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18 Manual Tester Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

It's important to prepare for an interview in order to improve your chances of getting the job. Researching questions beforehand can help you give better answers during the interview. Most interviews will include questions about your personality, qualifications, experience and how well you would fit the job. In this article, we review examples of various manual tester interview questions and sample answers to some of the most common questions.

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Common Manual Tester Interview Questions

How do you approach testing a new application?

There are many possible reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a manual tester. Some possible reasons include:

-To gauge the manual tester's understanding of how to properly test a new application.

-To assess the manual tester's testing methodology and approach.

-To determine whether the manual tester is familiar with various types of testing that can be performed on a new application.

It is important for the interviewer to ask this question in order to gain insights into the manual tester's testing abilities and knowledge. By understanding how the manual tester approaches testing a new application, the interviewer can better assess the manual tester's skills and abilities.

Example: “There are a few steps that I typically take when testing a new application:

1. Familiarize myself with the application. This includes reading any available documentation, playing around with the application to get a feel for how it works, and talking to developers or other stakeholders to learn more about the application and what it is supposed to do.

2. Create a test plan. This is a document that outlines what I want to test, how I want to test it, and what criteria I will use to determine whether or not the application passes or fails.

3. Execute the tests. This involves actually running the tests and recording the results.

4. Analyze the results. Once all the tests have been run, I take a look at the results to see if there are any areas of concern that need to be addressed.”

What are some of the most important things you look for when testing an application?

There are many factors to consider when testing an application, but some of the most important things to look for include:

1. Functionality: Does the application do what it is supposed to do? Are all the features working as expected?

2. Usability: Is the application easy to use? Is the interface intuitive?

3. Stability: Is the application stable? Does it crash or freeze often?

4. Compatibility: Is the application compatible with the operating system and other applications?

5. Security: Is the application secure? Are there any vulnerabilities that could be exploited?

Example: “There are many important things to look for when testing an application, but some of the most important include:

1. Functionality - Does the application do what it is supposed to do?

2. Usability - Is the application easy to use?

3. Performance - Does the application perform well?

4. Security - Is the application secure?”

How do you create test cases? What factors do you consider when doing so?

An interviewer would ask "How do you create test cases? What factors do you consider when doing so?" to a manual tester in order to gauge the testes ability to develop test cases that are both effective and efficient. The interviewer wants to know if the tester is able to identify the most important factors to consider when creating a test case, as well as how they go about doing so. This question is important because it allows the interviewer to get a better understanding of the tester's thought process and how they approach testing. It also allows the interviewer to identify any areas where the tester may need improvement.

Example: “There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the process of creating test cases will vary depending on the specific application under test and the testing approach being used. However, there are some general factors that should be considered when creating test cases, regardless of the application or testing approach.

Some of the key factors to consider when creating test cases include:

1. The functionality of the application under test - This is perhaps the most important factor to consider when creating test cases, as the test cases must cover all aspects of the functionality of the application.

2. The expected inputs and outputs - In order to create effective test cases, it is necessary to have a clear understanding of what inputs are expected and what outputs should be generated.

3. The level of detail required - The level of detail required for each test case will vary depending on the specific project and testing approach being used. In some cases, it may be sufficient to simply list the steps to be executed, while in others a more detailed description or even pseudo-code may be required.

4. The resources available - The resources available for creating and executing test cases must also be considered. This includes things like time, budget, and personnel.”

How do you prioritize your tests? Why?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask a manual tester how they prioritize their tests. One reason could be to gauge the tester's understanding of the software development process and their place within it. Another reason could be to assess the tester's ability to think critically about the risks associated with various features and areas of the application. Ultimately, it is important for manual testers to be able to prioritize their tests in a way that is efficient and effective, and that takes into account the risks involved in each test.

Example: “There are various ways to prioritize tests, and the approach that is best depends on the specific project and context. Some common methods include:

-Prioritizing by business criticality: Tests are prioritized based on how important they are to the success of the business. For example, a test that covers a core functionality that is used by many customers would be given a higher priority than a test for a less important feature.

-Prioritizing by risk: Tests are prioritized based on the risks they are testing for. For example, a test that covers a high-risk area of the application would be given a higher priority than a test for a low-risk area.

-Prioritizing by frequency of use: Tests are prioritized based on how often they are used. For example, a test that covers a frequently used feature would be given a higher priority than a test for an infrequently used feature.

The most important thing is to have a clear rationale for why tests are being prioritized in a certain way. This will help ensure that the most important tests are being run first, and will also help with communication and buy-in from stakeholders.”

How do you know when an application is ready for release?

