How to Get a Mobile Testing Job Fast – Mobile Testing Career Guide (Part 1)

In this article, we have provided a few tips on how to get a mobile testing job fast. This is an extensive mobile testing career guide for the benefit of our readers. 

Part 1: You Are Here: How to Get a Mobile Testing Job Fast
Part 2: Mobile Testing Interview Questions with Sample Mobile Testing Resume

There is a tremendous requirement for skilled software testers, especially mobile testers, in the future. This is really a no-brainer because the IT industry is still evolving and there is lots of room for more innovative software apps that will need to be tested.

The mobile industry too is no longer a minority as we can see that all software applications have their equivalent mobile apps too and hence we can say that the requirement for mobile and mobile application testers is also on an all time rise and will be in the days to come.

How To Get a Mobile Testing Job Fast

How to establish a successful mobile application testing career

How can we make the most of this situation and establish a successful career in Mobile testing jobs? – Let us examine the key skills required:

• Familiarity with mobile devices – A good understanding of mobile devices, their peripheral devices, networks etc. Also a passion towards gadgets like mobile, iPad or tablets can do wonders.
• Analytical skills – these help break down complex issues into smaller units for better understanding and treatment
• Technical skills – some of these might include-emulators, mobile automation tool knowledge, set up, MS office for writing test cases and creating test plans and understanding of the application

Mobile Testing Career Path

Career development as a mobile tester is very much similar to that of a software tester and it could look like below however this might differ from company to company and person to person.

QA/Mobile Tester (Fresher) à Test Analyst (2-3 year experience)à Senior Test Analyst (5-6 year experience> => Test Lead (7-09 experience)à Test Manager (10-11 experience)à Senior Test Manager (12+ experience)

There are a few certifications available in the market for mobile testing. The most prominent of these are the ones facilitated by IMTQN. International Mobile Testing Qualifications Network (IMTQN) is a Mobile Application Testing qualification certification organization that operates internationally.

• CMAP Mobile App Testing – Foundation Level – CMAP is foundation level international certification which is developed by iSQI.
• CMAP Certified Mobile App Professional – After getting certified at the foundation level, testers can opt for this course.

Skills Required for Mobile Testing Jobs

Here is a detailed skill list targeted towards a mobile testing or mobile app testing career:

• Certifications – Although they may or may not be perceived as mandatory, skill certifications such as CMAP Foundation level can do wonders.
• Enhanced knowledge of gadgets – Good understanding on most popular gadgets like iPhones, tablets and smartphones like Samsung galaxy, Sony xperia etc. Also, the different mobile environments such as iOS, Android etc.
• Testing knowledge – Understanding of SDLC, STLC, black box, white box testing, agile and waterfall methodologies are equally important when applying for mobile testing jobs.
• Mobile testing tools – Any experience with mobile testing tools is highly helpful and an advantage for your Mobile Testing career. MonkeyTalk is the world’s greatest mobile app testing tool. It can automate both iOS and Android apps. There are a few more Android automation application testing tools like Ranorex, Appium and UI Automator.

Here are a few humble links that can give you some basic reading material if you are an absolute beginner:

More Mobile Testing Tutorials:

1. Beginners Guide to Mobile App Testing
2. Top 5 Mobile Testing Challenges and Solutions
3. Top 5 Android application testing tools
4. Robotium tutorial

Once the skill acquisition is all complete and you feel ready to take on the job, we will have to ask ourselves the following question:

Where to find mobile application testing jobs

• Friends and references: Most effective but it’s a good idea to know the job description in detail before starting to apply.
• Mobile testing Job Portal: Apply through different job portals available like Monster.com, Indeed.com, CWJobs, Glassdoor, Naukri.com, TimesJobs.com, SimplyHired, Careerjet, freelance mobile testing jobs, etc.
• Social Networks: You can search for mobile testing jobs on social network sites like LinkedIn.
• Company websites: Apply through company’s websites -> in careers section

Bottom line is, the same rules that apply to searching for a regular QA job apply here too. For more information, please check out: 3 Most Effective Ways to Apply for Your Next Job

Mobile App Testing Tips

Tips and Tricks that will help prepare for testing mobile apps:

#1) Installation of the application on different operating systems

Android – To test the application on Android devices requires some initial setup on Go to settings from your device, click on applications and check the checkbox for unknown sources. This will allow the device to run non-market applications. These changes are necessary if we are not purchasing or installing the application from the Google Play market.

