Are you getting ready to apply for an SDET job at your dream company?
Also known as a software development engineer in test, this role is ideal for people who have strong technical skills. While this was once a fairly unique specialization, it is quickly becoming one of the most popular IT roles. The downside of this is that there are likely to be a lot of people applying for that choice role.
Therefore, you need to take the time to present your specialist skills when applying for a role.
Let’s take a look at a day in the life of an SDET, and ways to make your resume shine.
SDET Job Description
A typical job description for an SDET role should begin with an overview of the company. This will probably include details of the software and hardware that the company utilizes in its operations. There should also be information on the general working environment, type of contract, and the base salary.
The duties that go along with this role should also be clearly outlined in the job description. There should be full details of the education and experience requirements that candidates need to meet, as well as information on the skills and other attributes that the perfect candidate should possess.
The Working Environment
This work typically takes place in the IT department of a large organization. Although you may spend much of your time working alone, you may also work as part of a team. It is important to be able to collaborate with other professionals so that projects go smoothly.
Some SDET professionals also work from home, at least part of the time. However, it is often necessary to conduct meetings with clients to discuss the details of new projects. This can either be done in person or via video conferencing.
Typical Duties And Responsibilities
When applying for an SDET role, you need to prove that you have the right experience and skills. The best way to do this is to highlight your experience with the main duties and responsibilities. Here are the main duties that SDET professionals are likely to perform regularly.
Setting-up test automation frameworks
This is one of the most common and important duties of this type of role. It involves setting up, maintaining, and performing test automation frameworks. You need to be able to do this on a wide range of mobile and web platforms.
Customizing software and hardware
You will be charged with designing special software and hardware for your organization and its clients. It is important to understand the specific needs of clients and keep them firmly in mind at all times. In many cases, you may also be charged with adapting and upgrading the existing software and hardware.
Executing system upgrades
When software and hardware need to be upgraded, you need to be able to execute it smoothly. This is likely to include the organization’s middleware and any application programs that run on the system. While executing these updates, you need to make sure that they are correctly deployed and function properly.
Debugging errors
When errors occur with systems, you need to be able to work out the cause of the error quickly. This involves running a series of tests and analyzing data to determine the outcome. After analyzing all of the relevant information, you then need to create the perfect solution to solve it.
SDET Job Description – Valuable Skills And Attributes
When scanning your resume, the hiring manager will have a clear vision of the role and the required skills. You need to show that you have the necessary skills to perform your duties well. Let’s take a look at the main skills a successful SDET professional should possess.
Extensive code knowledge
It is essential to have flawless code knowledge to do this job well. You also need to have a deep understanding of how code works with various other components.
Project management skills
If you are applying for an advanced role, you are likely to be charged with managing and leading projects. You need to have a deep understanding of the client demands as well as the product objectives. This will allow you to create executable and practical test cases.
Task management
When working on projects for clients, it is important to make sure they are completed before the deadline. You also need to keep the budget of the client firmly in mind at all times. Skills that go with task management include planning, assessment, and communication.
Communication skills
It is important to be able to explain complex information clearly both verbally and in writing. You will often be charged with creating technical reports, which need to be as clear and simple as possible. You also need to have technical communication skills to work well as part of a team.
Organization skills
This role involves working with huge amounts of data and juggling a number of different tasks. It is essential to be able to manage your workload so that you remain highly productive. Hiring managers are sure to appreciate seeing this skill on your resume.
Leadership skills
This is an important skill to highlight if you are applying for an advanced SDET role. It shows the hiring manager that you are comfortable leading a team and delegating tasks. It is a good idea to provide direct examples that highlight your strong leadership skills.
Teamwork
You are likely to collaborate with different IT professionals when working on different projects. It is essential to be able to work well as part of a team and recognize the expertise of each member. When conflicts arise, you need to be able to resolve them quickly and smoothly.
Education And Experience
You need to hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science or an equivalent field to work as an SDET professional. It is also necessary to complete some form of in-depth SDET training to secure a role. If you are applying for an advanced position, employers may request a certain amount of work experience.
Top SDET Certifications
Gaining special certification is the best way to show hiring managers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge. Gaining certification usually involves completing a special program and passing a test. Here are some of the most valuable certifications for SDET professionals.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional
This independent information security certification is granted by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium. This in-depth program takes eight weeks to complete and covers elements like asset security, software development security, and communications and network security.
It is necessary to have at least five years of full-time security work experience to gain this professional certification.
Certified Information Security Manager
The ISACA offers this certification, which is ideal for people who have their sights set on a managerial role. After gaining five years of work experience, it is necessary to sit and pass a special exam. The exam covers information security management, information security incident management, information security program development and management, and information risk management and compliance.
Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect
This certification is useful for anyone who works in IT and especially those who want to work for Microsoft. To become certified as an expert in Microsoft Azure, you need to sit and pass two separate exams. This confirms your expertise in design monitoring, design business continuity, implementing and managing data platforms, and numerous other areas.
Certified Cloud Security Professional
This certification confirms your expertise in working with the cloud and is open to experienced IT professionals. Gaining this certification shows that you have specialist technical skills and gives you access to advanced IT roles. It is necessary to sit and pass a six-part exam to receive this valuable certification.
Oracle Certified MySQL Database Administrator
If your work is likely to involve using MySQL, it is a good idea to earn this certification. It shows that you have a deep understanding of Oracle’s platform and can use it well. Oracle offers special training courses, which can help you pass the set examination.
Project Management Professional
This certification is open to professionals who hold a degree and have at least three years of work experience. It is also necessary to complete 35 hours of targeted training before sitting and passing the exam. The exam covers the three main methods of project management and indicates your expertise in directing and leading teams and projects.
Get Ready To Ace Your Exams!
Let’s help you study with this excellent selection of guides and handbooks such as the SOFTWARE TEST ENGINEER – (SYSTEMS TEST), QA TESTER, SOFTWARE QA ENGINEER: JUST IN TIME REVISION GUIDE FOR SUCCESS AT ANY SOFTWARE TESTING JOB, and the Software Development Engineer in Test Second Edition.
Next, we move on to the the The Software Test Engineer’s Handbook, 2nd Edition – A Study Guide for the ISTQB Test Analyst and Technical Test Analyst Advanced Level Certificates, as well as the Software Test Engineer Certification Exam Preparation Notebook, examination study writing notebook, all available online in 2023.
Once you start working, I highly recommend How to Start As a Software Test Engineer and Be Successful in an Agile Environment, or how about I am a Software Engineer and I am in Charge: The book that helps increase your impact and satisfaction at work, and A Practitioner’s Guide to Software Test Design, to help you excel at work.
You might also like to check out the difference between Computer Science Vs Software Engineering, or read about my Software Developer Job Description, along with my Software Tester Job Description.
SDET Job Description – Final Thoughts
To land your dream SDET role, you need to show the hiring manager that you are fully qualified. The first step is reading the job description carefully, paying close attention to the duties and requirements. You need to make sure you meet the set requirements and find a way to highlight this.
It is also important to do as much research into the company you would be working at as possible. Find out about the company culture as well as the company’s main products, services, and achievements.
Working some of these aspects into your resume shows the hiring manager that you are a good fit for the role.
All the very best working as an SDET!
