Building a Strong Team for Quality Assurance

I’ve written in this space before about the changing nature of the work my team does in the Quality Assurance (QA) department at Mortgage Cadence.

Quality Assurance in software development has evolved significantly from its origins. No longer confined to the final stages before a product's release, QA professionals are now integral members of the development team from the inception of a project.

Their role is critical in ensuring the software not only meets the functional requirements but also delivers a seamless and bug-free user experience. This is why it is so important that the department be staffed appropriately. Recruiting the right professionals onto the team is a strategic imperative.

But what makes someone well-suited for this challenging and dynamic field?

The qualities we hire for in the quality assurance department

Every good HR executive knows that a well-rounded, experienced recruit is the goal, regardless of the position being filled. But when it comes to QA, there are certain qualities we ask the HR team to look for.

Detail-Oriented and Analytical Mindset

A knack for detail is paramount. QA professionals must scrutinize every aspect of the software, from minor UI elements to complex backend processes, to identify discrepancies, bugs, and potential improvements. They need an analytical mindset to dissect problems, understand the root causes, and provide clear, actionable feedback to developers.

Strong Technical and Communication Skills

Effective QA requires a solid foundation in software development principles and practices. Familiarity with coding languages, development frameworks, and testing tools enables QA professionals to understand the technical intricacies of the software they are testing. Equally important are strong communication skills; QA professionals must articulate their findings and collaborate closely with developers, product managers, and other stakeholders to refine and enhance the software product.

Adaptability and Continuous Learning

The technology landscape is perpetually shifting, with new tools, frameworks, and methodologies emerging regularly. Successful QA professionals are adaptable, eager to learn, and continuously update their skills to keep pace with industry innovations. This relentless pursuit of knowledge ensures they can effectively evaluate software across a variety of platforms and technologies.

Empathy and User-Centric Perspective

Empathy towards the end-user is a crucial yet often overlooked trait. QA professionals must put themselves in the users' shoes, anticipating their needs, preferences, and potential points of frustration. This user-centric perspective ensures the software is not only technically sound but also intuitive and enjoyable to use.

Going beyond the checklist to find great people

The elements above can help you create a great checklist to use in your recruiting efforts, regardless of the industry you’re hiring for. But when it comes to QA in the mortgage technology business, this is just the beginning of the requirements.

Our industry requires specific knowledge and experience. Walking into this business from some other industry is more challenging than many people realize. Giving a new person responsibility for quality assurance can be risky.

The evolution of quality assurance in software development demands professionals who are not only technically proficient but also deeply committed to ensuring the highest standards of quality. Our industry makes it even more challenging.

By focusing on candidates who embody these characteristics, hiring managers can assemble a QA team capable of driving software excellence from the ground up.

To find out how we have managed through this challenge, reach out to Mortgage Cadence today. While you’re here, check out the Mortgage Cadence Platform (MCP) and see the future of technology in the mortgage industry.

By Monika Bhatla, Head of Quality at Mortgage Cadence 

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Mortgage Cadence: 
Alison Flaig 
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(919) 906-9738