QA Engineer Interview questions and answers | SDET Salaries

Education

Introduction

In this article, we will explore the salary ranges for QA engineers and cover some commonly asked interview questions based on recent experiences from students who participated in a QA boot camp. With the growing demand for QA and test automation engineers, understanding how to effectively communicate your skills and experiences during interviews is essential.

Salaries and Interview Questions

  1. Arizona - $ 55 an hour

    • Question: You've mentioned that you've increased test automation efficiency by 30%. How did you reach that number?
    • Response: This is a frequent question for candidates, especially when metrics are shared. You may explain that improving test automation efficiency could come from simplifying the login process or eliminating redundant tests. For instance, converting a UI login helper method into an API request can save substantial time.

  2. Dallas - $ 96,000

    • Questions:
      • How did you create a test automation framework from scratch?
      • Describe yourself in one word. What can you bring to us?
    • Response: Demonstrating your ability to build a framework and showing that you are a ‘challenger’ can be beneficial, highlighting your readiness to take on tasks and improve processes.

  3. Denver - $ 98,000

    • Question: What are some best practices for test automation frameworks? Describe any unique tactics you employ.
    • Response: Sharing innovative techniques, like utilizing direct database calls instead of UI interactions or reducing test execution times through better infrastructure, can impress interviewers.

  4. Los Angeles - $ 54 an hour

    • Question: What’s the difference between Cypress and Playwright test automation frameworks?
    • Response: Highlight their differences; for example, Cypress runs directly in the browser, making it fast, while Playwright uses asynchronous requests for flexibility.

  5. Chicago - $ 90,000

    • Question: What types of selectors do you use in test automation, and why?
    • Response: Discuss CSS selectors versus XPath, emphasizing the power of XPath when navigating parent elements.

  6. Atlanta - $ 95,000

    • Details: This student didn’t share specific interview questions but was able to secure an impressive salary.

  7. Texas - $ 155,000

    • Question: How do you handle flaky tests?
    • Response: Acknowledge that flaky tests are common and discuss strategies such as debugging, rerunning tests, or curtailing them as last resorts.

  8. Europe - $ 4,750 per month

    • Details: One candidate completed a complex assignment on automating CRUD operations, successfully impressing interviewers to secure a job offer with a 40% raise.

Throughout various job offers and experiences, it’s evident that understanding your contributions, articulating your abilities, and demonstrating knowledge of testing frameworks can significantly enhance your chances of landing a desirable position in the field of QA engineering.

Keywords

  • QA Engineer
  • Interview Questions
  • Test Automation Efficiency
  • Test Framework
  • Cypress
  • Playwright
  • Flaky Tests
  • Salaries
  • Job Offer

FAQ

Q: What is the average salary for a QA engineer?
A: Salaries for QA engineers vary widely by location and experience, ranging from $ 55 an hour to $ 155,000 annually.

Q: What are common questions asked during a QA interview?
A: Typical questions include those about increasing test automation efficiency, creating a test framework, and understanding different automation tools.

Q: How can I improve my chances of getting a QA job?
A: Demonstrating your unique contributions to past projects, showcasing your problem-solving skills, and preparing for technical questions can significantly improve your prospects.

Q: What is the difference between Cypress and Playwright?
A: Cypress runs directly in the browser, making it fast, while Playwright uses asynchronous requests, offering more configurability.

Q: How should I handle flaky tests?
A: Analyze the cause of the flakiness. If it cannot be resolved, consider rerunning the tests or temporarily disabling them to avoid impacting the overall test suite.