6 Secrets to Landing a Job in Quality Assurance

6 Secrets to Landing a Job in Quality Assurance6 Secrets to Landing a Job in Quality AssuranceWhen you think of quality assurance (QA) analysts, you probably arent imagining rock star roles at the head of technology companies. But in reality, the QA position is a much mora challenging and fulfilling role than one might assume. From assembly line testers to software quality assurance analysts, this field is the last line of defense before a product hits the market. QA people often help those at the helm keep engineers and product managers in check. Those in the role have a considerable effect on the bottom line. So, far from being ancillary to a companys process, QA is the area of the technological Venn diagram where the vital areas of software engineering, product management, and customer betreuung overlap. The QA field tends to promote more quickly than others, and the ceiling is high. Employees who start as entry-level testers can, based on their performance, move up into product l ead, software engineering, or managerial roles. QA is a gateway drug of sorts that gives even new testers a chance to dip their toes into multiple aspects of the tech, from engineering to design to product management. Convinced that a career in QA might be for you? Here are six essential tips to unlock a job in quality assurance. Demonstrate Passion for the Product A career in QA often means long hours spent toiling under the radar. QA analysts comb through thousands of lines of code or explore every aspect of the user experience, a process that is repeated each time the product is updated. As a result, many companies prioritize analysts who demonstrate a love of the product, if elend necessarily the process. If a candidate is passionate about the product theyll be diligent to enaya its bullet-proof, said Nitzan Blouin, QA lead at Spotify New York. Plus its always more fun to come to work when the team is excited and ready to go. Break the Product Ahead of Time Unlike many o ther technology jobs, with QA you have the opportunity to demonstrate your skills to the company by breaking it on your own time. To blow your bewerbungsinterview out of the water, come prepared with detailed knowledge of the companys product, scour it for any holes or errors, make a note of them, and present the hiring manager with your findings. This type of above-and-beyond fastidiousness will go a long way toward showing the company that you are fearless about helping them produce the best product possible. Details. Details. Details Almost every technology job description includes requirements about having strong attention to detail. But in quality assurance, a meticulous nature is more vital than in most careers. After all, the software engineers and product managers can be slightly sloppy during the creation of a companys product, especially when a product has a strict deadline. Thus it is the role of a QA analyst to take a fastidious approach to every single aspect of a p roduct and the role of a QA candidate to take the same care with his or her CV, cover letter, portfolio, and work samples. Be certain your application matches the position advertised. Check and double-check for spelling or comprehension errors. Diligence will always buy you points, and in the case of QA, the extra effort will become that much more magnified. Understand the Value of a Quality Product This may seem obvious, but many QA candidates lack a keen understanding of why QA is important and how it can affect a companys success. Much like a passion for the companys product, QA managers like to see a similar passion for the field itself. Can you expand on why QA is a vital part of a products development, citing QAs effect, not just on the bottom line but other key metrics? QA has a direct line to positive customer reviews, user retention rates, and user efficiency. In todays increasingly saturated technological world, creating the greatest value for the user is paramount. Wh ile the software engineers build it, the designers beautify it and the product managers guide it, quality assurance personnel are there at every step to make sure the product is as efficient and optimized as possible. The best QA candidates know this. Prioritize and Adapt While QA can sometimes be monotonous, the ever-quickening pace of todays technology means that analysts must often adapt and prioritize in real time. If a flawed product is set to be released in five hours, quality assurance must ensure that every bug is unearthed, communicated to the proper team and, once fixed, rechecked to ensure it is correct. That means pressure, a fast pace and an often aggressive approach. Luckily, an interview or trial period with a company should allow plenty of time to demonstrate these abilities. Technical Experience Is a Plus, but Not Required While a degree in computer science or a related field is a plus for a technical QA opening, its not required. As opposed to other technic al positions like engineering or product design, quality assurance does not always require a computer science degree or certificate. All one needs is experience in quality assurance, even in an entry-level position like atester, combined with a basic understanding of a companys design and functionality. And once youre in the field, Spotifys Nitzan Blouin says theres plenty of room for growth QA is an actual career path, not just a way to get your foot in the door. One can grow from being a junior analyst all the way to a QA lead, from being a test automator to a quality engineer. Whether one is interested in growing their management skills, or technical expertise, there are a wealth of opportunities out there. For those seeking QA jobs, Switch is a smart job matchmaking app featuring lots of tech jobs. Yarden Tadmor is the companys CEO and founder, and the author of this post.

