Question : How do you feel about reporting to a younger person (minority, woman, etc)?
TRAPS: It's a shame that some interviewers feel the need to ask this question, but many understand the reality that prejudices still exist among some job candidates, and it's better to try to flush them out beforehand.
The trap here is that in today's politically sensitized environment, even a well-intentioned answer can result in planting your foot neatly in your mouth. Avoid anything which smacks of a patronizing or an insensitive attitude, such as "I think they make terrific bosses" or "Hey, some of my best friends are…"
Of course, since almost anyone with an IQ above room temperature will at least try to steadfastly affirm the right answer here, your interviewer will be judging your sincerity most of all. "Do you really feel that way?" is what he or she will be wondering.
So you must make your answer believable and not just automatic. If the firm is wise enough to have promoted peopled on the basis of ability alone, they're likely quite proud of it, and prefer to hire others who will wholeheartedly share their strong sense of fair play.
BEST ANSWER: You greatly admire a company that hires and promotes on merit alone and you couldn't agree more with that philosophy. The age (gender, race, etc.) of the person you report to would certainly make no difference to you.
Whoever has that position has obviously earned it and knows their job well. Both the person and the position are fully deserving of respect. You believe that all people in a company, from the receptionist to the Chairman, work best when their abilities, efforts and feelings are respected and rewarded fairly, and that includes you. That's the best type of work environment you can hope to find.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
How to Answer common Toughest Interview Questions
Question : Would you lie for the company?
TRAPS: This another question that pits two values against one another, in this case loyalty against integrity.
BEST ANSWER: Try to avoid choosing between two values, giving a positive statement which covers all bases instead.
Example: "I would never do anything to hurt the company.."
If aggressively pressed to choose between two competing values, always choose personal integrity. It is the most prized of all values.
BEST ANSWER: Try to avoid choosing between two values, giving a positive statement which covers all bases instead.
Example: "I would never do anything to hurt the company.."
If aggressively pressed to choose between two competing values, always choose personal integrity. It is the most prized of all values.
Monday, July 12, 2010
"The Salary Question" - How much money do you want?
TRAPS: May also be phrases as, "What salary are you worth?"…or, "How much are you making now?" This is your most important negotiation. Handle it wrong and you can blow the job offer or go to work at far less than you might have gotten.
BEST ANSWER: For maximum salary negotiating power, remember these five guidelines:
1. Never bring up salary. Let the interviewer do it first. Good salespeople sell their products thoroughly before talking price. So should you. Make the interviewer want you first, and your bargaining position will be much stronger.
2. If your interviewer raises the salary question too early, before you've had a chance to create desire for your qualifications, postpone the question, saying something like, "Money is important to me, but is not my main concern. Opportunity and growth are far more important. What I'd rather do, if you don't mind, is explore if I'm right for the position, and then talk about money. Would that be okay?"
3. The #1 rule of any negotiation is: the side with more information wins. After you've done a thorough job of selling the interviewer and it's time to talk salary, the secret is to get the employer talking about what he's willing to pay before you reveal what you're willing to accept. So, when asked about salary, respond by asking, "I'm sure the company has already established a salary range for this position. Could you tell me what that is?" Or, "I want an income commensurate with my ability and qualifications. I trust you'll be fair with me. What does the position pay?" Or, more simply, "What does this position pay?"
4. Know beforehand what you'd accept. To know what's reasonable, research the job market and this position for any relevant salary information. Remember that most executives look for a 20-25%$ pay boost when they switch jobs. If you're grossly underpaid, you may want more.
5. Never lie about what you currently make, but feel free to include the estimated cost of all your fringes, which could well tack on 25-50% more to your present "cash-only" salary.
How many hours a week do you normally work?
TRAPS: You don't want to give a specific number. Make it to low, and you may not measure up. Too high, and you'll forever feel guilty about sneaking out the door at 5:15.
BEST ANSWER: If you are in fact a workaholic and you sense this company would like that: Say you are a confirmed workaholic, that you often work nights and weekends. Your family accepts this because it makes you fulfilled.
If you are not a workaholic: Say you have always worked hard and put in long hours. It goes with the territory. It one sense, it's hard to keep track of the hours because your work is a labor of love, you enjoy nothing more than solving problems. So you're almost
always thinking about your work, including times when you're home, while shaving in the morning, while commuting, etc.
BEST ANSWER: If you are in fact a workaholic and you sense this company would like that: Say you are a confirmed workaholic, that you often work nights and weekends. Your family accepts this because it makes you fulfilled.
If you are not a workaholic: Say you have always worked hard and put in long hours. It goes with the territory. It one sense, it's hard to keep track of the hours because your work is a labor of love, you enjoy nothing more than solving problems. So you're almost
always thinking about your work, including times when you're home, while shaving in the morning, while commuting, etc.
How to Answer The Toughest Interview Questions
How do you feel about working nights and weekends?
TRAPS: Blurt out "no way, Jose" and you can kiss the job offer goodbye. But what if you have a family and want to work a reasonably normal schedule? Is there a way to get both the job and the schedule you want?
BEST ANSWER: First, if you're a confirmed workaholic, this question is a softball lob. Whack it out of the park on the first swing by saying this kind of schedule is just your style. Add that your family understands it. Indeed, they're happy for you, as they know you get your greatest satisfaction from your work.
If however, you prefer a more balanced lifestyle, answer this question with another: "What's the norm for your best people here?"
If the hours still sound unrealistic for you, ask, "Do you have any top people who perform exceptionally for you, but who also have families and like to get home in time to see them at night?" Chances are this company does, and this associates you with this other "top-performers-who-leave-not-later-than-six" group.
Depending on the answer, be honest about how you would fit into the picture. If all those extra hours make you uncomfortable, say so, but phrase your response positively.
Example: "I love my work and do it exceptionally well. I think the results speak for themselves, especially in …(mention your two or three qualifications of greater interest to the employer. Remember, this is what he wants most, not a workaholic with weak credentials). Not only would I bring these qualities, but I've built my whole career on working not just hard, but smart. I think you'll find me one of the most productive people here.
I do have a family who likes to see me after work and on weekends. They add balance and richness to my life, which in turn helps me be happy and productive at work. If I could handle some of the extra work at home in the evenings or on weekends, that would be ideal. You'd be getting a person of exceptional productivity who meets your needs with strong credentials. And I'd be able to handle some of the heavy workload at home where I can be under the same roof as my family. Everybody would win."
