30 tricky QA interview questions to ask your interviewees

Are you looking for ways to evaluate a quality assurance software tester and hire a professional who will be a real asset to your business? If so, there are many skills that you’ll need to examine closely when narrowing down and interviewing candidates.

Soft and hard skills are equally important for quality assurance software testing, helping applicants collaborate with teams and test the quality of their applications. However, finding candidates with the perfect skill set can be a real challenge — this is where we can help.

With several QA analyst tests, you can quickly evaluate your applicants’ knowledge and skills. These tests can be paired with candidate interviews to help you learn about each applicant’s experience and find the perfect fit.

But which questions should you ask? This can be the tricky bit and have a significant impact on the candidate that you hire. Fortunately for you, we have compiled a list of questions that you can use during your interview process.

Explore our 30 QA interview questions to determine if your applicants have the experience needed to test and create flawless software, and ensure you select the perfect match for your business.

30 tricky QA interview questions to ask candidates

We’ve gathered 30 tricky QA interview questions about experience, technical knowledge, skills, and definitions. Add some of these questions to your list and use them in interviews to learn more about your candidates’ expertise.

1. Please explain what “quality assurance” means.

This tricky QA interview question may initially seem simple, but applicants must respond clearly and succinctly. 

Candidates should know that “quality assurance” is a process testers complete to ensure software meets an SRS document’s specifications. They should also have no problem explaining that SRS documents are “software requirement specification” files that describe the functionality the software should have.

The best answers will acknowledge that software quality assurance involves identifying errors, bugs, and gaps that conflict with the specifications in the SRS document. It’s a crucial process involving writing tests to automate each testing stage, which market experts predict will increase by 15% by 2032.

2. Is there a difference between software testing and quality assurance?

With software testing, testers aim to fix errors they notice during the testing process, while QA sees testers focus on preventing mistakes from happening in the first place. Candidates should know that quality assurance (QA) ensures the software complies with every specification, and testing involves checking the product’s flaws.

Look for candidates who know that software testing happens after developers write the code and quality assurance happens in the software development phase.

3. Can you tell us why problem-solving skills are important for QA testers?

Problem-solving skills are an integral part of QA testing. Expert QA testers can narrow their search for errors and bugs with problem-solving skills and locate bugs faster.

Problem-solving ability is also essential for helping testers:

• Select the correct tools to fix errors

• Consider the cost versus value risk when completing testing actions

• Acknowledge which methods might create extra problems for the software in the future

With these advantages in mind, assessing your applicants’ problem-solving skills is important. The simplest way to handle this is with a Problem solving skills test, which will tell you if your applicants can break down complex tasks and find methods to solve issues.

4. Why is quality assurance critical in software development?

Quality assurance is critical in software development because it helps testers achieve a few crucial goals. With QA techniques, testers can:

• Enhance application security

• Ensure the application meets industry-specific requirements

• Guarantee that the software complies with data privacy regulations

Since complex, full-scale apps can cost more than $150,000 to develop, producing a high-quality application is essential to yield a good return on investment. QA processes are ideal for this, ensuring the software contains minimal defects and aligns with the end customer’s requirements. 

Applicants with QA experience can repair flaws easily and use test execution tools. They’ll also understand that repairing flaws ensures the software’s final output is perfect. Check if your applicant understands how these processes affect the end client to evaluate their knowledge and experience.

5. Can you explain the quality assurance process lifecycle?

The quality assurance lifecycle is a critical series of events that comprise the QA process. Candidates who understand this process are likely familiar with quality assurance and will be able to mention the three main steps involved in the process, including to:

• Plan. The team specifies the processes they should follow to provide high-caliber software when planning the QA process.

• Do. The testers initiate the procedures and test them.

• Check. The team monitors the operations to check if they meet the needs of the end users.

If you’re looking for more information about your candidate’s QA lifecycle knowledge, don’t forget to ask them about their specific actions to complete these three steps.

6. Please tell us how test plans are different from test strategies.

Knowledgeable applicants should understand the main differences between test plans and strategies. This knowledge is key because it shows that candidates know why each strategy is important. 

You’re looking for applicants who can explain that test plans are documents that outline the strategy and approach of a software testing effort. In response to this tricky QA interview question, candidates should be able to explain that test strategies are rules that establish the test design.

