Month: January 2016

Originally posted at: https://www.utest.com/articles/5-traits-of-successful-utesters—part-4

Passion

The path from a rookie to a top uTester is not an easy one. As we have seen in previous posts (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3), uTesters are challenged every day. Our work environments are continuously changing and we are faced with ambiguity from every direction. Sometimes it feels like there’s no work and other times we can’t keep up. uTesters have many reasons to look for “easier” work opportunities.

However, the most successful uTesters are able to thrive despite these challenges. Instead of being discouraged, they are excited. The have come to realize that this is exactly what brings out the best in them because they are passionate about what they do.

I’ve seen many testers in traditional testing roles who do everything they are “supposed” to do. They show up every day and they do their work reliably. They may even do a pretty good job at it. But they lack any real interest or enthusiasm. Without passion, they never will grow and realize their potential.

In the same way, testers who come to uTest just for the money or because “it’s a job” may make some money, but ultimately they won’t be very successful. There are literally thousands of other hopeful uTesters but only the most passionate raise to the top.

So what specifically does a successful, passionate uTester do? Well, watch them! Find several testers who have had continued success (not simply short-term success) and see what they do.

As you identify different acts of passion from the topuTesters, I’d encourage you to post them in the comments section below!

Originally posted at: https://www.utest.com/articles/5-traits-of-successful-utesters—part-3

Versatility

Several years ago, I was a tester on a small development team. We built and maintained several products that did completely different things, yet they were quite similar. They were all .NET web apps and, per company policy, only had to work on IE 9. This meant that my ability to test was limited because there was no need or opportunity for me to learn how to test other browsers, platforms or technologies.

When new testers join uTest, they often find themselves in a similar situation, but for a different reason. They have a laptop and their one personal phone listed on their profile and that’s it. Their ability to test is limited by the devices they own.

Conversely, Versatility (both in terms of ability and tool availability) is an important attribute that all successful uTesters have.

Ability to Test Anything

uTest is constantly at the forefront of technology. Companies come to us to test the latest and greatest the IT world has to offer. From beta OS to pre-release smart phones. From wearables and IoT (Internet of Things) to smart cars and smart homes. Sometimes before anyone even knows how to develop on these new technologies, companies come to us to help them develop their testing strategy.

The most successful uTesters are the ones that are asked to join these unique and challenging projects because they are the ones who, through experience, have proven that they are capable of meeting those challenges. They understand the core fundamentals of testing theory and use that knowledge along with their past experiences to devise ways to test things no other tester has seen before.

Tool Availability

The most brilliant painter in the world could do little more than a finger painting without a collection of the right paintbrushes and knowledge of the techniques needed to use them effectively. In the same way, the most successful uTesters have the correct tools. With collections of laptops, phones, watches, and dozens of other devices, these tester’s desks look like they just robbed an electronics store.

For example, take a look at my friend Rob’s profile picture:

But simply having the tools isn’t enough. I have a stack of paintbrushes and my mother won’t even take any of my artwork home! The best uTesters know every inch of each device. They configure them to mimic different real-world scenarios. They know the different techniques to take videos or capture log files. They are able to do things most testers didn’t know was even possible and sometimes even surprise our customers.

While some uTesters may realize a small measure of success even with limited abilities and tools, the best uTesters owe their success to their own versatility. They are to accomplish any testing task given to them because they have the abilities and tools necessary to get the job done.

For you new uTesters, what can you do to improve your Versatility?

Also, be sure to check out Part 1, Part 2 and Part 4 of this series.