What I Wish I Knew As a New Manual QA | 6 things I've learned working in software

Hi friends! Today’s video is a QA-focused conversation about six things I wish I knew back when I was starting out as a Manual QA. I’ve been working as a software tester for about two years now and it’s not a career I ever expected myself to end up in. Since more and more people ask me about QA, here’s a video going a bit more in-depth on what to expect!
#manualqa #softwaretesting
Sorry for disappearing for awhile there! Life has gotten very busy and I have lots of updates to share in an upcoming vlog, but just know I miss you all!
For business inquiries: [e-mail]
FAQ:
Did I get a certification/attend a bootcamp for QA?
No, my company hires manual QA as an entry level position and then provides the training.
Do I need to know code?
For my testing specifically, I do not need to know how to write code.
Am I manual or automation QA?
Manual
Hi friend! My name is Madeline and I’m a 26 year old who is passionate about intentionally creating a life I love living. I make videos about healthy habits, work-life, wellness, and intentional living. Making these videos helps me to appreciate the simple moments in life, and I hope they inspire you to do the same!
Music in this video:
Music by Mr Tav, Tuisku - Reborn - thmatc.co/?l=2...

[@bayrambarlas5384]

WHAT SHE HAS LEARNED. 1. Ask the question to the correct person. 2. There is no bug-free product. 3. Take the ownership and be patient. 4. Soft skills such as good communication is important. 5. Search and be able to express well what you find. 6. Good relationship in your team.

[@FlexyPeachy]

Not all heroes wear capes 😃

[@denissssss8579]

Why is communication important? I’m an introvert is this job for me?

[@bayrambarlas5384]

​@@denissssss8579 Effective communication is crucial for a QA Engineer's success. It enhances and supports team collaboration during the software development lifecycle, the QA engineers communicate with the stakeholders, business analysts, product managers, developers, and other shareholders to ensure that quality is prioritized.

[@David-ww2sg]

@@denissssss8579You don’t have to be an extrovert to be a good communicator. It’s a good skill for pretty much any job

[@user-to4wn]

@@denissssss8579 ye it can work out for u but dont scream when someone tries to talk to you :D

[@Poteluz]

Wow just read the description, your company let's you start as a manual QA as an entry level position and they train you themselves. That's a great company.

[@Erica0088]

What company is that?

[@sibongilebusisiwengwenya4683]

Hey, did you get any response or found the company?

[@emerald39]

You got to be white, young and attractive to work there and get opportunities like that. It's how the world works

[@wizzywoz1674]

I've been a Junior QA for almost a year now and I agree with all of your points. The thing about missing bugs - I remember the first time something came back because I had missed a bug and it genuinely gave me anxiety because I felt as if I'd failed. As times gone on I realise it's impossible to find every bug and as long as you have tested not only everything that you can think of, but also ask developers if there's anything else they can think of and over time you realise typical bugs that emerge. Also when it comes to working on new parts of the system it's useful to familiarise yourself with the functionality of the system before testing the change. To see how it functions because, it may seem obvious but if you're testing something you don't understand, you're not going to know what you're looking for. In the beginning it's easy to try rush and to try get tickets released and a huge lesson was to slow down, wait and ask questions yes be patient as mentioned.

[@venklisser]

You were one of the reasons why I got interested on learning QA fundamentals. You made all the technical terms much easier to understand. I got my first job as QA Analyst last January and I just wanna thank you for all the tips that you have shared in your other videos. You were a big part of where I am today and i'm just really glad that you started to upload more QA contents again. ❤

[@callummander]

So glad you managed to get your first job as QA. Welcome to the QA family! 😄

[@dovydasbalciunas5002]

I'll start learning tomorrow! How long it took for you guys to land a job?

[@jeffdavis8076]

How did you get your QA job and how did you do the resume or what platform you use ?

[@AncushcaGabriela]

You are such a breath of fresh air for me right now! In March I’m starting a new position as Manual QA and this video helps so much. I’m definitely going to rewatch it. Thank youuuuu!❤

[@oricardomiranda]

Your videos inspired me to become a QA, which I succeeded to do. Now that I got some experience I can say your opinion is really accurate. In the end it's an awesome job and teamwork is everything.