Candidates should also know and be able to explain that a long-term test plan can change, whereas a tester cannot adjust a test strategy.

7. What do you understand by the word “build” in quality assurance?

“Build” in quality assurance refers to converting source code into software artifacts. Developers or testers can run these artifacts, which are typically versions of programs that customers can use.

However, testers can test each build if they don’t satisfy the requirements before release. Candidates should also understand that several builds contribute to one release. 

8. Can you explain how attention to detail can make a difference in quality assurance?

With good attention to detail, testers can create software that has peak quality. This ensures all tasks and projects meet the specifications of the business and mitigates minor details or defects.

This skill can make a difference because a lot of web application development occurs in an integrated development environment (IDE) where candidates cannot see the final result. Despite this, testers can use attention to detail to ensure they build the code and systems perfectly.

Determine whether your candidates have top attention to detail to anticipate any software defects with our Attention to detail skills test.

9. What do you understand by the word “release” in quality assurance?

A “release” in quality assurance refers to the software’s official release. The outcome of this process means that customers can access a software application’s newest version.

Experienced candidates will know that software releases can happen publicly or privately. Each release can include updates or functions, but candidates should also know that there are different types of releases, including:

• Alpha releases. This is the first software release to a limited group of users.

• Beta releases. This is a more stable version release that a larger group of users receive. Organizations use the 80/20 rule to complete beta testing, which states that 80% of the clients use 20% of the app’s features. Therefore, testers focus on those specific features in a beta test.

10. Please explain what “bug leakage” means.

“Bug leakage” is a critical term that testers use in relation to bug management. The phrase describes a situation in which testers cannot detect or resolve a bug, and users discover it upon software release.

You’re looking for candidates who know the main causes of bug leakage, such as insufficient test cases or testing coverage. If candidates respond to this tricky QA interview question by discussing the correlation between bug leakage and negative user experiences, they may be ideal for your vacancy.

11. Please explain what “bug release” means.

If a tester includes defects when they release software and know there are some issues with it, they call this a “bug release.” 

The best answers will explain that although bugs aren’t ideal for the user experience, testers complete bug releases after serious thought and consideration. Normally they will weigh the benefits and risks and consider the project constraints before proceeding with a bug release.

12. Please describe why Python skills are important for quality assurance.

Most quality assurance testers will know that programming languages like Python are important for the role. What’s important is to ensure that your candidates can explain why. Even though software assurance QA testers don’t need to code as much as web developers, they still need Python skills to:

• Write automated scripts for testing

• Complete unit testing

• Create custom-made testing tools 

These actions can enhance the efficiency and speed of the testing process and minimize repetitive actions. They also ensure candidates can identify extra defects and receive more reliable outcomes than with manual tests.

Check your applicants’ Python skills with our Python skills test to guarantee your next hire can achieve these advantages.

13. Can you explain what “monkey testing” means in quality assurance?

“Monkey testing” is a method for testing software. Testers generate random inputs to assess the software’s behavior to complete this process. 

The most impressive candidates will know that random inputs can take several forms. For instance, a tester might generate several random keystrokes or button clicks to check which actions will cause the application to crash or produce errors.

Candidates will also know that this process is handy if the software interacts with many inputs — in which case, it would be impossible to test all the combinations with other methods.

14. Can you explain what “gorilla testing” means in quality assurance?

Experienced applicants will understand that “gorilla testing” involves using methods to test specific software functionalities. The process requires testers to:

• Identify specific areas. Testers find out which software functionalities they should test.

• Define testing scenarios. QA testers define the specific real-world scenarios in which they will examine the functionalities.

• Execute tests. Testers execute the test scenarios they establish and follow the required test steps.

• Analyze the results. QA testers then observe the functions of the software and check for any unexpected behavior.

• Iterate tests. Testers complete iteration to incorporate the feedback from all test scenarios.

• Report bugs. QA testers report the bugs and detailed information to the software development team. The development team then improves the software and eliminates bugs.

It’s important to consider whether candidates know the benefits of gorilla testing before you hire them. Check if candidates are aware that this approach improves the quality of the software and ensures business requirements align with the software’s critical functionalities.

