Are you interested in improving your hiring and screening practices so that you can zero in on top software test engineering applicants? Are you tired of spending thousands to recruit, hire, and train new employees, only to have them resign a few short months later? Need to alleviate the burden on your human resources staff while also preserving workplace culture?
If this sounds familiar, then this guide is just what you’ve been looking for. Below, we outline some of the must-have software and hardware test engineer skills that every applicant must possess. We also discuss accurately and efficiently measuring these skills using a modern screening solution known as skills tests.
In response to ongoing talent shortages and other recruiting woes, businesses across all industries are turning to skills-based hiring solutions such as skills tests. These tools can provide far more insights about applicants than traditional screening methods like interviews or resume reviews.
Three Key Skills for Test Engineers
The three key skills for test engineers are:
Knowledge of Programming Languages: Naturally, every test engineer must have a strong working knowledge of at least two or three programming languages. While each project and employer will have a preferred programming language, some of the most common include Python, C#, and JavaScript.
When screening employees, you must focus on applicants already competent in the programming languages that your team uses. Otherwise, new hires will encounter a steep learning curve which will impact their productivity.
Hiring someone who is not well-versed in the programming languages you use will also strain existing staff, as they will have to pick up the slack while the new employee adapts.
Software Testing Skills: In addition, software testers must have a comprehensive knowledge of various programming concepts, types of testing, and testing techniques. They will be expected to utilize this knowledge when testing the efficacy of new software.
Agile Methodology: Like many other organizations, your company likely utilizes the Agile project management methodology when completing software or hardware projects.
If the candidates you hire already have even a cursory knowledge of the Agile methodology, they will be able to assimilate into your existing staff quickly. Conversely, new hires unfamiliar with Agile may struggle to adapt to the project planning methodology during the first few weeks of employment.
How to Test for Hardware and Software Test Engineer Skills
Skills tests are the most effective gauge of hardware and software test engineer skills. These skills tests are administered online via a testing dashboard. This functionality allows employers to administer skills tests remotely, which can streamline the hiring process.
Once an applicant completes the assigned skills tests, recruiters can immediately view their results. They can see a cumulative score and a topic-specific performance breakdown. This information will allow HR personnel to make data-driven hiring decisions and rely less on subjective screening processes such as interviews.
While there are many skills tests explicitly designed for the software development industry, some of the most effective for screening test engineers includes:
Software Testing: The Software Testing skills test is one of the most commonly used screening tools when hiring test engineers. It covers several topics, including Programming Concepts, Types of Testing, and Testing Techniques.
Quality Assurance: The Quality Assurance skills test is often used in conjunction with the Software Testing skills test. The Quality Assurance skills test covers topics such as Software Quality Assurance, Quality Assurance for Websites, and Bugs.
Attention to Detail: The Attention to Detail skills test covers Finding Errors, Word Analysis, and Word Meaning. The Attention to Detail skills test is helpful for screening software and hardware test engineers because they must closely examine minute details.
Benefits of Software and Hardware Test Engineer Skills Testing
Skills testing offers many advantages over typical screening tactics. For instance, online skills testing allows employers to stop relying on in-person assessments that must be proctored by HR personnel. Transitioning to online skills testing is also an excellent cost-saving move, as the employer no longer has to purchase testing materials such as booklets or answer sheets.
More importantly, skills testing streamlines the hiring process. HR staff can make all hiring decisions based on quantifiable data instead of subjective methods. This approach insulates the organization from civil liability, as they can justify all hiring decisions using the data gathered from skills tests.
Skills testing also reduces the chances of bad hires, as HR can thoroughly screen each applicant. They can eliminate underqualified applicants early and work to recruit top talent. In fact, many organizations have reduced hiring by 70% and time-to-hire by 60% by adding skills testing to their hiring process.
Hardware and Software Test Engineer Skills Tests from eSkill
Are you looking for an efficient way to assess hardware and software test engineer skills? Request a demo to learn how eSkill helps you measure key test engineer skills.