[@kimc6736]

i remember finding your videos before my QA internship. i recently finished it and joined the company i interned with as a manual QA so this video was helpful :) i have catching up to do with your other videos

[@samuelmarcin2355]

Welcome back to QA world! 😊 I work as a QA Analyst myself and I enjoy watching your vlogs because I can relate. These are also very helpful for people looking to get into this unique profession 🙂

[@veronicakoskei8605]

Samuel, can you help to give me tricks on how to get my 1st job as a trainee/junior role in QA? 😊

[@omachivictor]

Thank you vey much Madeline 🤩. Really glad to see you're enjoying it. Been in QA for 2 years, but getting a job can be hard.

[@NikNik0123]

Thank you! I’m in a program right now to become a Manual QA. These vids mean a lot! AND with all the tech layoffs happening right now, it’s brings me a lot of peace to see an MQA working & still employed.

[@MadelineElaineYT]

Good luck in your program! The tech layoffs are scary, but web development isn’t going away anytime soon💛

[@NikNik0123]

@@MadelineElaineYT I think you’re right…thanks Madeline!☺️

[@dallen-ex2oh]

Any recommendations for a bootcamp?

[@akankshas8291]

Love your content. Specially the QA videos because I'm a QA Engineer myself. You're doing really well both on KZbin and career wise. 🧡

[@daniel523]

I find this list to resonate a lot... Your first videos helped me decide to look for a job as a Manual QA. After working as a QA Tester for a year and a half now I'm starting as QA Test Lead and everything that you mentioned is something I stumbled upon at one point or another. Many thanks for your content Madeline.

[@TechCoachRalph]

Great insight. You sound like you've been doing this job for 5+ years. I can definitely see you transitioning into a QA Engineering as well as roles in leadership whether from individual contributor or managerial roles. Keep up the great work!

[@ellbcn]

Glad to see another video!

[@MadelineElaineYT]

Awe thank you friend!😊

[@callummander]

I love this video! So helpful to new software testers. I am a QA engineer / software tester working in tech and also make videos helping new QA testers. I first found your videos searching on KZbin and found it so helpful and accurate. Even though you have stopped QA for now, I still find your videos so nice to watch!

[@surendj721]

this is what I have been looking for dear. As a QA intern who started a career just before 1 month, this is very helpful to me. Wish you all the best for your journey

[@coxmommyof2]

Hi Madeline! I had responded to one of your videos a couple of years ago when you had first started QA and so had I. Everything you said in this video it very accurate. I’m still learning and it isn’t always easy and I still feel like I’m lost some days but I’m getting there. Glad to see you went back

[@louisalbertrivera9037]

Thanks for sharing, Comms is really important and1st skill i realize that i have to improve too as qa.

[@ssj4cap]

Thanks for sharing your journey Madeline. I also work in Software Testing. I've been doing it for a while but it was not the job I always wanted. However, it does check a lot of boxes for me and there's a certain flexibility that comes with it which as a package is where I see myself fit best. I found your channel originally during your first stint at QA. It's interesting to see you come back. Like you mentioned in an earlier video, perspective can change after trying other things out. I thought about leaving this field several times, but thankfully changes came organically for me and it helped in things not getting too stagnant. Nothing last forever though so it does help to explore different options along the way. You may pick those up later in life when you're more ready for them. Hope this new chapter in QA gives you more of what you're looking for. I still believe in general it's good to work to live and not live to work. Good luck!

[@byronmayhewmusic2166]

Very well explained! I appreciate how you broke this down SO much

[@JesseA1221]

Have you thought about automation testing and learning to code? I am in a coding bootcamp now and contemplating a career change. QA is consistently something I keep considering. Appreciate your videos!

[@1VIPWRX]

Which bootcamp ?

[@SvobodovaEva]

Automation and coding is pretty much required for a QA/tester if you want to advance beyond a junior.

[@MadelineElaineYT]

Glad you like the videos! I could see myself getting more into learning code…a lot to learn but definitely great skills to have 😊

[@dt3583]

@@SvobodovaEvaThere are plenty of senior manual QA testers or even team leads, but coding will get you a nice bump in pay.

[@mindxcircus]

Whoa, nice to see someone who is going through quite the same thing as I am now, from front end web dev to Software Testing field. I was frustrated with not being good at Js... it takes my confidence away, then this ST field keeps popping up like a sign! Even at a career fair I went to. So I am considering to do ISTQB.. studying ST now on Udemy course first. All the best to you!