How to answer 5 of the toughest interview questions

How to answer 5 of the toughest bewerbungsvorstellungsgesprch questionsHow to answer 5 of the toughest interview questionsThe better prepared you are for each type of interviewer, the better your odds are at landing a new title and office environment thatll abflug your next lap around the sun on a positive foot.Though it might seem silly or redundant to go over each and every last question that could be thrown at you, practice does indeed make perfect, especially when it comes to practicing interview questions and answers. Sharing your response out loud in front of a mirror - or to a trusted mentor or pal - will ensure youre ready for anything.Anotzu sich way to sharpen your skills? Try to craft your own response to ansicht super-hard and super-tricky interview questions from real professionals who managed to nail em.Do you love to win or hate to lose, and why?All is fair in love and war? Better to have tried and lost than to never give it a go?The questions all land in the same ar ena, but when Alexa Garshofsky, a licensed real estate schlussverkaufperson for Triple Mint welches thrown this zinger, she was caught confused for a hot second.Looking for an inspiring way to start your day? Sign up forMorning MotivationIts our friendly Facebook ? that will send you a quick note every weekday morning to help you start strong. Sign up here by clicking Get StartedThe toughest aspect of the inquiry, she explained, was the lack of a so-called right answer. Whichever side you choose you have to be able to convey your argument in a quick and concise manner, which can be challenging, she said. Her approach was to illustrate her tenacity and dedication to creating the most optimal, successful results, making her someone who loves to go big.I went with what I felt would project me as the best candidate, especially in real estate. Companies want to know you are a closer and you will do whatever it takes to win, she explained. Her reasoning must have won their hearts, conside ring she landed the job.If I were a genie and could grant you three wishes in this next role, what would they be?While nearly everyone has been asked this question, its not a common one for job interviews, but rather, a sleepover favorite from high school or a first date curiosity.Thats why media and public affairs consultant Rhonda Craig says this interview experience was her hardest, especially since the rest of the asks before had been generic and straightforward. Even so, she didnt resist the curveball, and instead, went with it by laughing and buying herself some time by making references to her favorite movie, Aladdin.Once comfortable on the magic carpet ride experience, she replied with her career desires The opportunity to take full ownership of a project related to the role, to help the company close a deal on a massive company merger with a specific company, and for more wishes, naturally.In the end she was offered the position.Sell me this pen.Sometimes the trickiest ques tions of all arent questions, but rather, challenges that force you to think on the spot.As founder of the 9 to 5 Project, Neely Raffellini discovered when applying for a sales role, its important to be prepared for anything, even when you think the interview was over.This was asked at the end of a sales interview, when I was already exhausted Of course, no one is going to buy a pen unless they actually need it. Thats what made this question difficult. It was very abstract, she recalled. She kept her cool and decided to emphasize the art of her convincing by reminding a potential customer that if they were in the market for a pen, this one would be the best bet for their money.I quickly outlined the features - color, ink style, cost - versus other options. Then, asked if they would have any objections to purchasing this pen when they needed one. The most important thing was to ask for the business, she said.Her tactic worked, and she went on to sell for the organization for nearly four years.Tell me about yourself?When you took exams when you were in college, multiple choice answers were always preferred, since they at least give you a 25 to 50% shot at accuracy. Those open-ended paragraphs provided the most room for error, and the same goes for questions that force you to rattle off for a few sentences.For freelance writer and blogger Kerri Hill, an expected interview question actually proved to be hardest.The difficulty was that I didnt want to sound arrogant or narcissistic, however I wanted my future employer to know that I was extremely confident in myself, she said. Once she collected herself, she realized the answer wasnt in overanalyzing, but in candor. I answered