Manual testing is an essential part of software development, and it is a critical process that ensures that the software developed meets the end-user requirements. 

Manual testing is manually testing the software by executing the test cases and recording the results. 

As part of the software development process, manual testing is vital to ensuring the software functions correctly and efficiently.

As a manual tester, you must have a thorough understanding of various manual testing concepts and techniques and the ability to communicate effectively with other team members. 

When preparing for a manual testing interview, it is essential to familiarise yourself with common manual testing interview questions to help you stand out and make a great impression on your potential employer.

10 Manual Testing Interview Questions

Here are ten manual testing interview questions that can help you prepare for your following job interview:

What is manual testing, and what are the advantages of manual testing?

This question is an excellent starting point for any manual testing interview. You should concisely and precisely define manual testing and explain why manual testing is essential in software development. In addition, you should list the benefits of manual testing, including the ability to detect defects that automation may miss and the ability to test the software in different environments and scenarios.

What are the different types of manual testing, and when should they be used?

There are several types of manual testing, including black-box testing, white-box testing, integration testing, and regression testing. You should be familiar with manual testing and explain when each type should be used. For example, black-box testing is used to test the functionality of the software without considering the internal workings of the software. In contrast, white-box testing is used to test the inner workings of the software.

What is a test case, and how do you write a good test case?

A test case is a set of instructions that specify how to test a particular function or feature of the software. You should be able to explain the critical components of a good test case, including a clear and concise description of the test, the expected result, the preconditions, and the postconditions. You should also be able to provide examples of how you would write a test case for a specific feature or function.

What is the difference between functional and non-functional testing?

Functional testing tests the software's functionality to ensure it meets the end-user requirements. Non-functional testing tests the software's performance, usability, security, and other non-functional requirements. You should be able to explain the difference between functional and non-functional testing and provide examples of each.

What is exploratory testing, and when should it be used?

Exploratory testing is a testing technique that involves exploring the software without any specific test cases. You should be able to explain the purpose of experimental testing, including its ability to find defects that other testing techniques may miss. You should also be able to provide examples of when exploratory testing should be used, such as when testing a new feature or when there are time constraints.

What is a bug, and how do you report a bug?

A bug is a defect or error in the software that prevents it from functioning correctly. You should be able to explain a bug and provide examples of common bugs. You should also be able to explain how to report a bug, including the steps to reproduce the bug and the severity of the bug.

What is a traceability matrix, and why is it important?

A traceability matrix is a document that shows the relationship between the test cases and the requirements of the software. You should explain the purpose of a traceability matrix, including its ability to ensure that all requirements are tested and that no provisions are missed during the testing process. You should also provide examples of how a traceability matrix can be used in manual testing.

What is the difference between verification and validation?

Verification ensures that the software meets the specified requirements, while validation ensures that the end-users need the soft-end users. You should be able to explain the difference between verification and validation and provide examples of each.

What is the difference between smoke testing and sanity testing?

You should explain the difference between smoke and sanity testing and provide examples of when each should be used. Smoke testing is a technique that involves testing the critical functionalities of the software to ensure that the software is stable enough for further testing. Sanity testing is a technique that tests a specific part of the software to ensure the defects are fixed.

What are the challenges of manual testing, and how do you overcome them?

Manual testing has several challenges, including the time-consuming testing process, the possibility of human error, and the difficulty of testing the software in different environments and scenarios. You should be able to explain these challenges and provide examples of how you would overcome them, such as by automating certain parts of the testing process or by using different testing techniques.

Preparing for a manual testing interview can be challenging, but by familiarising yourself with common manual testing interview questions, you can increase your chances of success. 

When preparing for an interview, reviewing your manual testing concepts and techniques and your ability to communicate effectively with other team members is essential. 

By doing so, you can demonstrate your expertise in manual testing and make a great impression on your potential employer.

Tips for Manual Testing Interview Questions

Preparing for a manual testing interview can be daunting, but there are several tips you can follow to increase your chances of success. 

Here are some tips to help you prepare for manual testing interview questions:

• Review the job description: Review the job description carefully to understand the specific skills and experience the employer is looking for in a manual tester. This will help you tailor your responses to the interviewer's needs and demonstrate your suitability for the job.
• Familiarise yourself with manual testing concepts and techniques: Review the key concepts and techniques used in manual testing, including test case writing, functional and non-functional testing, bug reporting, and traceability matrices. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and expertise during the interview.
• Practice answering common interview questions: Practice answering common manual testing interview questions with a friend or colleague. This will help you feel more confident during the interview and ensure you can articulate your responses clearly and concisely.
• Provide specific examples: When answering interview questions, provide specific examples from your previous work experience to demonstrate your skills and experience. This will help the interviewer understand how you have applied your manual testing skills in real-world situations.
• Be confident and professional: During the interview, be confident and experienced in your demeanour. Speak clearly and listen attentively to the interviewer's questions. Make sure to dress professionally and arrive on time for the interview.
• Ask questions: At the end of the interview, ask the interviewer any questions about the job or the company. This will demonstrate your interest in the position and help you better understand the employer's needs.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success during a manual testing interview and demonstrate your expertise and suitability for the job.