An interviewer would ask "How do you know when an application is ready for release?" to a/an Manual Tester to gauge their understanding of the software development process and the role that testing plays in it. It is important to ensure that an application is thoroughly tested before releasing it to users, as any bugs or errors could potentially cause major problems. A Manual Tester should be able to assess when an application is ready for release by evaluating the results of the testing process and determining whether or not all known issues have been resolved.

Example: “There are a few factors that need to be considered when deciding if an application is ready for release:

1. All features and functionality should be complete and working as expected.

2. All bugs and defects should be fixed.

3. The application should be thoroughly tested to ensure it meets all acceptance criteria.

4. The application should be stable and not crash frequently.

5. The user interface should be intuitive and easy to use.

6. The documentation should be up to date and accurate.”

What are some of the challenges you face when testing an application?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the Manual Tester's experience and knowledge in the software testing field. It is important for the interviewer to know if the Manual Tester is familiar with the challenges that come with testing an application, as this will give them a better idea of the Manual Tester's ability to do their job effectively.

Some of the challenges that a Manual Tester may face when testing an application include:

- Ensuring that all functionality of the application is working as intended

- Identifying and reproducing bugs

- Creating accurate and detailed test cases

- Managing time effectively to ensure that all aspects of the application are tested thoroughly

Example: “There are many challenges that a manual tester may face when testing an application. Some of these challenges include:

1. Ensuring that all functionality is tested - When testing an application, it is important to ensure that all functionality is covered. This can be a challenge, especially for large and complex applications.

2. Finding defects - It can be challenging to find defects in an application, especially if the application is large and complex.

3. Reproducing defects - Once a defect has been found, it can be challenging to reproduce it in order to provide accurate information to the development team.

4. Keeping up with changes - As an application evolves over time, it can be difficult for manual testers to keep up with all the changes and ensure that they are testing the latest version of the application.”

How do you stay up-to-date with new testing techniques and tools?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a manual tester. First, it shows that the interviewer is interested in how the manual tester keeps their skills up-to-date. This is important because it shows that the manual tester is willing to invest in their own development and stay current with the latest testing techniques and tools.

Second, the interviewer may be interested in how the manual tester uses new testing techniques and tools in their work. This is important because it shows that the manual tester is able to adapt their testing approach to the latest tools and techniques, and that they are able to use these new tools and techniques to improve their testing effectiveness.

Third, the interviewer may be interested in how the manual tester plans to stay up-to-date with new testing techniques and tools in the future. This is important because it shows that the manual tester is committed to continuing their professional development and keeping their skills up-to-date.

Example: “There are a few ways to stay up-to-date with new testing techniques and tools. One way is to attend conferences or webinars related to software testing. Another way is to read books or articles on the latest testing approaches. Finally, you can also join online forums or discussion groups where testers share their experiences and knowledge.”

How do you select the right testing tool for a project?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a manual tester. Firstly, it allows the interviewer to gauge the manual tester's understanding of different testing tools and how they can be used to support various testing activities. Secondly, it allows the interviewer to understand the manual tester's thought process when it comes to selecting a testing tool for a specific project. This is important because the manual tester's ability to select the right testing tool can have a significant impact on the overall success of the project.

Example: “There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the right testing tool for a given project will vary depending on a number of factors. Some of the key considerations that should be taken into account when selecting a testing tool include:

- The nature of the project: Is it a small, simple project or a large, complex one?
- The budget: What is the available budget for purchasing or licensing a testing tool?
- The skills and experience of the team: Does the team have experience using a particular testing tool, or will they need to be trained in its use?
- The time frame: Is there enough time to learn and use a new testing tool, or is it better to stick with a familiar one?

Once these and other factors have been considered, it should be possible to narrow down the field of potential testing tools and choose the one that is best suited to the project at hand.”

What are some of the benefits and drawbacks of using automation for testing?

The interviewer is likely trying to gauge the candidate's understanding of automation testing and its potential implications. It is important to ask this question because it can help the interviewer understand how the candidate views automation testing and its role in the software development process. Additionally, the answer to this question can provide insight into the candidate's understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of automation testing.

Example: “There are both benefits and drawbacks to using automation for testing. The main benefit is that it can save time and resources by running tests automatically instead of having to manually run them. This can be especially helpful for large projects with many test cases. Automation can also help to improve the accuracy of tests by eliminating human error.

However, there are also some drawbacks to using automation. One is that it can be expensive to set up and maintain an automated testing infrastructure. Additionally, automated tests can sometimes be less reliable than manual tests, as they may not catch all potential bugs. Finally, automated tests can take longer to execute than manual tests, which can impact the overall speed of the testing process.”