honestly and confidently. I shared experiences that showed my eagerness to learn but how I persevered in difficult situations, she said.A few days later? She received and accepted the offer.How would you measure our marketing efforts in this role?As every impactful marketer understands, cam paigns are only worth their effort if they can be measured. Thats why so many employers are adamant about hiring employees who prioritize analytical guidelines and can effectively deliver reports, strategy advice, and creative visions to produce stronger results.While freelance marketing consultant Melanie Long wasnt surprised to be asked about how she would implement analytics when she was interviewing for a brand marketing position, she knew answering the question would be tricky. How come? It was nearly impossible to provide a genuine, accurate response without knowing the companys current practices.I needed to know what systems were already in place were they using email marketing? Social media? Before being able to give an actual recommendation, I had to know what was working, what wasnt and where they wanted to go, she said. Her solution was to answer a question with a question by inquiring about their current goal. From there she could give hypotheticals, but also illustrate her robust knowledge of this area from an honest place.Though Long was offered another opportunity she couldnt pass up and pulled herself out of the running at the third round of interviews, she felt her approach was the best one for the situation.More from LaddersThese companies let employees work from the comfort of their homesThese are the 15 highest-paying jobs in the nation, LinkedIn foundWatch out for this disturbing new trend in job interviews

1A1X1 - Flight Engineer - Air Force Enlisted Jobs

1A1X1 - Flight Engineer - Air Force Enlisted Jobs1A1X1 - Flight Engineer - Air Force Enlisted JobsThe Flight Engineer monitors all aircraft engine and control ordnungsprinzips during pre-flight, post-flight inspections and when flying. They must also be a jack of all trades when not at the home station and accomplish many of the aerospace maintenance, loadmaster and other functions that other Air Force specialists would normally do. Stressed Jobs List 2018-19 115 slots for the 1A111 flight engineer field are available for re-training programs. Specialty Summary. Performs aircraft visual inspections and in-flight duties. Operates and monitors engine and aircraft systems controls, panels, indicators and devices. Manages flight engineer functions and activities. Related DoD Occupational Subgroup 050.Duties and Responsibilities Performs aircraft inspections. Performs aircrew visual inspection non-scheduled aircraft maintenance and preflight, through-flight, and postflight inspections of aircraft away from home station. Maintains aircraft forms and records during flight and while aircraft is away from home station. Computes and applies aircraft weight, balance, and performance data. Computes hover, takeoff, climb, cruise, and landing data. Determines engine fuel consumption using airspeed, atmospheric data, charts, computer, or electronic calculator. Records aircraft performance data and aircraft system status for maintenance debrief and aircraft usage analysis. Operates and monitors engine and aircraft systems controls and indicators. Assists pilot or performs engine starts, and monitors run-up, flight operations, and engine shutdown. Operates engine controls to provide desired efficiency and economy. Monitors engine instruments throughout period of operation. Controls, monitors, and regulates some or all of the following aircraft systems, hydraulic, pneudraulic, fuel, electronic, air conditioning, pressurization ventilation auxiliary power unit and lubrication com munication, navigation, countermeasures, radar, and depressurization and system failure. Observes warning indicators and light for fire, overheat, depressurization, and system failure. Reports abnormal conditions to pilot, and recommends corrective action. Helicopter qualified personnel may be required to perform duties as aerial gunner, rescue hoist operator, hover coupler operator, fast rope and rope ladder deployment or recovery operator, scanner, and cargo sling operator. Plans and organizes flight engineer activities. Organizes flight engineering standardization, qualification, and other requirements of flight engineer logs, reports, and records for accuracy, completeness, format, and compliance with current directives. Coordinates with other agencies and organizations to conduct flight engineer activities. Directs flight engineer activities. Administers qualification flight to personnel engaged in flight engineer activities within