TRAPS: Blurt out "no way, Jose" and you can kiss the job offer goodbye. But what if you have a family and want to work a reasonably normal schedule? Is there a way to get both the job and the schedule you want?
BEST ANSWER: First, if you're a confirmed workaholic, this question is a softball lob. Whack it out of the park on the first swing by saying this kind of schedule is just your style. Add that your family understands it. Indeed, they're happy for you, as they know you get your greatest satisfaction from your work.
If however, you prefer a more balanced lifestyle, answer this question with another: "What's the norm for your best people here?"
If the hours still sound unrealistic for you, ask, "Do you have any top people who perform exceptionally for you, but who also have families and like to get home in time to see them at night?" Chances are this company does, and this associates you with this other "top-performers-who-leave-not-later-than-six" group.
Depending on the answer, be honest about how you would fit into the picture. If all those extra hours make you uncomfortable, say so, but phrase your response positively.
Example: "I love my work and do it exceptionally well. I think the results speak for themselves, especially in …(mention your two or three qualifications of greater interest to the employer. Remember, this is what he wants most, not a workaholic with weak credentials). Not only would I bring these qualities, but I've built my whole career on working not just hard, but smart. I think you'll find me one of the most productive people here.
I do have a family who likes to see me after work and on weekends. They add balance and richness to my life, which in turn helps me be happy and productive at work. If I could handle some of the extra work at home in the evenings or on weekends, that would be ideal. You'd be getting a person of exceptional productivity who meets your needs with strong credentials. And I'd be able to handle some of the heavy workload at home where I can be under the same roof as my family. Everybody would win."
How to Answer The Toughest Interview Questions
Would you lie for the company?
TRAPS: This another question that pits two values against one another, in this case loyalty against integrity.
BEST ANSWER: Try to avoid choosing between two values, giving a positive statement which covers all bases instead.
Example: "I would never do anything to hurt the company.."
If aggressively pressed to choose between two competing values, always choose personal integrity. It is the most prized of all values.
TRAPS: This another question that pits two values against one another, in this case loyalty against integrity.
BEST ANSWER: Try to avoid choosing between two values, giving a positive statement which covers all bases instead.
Example: "I would never do anything to hurt the company.."
If aggressively pressed to choose between two competing values, always choose personal integrity. It is the most prized of all values.
How to Answer The Toughest Interview Questions
What do you for when you hire people?
TRAPS: Being unprepared for the question.BEST ANSWER: Speak your own thoughts here, but for the best answer weave them around the three most important qualifications for any position.
1. Can the person do the work (qualifications)?
2. Will the person do the work (motivation)?
3. Will the person fit in ("our kind of team player")?
Tuesday, July 06, 2010
How to Answer common Toughest Interview Questions
Question 28 What was the toughest decision you ever had to make?
TRAPS: Giving an unprepared or irrelevant answer.
BEST ANSWER: Be prepared with a good example, explaining why the decision was difficult…the process you followed in reaching it…the courageous or effective way you carried it out…and the beneficial results.
BEST ANSWER: You have never allowed yourself to grow bored with a job and you can't understand it when others let themselves fall into that rut.
Example: "Perhaps I've been fortunate, but that I've never found myself bored with any job I have ever held. I've always enjoyed hard work. As with actors who feel there are no small parts, I also believe that in every company or department there are exciting challenges and intriguing problems crying out for energetic and enthusiastic solutions. If you're bored, it's probably because you're not challenging yourself to tackle those problems right under your nose."
TRAPS: If you've had a problem, you can't lie. You could easily be found out. Yet admitting an attendance problem could raise many flags.
BEST ANSWER: If you have had no problem, emphasize your excellent and consistent attendance record throughout your career. Also describe how important you believe such consistent attendance is for a key executive…why it's up to you to set an example of dedication…and why there's just no substitute for being there with your people to keep the operation running smoothly, answer questions and handle problems and crises as they arise.
If you do have a past attendance problem, you want to minimize it, making it clear that it was an exceptional circumstance and that it's cause has been corrected.
To do this, give the same answer as above but preface it with something like, "Other that being out last year (or whenever) because of (your reason, which is now in the past), I have never had a problem and have enjoyed an excellent attendance record throughout my career. Furthermore, I believe, consistent attendance is important because…" (Pick up the rest of the answer as outlined above.).
*** The restrained dawn strains behind the crowd.***
BEST ANSWER: Be prepared with a good example, explaining why the decision was difficult…the process you followed in reaching it…the courageous or effective way you carried it out…and the beneficial results.
Question 29 Tell me about the most boring job you've ever had.
TRAPS: You give a very memorable description of a very boring job. Result? You become associated with this boring job in the interviewer's mind.BEST ANSWER: You have never allowed yourself to grow bored with a job and you can't understand it when others let themselves fall into that rut.
Example: "Perhaps I've been fortunate, but that I've never found myself bored with any job I have ever held. I've always enjoyed hard work. As with actors who feel there are no small parts, I also believe that in every company or department there are exciting challenges and intriguing problems crying out for energetic and enthusiastic solutions. If you're bored, it's probably because you're not challenging yourself to tackle those problems right under your nose."
Question 30 Have you been absent from work more than a few days in any previous position?
TRAPS: If you've had a problem, you can't lie. You could easily be found out. Yet admitting an attendance problem could raise many flags.
BEST ANSWER: If you have had no problem, emphasize your excellent and consistent attendance record throughout your career. Also describe how important you believe such consistent attendance is for a key executive…why it's up to you to set an example of dedication…and why there's just no substitute for being there with your people to keep the operation running smoothly, answer questions and handle problems and crises as they arise.
If you do have a past attendance problem, you want to minimize it, making it clear that it was an exceptional circumstance and that it's cause has been corrected.
To do this, give the same answer as above but preface it with something like, "Other that being out last year (or whenever) because of (your reason, which is now in the past), I have never had a problem and have enjoyed an excellent attendance record throughout my career. Furthermore, I believe, consistent attendance is important because…" (Pick up the rest of the answer as outlined above.).
*** The restrained dawn strains behind the crowd.***
How to Answer common Toughest Interview Questions
Question 26 Why aren't you earning more money at this stage of your career?
TRAPS: You don't want to give the impression that money is not important to you, yet you want to explain why your salary may be a little below industry standards.
BEST ANSWER: You like to make money, but other factors are even more important.