[@daryamychkovska5193]

I am so glad I found your channel, Madeline 🤩Thank you for your videos, they are inspiring and really helpful.

[@k9936-b8v]

I applaud you for doing a great job as a Manual QA.

[@jnextdoor]

Currently going through my QA bootcamp, super excited to get into the market soon! This video was helpful!! Definitely was thinking developers were gonna be scary 😆

[@dallen-ex2oh]

Can you recommend the boot camp you are attending? What's the name and is it flexible for working ppl?

[@jakano80]

​@@dallen-ex2ohezay tech from NJ

[@OffGridAbi]

How’s the bootcamp going?

[@jnextdoor]

@@OffGridAbi I’m currently employed as a QA so the bootcamp went well!

[@jnextdoor]

@@dallen-ex2oh careerist or tripple10

[@bekchik]

Can't wait to get into manual QA, I am also studying Python myself to give myself an edge

[@KittenOfDoom]

Absolutely loved these and totally agree! I'm also in manual QA in games

[@bandzzz3751]

Can you find a job without a bachelors degree ??

[@Amantis1]

I'm an IT Technician that wants to pivot into QA for gaming. Watching some of your content has inspired me to start an internship for software testing an application. Thanks for sharing with us Madeline.

[@nathanwebb4752]

Madeline, thank you! I'm pursuing a career in QA now and this is very helpful. How did you get your first job without any experience?

[@callummander]

Such a good question. Getting the first job is the hardest but keep going. These types of videos give such good information on the topic of QA and all of us who are QA testers are here to help! You got this 😇💯

[@MADpack]

I love your video I applied for one position where they give an apprenticeship.. I’m still not accepted for the job but to give me more reinsurance so thank you for that

[@teamminimus2222]

Happy you’re back 🎉😊

[@MadelineElaineYT]

Thanks friend!😊💛

[@ArtimeSophiaShop]

Thank you so much for this video, I love your personallity 🥰✨️

[@quriusangel]

I'm just about the enroll for this Course, but needed a sign! I will come back in 6 months or so.

[@mariaj_95.]

Hola mady, I'm also a started QA, I was feeling so bad about my job.. always comparing what I do with the dev team on that standup meetings.. but this video I found jut today got me going with extra happinness.. I'm not the only one feeling it. I want to start a blog as weell so I can help other with this QA tips. Also, I have a quick question... is a good practice to update all the test cases andmaybe delete ones that are not longer usefull or well written? I also found a job that's on my second lenguage so I'm seeing I made a lot of mistakes starting. If anyone want to aswer as well I'm needing help with that haha

[@bokki90]

Hi i started my QA school recently , never bin in tech before everything look so scary 😅 but your video are inspiring and thank you for doing this 😊

[@brigh12]

Feeling like I am making peoples lives harder can be so difficult for me. Luckily most Devs actually aren’t upset when I find a ton of errors. But I have worked with some super aggressive devs who will get pretty mad at me.

[@jorgecarreno1372]

I´m watching this taking my breakfast in my QA job and I love it!. I was wondering Why did you quit your job and then come back after 6 months? by the way, I love your content, it makes me relaxed

[@BeComingNyrell]

software tester, manual qa, qa tester, qa analyst- can you do a video of whats the difference, or which terms are interchangeable for which?

[@violatsenkova8401]

Thank you. That's so helpful.😊

[@ibukunoluwadawodu1019]

I just noticed your channel because I'm on a journey of transitioning as a QA engineer. How did you get your first job with no experience as a manual QA?

[@alisaaliska2082]

Thanks for Qa content...it's very interesting for beginners like me👍...

[@MadelineElaineYT]

I’m so glad!😊 thanks for watching!

[@mansoor3159]

Hey! Madeline today is my birthday and I love your vlogs so so much you are my inspiration and I wish you reach 9K Subscribers very very soon!💕💫😭

[@MadelineElaineYT]

Omg happy birthday!! Thanks so much friend!😊💛

[@mansoor3159]

@@MadelineElaineYT give me heart comment 😭

[@aleyahogiste84]

That’s awesome of your job to hire entry level and also train you! I’m also looking for a Manual QA position currently and I would love to touch base with you (through DMs) maybe 😌 I enjoyed watching this video 👏🏾

[@YinkaAdeyeni-vg7ze]

See brilliance, ownership is a big word to use, but I'd use responsibilty

[@ramseynoah4404]

Very helpful video, thank you :)

[@chromatica-f2z]

Hi, Madeline! I’m one of those who want to get into QA field but I dont know how or where to start my journey. Do you have any learning strategy or roadmaps to be a QA? Like what topics should I learn that would really help me land a job? And how much of it should I learn? I hope you’ll notice me. Your response is going to be a great help for sure. Regards! ❤

[@jeffdavis8076]

What company you work for ? As you mention they hire entry level also where did you learn to work with certain software?

