Hiring Software Test Engineers: A Conversation With Testvox CEO, Mr Pradeep

Software testing has steadily transformed from a quiet back-office role into one of the most respected and opportunity-rich careers in the tech world. Many still see it as a fallback option, something people “end up in,” but the reality today is completely different. Testing is a discipline that demands curiosity, sharp thinking, empathy for users, and an ever-growing set of technical skills. To give clarity to job seekers who are trying to break into this field, Testvox CEO Mr. Pradeep shares his honest views, shaped by years of hiring and mentoring testers.

If you’re a fresh graduate, someone switching careers, or simply trying to understand whether testing is right for you, this conversation offers something real, no sugarcoating, no sales pitch, just practical wisdom.

Do You Really Need a Software Testing Course Before Applying for Jobs?

One of the most common doubts beginners have is whether they must enroll in a formal testing course before applying for jobs. According to Mr. Pradeep, this belief comes mostly from a fear of starting, not from reality. He doesn’t believe it’s mandatory at all. Today, anyone can begin learning the fundamentals of testing from YouTube channels, blogs, or free online tutorials. These resources already give a decent understanding of test case creation, bug reporting, testing workflows, and application behaviour.

Courses from platforms like Udemy or Udacity can help structure your learning, especially if you want a guided introduction to manual testing. But they are not the deciding factor in whether you get a job. What matters far more is whether you can think analytically, observe details others miss, and articulate what should be improved. A course might give you vocabulary, but the curiosity and mindset needed for testing come from within, not from a certificate.

How Do You Know If You Have the Skill Required for Testing?

A lot of people underestimate how simple it is to test their own ability for software testing. Instead of waiting for someone to validate your skill, you can begin evaluating yourself using the apps you already use every day. Pick something familiar, Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, Swiggy, anything—and start exploring it with the intention of finding unexpected behaviours. Notice how buttons behave, how screens load, how error messages appear, how data moves from one page to another.

If you naturally start spotting odd behaviours, inconsistencies, confusing flows, or things that “just don’t feel right,” that’s already a strong sign. Testing is less about having a computer science degree and more about thinking critically and questioning everything. Mr. Pradeep also encourages beginners to join freelancing platforms and apply for tiny testing gigs, not because you’ll immediately earn money, but because it exposes you to real requirements. Even bidding for jobs helps you understand what clients ask for, what they expect, and how testers present their findings.

This kind of self-led exploration teaches you more about your abilities than any exam ever could. As he puts it, self-learning is one of the most underrated yet powerful ways to develop real testing skills.

How Important Is Programming Knowledge in Software Testing?

For years, people believed that testers didn’t need programming knowledge unless they wanted to move into automation. That belief has aged badly. The industry has changed drastically, and testing today is closely connected with DevOps practices, automation frameworks, pipeline integrations, and cloud-based ecosystems. This doesn’t mean that a beginner must be fluent in a programming language on day one. But it does mean that you cannot plan a long-term testing career without gradually building technical skills.

Mr. Pradeep explains that an entry-level tester can start with minimal programming knowledge, but they must set a timeline for mastering at least one language used in automation, whether it’s Python, Java, or JavaScript. Within six months to a year, a tester should ideally be comfortable writing simple scripts, understanding logic, and creating automated tests. Almost every modern testing environment integrates tools like Selenium, Jenkins, Docker, and CI/CD pipelines. Companies expect testers to adapt to this shift, not resist it.

Programming knowledge is no longer a luxury in software testing, it’s the foundation for growth, especially in an industry moving rapidly toward automation and DevOps-driven workflows.

Is an ISTQB Certification Important?

There’s always confusion around ISTQB certification. Some job seekers treat it like a mandatory qualification, while others dismiss it entirely. Mr. Pradeep offers a balanced perspective. If you’re just starting your career, especially as a fresher, ISTQB doesn’t carry much weight. Companies usually prioritize problem-solving skills, communication, and curiosity over theoretical certification.

However, as you progress, especially when you aim for senior roles or specialised testing positions, ISTQB can add value. It gives you a common language for testing concepts and helps you understand structured processes. Some companies do prefer certified testers, and in those cases, having the qualification can make the recruitment process smoother. At Testvox, if an employee needs ISTQB certification for internal or client-related requirements, the company helps them prepare and complete the exam.

But if you’re a beginner, don’t treat ISTQB as a barrier. Focus first on learning how to test well. The certification can come later.

What Is the Future of Software Testing?

The future of software testing is far more dynamic than it used to be. It isn’t confined to clicking buttons or checking if forms work properly. Testing is intertwined with business understanding, product design, user psychology, data analytics, cloud ecosystems, and automation. Testers who grow in the industry often find themselves working closely with developers, product managers, designers, and even business stakeholders.

Domain knowledge has become one of the strongest differentiators in the industry. When testers understand the domain, whether it’s fintech, travel, ecommerce, healthcare, or logistics, they bring far more value to a company. This deeper understanding eventually opens doors to roles such as QA Manager, Product Owner, Business Analyst, or Project Manager. Mr. Pradeep notes that some testers even grow into leadership and C-level positions because their testing background gives them a holistic understanding of both users and technology.

As long as technology evolves, testing will continue to evolve with it. And since every software must be validated, the demand for skilled testers is not going away anytime soon.

How Does Testvox Recruit Software Test Engineers?

Testvox follows a practical and skill-oriented hiring process. The company doesn’t chase flashy degrees or overly polished resumes. Instead, the focus is on whether a candidate thinks logically, communicates clearly, and shows a genuine willingness to learn. Freshers typically go through three interview rounds, starting with an aptitude and logical reasoning test. This helps evaluate how candidates approach problems rather than how many definitions they memorised.

The next step involves a written communication assessment because testers must be able to articulate bugs, write test cases, and communicate effectively with teams. Finally, the interview stage evaluates confidence, curiosity, and clarity of thought. For Testvox, the mindset of the candidate matters much more than past experience. A good tester is someone who enjoys asking why things work the way they do, who questions assumptions, and who naturally gravitates toward improving user experience.

This recruitment approach ensures that Testvox hires testers with potential, not just those who happen to know a few testing terms.

Conclusion

Building a career in software testing is not about collecting certificates or finishing crash courses. It’s about developing the ability to observe, analyse, question, and communicate. Testing thrives on curiosity, patience, and the willingness to look deeper than what appears on the surface. 

The insights shared by Mr. Pradeep reflect what the industry genuinely expects today: testers who think critically, adapt quickly, and understand not just how a product works, but how a user feels while using it. As the field expands into automation, DevOps, cloud technologies, and domain-driven product development, opportunities for testers will only grow. 

Anyone who is ready to learn continuously, engage with real applications, and build both technical and analytical skills will find testing to be a rewarding, stable, and evolving career path.