Example: "Making money is very important to me, and one reason I'm here is because I'm looking to make more. Throughout my career, what's been even more important to me is doing work I really like to do at the kind of company I like and respect. (Then be prepared to be specific about what your ideal position and company would be like, matching them as closely as possible to the opportunity at hand.
TRAPS: The two traps here are unpreparedness and irrelevance. If you grope for an answer, it seems you've never been inspired. If you ramble about your high school basketball coach, you've wasted an opportunity to present qualities of great value to the company.
BEST ANSWER: Have a few heroes in mind, from your mental "Board of Directors" - Leaders in your industry, from history or anyone else who has been your mentor.
Be prepared to give examples of how their words, actions or teachings have helped inspire your achievements. As always, prepare an answer which highlights qualities that would be highly valuable in the position you are seeking
BEST ANSWER: You like to make money, but other factors are even more important.
Example: "Making money is very important to me, and one reason I'm here is because I'm looking to make more. Throughout my career, what's been even more important to me is doing work I really like to do at the kind of company I like and respect. (Then be prepared to be specific about what your ideal position and company would be like, matching them as closely as possible to the opportunity at hand.
Question 27 Who has inspired you in your life and why?
TRAPS: The two traps here are unpreparedness and irrelevance. If you grope for an answer, it seems you've never been inspired. If you ramble about your high school basketball coach, you've wasted an opportunity to present qualities of great value to the company.
BEST ANSWER: Have a few heroes in mind, from your mental "Board of Directors" - Leaders in your industry, from history or anyone else who has been your mentor.
Be prepared to give examples of how their words, actions or teachings have helped inspire your achievements. As always, prepare an answer which highlights qualities that would be highly valuable in the position you are seeking
How to Answer common Toughest Interview Questions
Question 24 Can you work under pressure?
TRAPS: An easy question, but you want to make your answer believable.
BEST ANSWER: Absolutely…(then prove it with a vivid example or two of a goal or project accomplished under severe pressure.)
BEST ANSWER: Give an answer that's suited to both your personality and the management style of the firm. Here, the homework you've done about the company and its style can help in your choice of words.
Examples: If you are a reserved person and/or the corporate culture is coolly professional:
"I'm an even-tempered and positive person by nature, and I believe this helps me a great deal in keeping my department running smoothly, harmoniously and with a genuine esprit de corps. I believe in communicating clearly what's expected, getting people's commitment to those goals, and then following up continuously to check progress."
"If anyone or anything is going off track, I want to know about it early. If, after that kind of open communication and follow up, someone isn't getting the job done, I'll want to know why. If there's no good reason, then I'll get impatient and angry…and take appropriate steps from there. But if you hire good people, motivate them to strive for excellence and then follow up constantly, it almost never gets to that state."
If you are feisty by nature and/or the position calls for a tough straw boss.
"You know what makes me angry? People who (the fill in the blanks with the most objectionable traits for this type of position)…people who don't pull their own weight, who are negative, people who lie…etc."
BEST ANSWER: Absolutely…(then prove it with a vivid example or two of a goal or project accomplished under severe pressure.)
Question 25 What makes you angry?
TRAPS: You don't want to come across either as a hothead or a wimp.BEST ANSWER: Give an answer that's suited to both your personality and the management style of the firm. Here, the homework you've done about the company and its style can help in your choice of words.
Examples: If you are a reserved person and/or the corporate culture is coolly professional:
"I'm an even-tempered and positive person by nature, and I believe this helps me a great deal in keeping my department running smoothly, harmoniously and with a genuine esprit de corps. I believe in communicating clearly what's expected, getting people's commitment to those goals, and then following up continuously to check progress."
"If anyone or anything is going off track, I want to know about it early. If, after that kind of open communication and follow up, someone isn't getting the job done, I'll want to know why. If there's no good reason, then I'll get impatient and angry…and take appropriate steps from there. But if you hire good people, motivate them to strive for excellence and then follow up constantly, it almost never gets to that state."
If you are feisty by nature and/or the position calls for a tough straw boss.
"You know what makes me angry? People who (the fill in the blanks with the most objectionable traits for this type of position)…people who don't pull their own weight, who are negative, people who lie…etc."
How to Answer common Toughest Interview Questions
Question 23 Could you have done better in your last job?
TRAPS: This is no time for true confessions of major or even minor problems.
BEST ANSWER: Again never be negative.
Example: "I suppose with the benefit of hindsight you can always find things to do better, of course, but off the top of my head, I can't think of anything of major consequence."
(If more explanation seems necessary)
Describer a situation that didn't suffer because of you but from external conditions beyond your control.
For example, describe the disappointment you felt with a test campaign, new product launch, merger, etc., which looked promising at first, but led to underwhelming results. "I wish we could have known at the start what we later found out (about the economy turning, the marketplace changing, etc.), but since we couldn't, we just had to go for it. And we did learn from it…"
BEST ANSWER: Again never be negative.
Example: "I suppose with the benefit of hindsight you can always find things to do better, of course, but off the top of my head, I can't think of anything of major consequence."
(If more explanation seems necessary)
Describer a situation that didn't suffer because of you but from external conditions beyond your control.
For example, describe the disappointment you felt with a test campaign, new product launch, merger, etc., which looked promising at first, but led to underwhelming results. "I wish we could have known at the start what we later found out (about the economy turning, the marketplace changing, etc.), but since we couldn't, we just had to go for it. And we did learn from it…"
How to Answer common Toughest Interview Questions
Question 22 Looking back, what would you do differently in your life?
TRAPS: This question is usually asked to uncover any life-influencing mistakes, regrets, disappointments or problems that may continue to affect your personality and performance.
You do not want to give the interviewer anything negative to remember you by, such as some great personal or career disappointment, even long ago, that you wish could have been avoided.
Nor do you wish to give any answer which may hint that your whole heart and soul will not be in your work.
BEST ANSWER: Indicate that you are a happy, fulfilled, optimistic person and that, in general, you wouldn't change a thing. Example: "It's been a good life, rich in learning and experience, and the best it yet to come. Every experience in life is a lesson it its own way. I wouldn't change a thing."
You do not want to give the interviewer anything negative to remember you by, such as some great personal or career disappointment, even long ago, that you wish could have been avoided.
Nor do you wish to give any answer which may hint that your whole heart and soul will not be in your work.