flight test and operations organizations. Dir ects standardization of flight engineer performance in conjunction with aircraft performance engineering, engine conditioning, and preventive maintenance programs. Ensures conformance with prescribed aircrew procedures. Inspects and evaluates flight engineer activities. Evaluates individual and group performance in terms of effectiveness and qualification in using equipment and materials. Interprets and discusses evaluation findings, and recommends action to correct deficiencies. Performs technical flight engineer functions. Resolves technical problems encountered by operating units. Renders advice and technical assistance to agencies engaged in functions associated with flight engineer activities. Advises organizational commander or staff agencies on status of flight engineer activities and adequacy of equipment. Maintains qualification in aircraft. Specialty Qualifications Knowledge. Knowledge is mandatory of electrical, communication, navigation, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneuma tic systems applying to aircraft and related systems flight theory minor in-flight maintenance personal equipment and oxygen use aircraft emergency procedures and using and interpreting diagrams, schematics, aircraft performance charts, loading charts, technical publications and flight manuals. Education. For entry into this specialty, completion of high school with course in mechanics and mathematics is desirable. Training. Completion of the following training is mandatory for award of the AFSC indicated 1A131B. Completion of a helicopter flight engineer course. 1A131C. Completion of the basic flight engineer course. 1A151. Completion of an appropriate flying training course. Experience.The following experience is mandatory for award of the AFSC indicated (Note See Explanation of Air Force Specialty Codes). 1A151. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 1A131B/C. Also, experience is mandatory in functions such as aircraft and performance weight and balance computations, aircraft re cords maintenance, and aircraft systems maintenance and inspections. 1A171. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 1A151. Also, experience is mandatory in performing or supervising functions such as flight engineer activities. 1A191. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 1A171. Also, experience managing flight engineer functions and activities. Other.The following are mandatory as indicated Special NoteThis job used to be closed to new recruits, unless they already possessed a valid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Flight Engineer Certificate. However, the Air Force has changed this policy, effective sometime in January 2003. Thejob opportunityis now open to new recruits (1A131C only). Added note According to this article, from the Air Force News Service, the Air Force has stopped taking non-prior tafelgeschirr into this career field, regardless of shreadout, starting in November 2006. For entry, award, and retention of these AFSCs Physical qualification for aircrew duty acc ording toAFI 48-123,Medical Examination and Standards, Class III medical standards. Qualification for aviation service according toAFI 11-402, Aviation and Parachutist Service, Aeronautical Ratings and Badges. For award and retention of AFSC 1A131X/51X/71X/90/00, eligibility for a Secretsecurity clearanceaccording toAFI 31-501, Personnel Security Program Management. For 1A131C Prior qualification at the 5- or 7-skill level in the 1A0, 1A2, 1A5, 2AXXX, or 2M0 career field ladder, or possession of a valid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Flight Engineer certificate, FAA private pilot license, or valid FAA aircraft and power plant license or Aircraft Maintenance Technician license. Specialty ShredoutsSuffix Portion of AFS to Which RelatedB HelicopterC Performance Qualified Shredouts B and C are applicable to the 1- and 3-skill levels only. Deployment Rate for this AFSC Strength ReqK Physical ProfileXXX1XX CitizenshipYes RequiredAppitude Score 1A1X1B M-44 or E-33 (Changes to M-47 o r E-28 after 1 Jul 04) 1A1X1C G-55 (Changes to G-57 after 1 Jul 04) Technical Training Enlisted Aircrew Undergraduate Course, Lackland AFB, TX, 2 weeks, 3 daysCombat Survival Training Course, Fairchild AFB, WA, 17 days(Fixed Wing Flight Engineers) Water Survival-Parachuting Course,Pensacola NAS, FL,4 days(Helicopter Flight Engineers) Non-Parachuting Water Survival Course, Fairchild AFB, WA, 2 days.Basic Flight Engineer (BFE) Course, Lackland AFB, TX (about six months) Note This career field requires initial training at theEnlisted Aircrew Undergraduate Course. Additional Training Career Field Information.