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Software Engineer in Test (QA) interview questionsBug Finding Exercise round
A 60 min interview plan with a time-boxed script, what each question is for, and the signals to score against. Key skills: Attention to Detail, Testing, Defect Tracking, Regression Testing, Documentation.
Opening
· 5 minWho is interviewing, how the round will run, and a question to settle the candidate in. The standard openingBug Finding Challenge
What this part is for
Purpose
Evaluate technical knowledge and problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios.
Imagine you are testing a web application. You notice that a specific feature is not working as expected. Describe your approach to identify and document the bug.
What this question is for, and what to listen for
Purpose
Assess attention to detail, testing, defect tracking, and documentation skills.
Signals to score
- Identifies the feature clearly
- Describes steps to reproduce the bug
- Considers different environments
- Documents expected vs actual results
- Uses clear and concise language
- Suggests possible causes
- Proposes initial test cases
Follow-up questions
- How would you ensure the bug is reproducible?
- What details are crucial in the bug report?
- How do you prioritize which bugs to address first?
Follow-up Questions: - How would you communicate this bug to a developer? - What tools would you use to track this bug?
What this question is for, and what to listen for
Purpose
Assess communication and tool usage skills.
If you had more time, what additional tests would you perform to ensure the feature works correctly?
What this question is for, and what to listen for
Purpose
Assess the candidate's ability to think critically and plan comprehensive testing.
Signals to score
- Suggests additional test cases
- Considers edge cases
- Proposes regression testing
- Thinks about performance testing
- Discusses user experience
- Shows understanding of feature dependencies
Follow-up questions
- What edge cases might you consider?
- How would you ensure the fix doesn't break other features?
Great job on the bug finding exercise!
What this line is for
Purpose
Provides positive reinforcement to the candidate, helping to build confidence and create a supportive atmosphere before moving into the final part of the interview.
Closing
· 5 minTheir questions for you, and what happens next. The standard closingSoftware Engineer in Test (QA) interviews — common questions
- Who is this Software Engineer in Test (QA) interview plan for?
- It is written for the interviewer, not the candidate: the hiring manager, engineer or panel member running the Bug Finding Exercise round for a Software Engineer in Test (QA) role. It gives you a 60 min script to follow in the conversation — 3 questions with what each one is for and the signals to score against — so you are not writing the round from scratch the night before.
- What does the Bug Finding Exercise round assess?
- This round is focused on: Attention to Detail, Testing, Defect Tracking, Regression Testing, Documentation. It works through Bug Finding Challenge, scoring against 13 observable signals, with follow-up prompts on 2 of the 3 questions for going deeper where an answer is thin.
- How is the 60 min split up?
- 5 min opening, 50 min on 3 questions and 5 min closing. The questions take in Bug Finding Challenge (50 min). The timings are there so the round stays on schedule and every candidate gets the same shape of interview — which is what makes two candidates comparable afterwards.
- What other rounds should I run for a Software Engineer in Test (QA)?
A single round does not cover a whole role. The other rounds in this library for a Software Engineer in Test (QA):
Hiring for this role?
Open this plan in Hirezen and make it a position in one click.
- Every interviewer runs the same script and marks the same signals.
- AI drafts the write-ups, and the debrief puts every read side by side.
- No ATS to set up first, and no bot in the call.
Free for your first open role.