BEST ANSWER: Indicate that you are a happy, fulfilled, optimistic person and that, in general, you wouldn't change a thing. Example: "It's been a good life, rich in learning and experience, and the best it yet to come. Every experience in life is a lesson it its own way. I wouldn't change a thing."
How to Answer common Toughest Interview Questions
Question 21 Would you lie for the company?
TRAPS: This another question that pits two values against one another, in this case loyalty against integrity.
BEST ANSWER: Try to avoid choosing between two values, giving a positive statement which covers all bases instead.
Example: "I would never do anything to hurt the company.."
If aggressively pressed to choose between two competing values, always choose personal integrity. It is the most prized of all values.
BEST ANSWER: Try to avoid choosing between two values, giving a positive statement which covers all bases instead.
Example: "I would never do anything to hurt the company.."
If aggressively pressed to choose between two competing values, always choose personal integrity. It is the most prized of all values.
How to Answer common Toughest Interview Questions
Question 20 On confidential matters…
TRAPS: When an interviewer presses you to reveal confidential information about a present or former employer, you may feel it's a no-win situation. If you cooperate, you could be judged untrustworthy. If you don't, you may irritate the interviewer and seem obstinate, uncooperative or overly suspicious.
BEST ANSWER: Your interviewer may press you for this information for two reasons.
First, many companies use interviews to research the competition. It's a perfect set-up. Here in their own lair, is an insider from the enemy camp who can reveal prized information on the competition's plans, research, financial condition, etc.
Second, the company may be testing your integrity to see if you can be cajoled or bullied into revealing confidential data. What to do? The answer here is easy. Never reveal anything truly confidential about a present or former employer. By all means, explain your reticence diplomatically. For example, "I certainly want to be as open as I can about that. But I also wish to respect the rights of those who have trusted me with their most sensitive information, just as you would hope to be able to trust any of your key people when talking with a competitor…"
And certainly you can allude to your finest achievements in specific ways that don't reveal the combination to the company safe.
But be guided by the golden rule. If you were the owner of your present company, would you feel it ethically wrong for the information to be given to your competitors? If so, steadfastly refuse to reveal it.
Remember that this question pits your desire to be cooperative against your integrity. Faced with any such choice, always choose integrity. It is a far more valuable commodity than whatever information the company may pry from you. Moreover, once you surrender the information, your stock goes down. They will surely lose respect for you.
One President we know always presses candidates unmercifully for confidential information. If he doesn't get it, he grows visibly annoyed, relentlessly inquisitive, It's all an act. He couldn't care less about the information. This is his way of testing the candidate's moral fiber. Only those who hold fast are hired
BEST ANSWER: Your interviewer may press you for this information for two reasons.
First, many companies use interviews to research the competition. It's a perfect set-up. Here in their own lair, is an insider from the enemy camp who can reveal prized information on the competition's plans, research, financial condition, etc.
Second, the company may be testing your integrity to see if you can be cajoled or bullied into revealing confidential data. What to do? The answer here is easy. Never reveal anything truly confidential about a present or former employer. By all means, explain your reticence diplomatically. For example, "I certainly want to be as open as I can about that. But I also wish to respect the rights of those who have trusted me with their most sensitive information, just as you would hope to be able to trust any of your key people when talking with a competitor…"
And certainly you can allude to your finest achievements in specific ways that don't reveal the combination to the company safe.
But be guided by the golden rule. If you were the owner of your present company, would you feel it ethically wrong for the information to be given to your competitors? If so, steadfastly refuse to reveal it.
Remember that this question pits your desire to be cooperative against your integrity. Faced with any such choice, always choose integrity. It is a far more valuable commodity than whatever information the company may pry from you. Moreover, once you surrender the information, your stock goes down. They will surely lose respect for you.
One President we know always presses candidates unmercifully for confidential information. If he doesn't get it, he grows visibly annoyed, relentlessly inquisitive, It's all an act. He couldn't care less about the information. This is his way of testing the candidate's moral fiber. Only those who hold fast are hired
How to Answer common Toughest Interview Questions
Question 19 How do you feel about reporting to a younger person (minority, woman, etc)?
TRAPS: It's a shame that some interviewers feel the need to ask this question, but many understand the reality that prejudices still exist among some job candidates, and it's better to try to flush them out beforehand.
The trap here is that in today's politically sensitized environment, even a well-intentioned answer can result in planting your foot neatly in your mouth. Avoid anything which smacks of a patronizing or an insensitive attitude, such as "I think they make terrific bosses" or "Hey, some of my best friends are…"
Of course, since almost anyone with an IQ above room temperature will at least try to steadfastly affirm the right answer here, your interviewer will be judging your sincerity most of all. "Do you really feel that way?" is what he or she will be wondering.
So you must make your answer believable and not just automatic. If the firm is wise enough to have promoted peopled on the basis of ability alone, they're likely quite proud of it, and prefer to hire others who will wholeheartedly share their strong sense of fair play.
BEST ANSWER: You greatly admire a company that hires and promotes on merit alone and you couldn't agree more with that philosophy. The age (gender, race, etc.) of the person you report to would certainly make no difference to you.
Whoever has that position has obviously earned it and knows their job well. Both the person and the position are fully deserving of respect. You believe that all people in a company, from the receptionist to the Chairman, work best when their abilities, efforts and feelings are respected and rewarded fairly, and that includes you. That's the best type of work environment you can hope to find.
The trap here is that in today's politically sensitized environment, even a well-intentioned answer can result in planting your foot neatly in your mouth. Avoid anything which smacks of a patronizing or an insensitive attitude, such as "I think they make terrific bosses" or "Hey, some of my best friends are…"
Of course, since almost anyone with an IQ above room temperature will at least try to steadfastly affirm the right answer here, your interviewer will be judging your sincerity most of all. "Do you really feel that way?" is what he or she will be wondering.
So you must make your answer believable and not just automatic. If the firm is wise enough to have promoted peopled on the basis of ability alone, they're likely quite proud of it, and prefer to hire others who will wholeheartedly share their strong sense of fair play.
BEST ANSWER: You greatly admire a company that hires and promotes on merit alone and you couldn't agree more with that philosophy. The age (gender, race, etc.) of the person you report to would certainly make no difference to you.
Whoever has that position has obviously earned it and knows their job well. Both the person and the position are fully deserving of respect. You believe that all people in a company, from the receptionist to the Chairman, work best when their abilities, efforts and feelings are respected and rewarded fairly, and that includes you. That's the best type of work environment you can hope to find.
