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As an open source software testing framework, Selenium makes it easier for organizations to test a wide variety of websites and internet applications. Despite being a portable software testing framework, Selenium works seamlessly with major operating systems, web browsers, and programming languages. The testing professionals can use Selenium drivers to write test scripts in a number of programming.
The record/playback tool provided by Selenium, at the same time, enables them to author tests without learning any test scripting language. So an organization can use Selenium to effectuate the testing of websites and web applications. However, it is always important for the enterprises to hire the right Selenium testers by focusing on a number of important skills.
Important Skills to Focus on while Hiring a Selenium Tester
Understanding of Commonly Used Web Technologies: As noted earlier, Selenium can be used for testing a variety of browser-based applications. Nowadays, most internet applications are developed using HTML, HTML5, CSS, JavaScript, AJAX and XML. Also, web developers use agile methodologies to make the application more interactive and responsive. The testers can use Selenium to effectively run repeatable tests. But it will be easier for the testing professional to develop test automation, if he is familiar with the commonly used web technologies.
Programming Knowledge: The testers can use Selenium drivers to write test cases in several languages including Java, PHP, C#, Python and Ruby. The record/playback tool provided by Selenium further enables them to author test without learning any test scripting language. But the testers often have to build large test suites from scratch while testing large and complex web applications. Further, they have to define the architecture of the Selenium WebDriver tests. So it is always important to hire a Selenium tester who has experience in writing code in any of these programming languages.
Knowing How to Select the Right Selenium Tools: Each organization has option to use either Selenium IDE or Selenium WebDriver. But most enterprises opt for Selenium IDE if their testers do not know any programming or testing language. On the other hand, Selenium WebDriver enables testers to create browser-based regression automation, and distribute the script across multiple environments. So each tester must know how to pick the right Selenium tool to effectuate and speedup web browser automation.
Familiarity with Selenium Best Practices: It is also important to check if the tester is familiar with the best practices for automating web browsers using Selenium. For instance, to reduce test maintenance and reduce code duplication, most Selenium testers nowadays use Page Object Design Pattern. The design pattern makes it easier for testing professionals to keep the test code and page specific code separate. When the Selenium tester has already implemented such best practices, it will be easier for him to reduce the amount of time required to develop and maintain tests.
Level of Experience: Each organization wants to hire a QA professional who have experience in testing a variety of web applications using Selenium. So you must evaluate the candidate’s level of experience. At the same time, you also need to check the candidate’s domain knowledge and expertise. For instance, if you are developing web-based financial products, you must check if the Selenium tester has already tested similar application. The domain expertise is essential, along with experience, to effectuate the web application testing.
The interviewer must ask the testing professional a set of questions to ensure that he know how to use Selenium effectively to automate web browsers across different platform. However, the interview questionnaire will vary according to the candidate’s skill levels. For instance, the experienced Selenium testing professionals must have programming skills, in addition to adequate domain expertise. To get maximum benefits of testing, you may consider hiring services of a selenium web testing company.
We provide selenium automated testing services. If you would like to discuss with a certified selenium tester from our team, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.
