How to become a beta tester in software development

How can someone become a beta tester in software development?

To help you become a beta tester, we asked recruiting experts and tech professionals this question for their best advice. From being committed to providing relevant feedback to searching for “beta testing” in job descriptions, there are several tips that may help you become land a job as a beta tester in software development.

Here are five ways to become a beta tester in software development:

• Commit to Providing Relevant Feedback
• Create a Landing Page to Promote Yourself
• Scour Job Boards
• Don't Let a Lack of Experience Hold You Back
• Look for Beta Testing in the Job Description

Commit to Providing Relevant Feedback

Express interest to the company or software development team, cultivate relevant experience or skills in software testing, and be willing to provide feedback on the software development process.

Matthew Ramirez, Rephrase

Create a Landing Page to Promote Yourself

There are several user-friendly platforms (like Wix.com) that make it possible to create a professional and attractive online resume. If you don't have previous experience as a beta tester, call out the skills you possess that make you tech-savvy. Also, play up any soft skills you have that would be beneficial — like communication, problem-solving and leadership.

Rachel Blank, Allara

Scour Job Boards

I just Googled "beta tester jobs" on Indeed.com, and it yielded 467 results. The best way to become a beta tester is to visit job boards and look for opportunities that are a good fit for you. After you complete your first gig, create an online portfolio that contains a case study about your experience. What were the highlights? Were there any specific issues you helped solve to make the product better? This will help you land additional beta testing gigs in the future.

Stephanie Venn-Watson, fatty15

Don't Let a Lack of Experience Hold You Back

Beta testers don’t always need to be software engineers–and oftentimes it’s helpful when they aren’t. Software development companies want to know how regular users will experience their product, so getting someone with a more standard understanding of coding to work through their software can provide them valuable insight. That said, it’s still very helpful to have some experience with the software’s performative function. For instance, if it’s a spreadsheet program you’re testing, it’s valuable to have some understanding of data analysis.

John Jacob, Hoist

Look for Beta Testing in the Job Description

The best way to become a beta tester in software development is to look for roles that include beta testing in the job description or for open positions to test products specifically. Beta testing is often only a part of the greater software development job but can become a specialty position in some cases. Open beta testing jobs fill up quickly, so paying close attention is key. Additionally, one might consider browsing the software forums online for tentative opportunities.

Loic Claveau, Prometeus Labs