How to Answer common Toughest Interview Questions
Question 18 The "Fatal Flaw" question
TRAPS: If an interviewer has read your resume carefully, he may try to zero in on a "fatal flaw" of your candidacy, perhaps that you don't have a college degree…you've been out of the job market for some time…you never earned your CPA, etc.
A fatal flaw question can be deadly, but usually only if you respond by being overly defensive.
BEST ANSWERS: As every master salesperson knows, you will encounter objections (whether stated or merely thought) in every sale. They're part and parcel of the buyer's anxiety. The key is not to exacerbate the buyer's anxiety but diminish it.
Here's how…
Whenever you come up against a fatal flaw question:
1. Be completely honest, open and straightforward about admitting the shortcoming. (Showing you have nothing to hide diminishes the buyer's anxiety.)
2. Do not apologize or try to explain it away. You know that this supposed flaw is nothing to be concerned about, and this is the attitude you want your interviewer to adopt as well.
3. Add that as desirable as such a qualification might be, its lack has made you work all the harder throughout your career and has not prevented you from compiling an outstanding tack record of achievements. You might even give examples of how, through a relentless commitment to excellence, you have consistently outperformed those who do have this qualification. Of course, the ultimate way to handle "fatal flaw" questions is to prevent them from arising in the first place. You will do that by following the master strategy described in Question 1, i.e., uncovering the employers needs and them matching your qualifications to those needs.
Once you've gotten the employer to start talking about his most urgently-felt wants and goals for the position, and then help him see in step-by-step fashion how perfectly your background and achievements match up with those needs, you're going to have one very enthusiastic interviewer on your hands, one who is no longer looking for "fatal flaws".
A fatal flaw question can be deadly, but usually only if you respond by being overly defensive.
BEST ANSWERS: As every master salesperson knows, you will encounter objections (whether stated or merely thought) in every sale. They're part and parcel of the buyer's anxiety. The key is not to exacerbate the buyer's anxiety but diminish it.
Here's how…
Whenever you come up against a fatal flaw question:
1. Be completely honest, open and straightforward about admitting the shortcoming. (Showing you have nothing to hide diminishes the buyer's anxiety.)
2. Do not apologize or try to explain it away. You know that this supposed flaw is nothing to be concerned about, and this is the attitude you want your interviewer to adopt as well.
3. Add that as desirable as such a qualification might be, its lack has made you work all the harder throughout your career and has not prevented you from compiling an outstanding tack record of achievements. You might even give examples of how, through a relentless commitment to excellence, you have consistently outperformed those who do have this qualification. Of course, the ultimate way to handle "fatal flaw" questions is to prevent them from arising in the first place. You will do that by following the master strategy described in Question 1, i.e., uncovering the employers needs and them matching your qualifications to those needs.
Once you've gotten the employer to start talking about his most urgently-felt wants and goals for the position, and then help him see in step-by-step fashion how perfectly your background and achievements match up with those needs, you're going to have one very enthusiastic interviewer on your hands, one who is no longer looking for "fatal flaws".
How to Answer common Toughest Interview Questions
Question 17 What are your outside interests?
TRAPS: You want to be a well-rounded, not a drone. But your potential employer would be even more turned off if he suspects that your heavy extracurricular load will interfere with your commitment to your work duties.
BEST ANSWERS: Try to gauge how this company's culture would look upon your favorite outside activities and be guided accordingly.
You can also use this question to shatter any stereotypes that could limit your chances. If you're over 50, for example, describe your activities that demonstrate physical stamina. If you're young, mention an activity that connotes wisdom and institutional trust, such as serving on the board of a popular charity.
But above all, remember that your employer is hiring your for what you can do for him, not your family, yourself or outside organizations, no matter how admirable those activities may be.
BEST ANSWERS: Try to gauge how this company's culture would look upon your favorite outside activities and be guided accordingly.
You can also use this question to shatter any stereotypes that could limit your chances. If you're over 50, for example, describe your activities that demonstrate physical stamina. If you're young, mention an activity that connotes wisdom and institutional trust, such as serving on the board of a popular charity.
But above all, remember that your employer is hiring your for what you can do for him, not your family, yourself or outside organizations, no matter how admirable those activities may be.
How to Answer common Toughest Interview Questions
Question 16 Tell me about a situation when your work was criticized.
TRAPS: This is a tough question because it's a more clever and subtle way to get you to admit to a weakness. You can't dodge it by pretending you've never been criticized. Everybody has been. Yet it can be quite damaging to start admitting potential faults and failures that you'd just as soon leave buried.
This question is also intended to probe how well you accept criticism and direction.
BEST ANSWERS: Begin by emphasizing the extremely positive feedback you've gotten throughout your career and (if it's true) that your performance reviews have been uniformly excellent.
Of course, no one is perfect and you always welcome suggestions on how to improve your performance. Then, give an example of a not-too-damaging learning experience from early in your career and relate the ways this lesson has since helped you. This demonstrates that you learned from the experience and the lesson is now one of the strongest breastplates in your suit of armor.
If you are pressed for a criticism from a recent position, choose something fairly trivial that in no way is essential to your successful performance. Add that you've learned from this, too, and over the past several years/months, it's no longer an area of concern because you now make it a regular practice to…etc.
Another way to answer this question would be to describe your intention to broaden your master of an area of growing importance in your field. For example, this might be a computer program you've been meaning to sit down and learn… a new management technique you've read about…or perhaps attending a seminar on some cutting-edge branch of your profession. Again, the key is to focus on something not essential to your brilliant performance but which adds yet another dimension to your already impressive knowledge base
This question is also intended to probe how well you accept criticism and direction.
BEST ANSWERS: Begin by emphasizing the extremely positive feedback you've gotten throughout your career and (if it's true) that your performance reviews have been uniformly excellent.
Of course, no one is perfect and you always welcome suggestions on how to improve your performance. Then, give an example of a not-too-damaging learning experience from early in your career and relate the ways this lesson has since helped you. This demonstrates that you learned from the experience and the lesson is now one of the strongest breastplates in your suit of armor.
If you are pressed for a criticism from a recent position, choose something fairly trivial that in no way is essential to your successful performance. Add that you've learned from this, too, and over the past several years/months, it's no longer an area of concern because you now make it a regular practice to…etc.