[@juliasapego2398]

Hi, Madeline, I'm also a QA engineer and while watching this video I've agreed on all of the 6 things, great job! I would add that, in my opinion, the documentation is really important and asking the RIGHT questions is crucial sometimes. Actually, I'm moving to the USA this summer and if you have any advice about best practice how to look for a QA job there, can you reply or maybe even make a video about it? 😇

[@lewislyles1064]

I've been trying to get into cyber security first but I found that it wasn't going to work for me so now I'm getting into QA and I'm doing well in the course. Can't wait to get my first role!

[@veronicakoskei8605]

Same here, but its really hard get the 1st junior role, can someone help me😢

[@lewislyles1064]

@@veronicakoskei8605 Look up RoadtoQA by Jennifer Gaddis. If interested

[@kymbriellemartin207]

Would you stay in that position or would you eventually move up the ladder or maybe even go another direction in the "tech" imdustry as you're learning? Also, how much coding did you have to learn? esp. being that you have to wear a few different hats

[@niawingard9895]

This is everything I learned and couldn’t articulate.

[@oxanabryant8161]

Great advices . Great personality 🌹

[@MadelineElaineYT]

Awe thank you!😊

[@brat2626]

thanks, good luck

[@taqiyasirazad1831]

Hi Mediline,, I like your videos about QA career. If you can share your experience how you get into this field in the very beginning even though you are not FROM IT background it will be more helpful for me. Thank you

[@FinPro25]

Hey Madeline, I wanted to ask, how can I get a job in the role. Been applying for up to 20 job applications every day and no luck in gaining interviews! Can you please give me some advice if you can?

[@preciselyavri7944]

Hello I was looking in your old videos to find the answer but where did you go to school or bootcamp courses etc in order to gain your skills to land your position in Manual QA? Im seeing sooooo many different camps and courses all the above and im just like where in the heck do i start?? Im coming from a Medical background

[@Moe_AA]

Do you recommend any online bootcamps to lean manual qa with? Thank you!

[@InfoLunix]

Great video! I have 3 years of experience as manual QA. What's the name of the company you work for? Please.

[@SvobodovaEva]

I applied for a manual tester role but was hired for a CX role in the end and I’ve only been there for 3 weeks but I would say pretty much all of these are true for any junior position in IT.

[@NikNik0123]

Did you go to a boot camp?

[@SvobodovaEva]

@@NikNik0123 Yes, I did a bootcamp on Data Analysis and another one for manual testing. I also have a background in research and data analysis from university.

[@sadya1004]

I’m currently looking for a manual QA job it’s been so hard. I’m currently applying and nothing no response.

[@kimflowers6786]

Greetings Madeline, thank you for all of your information. What company do you work for and do they have locations in Chicago? I would love to work for a company that offers training. Thank you!!!!😍😍

[@zovirax2012]

Interesting video ❤

[@Isadorafiurstisa]

Awesome👏👩‍💻🤩

[@paigenealer8778]

How did you find your job? Everything listed as 'entry level' that I am finding either requires a degree in software or 5+ years experience.

[@JPGENARI]

What to do when the PMs are not organized, and in every single project they have missing details when sharing with, they make mistakes all the time. And, everything ends up with you, you catch 15 errors, one, slips and you get all the blame. So, acting as QA can be a hell of job.

[@Lisa-mi9bj]

How much of your time do you spend on writing test cases? Is that a big part of your day-to-day?

[@Ivanzter]

Yes, testing and creating test cases

[@Iliketogotolunch46]

Hey Madeline, I recently got the Foundation Level certificate from ISTQB and used a course on Udemy. I didn't do a bootcamp or anything like that. I have been having trouble applying for jobs. Even entry level courses require some experience and a recruiter told me to start by going to project manager or data analyst jobs and even those require some experience. I am feeling a little discouraged. Do you have any advice?

