Keeping Up with the Times

Yesterday I conducted two phone screens seeking Senior Quality Assurance experts for a 6-month contract.  They were both great candidates with traditional testing skills and passion.   I am not responsible for hiring these individuals but to offer my assessment.  My conclusion was that they have the skills necessary to do the job.

Here is what alarms me.

• Neither one has recently read a Testing Book
• Neither one follows testing blogs
• Neither one ever heard of SBTM or RST
• Neither one seemed to participate in local testing community or meet-ups
• Neither could write code
• Both assumed documentation exists
• Both assumed there were people available to help them

So I have a one-word message to all testers around the globe.

Participate!

We have a thriving and pioneering global testing community.  We need everyone to continuously improve our craft by being involved in the learning.

Is my perspective misguided or would you agree?

Happy Testing!