Another way to answer this question would be to describe your intention to broaden your master of an area of growing importance in your field. For example, this might be a computer program you've been meaning to sit down and learn… a new management technique you've read about…or perhaps attending a seminar on some cutting-edge branch of your profession. Again, the key is to focus on something not essential to your brilliant performance but which adds yet another dimension to your already impressive knowledge base
How to Answer common Toughest Interview Questions
Question 15 What good books have you read lately?
TRAPS: As in all matters of your interview, never fake familiarity you don't have. Yet you don't want to seem like a dullard who hasn't read a book since Tom Sawyer.
BEST ANSWER: Unless you're up for a position in academia or as book critic for The New York Times, you're not expected to be a literary lion. But it wouldn't hurt to have read a handful of the most recent and influential books in your profession and on management.
Consider it part of the work of your job search to read up on a few of these leading books. But make sure they are quality books that reflect favorably upon you, nothing that could even remotely be considered superficial. Finally, add a recently published bestselling work of fiction by a world-class author and you'll pass this question with flying colors.
BEST ANSWER: Unless you're up for a position in academia or as book critic for The New York Times, you're not expected to be a literary lion. But it wouldn't hurt to have read a handful of the most recent and influential books in your profession and on management.
Consider it part of the work of your job search to read up on a few of these leading books. But make sure they are quality books that reflect favorably upon you, nothing that could even remotely be considered superficial. Finally, add a recently published bestselling work of fiction by a world-class author and you'll pass this question with flying colors.
How to Answer common Toughest Interview Questions
Question 14 Tell me honestly about the strong points and weak points of your boss (company, management team, etc.)
TRAPS: Skillfull interviewers sometimes make it almost irresistible to open up and air a little dirty laundry from your previous position. DON'T
BEST ANSWER: Remember the rule: Never be negative. Stress only the good points, no matter how charmingly you're invited to be critical.
Your interviewer doesn't care a whit about your previous boss. He wants to find out how loyal and positive you are, and whether you'll criticize him behind his back if pressed to do so by someone in this own company. This question is your opportunity to demonstrate your loyalty to those you work with.
BEST ANSWER: Remember the rule: Never be negative. Stress only the good points, no matter how charmingly you're invited to be critical.
Your interviewer doesn't care a whit about your previous boss. He wants to find out how loyal and positive you are, and whether you'll criticize him behind his back if pressed to do so by someone in this own company. This question is your opportunity to demonstrate your loyalty to those you work with.
How to Answer common Toughest Interview Questions
Question 13 Why have you been out of work so long?
TRAPS: A tough question if you've been on the beach a long time. You don't want to seem like damaged goods.
BEST ANSWER: You want to emphasize factors which have prolonged your job search by your own choice.
Example: "After my job was terminated, I made a conscious decision not to jump on the first opportunities to come along. In my life, I've found out that you can always turn a negative into a positive IF you try hard enough. This is what I determined to do. I decided to take whatever time I needed to think through what I do best, what I most want to do, where I'd like to do it…and then identify those companies that could offer such an opportunity."
"Also, in all honesty, you have to factor in the recession (consolidation, stabilization, etc.) in the (banking, financial services, manufacturing, advertising, etc.) industry."
"So between my being selective and the companies in our industry downsizing, the process has taken time. But in the end, I'm convinced that when I do find the right match, all that careful evaluation from both sides of the desk will have been well worthwhile for both the company that hires me and myself.
BEST ANSWER: You want to emphasize factors which have prolonged your job search by your own choice.
Example: "After my job was terminated, I made a conscious decision not to jump on the first opportunities to come along. In my life, I've found out that you can always turn a negative into a positive IF you try hard enough. This is what I determined to do. I decided to take whatever time I needed to think through what I do best, what I most want to do, where I'd like to do it…and then identify those companies that could offer such an opportunity."
"Also, in all honesty, you have to factor in the recession (consolidation, stabilization, etc.) in the (banking, financial services, manufacturing, advertising, etc.) industry."
"So between my being selective and the companies in our industry downsizing, the process has taken time. But in the end, I'm convinced that when I do find the right match, all that careful evaluation from both sides of the desk will have been well worthwhile for both the company that hires me and myself.
How to Answer common Toughest Interview Questions
Question 12 What are your career options right now?
TRAPS: The interviewer is trying to find out, "How desperate are you?"
BEST ANSWER: Prepare for this question by thinking of how you can position yourself as a desired commodity. If you are still working, describe the possibilities at your present firm and why, though you're greatly appreciated there, you're looking for something more (challenge, money, responsibility, etc.). Also mention that you're seriously exploring opportunities with one or two other firms.
If you're not working, you can talk about other employment possibilities you're actually exploring. But do this with a light touch, speaking only in general terms. You don't want to seem manipulative or coy.
BEST ANSWER: Prepare for this question by thinking of how you can position yourself as a desired commodity. If you are still working, describe the possibilities at your present firm and why, though you're greatly appreciated there, you're looking for something more (challenge, money, responsibility, etc.). Also mention that you're seriously exploring opportunities with one or two other firms.
If you're not working, you can talk about other employment possibilities you're actually exploring. But do this with a light touch, speaking only in general terms. You don't want to seem manipulative or coy.
How to Answer common Toughest Interview Questions
Question 11 Why do you want to work at our company?
TRAPS: This question tests whether you've done any homework about the firm. If you haven't, you lose. If you have, you win big.
BEST ANSWER: This question is your opportunity to hit the ball out of the park, thanks to the in-depth research you should do before any interview.
Best sources for researching your target company: annual reports, the corporate newsletter, contacts you know at the company or its suppliers, advertisements, articles about the company in the trade press.
BEST ANSWER: This question is your opportunity to hit the ball out of the park, thanks to the in-depth research you should do before any interview.
Best sources for researching your target company: annual reports, the corporate newsletter, contacts you know at the company or its suppliers, advertisements, articles about the company in the trade press.
Monday, July 05, 2010
How to Answer common Toughest Interview Questions
Question 10 Describe your ideal company, location and job.
TRAPS: This is often asked by an experienced interviewer who thinks you may be overqualified, but knows better than to show his hand by posing his objection directly. So he'll use this question instead, which often gets a candidate to reveal that, indeed, he or she is looking for something other than the position at hand.
BEST ANSWER: The only right answer is to describe what this company is offering, being sure to make your answer believable with specific reasons, stated with sincerity, why each quality represented by this opportunity is attractive to you.
Remember that if you're coming from a company that's the leader in its field or from a glamorous or much admired company, industry, city or position, your interviewer and his company may well have an "Avis" complex. That is, they may feel a bit defensive about being "second best" to the place you're coming from, worried that you may consider them bush league.
