How To Hire a Test Automation Engineer
Complete with job descriptions, skill profiles, and interview templates. Use this Test Automation Engineer hiring guide to help you make the right decisions, fast.
Test Automation Engineer Recruitment Guide
What does a Test Automation Engineer do?
Test Automation Engineers use a whole suite of tools for many different applications in order to thoroughly test and verify software is performing its functionality correctly over a long period of time. Automation testing is extremely beneficial to ensure software operates the same through major upgrades. This practice allows for bugs to be picked up early and decreases the chance of human error which can happen easily through manual testing.
Day to day tasks of a Test Automation Engineer
- Revisit old tests and refactor them
- Analyze software designs to create plan test plans
- Use test automation tools to implement tests apart of test plans
- Stay up to date with test automation technologies and their advancements
- Clarify requirements with developers
- Document bugs that have been identified
Test Automation Engineer definition
Test Automation Engineers work within the QA arm of software development and use a plethora of tools to automate testing of software on a large scale to run tests on software.
HIRING PROCESS
Test Automation Engineer Hiring Process
Build the ideal candidate profile
Skills needed for a Test Automation Engineer
In order to be a Test Automation Engineer and for candidates to excel in this role, there are some prerequisite skills such as having a fundamental understanding of programming languages like Java and Python, knowledge and implementation of automation tools and fundamental knowledge of quality assurance.
- Communication
- Selenium
Pro Tip
Test Automation Engineer’s often like to work on certain products or fields of work, therefore, clearly outlining this information will mean you attract engineers who will excel for the role as they genuinely enjoy working on the particular project and assist the organisation improve it.
WRITE A JOB DESCRIPTION BASED ON SKILLS
How to write a Test Automation Engineer job description
Once you’ve determined the skills required for the role, you can write the job description to advertise for your position. Here’s what to include in your Test Automation Engineer job description:
Job Title: What position are you hiring for?
Summary: What makes your company unique? What would it be like to work for you?
Responsibilities: An overview of the role’s day-to-day activities, and how the position contributes to the organization
Requirements: Skills a candidate must have to perform the job successfully
Benefits: Details of compensation, benefits, and any perks on offer
Pro Tip
In building your candidate profile, remember you’ve already identified what skills are needed to succeed in the role. Here’s where to list your “must-have” skills and maybe a couple of “nice-to-have” skills. For example, Test Automation Engineers should know how to use a testing tool such as Cucumber as it is very powerful and widely used in the industry.
SELECTING THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
Sample skill tests for a Test Automation Engineer
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Question 1
Communication
Question Type: Audio
You are mentoring a new employee who would like to eventually become a Test Automation Engineer. They ask you when you should and should not automate tests. Record your response.
Question 2
Selenium - Javascript
Question Type: Code
Write some code to print the current tab’s website title in a javascript selenium driver.
Question 3
Selenium - Python
Question Type: Multiple Choice
What is the correct way to import the web driver for the chrome browser?
INTERVIEW TOP PERFORMERS
How to interview a Test Automation Engineer
Once your Vervoe skills assessment has surfaced the most qualified people for your open role, you can focus on interviewing these candidates. The interview should focus on any skills that require development that were highlighted from the skills assessment.
Now you know that candidates can do the job, the interview becomes more of a relationship building exercise where you can get to know the candidate on a more personal level, understand their motivations, and how they would fit in with the team.
Making An Offer
How much does it cost to hire a Test Automation Engineer?
The USA average salary for a Test Automation Engineer is $79,931 with ninety percent earning up to $94,846 and the lowest ten percent earning up to $60,030 according to Salary.com. Whereas, Payscale.com USA reports a slightly higher average salary as $72,172.
Test Automation Engineer Salary United States
Test Automation Engineer salaries in the United States range from $56,000 – $102,000 (USD). These engineers’ salaries in the U.S depend greatly on the superiority of the position and industry of the company.
Test Automation Engineer Salary United Kingdom
Test Automation Engineer salaries in the United Kingdom range from £30,000 – £59,000 (GBP). Test Automation Engineer salaries in the UK vary largely based on the skills of the individual, location and industry of the company.
Test Automation Engineer Salary Australia
Test Automation Engineer salaries in Australia range from $59,000 – $124,000 (AUD). Test Automation Engineer salaries usually depend on the type of industry the job is within as well as location and seniority.