15. What do you understand about “testware”? Can you explain what this term refers to?

“Testware” is a group of artifacts that testers create when they complete tests. Your best candidates will provide examples of testware when responding to this tricky QA interview question. Some examples include:

• Documentation

• Teardown methods

• Databases

• Scripts

• Setup methods

• Software

They’ll also know how these examples differ from regular software and that testers create testware for multiple users to complete several quality assessment measures.

16. Name one soft skill that helps you complete quality assurance duties.

From time management and collaboration to motivation and adaptability, many soft skills help QA testers to complete their work. 

Motivation is particularly important because it can prevent employees from becoming one of the 40% of workers who want to quit their jobs. Time management is fundamental for candidates who must complete work within specific milestones.

One easy way to assess some of these skills is with the correct testing, such as our Motivation or Time management test. Use these during candidate sourcing to find the best professionals.

17. Could you explain what a “traceability matrix” is?

A “traceability matrix” is a document that testers use to track and confirm the development process of specific components. It helps businesses compare the components of the system and provides facts about the project’s completion requirements.

Applicants should be able to mention a few features of a traceability matrix, such as identifiers in the top row and identifications in the left columns.

18. Please explain what “verification” means.

“Verification” is a process in which testers evaluate software systems to ensure developers have created them correctly. One other objective of verification is to ensure the software matches its design.

The most knowledgeable candidates will understand and be able to name a few examples of verification strategies, including:

• Static analysis

• Inspections

• Walkthroughs

Applicants should also know that these strategies work for examining software artifacts, including design documents and source code.

19. Please explain what “validation” means.

“Validation” takes place after verification in software development. Testers use this process to check whether the software system meets the stakeholders’ expectations and needs.

The verification process involves black- and white-box testing, non-functional testing, and code execution to check if the software product is reliable and usable.

Candidates who respond to this tricky QA interview question should also know that validation involves discovering issues that testers couldn’t catch during the software verification stage.

20. Could you tell us what “retesting” means? 

Your best applicants will know that the retesting process is a method in which testers check test cases in the final execution. These test cases typically spot bugs or defects, and testers send them to developers to remedy them. 

Once the developers fix the bugs, they send the test cases back to the testers so they can begin the validation process. The procedure is often ongoing until they use skills to fix all the bugs in the software.

21. Can you tell us what “regression testing” means? 

The regression testing process refers to a validation technique related to code updates. Testers use this method to see if code updates have impacted the software’s functions or features.

Applicants should understand that the regression testing process is ideal for approved test cases and ensures that developers have fixed any flaws in the code. They’ll also understand that testers can use automation to facilitate regression testing, and explain how this helps them accurately check specific application parts and avoid completing repetitive tasks.

22. Can you tell us how critical thinking helps QA testers with their work?

Critical thinking is an essential QA software tester skill that helps applicants evaluate information, identify risks, and make decisions based on the data they gather.

In the test design process, testers must use critical thinking to create effective test cases and guarantee comprehensive testing processes. They must also use critical-thinking abilities to complete defect analysis and examine logs to find the root causes of errors.

Evaluating your applicants’ critical-thinking skills is important to ensure that they can complete these duties. Many QA software advertisements reflect the 158% increase in demand for critical-thinking skills in early careers. If you’re looking for this skill, use our Critical thinking test to assess candidates.

23. What do you understand about quality audits?

Quality audits are part of software testing. In this process, testers compare products to the expected standards and follow specific steps, including to:

• Conduct a process evaluation

• Complete a compliance assessment

• Carry out a documentation review

• Analyze the software’s performance

• Review defect management processes

Candidates should know that quality audits ensure software complies with industry best practices, and understand why these audits are important. Ask applicants about their quality audit experience to learn about their software QA knowledge.

24. Can you explain what the “defect leakage ratio” is?

Software testers use the defect leakage ratio to check how successful their QA testing process is. It’s also ideal for determining the number of problems testers don’t notice during the QA testing process.

Candidates should know that the specific formula to determine the defect leakage ratio is:

• Defect leakage = number of defects that users report after release / total defects testers find x 100

25. What do you understand about cause-effect graphs?

Cause-effect graphs are related to black-box testing methods. They identify the lowest number of test cases required to test the product’s full scope and use a set of decision rules that the tester specifies. 

