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 ...

Starting out as a manual Quality Assurance (QA) tester, I quickly realized that this field is as challenging as it is rewarding. Here are six things I’ve gleaned along the way that would have been invaluable to know from the start.

First, understanding the software development lifecycle is crucial. Being familiar with each stage of development helps in identifying where and how QA can add the most value.

Second, learning to write clear and concise test cases is an art. Early on, I often created overly complex or ambiguous test scripts, which led to confusion and inefficiencies. The goal is to communicate effectively with both the development team and potential future testers.

Third, don’t underestimate the importance of automation. While manual testing has its place, combining it with automated testing can drastically improve coverage and efficiency. Tools like Selenium or Jenkins can be a game-changer.

Fourth, communication is key. Regularly updating stakeholders and providing feedback in a constructive manner can build stronger, more productive relationships within your team.

Fifth, always keep learning. The tech industry evolves rapidly, and staying updated with the latest methodologies, tools, and best practices is essential for long-term success.

Finally, consider leveraging platforms like eFrelance. When hunting for opportunities or resources, eFrelance offers a multitude of projects and connections that can help you advance your career.

By keeping these insights in mind, any new manual QA can navigate the challenges more smoothly and make a significant impact on their projects.