Android supports APK (Android Application Package) files, make sure your file format is .apk only. These files can be downloaded using a barcode, via Bluetooth transfer or email. etc. Download the application, click on it and accept the permissions. Once the app is installed on the device, launch it by clicking on the application. Generally, after a successful installation, the application shortcut gets created on the device screen.

iOS – Connect your Apple handset to your desktop. To test the application on Apple devices, you would require installing the application with an extension.ipa on your computer. Save the file in a convenient area on your PC. Go to iTunes and locate the file and open it. Make sure your connected mobile device is displayed on iTunes. You will be able to see it in the top right corner, select it from the sidebar. Go to the Apps section inside your mobile device and make sure the mobile app you drop in applications is there.

Finally, press the sync button from the bottom right corner and wait until your mobile app is installed. Unplug your device and open the mobile application on your device to verify if the application is installed successfully.

#2) Taking screen-print on mobile devices

Android – If your handset is above the Ice Cream Sandwich then screen-prints are built right into your phone. Simply press the volume down and power button at the same time and hold for a second. Devices will take a screen-print and will get saved in the gallery.

If your handset is below the Ice Cream Sandwich then the screen-print will not be built into your handset. You will require tools to take screen prints like no root screenshot. Install it on your device and PC. Connect your device to a computer and then you will be able to take screenshots easily.

iOS – Taking screen-prints with iOS devices is easy. Press the power button with the home button and hold it for a second. The screen will get captured. Now connect your device to iTunes and download the file on your machine and save it.

Further Reading => A Quick & Complete Guide for IBM Aspirants

#3) Testing on real environment

Real environment results are more accurate than emulator/simulator. The emulator will fail to test the user experience and their usability. Also, they won’t be able to test hardware, software and their infrastructure. It’s good practice if we run end to end scenarios on real devices to make sure users will not face problems with the application when using them in real time.

#4) Error Log Collector

Android – When an application crashes while testing, a log collector can be used to troubleshoot the crashing. This will collect the logs from the device and send it to the developer using methods like emails, messages, etc.
iOS – Logs can be found by syncing the device with iTunes on the computer. Locate the file, open it on your computer, and log the file name to start with the application name.

#5) Manual vs Automation

Automate tests that have unambiguous expected results and most frequently tested test cases. User interface should be tested manually. If functionality gets changed in the application or due to any new modifications the chances are high the script won’t work hence make sure the scripts are maintainable.

#6) Testing a web application on a mobile device

To test your application on all the necessary browsers, I would suggest that you install Safari, Firefox, Chrome and Opera and test the application on your mobile. With the help of an emulator you can test the application on your computer through the available online tools. Mobiletest is one of them; it is used to test the websites.

#7) Performance – While we focus mostly on functional testing of mobile applications, we cannot undermine the importance of performance being at par too. So this is yet another niche that mobile testing aspirants can explore and make a career out of.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Mobile device testing and Mobile application testing are wonderful career opportunities for the testing community.

In this article, we gave an overall outline of various topics ranging from mobile testing career introduction to certifications to tips to skills etc.

In our next article, we will discuss more on Mobile Testing Interview Questions and Answers. We will look at how we can gather the skills, create a resume & cover letter for mobile testing jobs. Also, the most commonly asked mobile testing interview questions will be a bonus.

Also, as always, we would love to hear your comments, questions and suggestions below. More importantly, if you have successfully made a career out of mobile application testing, please share your story in the comments section so that others can be inspired and benefit from your experience. We would love to hear from you.