This anxiety could well be there even though you've done nothing to inspire it. You must go out of your way to assuage such anxiety, even if it's not expressed, by putting their virtues high on the list of exactly what you're looking for, providing credible reason for wanting these qualities.
If you do not express genuine enthusiasm for the firm, its culture, location, industry, etc., you may fail to answer this "Avis" complex objection and, as a result, leave the interviewer suspecting that a hot shot like you, coming from a Fortune 500 company in New York, just wouldn't be happy at an unknown manufacturer based in Topeka, Kansas.
BEST ANSWER: The only right answer is to describe what this company is offering, being sure to make your answer believable with specific reasons, stated with sincerity, why each quality represented by this opportunity is attractive to you.
Remember that if you're coming from a company that's the leader in its field or from a glamorous or much admired company, industry, city or position, your interviewer and his company may well have an "Avis" complex. That is, they may feel a bit defensive about being "second best" to the place you're coming from, worried that you may consider them bush league.
This anxiety could well be there even though you've done nothing to inspire it. You must go out of your way to assuage such anxiety, even if it's not expressed, by putting their virtues high on the list of exactly what you're looking for, providing credible reason for wanting these qualities.
If you do not express genuine enthusiasm for the firm, its culture, location, industry, etc., you may fail to answer this "Avis" complex objection and, as a result, leave the interviewer suspecting that a hot shot like you, coming from a Fortune 500 company in New York, just wouldn't be happy at an unknown manufacturer based in Topeka, Kansas.
How to Answer common Toughest Interview Questions
Question 9 Where do you see yourself five years from now?
TRAPS: One reason interviewers ask this question is to see if you're settling for this position, using it merely as a stopover until something better comes along. Or they could be trying to gauge your level of ambition.
If you're too specific, i.e., naming the promotions you someday hope to win, you'll sound presumptuous. If you're too vague, you'll seem rudderless.
BEST ANSWER: Reassure your interviewer that you're looking to make a long-term commitment…that this position entails exactly what you're looking to do and what you do extremely well. As for your future, you believe that if you perform each job at hand with excellence, future opportunities will take care of themselves.
Example: "I am definitely interested in making a long-term commitment to my next position. Judging by what you've told me about this position, it's exactly what I'm looking for and what I am very well qualified to do. In terms of my future career path, I'm confident that if I do my work with excellence, opportunities will inevitable open up for me. It's always been that way in my career, and I'm confident I'll have similar opportunities here."
If you're too specific, i.e., naming the promotions you someday hope to win, you'll sound presumptuous. If you're too vague, you'll seem rudderless.
BEST ANSWER: Reassure your interviewer that you're looking to make a long-term commitment…that this position entails exactly what you're looking to do and what you do extremely well. As for your future, you believe that if you perform each job at hand with excellence, future opportunities will take care of themselves.
Example: "I am definitely interested in making a long-term commitment to my next position. Judging by what you've told me about this position, it's exactly what I'm looking for and what I am very well qualified to do. In terms of my future career path, I'm confident that if I do my work with excellence, opportunities will inevitable open up for me. It's always been that way in my career, and I'm confident I'll have similar opportunities here."
How to Answer common Toughest Interview Questions
Question 8 Aren't you overqualified for this position?
TRAPS: The employer may be concerned that you'll grow dissatisfied and leave.
BEST ANSWER: As with any objection, don't view this as a sign of imminent defeat. It's an invitation to teach the interviewer a new way to think about this situation, seeing advantages instead of drawbacks.
Example: "I recognize the job market for what it is - a marketplace. Like any marketplace, it's subject to the laws of supply and demand. So 'overqualified' can be a relative term, depending on how tight the job market is. And right now, it's very tight. I understand and accept that."
"I also believe that there could be very positive benefits for both of us in this match."
"Because of my unusually strong experience in ________________ , I could start to contribute right away, perhaps much faster than someone who'd have to be brought along more slowly."
"There's also the value of all the training and years of experience that other companies have invested tens of thousands of dollars to give me. You'd be getting all the value of that without having to pay an extra dime for it. With someone who has yet to acquire that experience, he'd have to gain it on your nickel."
"I could also help you in many things they don't teach at the Harvard Business School. For example…(how to hire, train, motivate, etc.) When it comes to knowing how to work well with people and getting the most out of them, there's just no substitute for what you learn over many years of front-line experience. You company would gain all this, too."
"From my side, there are strong benefits, as well. Right now, I am unemployed. I want to work, very much, and the position you have here is exactly what I love to do and am best at. I'll be happy doing this work and that's what matters most to me, a lot more that money or title."
"Most important, I'm looking to make a long term commitment in my career now. I've had enough of job-hunting and want a permanent spot at this point in my career. I also know that if I perform this job with excellence, other opportunities cannot help but open up for me right here. In time, I'll find many other ways to help this company and in so doing, help myself. I really am looking to make a long-term commitment."
NOTE: The main concern behind the "overqualified" question is that you will leave your new employer as soon as something better comes your way. Anything you can say to demonstrate the sincerity of your commitment to the employer and reassure him that you're looking to stay for the long-term will help you overcome this objection.
BEST ANSWER: As with any objection, don't view this as a sign of imminent defeat. It's an invitation to teach the interviewer a new way to think about this situation, seeing advantages instead of drawbacks.
Example: "I recognize the job market for what it is - a marketplace. Like any marketplace, it's subject to the laws of supply and demand. So 'overqualified' can be a relative term, depending on how tight the job market is. And right now, it's very tight. I understand and accept that."
"I also believe that there could be very positive benefits for both of us in this match."
"Because of my unusually strong experience in ________________ , I could start to contribute right away, perhaps much faster than someone who'd have to be brought along more slowly."
"There's also the value of all the training and years of experience that other companies have invested tens of thousands of dollars to give me. You'd be getting all the value of that without having to pay an extra dime for it. With someone who has yet to acquire that experience, he'd have to gain it on your nickel."
"I could also help you in many things they don't teach at the Harvard Business School. For example…(how to hire, train, motivate, etc.) When it comes to knowing how to work well with people and getting the most out of them, there's just no substitute for what you learn over many years of front-line experience. You company would gain all this, too."
"From my side, there are strong benefits, as well. Right now, I am unemployed. I want to work, very much, and the position you have here is exactly what I love to do and am best at. I'll be happy doing this work and that's what matters most to me, a lot more that money or title."