These graphs have several advantages — they help companies optimize test cases, understand system behavior, and ensure they test all of the system’s requirements.

They’re also ideal for improving the quality of the software and making it easy to trace requirements to specific input-output pairings.

Discover more about your applicants’ cause-effect graph knowledge by asking about their experience with them and the positive outcomes they’ve achieved. Always ask for specific experiences to ensure that your candidates have the right knowledge.

26. Name some test cases you should select for regression testing.

Many software quality assurance testers complete regression testing to ensure that their updates do not affect the product’s operation. It’s a crucial test because it ensures the changes work without hindering the software. To complete this process, applicants may use a few specific test cases, such as:

• Login functionality to determine whether the login functionality works correctly after making changes 

• Data integrity to validate that the database structure changes don’t cause data integrity problems

• Performance testing to ensure the application’s response time meets the tester’s expectations

• Compatibility testing to guarantee that the application is compatible with various operating systems, browsers, and devices 

Applicants should know that each application will have specific test cases during regression testing, and that this depends on the app’s features or the changes developers make.

27. What do you understand about non-functional testing?

Expert software quality assurance professionals should understand and be able to explain that non-functional testing involves validating non-functional elements. A couple of those elements include software performance and reliability. Your applicants should have no problem mentioning a few features of non-functional testing, including that it:

• Is based on the client’s expectations

• Can be difficult to execute manually

• Takes place after functional testing

To show their expertise, your candidates might also explain that the process enhances the user experience, mitigates business risks by enhancing application security, and increases the system’s reliability — all of these responses will indicate their skills.

28. What do you understand about functional testing?

Functional testing is a process that testers use to check the individual features of software applications to ensure they meet the company’s requirements. The process involves validating the software’s behavior.

Good answers to this tricky QA interview question will also refer to the advantages of functional testing, including that it:

• Facilitates the tracking process

• Makes it easy for testers to assess the system in several conditions

• Helps testers know if there are any issues with functionality before they become a problem

29. How do you know when it’s time to stop testing?

Since some circumstances require project managers to cancel testing early, QA testers must know how to determine when the software has undergone enough testing.

This process isn’t always easy, but top applicants will know that specific considerations can help teams decide when to stop testing.

A few examples of these considerations include to:

• Check if testers have met the release or testing deadline

• Take note of the test case pass rate

• Determine if the project’s risk level is lower than the level permitted

• Consider if the team has removed the important bugs

• See whether the application meets the specifications or requirements

30. Please tell us about your communication skills. How do you use them for quality assurance?

Some applicants might know that communication skills are important for QA testers, but strong applicants will be able to expand on this. When responding to this tricky QA interview question, your candidates should dig deeper into their communication skills.

You’re looking for candidates who can provide examples of how their communication skills help them complete job functions, such as writing clear and concise bug reports, collaborating with product managers, and writing test plans. As always, don’t be afraid to ask for examples.

The perfect candidate should be able to name examples of success they’ve enjoyed and victories they’ve achieved as a direct result of their communication skills. Make sure you ask them to explain their examples in detail — you can also use a Communication skills test to assess their verbal and written communication abilities.

How should you use tricky QA interview questions in the hiring process?

The easiest, most efficient way to use tricky QA interview questions in the hiring process is to wait until you’ve received the results of your candidates’ skills assessments.

Asking candidates to complete a skills assessment first streamlines the hiring process by helping you select proficient applicants to interview instead of interviewing applicants without knowing if they have the necessary testing knowledge.

A few other advantages of using skills assessments first include:

• Reduced unconscious bias

• Quicker candidate selection

• Enhanced candidate experience

• Easier selection between multiple skilled QA software testers

Assess applicants with our tricky QA interview questions and skills tests

Your hiring process can be simple and yield excellent results with the right tools and advice. By using skills assessments that feature QA analyst tests, or a QA skills test and tricky QA interview questions, you’re sure to find the right professional for your business.

Looking for more information about TestGorilla and skills testing? We recommend visiting our site and taking a look at our comprehensive test library. Once you’ve seen what our tests offer, sign up for a free demo to learn how our platform works.

Use TestGorilla in your hiring process to find experts for your company and start testing your software quickly and efficiently.