What types of tests can be automated? Why or why not?

There are many types of tests that can be automated, from unit tests to regression tests. Automated testing can be very beneficial because it can save time and money. It is important to know what types of tests can be automated and why or why not so that the interviewer can determine if the candidate is a good fit for the position.

Example: “There are many types of tests that can be automated, including functional testing, regression testing, load testing, and performance testing. Automation can be very beneficial in reducing the time and effort required to execute these types of tests, as well as increasing the accuracy and reliability of the results. However, not all tests can or should be automated. For example, exploratory testing or user acceptance testing is often best performed manually in order to allow for more flexibility and creativity in the test execution.”

What are some of the most important aspects of performance testing?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a manual tester. First, it allows the interviewer to gauge the manual tester's understanding of performance testing. Second, it allows the interviewer to see if the manual tester is familiar with the most important aspects of performance testing. Finally, it allows the interviewer to determine if the manual tester has the skills and knowledge necessary to perform effective performance testing.

Example: “Performance testing is a process of assessing the compliance of a system or component with specified performance requirements. In general, performance testing seeks to determine the speed or effectiveness of a system, as compared to its expected performance.

There are a number of factors to consider when conducting performance testing, including:

- Response time: This is the time it takes for the system to respond to a user request. It is important to ensure that the system responds in a timely manner, as users are likely to become frustrated if they have to wait too long for a response.

- Throughput: This is the number of requests that can be processed by the system within a given period of time. It is important to ensure that the system can handle the required number of requests, as this can impact the user experience.

- Resource utilization: This is the amount of resources (e.g., CPU, memory, etc.) that are used by the system. It is important to ensure that the system uses resources efficiently, as this can impact both performance and costs.

- Scalability: This is the ability of the system to handle an increase in load. It is important to ensure that the system can scale up as needed, as this can be critical in”

What factors do you consider when designing a test plan?

There are a number of factors that a manual tester should consider when designing a test plan. These include:

- The purpose of the testing: What are you trying to achieve with the testing? Are you trying to find bugs, or are you trying to verify that the software works as expected?

- The scope of the testing: What parts of the software will you be testing? Will you test all features, or just a subset?

- The schedule: How much time do you have for testing? When do you need to have the results by?

- The resources: What equipment and personnel do you need for testing? Do you need to purchase any specialised software or hardware?

- The risks: What could go wrong during testing? What are the potential consequences of a bug being found?

It is important to consider all of these factors when designing a test plan, as they will all impact the success of the testing.

Example: “There are many factors to consider when designing a test plan. Some of the most important factors include:

-The purpose of the testing
-The objectives of the testing
-The scope of the testing
-The schedule for the testing
-The resources required for the testing
-The risks associated with the testing”

How do you determine what needs to be tested and in what order?

The interviewer is asking how the manual tester determines what needs to be tested and in what order because it is important to know how the tester will prioritize the testing. This question allows the interviewer to gauge the tester's understanding of testing priorities and how they would approach a testing project.

Example: “There are a few factors that need to be considered when determining what needs to be tested and in what order:

1. The severity of the issue - if there is a critical bug that is causing major problems, this will need to be fixed as a priority.

2. The frequency of the issue - if an issue is happening frequently, it is likely to be impacting more users and will need to be fixed sooner.

3. The impact of the issue - if an issue is having a big impact on users, such as preventing them from being able to use the software, this will need to be fixed as a priority.

4. The ease of reproducing the issue - if an issue is easy to reproduce, it will be easier to fix and so should be given priority.”

What are some common mistakes made during testing? How can they be avoided?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a manual tester. First, it allows the interviewer to gauge the manual tester's understanding of the testing process. Second, it allows the interviewer to see how the manual tester would approach avoiding mistakes during testing. Finally, this question allows the interviewer to see if the manual tester has any specific suggestions for avoiding common mistakes.

In general, it is important for interviewers to ask questions that allow them to gauge the interviewee's understanding of the subject matter. In this case, the interviewer is specifically interested in understanding the manual tester's understanding of testing and how to avoid mistakes during testing. This question is important because it allows the interviewer to get a sense of the manual tester's experience and knowledge. Additionally, this question allows the interviewer to see if the manual tester has any specific insights that could be helpful in avoiding common mistakes during testing.

Example: “There are many common mistakes made during testing, but some of the most common include:

1. Not planning and preparing properly for testing. This can lead to tests being conducted inefficiently and missing important test cases.

