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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.

Bug Finding Challenge

50 min
What this section 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 section 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 min
What this section is for

Purpose

Thanks the candidate for their time, provides next steps, and leaves a positive final impression.

•

Do you have any questions for me about the team or the company?

What this question is for, and what to listen for

Purpose

Gauge the candidate’s curiosity and interest in the role.

Signals to score

  • Thoughtful questions asked
  • Interest in company culture
  • Curiosity about growth expressed
  • Questions about role raised
  • Inquiries about team challenges
  • Engagement with responses shown
  • Desire to learn next steps
  • Focus on company values expressed

Follow-up questions

  • What interests you most about this team?
  • Are there any areas of the role you’d like to explore further?
Use Template
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Interview Template
Position
Software Engineer in Test (QA)
Round
Bug Finding Exercise for 60 min
Key skills
Attention to Detail, Testing, Defect Tracking, Regression Testing, Documentation

Software 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 — 4 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 and Closing, scoring against 21 observable signals, with follow-up prompts on 3 of the 4 questions for going deeper where an answer is thin.
How is the 60 min split up?
Bug Finding Challenge (50 min), Closing (5 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):