debugging.
What do you verify in white-box testing?
This question tests the candidate’s level of testing knowledge. White-box testing is a prominent testing method, and a skilled candidate should be aware of the complexities of the process.
What to look for in an answer:
- Extensive knowledge of white-box testing
- Practical application
- Logical and process-oriented thinking
Example:
White-box testing is a multi-step process that ensures everything is verified. First, we verify possible security holes and incomplete paths in the code. Then, we verify the structure flow and refer to the specifications in the documentation. After verifying the expected outcomes, we verify the code line by line.
What is your process for resolving issues while testing?
A testing engineer’s role is to find potential issues and fix them to deliver high-quality products. A skilled test engineer should have a standardised process to resolve the issues that come up during testing.
What to look for in an answer:
- Standard and thorough testing methodology
- Problem-solving skills
- Collaboration and teamwork
Example:
After working with my previous employers, I have been able to develop and refine my process of resolving issues while testing. First, I record all the issues and problems that I have encountered. Then, I report these issues to a manager so that these issues can be assigned to relevant teams. Finally, I streamline and define the issue management process.
Tell us your thoughts about automating manual testing.
Automation has become an essential tool in testing. So, as an employer, you need to know whether the candidate is aware of the advantages of automatic testing over manual testing and the potential areas where it can be implemented.
What to look for in an answer:
- Knowledge of automating and manual testing
- Industry application of automated testing
- Understands the benefits of automated testing
Example:
Testing can be automated in the right contexts to improve productivity and testing efficiency. Automated test engineering can help reduce errors and save time. QA engineers must recognise and implement the advantages of automation in their processes.
Is it viable to skip testing stages to save time?
The goal of this question is to understand the candidate’s mindset and test whether they are willing to cut corners to increase speed and save time.
What to look for in an answer:
- Professional work ethic and integrity
- Quality over quantity
- Efficiency and time-management
Example:
I believe it is unviable to skip testing stages, and it is vital to conduct all possible software tests to identify any potential issues in the testing stage. Failure to do so can cause more significant problems in the long run, leading to security incidents and the development of a low-quality product.
How will you improve our process in your first three months as a test engineer?
As an employer, you must know if the candidate possesses a clear plan of operation upon joining your company. This question helps you to learn about how the candidate can impact your workplace upon being hired.
What to look for in an answer:
- Clear and concise plan of action
- Understanding of the company’s goals
- Confidence in their abilities
Example:
Upon joining the company, I intend to clear backlogs related to software testing in the first three months while understanding the workplace’s policies and processes. My extensive experience and high work rate can streamline the testing process and aid the company in achieving its quarterly goals.
Tell us about your recent professional success using test engineering practices.
This question helps you to learn about the candidate’s recent success as a test engineer and enables you to assess their skills and value so that you can make an educated decision about the hiring.
What to look for in an answer:
- Practical application of skill set
- Achieved quantifiable results
- Leadership skills
Example:
In my current role, I have collaborated with employees to assist my employer in installing new devices that enhance the company’s productivity by increasing software testing abilities. I have also leveraged my experience to provide practical strategies that have enabled the company to meet its clients’ software demands.
How would you allocate tasks to team members?
As an experienced test engineer, the candidate would often need to delegate tasks to team members. This question can help you learn how the candidate manages their tasks and handles their team members.
What to look for in an answer:
- Understanding of team members’ strengths and weaknesses
- Ability to strategically delegate tasks
- Interpersonal skills
Example:
I will conduct a team meeting to discuss the fundamentals of the project. Then, I would assess the pending tasks and assign them to the individual best suited to perform them. For example, while all members would be required to analyse software requirement specifications, only the tester would be responsible for creating the test specification.
What, according to you, is a common risk that leads to project failure?
A test engineer should be aware of all potential risks that could cause a project to fail. This question will enable you to hire an insightful candidate who can proactive assess these risks and help mitigate them.
What to look for in an answer:
- Logical and analytical thinking
- Extensive experience
- Understanding of business operations
Example:
While every project carries some inherent risks, some common risks are inadequate resources, a faulty test environment, a minimal budget, and restrictive time limitations. These risks can lead to low-quality testing that can lead to the development of buggy and low-quality software.
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