2. Not having a clear understanding of the requirements. This can lead to testers testing the wrong things or not testing enough of the system under test.

3. Not designing effective test cases. This can lead to tests that are not thorough and do not cover all important functionality.

4. Not executing tests properly. This can lead to incorrect results or false positives/negatives.

5. Not reporting defects properly. This can lead to defects being missed or not fixed in a timely manner.

To avoid these mistakes, it is important to plan and prepare for testing thoroughly, have a clear understanding of the requirements, design effective test cases, execute tests properly, and report defects correctly.”

What are some tips for writing effective test cases?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a manual tester. One reason is to gauge the tester's understanding of how to write effective test cases. It is important for testers to be able to write clear and concise test cases that will help find defects in the software. Another reason the interviewer might ask this question is to see if the tester is familiar with different types of testing techniques and how to apply them when writing test cases. This is important because it shows that the tester is able to adapt their testing approach to different situations.

Example: “There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the tips for writing effective test cases will vary depending on the specific application under test and the testing environment. However, some general tips that may be useful include:

1. Make sure the test case is clearly defined and easy to understand.

2. Make sure the test case is repeatable and consistent.

3. Make sure the test case covers all relevant functionalities of the application under test.

4. Make sure the test case is robust and can handle unexpected input or output.

5. Make sure the test case is efficient and does not take too long to execute.”

How can requirements gathering be improved to help ensure better testing coverage?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a manual tester. One reason is to test the manual tester's understanding of the requirements gathering process and how it affects testing. Another reason is to see if the manual tester has any suggestions on how to improve the requirements gathering process to ensure better testing coverage.

It is important for manual testers to have a good understanding of the requirements gathering process because it directly affects their ability to test the software. If the requirements are not clear, or if they are incomplete, it will be difficult for the manual tester to create effective test cases. In addition, if the manual tester does not have a good understanding of the requirements, they may end up testing functionality that is not actually required.

Example: “There are a number of ways that requirements gathering can be improved to help ensure better testing coverage. One way is to ensure that all stakeholders are involved in the requirements gathering process. This will help to ensure that all perspectives are considered and that the final requirements reflect the needs of all parties involved. Another way to improve requirements gathering is to use a variety of techniques to gather requirements, such as interviews, focus groups, surveys, and document analysis. This will help to ensure that a wide range of information is gathered and that all relevant perspectives are considered. Finally, it is important to review the requirements regularly during the development process to ensure that they are still accurate and complete. This will help to identify any gaps or changes that need to be made to the requirements in order to ensure better testing coverage.”

What are some common problems with project documentation that can impact the testing process?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a manual tester. First, they may be trying to gauge the tester's understanding of how important project documentation is to the testing process. Second, they may be interested in hearing about the tester's experiences with project documentation and how it has impacted their testing process. Finally, the interviewer may be trying to determine if the tester is familiar with common problems that can occur with project documentation and how those problems can impact the testing process.

It is important for the interviewer to ask this question because it can help them understand the tester's level of experience and understanding of how project documentation can impact the testing process. Additionally, this question can help the interviewer identify any areas where the tester may need further training or education on this topic.

Example: “There are a few common problems with project documentation that can impact the testing process:

1. Incomplete or inaccurate requirements: If the requirements are incomplete or inaccurate, it can be difficult to determine what needs to be tested and how. This can lead to errors and omissions in the test plan and test cases.

2. Lack of clarity: If the documentation is unclear, it can be difficult to understand what needs to be done. This can lead to confusion and frustration among testers, and may even result in incorrect testing.

3. Outdated information: If the documentation is out of date, it may no longer accurately reflect the current state of the project. This can lead to tests that are based on outdated information, which may not be relevant anymore.

4. Inconsistent formatting: If the documentation is inconsistently formatted, it can be difficult to read and understand. This can lead to errors and misunderstandings when trying to interpret the information.”

What are some best practices for communicating with developers during the testing process?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask a manual tester about best practices for communicating with developers during the testing process. First, it is important to ensure that communication is clear and concise in order to avoid misunderstandings. Second, it is important to be respectful of the developer's time and knowledge. Finally, it is important to be able to explain one's findings in a way that the developer can understand and use to improve the software.

Example: “There are a few best practices for communicating with developers during the testing process:

1. Establish a clear and concise communication channel - This will help ensure that everyone is on the same page and can easily communicate with each other.

2. Keep track of all changes made to the code - This will help ensure that all changes are properly tested and avoid any potential regressions.

3. Make sure to provide detailed and reproducible bug reports - This will help developers fix the issues more quickly and avoid any potential misunderstandings.”

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