In this article, you will learn how to answer Team Playing and Leadership related interview questions for the Test Lead position. This is part 2 of our Test Lead interview questions series. Let’s get started.
Make sure to read the first part here, where we have answered 6 Most Common QA Test Lead/Manager Interview Questions.
Table of Contents:
Team Playing and Leadership Interview Related Questions
Before we look at the actual questions in this section, let’s talk about what kinds of attributes are preferred when it comes to QA lead’s team playing and leadership skills.
#1) Being hands on – it is crucial for you as a lead to participate and become one of the team members for effective working of the project. This will ensure that the team trusts you and invests in your opinions/decisions. Also, it becomes an easier decision-making process for you as you are not relying on anyone else’s judgement or suggestions.
#2) Mentorship – There is no better way of learning than learning from examples. The team lead is the one who sets the example. All companies want to hire a mentor who not only excels at leading the team but also works towards creating more leaders.
#3) Superior functional/technical knowledge and expertise– we already talked about this in the previous article. There is really no escaping experience and knowledge – be the best at what you do, think along the lines of future trends, implement new practices, measure success and start all over again. Get certified, if necessary. Check out the following articles for more information on QA certifications:
Now that we understand what is required of us, let’s move on to some sample questions that could be asked.
8 Sample Team Playing and Leadership Interview Questions
Q #1. Do you write test cases?
The answer to this question should always be a resounding “Yes”. Test leads are testers too. Even though they take on additional responsibility of guiding and leading the team, they still do most activities that testers do.
Also read => Writing test cases from SRS
Q #2. How do you resolve team member issues?
This should be done in an informal manner first. Ask each individual out for coffee and listen to each side of the issue. If it’s a simple misunderstanding, ask them to resolve it within themselves mutually. If need be, call for a meeting and talk to them without letting things escalate. You should not let things impact work. However, if they start to affect the project, give a warning and if necessary, escalate to human resources as a last resort.
Also read:
- How to build a successful QA team
- How to Form an Effective Test Team
- How to Build and Grow Your QA Team
Q #3. How do you provide feedback to a team member who isn’t doing very well?
First and foremost, set guidelines for all team members and keep them informed of what is expected of them and in what time frame. In short, define the parameters of success. For example, if it’s a new team member, let them know what you expect from them:
- What module will they be working on?
- Timelines
- Deliverables
- Formats of deliverables
- Updating/managing work on tools (such as QC, Rally, JIRA, etc.)
- Timesheets and so on.
Set a period of time after which to evaluate, such as a month or so. Once done, collect the statistics-
- How many times has the timesheet not been filled?
- Negative review comments received on work
- Deliverables not being done on time etc.
Based on the statistics, if the performance isn’t satisfactory, follow the steps given below:
- Discuss the results with the team member
- Seek approval or confirmation that they understand what hasn’t been working
- Set up a new plan, new attributes of success and a new performance review timeline
- Think of measures to fix it or provide help
Q #4. How do you handle the induction of new team members? OR What do you do to train new team members?
- Set aside time for knowledge transfer and orientation
- Share all the information regarding who to get in touch with in case of questions regarding different areas of the system and their email addresses or physical introductions (For example: BA, networking team, tool admins, help desk, Dev team etc.)
- Provide tool accesses
- Share documentation, templates, previous artifacts, test plans, test cases, etc
- Share expectations in terms of their performance (refer to the answer to questions number: 3)
- When possible, assign a team member to work closely with them for a brief amount of time
- Keep channels of communication open to stay in touch and understand their progress
Q #5. What is your involvement in reviewing test cases, defects and status reports?
It is very easy to say that you check each and every document that is created. However, that might not always be seen as a positive thing. Team leads have to establish a process so that they can run teams efficiently, therefore make sure that you make your teams “self-sustaining” with minimum hand-holding.
This would be my answer
I am involved in test case reviews just like any other team member. We do periodic peer reviews. I do not review everyone’s work; however we review each other’s work. There are very strict processes established before this process begins so all of us can share work and make sure this goes on smoothly.
I have re-checked all the defects to make sure they are valid, not duplicates and complete in their description. This is more of a task at the beginning of the test cycle, however as we get more into testing, this step reduces as the teams get more comfortable with the process and can do it effectively. All the status reports are then consolidated and sent by me as this is the team lead’s responsibility as per the company’s process.
Also read = > How to Perform Test Documentation Reviews in 6 Simple Steps
Q #6. How do you analyze risks and overcome them?
Risk analysis is a mandatory activity for every test plan stage. In the later stages, in case there is not enough time or any other unfavourable situations arise, we do another round of risk analysis.
For details, samples and information – check out the articles below:
- FMEA – Failure mode and effect analysis
- Test Plan Risk Management
- Test design/execution risk management
Q #7. What kind of guidance have your team members sought from you and how did you help?
This is a personal experience based question. Some things that you can highlight in this area are given here:
- If you have helped a team member schedule some time off due to their personal situations
- Helped technically
- Provided professional guidance
- Suggested certification
- Recommended them for organization wide recognition
- Send an appreciation email for a job well done
I am sure we all try our best to achieve the best synergy, so I am sure you have more than one instance where you were a positive influence to someone. Be sure to have a story up your sleeve for an interview.
Q.8. What do you consider before hiring or firing?
As of now, not all test leads might be involved in this. So, if you have never done this, say so. Generally for hiring, technical knowledge, positive attitude, and effective communication etc. are critical. Firing is more reserved for misdemeanour, embezzlement, etc. Common mistakes can be fixed.
Also read => How to hire the right candidates for software testing positions?
Conclusion
Even though, the list given in this article is not along the lines of “100 most common questions” or a “Question bank” we believe it is comprehensive and target oriented.
Our 2 articles in this series can really work wonders for a successful QA lead interview.
Please share your experience and feedback in the comments section below. We would love to hear from you.
excellent post!! could be more rejoice if you can include client interactions and time escalations management and improving the team effort according to the requirement gaps.
Kindly post interview question for 3 + manual testing
Q #1. Do you write test cases?
The answer always should be a resounding “Yes”. Test leads are testers too. They just take on additional responsibility of guiding and leading the team, but they still do most activities that testers do.
The ANSWER could be “maybe”…maybe we write test cases maybe we don’t..however the point that Test Leads maybe hands on is valid. Writing an artifact such as a test case does not mean that the test lead is, er, testing so there is no resounding yes in this case.
very good answwrs. keep up the good work
Very good points which we do in daily life but sometimes does not notice that well.
very good answwrs. keep up the good work
As ‘contingency’ part really as part of project plan ,then should take care by Test manger or Project manager role only,
not by test lead, but lead just can give inputs to the project plan preparation when it comes to contingency section(that too for QA related data), please correct me on this if I would wrong.
@anyone?