[@veronicakoskei8605]

Gulperi, You are not alone in this, damn i did the same i have an ISTQB certification did a boot camp in Udemy, and it's very hard to get even an intern role to have the experience. I've applied for a lot of jobs, but sadly they want people with experienc. Thee feeling is mutual i feel very discouraged. I had to look for another job since i was trying to do a career transition, i have other experience for other jobs justoro support myself.

[@panTadzik]

cool vid,thx

[@unknwn122]

Hey guys im gonna pass the istqb certification and im totally beginner what i wanna know, is it hard to find a job as a beginner?!

[@vegeta2317]

Found this video by looking for warframe, and instead of typing wa I typed qa and accidentally pressed search

[@nyb_ok]

Any remote manual qa job openings?

[@Stardusttttttttttttt]

Now am a software developer but i wish to change my filed to tester. Is there an opportunity for automation tester? Can i get job soon in this field?

[@KhensaniNotiso]

Which institutions can I learn software testing?

[@jasn6501]

⭐️❤️👊🏽

[@Ivanzter]

Do you do resume checks?

[@jennybaquero443]

Hey! Do you think QA manual is going to be in demand in the next years? Do you think this is a good career still?

[@sedasen9584]

Hi Madeline, could you tell me please how much SQL do you use in your current QA Manuel testing job? Or is there anybody else here to answer this question? Because SQL is kind of coding and hard to learn for me. I am just wondering that how SQL is effectively used in manual QA job.

[@mindxcircus]

Hey I am not yet a QA (but currently studying on Udemy, research and thinking to do a career change from front end web dev), from my research it seems that SQL is mostly used to log your defects and bugs report? And that's most of its usage in QA from what I know (and again this is from research), but you should also consider learning Jira.. there's no coding, it's a software to report your bugs/defects to the entire team. And I see it popping up kn job requirements for QA a lot of times besides Selenium. Hope that sheds some light. But SQL is straightforward word as command type of language, not like say Javascript/HTML.. I believe you can do it.. 😊 Good luck!

[@GracyIma]

Please how do we get manual QA job?

[@jessikatme]

Do your company need another entry level Manual QA? I need a job and I was in a QA for website position in an Agency

[@MonkeyMind123]

is any vacancies available for manual testing?please help

[@Netryon]

Just a somebody role to explain bullshit having no results then asked on a google or in any search input "QA". May have used to doing explaining homework, but it does not have any results as software developer or PHP or C#. Not sure is there anything you work with as your tools, but yeah you can't show them. 3:41 you don't want to click that or have it installed as root 755 or knox permissions sudo su.

[@seekerofsense]

are you going to switch to automation some day?

[@MadelineElaineYT]

If I’m in this field long term then most likely!

[@AS-vd2nm]

I got laid off this month and am looking for a QA position. If any QAs out here have openings in their company can you please post them here (or send me a message?). I have experience in both manual and automation testing. That will mean a lot to me I am okay working remotely. Thanks!🙏

[@elp3122]

Have you had any luck yet? 🙂

[@brightobika7957]

​@@elp3122Hi, I'm an experienced manual QA software tester and I'm open for a remote job.

[@ringmast3r801]

May I ask what company you work for?

[@susiemedearis5891]

Do i need a degree or do i need certifications?

[@Top5Mov]

Soon I need to pass ISTQB exam, I'm 40+ and scared )))))

[@NikNik0123]

Faith over fear❣️ And what is ISTQB?

[@Top5Mov]

@@NikNik0123 ISTQB® is the leading global certification scheme in the field of software testing International Software Testing Qualifications Board

[@Top5Mov]

@@NikNik0123 Yes, I need to have faith in myself, thank you!

[@teamminimus2222]

I know how you feel! I passed 4 months ago for istqb foundation and was anxious too! surprisingly I passed 80% due to the help of mock exams, I did them over and over again and got familiar with the questions, also I red the syllabus twice including the glossary 📚 I really recommend doing this as a good preparation and also there is a youtube channel with explanation from TM Square, good luck!

[@daryamychkovska5193]

@@teamminimus2222 Could you please share the link to this channel or write its name? Thank you in advance!

[@rukshanaakthar6512]

Qa is so hard 😭😭😭

[@reinsphoenix]

are you an intern?

[@chriswaller8780]

The music overpowers the voice, I can't hear what you're saying. I came here for guidance and advice. Not music.

[@mts.almeida7]

Actually, the music works perfectly