Test Analyst

A test analyst usually performs many of the following tasks:

☛ Preparing and maintaining test plans

☛ Providing feedback to the development teams

☛ Scheduling projects

☛ Conducting risk assessments

☛ Doing continuous testing and upgrades

☛ Providing budget forecasts

☛ Liaising with suppliers, teams and team leaders

☛ Preparing test scripts

☛ Creating new test strategies

The skills of a test analyst are as follows:

☛ Understanding structured test methods and processes

☛ Manual and Automated Testing

☛ Being analytical and effective

☛ Resolving problems in a timely manner

☛ Paying attention to details

☛ Managing time and people

☛ Teamwork

☛ Preparing concise documentation

☛ Information technology

☛ Being articulate and communicating effectively

☛ Stress management

☛ Planning and prioritizing projects

Test analysts are trained in engineering or science related fields. Areas of study may include network engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, statistics, management information systems and quality assurance.

Working in a testing environment, assessing products, checking for quality and accuracy or creating tests scripts is the responsibility of a test analyst.

The usual necessary qualifications are problem solving abilities and mathematical aptitude. In addition, a good test analyst has good communication skills and can cooperate with engineers and employees to advance solutions to problems.

You might feel as if you have already answered this question already but the idea is to be more specific now.

Example: You formulated and maintained the organization's master test plan according to company goals and regulations. Say which company and test plan specifically, unless classified otherwise.

Risk-based testing is the term used for an approach to creating a test strategy that is based on prioritizing tests by risk. The basis of the approach is a detailed risk analysis and prioritizing of risks by risk level. Tests to address each risk are then specified, starting with the highest risk first.

The test analyst does not work alone. He runs the test and draws conclusions in the context of the company as a whole. He then proceeds to cooperate with company employees, department managers and engineers to initiate, advance and implement improvement procedures. He reports, regularly and efficiently to higher management regarding the mode of operation and results.

Designing tests early in the life cycle can prevent defects from being introduced into the code.

An exit criterion defines when a test level is complete.

The likelihood of an adverse event and the impact of the event determine the level of risk.

Describe any past experience. Be specific, do not hide behind generalizations. Describe your personal characteristics, analytical thinking, problem solving and team work etc.

Preventative tests are designed early whereas reactive tests are designed after the software has been produced.

Test analysts are familiar with a variety of software and tools, emulators, applications etc. Technology and computers are the test analyst's home turf.

Beta testing is testing that is performed by potential customers at their own locations.

It avoids author bias in defining effective tests.

Testing the end to end functionality of the system as a whole.

Independent testers are unbiased.

After the software or system has been produced.

Configuration management procedures should be implemented during test planning.