How to get a software testing job in recession

Recession has been an unavoidable part of the economic cycle. Surviving recession-especially in the IT industry-needs only one thing – Being better than the rest. Outshining others in the cut-throat competition is the only way out to be recession-proof.
For locating a software tester job in recession, you need to walk an extra mile. Equip yourself with all kinds of germane information in the testing field. Following can be the concise approach on how to bag a job as a software tester:
1) Network building: You need to stay relevant in this era where the knowledge you possess can be tagged as outdated within days. So, being in contact with the same domain persona helps a lot. The market trends and the industry needs can be studied practically and up-to-date, if you have a strong network of people with you, who are working in software testing domain. Many job seekers learn about the vacancies through their network before they are made public. Staying remote and unconcerned in this industry is of great danger and leads to loss of opportunities. Being an opportunist is very much essential in bagging a job in times of economic downfall. Don’t be afraid to keep your job antennas on the lookout for that next position, but don't do it at the expense of your current work unless it's clear things aren't going to work out there.
2) Staying organized: In times of recession, you cannot stick to one particular company. You need to keep your options open and be flexible. So you will be soliciting large number of companies and thus, a larger network. Establishing a centralized database to store information such as the company’s name, the research information, its product services and more precisely- the date of the interview, summary of the interview etc. is needed for reference. Going through such organized data gives you clear analysis of your strengths, weaknesses and the areas you need to improve upon. Scrutinizing a previous interview helps you through facing the next interview better and more confident than before.
3) Focusing your accomplishments: The interviewers need to know your positivity in the field of testing. Suppose you are skilled in manual testing, your resume needs to highlight the same fact. Your accomplishments in various projects or previous jobs have to be emphasized in order to make the interviewer feel that you are better than the rest. Your resume should stress on the sites that are related to software testing such as your programming skills, analytical skills and the other analogous information. The resume should not be blurred in the context of showing up your talents.
4) Research: This comes under walking an extra mile under the times of recession. Attaining prior knowledge of the company and its services impresses the prospective employers by portraying you as a distinct and capable candidate. The information gained about the company is to be used by the candidate to ask educated questions to the interviewers. Also, researching about the present day burning issues in software testing gives you an added advantage. Plus, getting a training through diploma or crash course is essential to be armed with formal and base knowledge about software testing. if one is working as an apprentice, and is out of a project, then that period is to e considered as a blessing in disguise to take up a course and study the newly born aspects of testing.
5) Flexibility: In times of recession, you need to be flexible i.e. keep your options open. Look out for number of companies which are not only established but also mid-sized and newly mushroomed. Laying prior conditions to the interviewers gives a bad impression. You should portray yourself as confident, dedicated and honest candidate. Pliability needs to be showcased to the interviewer so that he finds you suitable to the job in comparison to those people who pose preceding restrictions.
6) Sample work: Since you want to stand out from the rest of the competition, impress the prospective employers by bringing a portfolio of best work samples to the interview. This needs preceding research about creating striking sample works that make a strong impact on the interviewers. Your expertise in any particular area of testing can be displayed through these sample works by discussing the ideas and strategies behind them in the course of the interview.
7) Be multi-skilled: The industry today is a clear case of survival of the fittest. To outshine others, one needs to be skilled in different aspects and approaches of software testing. This is then again flexibility. Be in testing released certifications like ISTQB, CSTE, CSQA or tools related certifications like AIS, ASE or domain related certifications in Insurance, Banking or telecom is going to help you to improve your profile.


The current recession is the worst after the 9/11 aftermath and is going to persist for a considerable period of time before the industry stabilizes. To survive such kind of recession and hunt for a job in software testing the major thought is “Be different and not just efficient!”