Software testers are in charge of appraising software to ensure they meet client requirements and market specifications before they are sold to clients.
To get one of these lucrative positions a candidate has to submit a CV that shows a prospective employer that they have in-depth knowledge of every stage of the software development and deployment process.
This is difficult, but not impossible task. In this guide you’ll learn everything you need to know about writing a targeted CV that shows you have the technical, analytical and communication skills needed to succeed in this role.
By: Iejaz Uddin – 11 June 2024
Page overview
- Software Tester CV example
- How to write a Software Tester CV
- CV structure
- Contact details
- Personal summary
- Software Tester work experience
- Skills
- Education section
Software Tester CV examples
Maxine Corry
Address
T: 0044 123 456 7890
E: info@dayjob.com
PERSONAL SUMMARY
Maxine is a proven software tester who has a track record of analysing test results, identifying issues and working on resolutions. A team player who can work part of a group to enhance, build, and deliver trusted market-leading technology products in a secure, stable, and scalable way. Has a history of successfully testing software developments in a structured environment. In her current role she drives the QA processes within the team and helps to mentor junior developers and testers in using their tool sets. With colleagues she has a reputation for serving as a function-wide subject matter expert. True professional who is committed to stay abreast of the latest technology developments so as to come up with solutions and be at the forefront of innovation. On a personal level a sociable person who can work with people from all social backgrounds. Right now, she is looking for a mainly hands-on tester role with an ambitious company that wants to recruit proven operators.
CAREER HISTORY
SOFTWARE TESTER – Start Date – Present
Employers name – Location
Responsible for actively contributing to the development, maintenance, and enhancement of the company’s software solutions.
Duties:
- Engaging in multi-disciplinary Agile teams to create cutting-edge digital solutions.
- Working to modernise existing software products and create new one.
- Preparing test scenarios pursuant to software requirements.
- Creating, maintaining, and deploying automated test suites.
- Using specialist software to carry out automated testing.
- Conducting and analyses performance tests on software usability.
- Keeping up-to-date with emerging technologies.
- Ensuring that the final product meets the established quality standards.
- Carrying out tests in different platforms including operating systems, browsers and mobile devices.
- Assisting team members in the resolution of their work problems.
- Collaborating with developers to resolve issues.
- Recording test results accurately.
- Preparing documents for internal and external use to agreed standards.
JOB TITLE – Start Date – End Date
Employers name – Location
KEY SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
Professional
- Possesses the strong analytical skills to understand complex systems and data flows.
- Breaking down complex problems into manageable tasks.
- Working knowledge of computer programming test methodologies.
- Have an analytical and logical approach to your work.
- Knowledge of software development methodologies and processes.
Personal
- Able to work on your own initiative, within a fast-paced environment.
- Flexible and willing to re-organise own workload to changes in timescales.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Testing environments
Project management
Debugging
Problem solving
Software integration
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS
University name – Degree details Study Dates
College name – Qualifications Study Dates
School name – Subjects / Grades Study Dates
REFERENCES
Available on request.
How write a Software Tester CV
Hiring managers can receive 100’s of CV for any well-paid job they advertise. No matter how good your CV is, it can still get lost in this avalanche of job applications. This is especially true in the age of Applicant Tracking Systems, which are used to automatically screen and filter job applications.
There are certain things you can do to avoid this fate, with the main one being to target your CV at the job you are applying for. This way you stand a much better chance of getting past an ATS and getting noticed by a recruiter. You must do this in a way that shows off you communication skills and impresses the reader.
Guide overview:
- CV Structure
- Contact details
- Personal summary
- Software tester work experience
- Skills section
- Education
CV Structure
The layout of a CV is just as important as what you write in it. That’s because good content and keywords can get lost in a disorganised CV. It’s therefor vital that you have a structure that allows the recruiter to quickly find your strongest and most relevant points.
A CV should have a well laid out format where the sections are clearly laid out in a logical and flowing order. Rather than having information all over the place, what you write should be structured, readable, scannable and easy on the eye.
There are 3 main types of CV layouts that jobseekers can choose from. They are chronological, functional, and hybrid. Each have their own particular advantages and disadvantages.
Chronological CV
Suitable for experienced candidates with established careers and lots to talk about. This is because it focuses most on previous roles, achievements and qualifications.
Functional CV
Best for applicants who do not have a lot of relevant career history behind them. This makes it ideal for graduates, school leavers and career changers who only have their qualifications, skills or potential to shout about.
Hybrid / Combination CV
This is a mixture of the chronological and functional CV. It places equal emphasis on both experience and skills, making it suitable for both students and experienced job seekers.
Final thoughts on layouts
No matter which format you go for, try to keep your CV clean by breaking up large blocks of text by using lots of white space. Also avoid polluting your CV by using over the top graphics, fonts and bright colours.
CV Length
Having a CV that is to long can be detrimental to your job hunting prospects. The same applies to having a short CV where you cram everything into as little space as possible.
The ideal length for a software tester CV is two pages. The proven way to keep it within this limit is to only include information that is relevant to the job you are applying for. Ruthlessly exclude anything that does not strengthen your case.
Related: How long should a CV be
Contact details
If a recruiter needs to contact you for further information or to invite you to an interview, this is where they’ll do it. It goes at the top of your CV in a prominent position that is easy to see.
Make it as easy as possible for them to reach out to you by including as many contact options as possible. At a minimum you should list your name, address, email, phone number and as an optional extra your LinkedIn profile.
Double check the spelling to make sure there are no typo errors. This could be disastrous for your chances, as to a hiring manager it will be an example of sloppiness. If a recruiter cannot get in touch with you on the first try, they’ll simply move onto the next candidate.
What to include in your contact details:
- Full name
- Professional job title
- Address (city or town only)
- Phone number
- Email address
- LinkedIn profile
What not to include in your contact details:
- Age
- Date of birth
- Marital status
- Nationality
Software tester CV personal summary
This is an introduction paragraph that is also known as a career summary, profile or statement. It sites just below your contact details and should be no more that 3 to 4 sentences long, at a maximum of 150 words.
Its aim is to introduce you and your CV to the hiring manager. It does this by quickly giving them an overview of your background and what you can do for them. For a job like this it must immediately stress your ability to ensure that all software will be checked for any problems, issues or bugs before it gets deployed to everyday users.
Use action words to write a hard-hitting statement that informs the reader exactly what you can do for them. Avoid generalities and instead draw attention to your most relevant accomplishments and achievements.
Being the first think that’s usually read, it has to be concise and straight to the point. As a sales pitch it must generate in the employer interest to know more about you.
In it include any or all the following:
- A detailed list of your most software testing skills.
- Knowledge of quality assurance.
- Any related work experience.
- Your aspirations and what are you hoping to be able to achieve in this job.
Software Tester personal summary example:
“An analytical software tester who has over 5 years’ experience of ensuring programs are easy to use, run smoothly and do what they say they are going to do. During her career, Maxine has consistently streamlined software development within every company she has worked for, and she is confident she can bring this same level of performance to your operations.
As per your requirements she is a superb team player and communicator who can give feedback to developers on how to improve the quality and usability of products.
Right now, she is keen to work in a fast-growing company, where there will be future options to move into senior roles.”
Related: How to write a personal summary
Software Tester work experience
Your career history should reinforce your suitability for a role. The most effective way to do this is by aligning what you did in your past employment with what the prospective employer wants.
When describing your previous responsibilities and duties always put those that are most relevant first. This way the recruiter will see your strongest points straight away. In your own words try to mimic the recruiters’ requirements, as per the job description. Keep everything you write simple, clear, and to the point.
For your recent or most relevant roles use a maximum of 6 short sentences Use bullet points for to show how you have designed test scenarios for product usability, then run these tests and finally written reports on them.
This is an ideal section in which you can convince recruiters that you’re a serious contender for their vacancy.
Software Tester work experience example:
SOFTWARE TESTER – Start Date – Present
Employers name – Location
Responsible for working as part of a team to ensure that software functions operate smoothly by identifying and then fixing any bugs or holes in a program’s security.
Duties:
- Planning and then creating automated testing systems using computer code.
- Holding regular team meetings to monitor the projects progress and resources.
- Analysing test results for database impacts, errors or bugs, and client usability.
- Collaborating with a team of colleagues to develop efficient testing systems.
Skills section
This is the part where you place those hard and soft key skills that align most with the position you want. By doing this you can create more space between you any other candidates who do not possess these in-demand competencies.
Hiring managers will use these to judge your knowledge of software testing, quality control and comprehension of the IT industry.
Remember that recruiters do go over this section looking for proof of your abilities. So do pay attention to it and include industry specific keywords that they can pick up on.
Software Tester Key Skills
- Knowledge of user documentation, training documents & user acceptance plans.
- Knowledge of functional, reliability and performance testing.
- Experience of working in pressured environment to strict deadlines.
- Able to test multiple projects at the same time.
- Extensive knowledge of Open GI applications & MS Office Suite.
- Commercial experience at a Tester within an Agile Development environment.
- Ability to learn new software quickly.
- A thorough understanding of the software development process.
- Comprehensive understanding of computer programming languages such as C++ and Java.
- Extensive knowledge of the full software testing life cycle.
Skill sets to include in your CV
Analytical skills
Highlight your ability to think logically through complex scenarios to come to a logical conclusion. Mention how you can break down complex problems into smaller parts so as to identify the links between different factors.
Attention to detail
Mention your ability to concentrate for long periods of time, even in an environment of constant interruption. It’s an important skill, as software testers must be able to spot small inconspicuous bugs that are easy to miss.
System development
Provide examples of how you’ve used your knowledge of System Development Life Cycle processes (SDLC) to plan, create, test, and deploy testing systems.
Out of box thinking
Explain that you’re a creative person who can image different scenarios to overcome a problem or see a situation from a client’s perspective. Show you are an imaginative individual who can think unconventionally to tackle challenges head-on and deal with frequent software updates and new features.
Include an Education section
For a technical role like this you will need certain academic qualifications, and relevant certification. All of which go in the education section, which usually sits near the bottom of your CV, just above the references.
It’s where you can boast about the grades you’ve achieved and prove your dedication to study, as well as learning skills.
In it give details of the college and university where you studied, along with course names and dates attended. Give prominence to those modules and subjects that are relevant to the job you are applying for.
The aim of this sections is to put yourself forward as a well educated professional who can pick up new knowledge quickly.