"Most important, I'm looking to make a long term commitment in my career now. I've had enough of job-hunting and want a permanent spot at this point in my career. I also know that if I perform this job with excellence, other opportunities cannot help but open up for me right here. In time, I'll find many other ways to help this company and in so doing, help myself. I really am looking to make a long-term commitment."
NOTE: The main concern behind the "overqualified" question is that you will leave your new employer as soon as something better comes your way. Anything you can say to demonstrate the sincerity of your commitment to the employer and reassure him that you're looking to stay for the long-term will help you overcome this objection.
How to Answer common Toughest Interview Questions
Question 7 Why should I hire you?
TRAPS: Believe it or not, this is a killer question because so many candidates are unprepared for it. If you stammer or adlib you've blown it.
BEST ANSWER: By now you can see how critical it is to apply the overall strategy of uncovering the employer's needs before you answer questions. If you know the employer's greatest needs and desires, this question will give you a big leg up over other candidates because you will give him better reasons for hiring you than anyone else is likely to…reasons tied directly to his needs.
Whether your interviewer asks you this question explicitly or not, this is the most important question of your interview because he must answer this question favorably in is own mind before you will be hired. So help him out! Walk through each of the position's requirements as you understand them, and follow each with a reason why you meet that requirement so well. Example: "As I understand your needs, you are first and foremost looking for someone who can manage the sales and marketing of your book publishing division. As you've said you need someone with a strong background in trade book sales. This is where I've spent almost all of my career, so I've chalked up 18 years of experience exactly in this area. I believe that I know the right contacts, methods, principles, and successful management techniques as well as any person can in our industry."
"You also need someone who can expand your book distribution channels. In my prior post, my innovative promotional ideas doubled, then tripled, the number of outlets selling our books. I'm confident I can do the same for you."
"You need someone to give a new shot in the arm to your mail order sales, someone who knows how to sell in space and direct mail media. Here, too, I believe I have exactly the experience you need. In the last five years, I've increased our mail order book sales from $600,000 to $2,800,000, and now we're the country's second leading marketer of scientific and medical books by mail." Etc., etc., etc.,
Every one of these selling "couplets" (his need matched by your qualifications) is a touchdown that runs up your score. IT is your best opportunity to outsell your competition.
BEST ANSWER: By now you can see how critical it is to apply the overall strategy of uncovering the employer's needs before you answer questions. If you know the employer's greatest needs and desires, this question will give you a big leg up over other candidates because you will give him better reasons for hiring you than anyone else is likely to…reasons tied directly to his needs.
Whether your interviewer asks you this question explicitly or not, this is the most important question of your interview because he must answer this question favorably in is own mind before you will be hired. So help him out! Walk through each of the position's requirements as you understand them, and follow each with a reason why you meet that requirement so well. Example: "As I understand your needs, you are first and foremost looking for someone who can manage the sales and marketing of your book publishing division. As you've said you need someone with a strong background in trade book sales. This is where I've spent almost all of my career, so I've chalked up 18 years of experience exactly in this area. I believe that I know the right contacts, methods, principles, and successful management techniques as well as any person can in our industry."
"You also need someone who can expand your book distribution channels. In my prior post, my innovative promotional ideas doubled, then tripled, the number of outlets selling our books. I'm confident I can do the same for you."
"You need someone to give a new shot in the arm to your mail order sales, someone who knows how to sell in space and direct mail media. Here, too, I believe I have exactly the experience you need. In the last five years, I've increased our mail order book sales from $600,000 to $2,800,000, and now we're the country's second leading marketer of scientific and medical books by mail." Etc., etc., etc.,
Every one of these selling "couplets" (his need matched by your qualifications) is a touchdown that runs up your score. IT is your best opportunity to outsell your competition.
How to Answer common Toughest Interview Questions
Question 6 The "Silent Treatment"
TRAPS: Beware - if you are unprepared for this question, you will probably not handle it right and possibly blow the interview. Thank goodness most interviewers don't employ it. It's normally used by those determined to see how you respond under stress. Here's how it works:
You answer an interviewer's question and then, instead of asking another, he just stares at you in a deafening silence. You wait, growing a bit uneasy, and there he sits, silent as Mt. Rushmore, as if he doesn't believe what you've just said, or perhaps making you feel that you've unwittingly violated some cardinal rule of interview etiquette.
When you get this silent treatment after answering a particularly difficult question , such as "tell me about your weaknesses", its intimidating effect can be most disquieting, even to polished job hunters.
Most unprepared candidates rush in to fill the void of silence, viewing prolonged, uncomfortable silences as an invitation to clear up the previous answer which has obviously caused some problem. And that's what they do - ramble on, sputtering more and more information, sometimes irrelevant and often damaging, because they are suddenly playing the role of someone who's goofed and is now trying to recoup. But since the candidate doesn't know where or how he goofed, he just keeps talking, showing how flustered and confused he is by the interviewer's unmovable silence.
BEST ANSWER: Like a primitive tribal mask, the Silent Treatment loses all it power to frighten you once you refuse to be intimidated. If your interviewer pulls it, keep quiet yourself for a while and then ask, with sincere politeness and not a trace of sarcasm, "Is there anything else I can fill in on that point?" That's all there is to it.
Whatever you do, don't let the Silent Treatment intimidate you into talking a blue streak, because you could easily talk yourself out of the position.
You answer an interviewer's question and then, instead of asking another, he just stares at you in a deafening silence. You wait, growing a bit uneasy, and there he sits, silent as Mt. Rushmore, as if he doesn't believe what you've just said, or perhaps making you feel that you've unwittingly violated some cardinal rule of interview etiquette.
When you get this silent treatment after answering a particularly difficult question , such as "tell me about your weaknesses", its intimidating effect can be most disquieting, even to polished job hunters.
Most unprepared candidates rush in to fill the void of silence, viewing prolonged, uncomfortable silences as an invitation to clear up the previous answer which has obviously caused some problem. And that's what they do - ramble on, sputtering more and more information, sometimes irrelevant and often damaging, because they are suddenly playing the role of someone who's goofed and is now trying to recoup. But since the candidate doesn't know where or how he goofed, he just keeps talking, showing how flustered and confused he is by the interviewer's unmovable silence.
BEST ANSWER: Like a primitive tribal mask, the Silent Treatment loses all it power to frighten you once you refuse to be intimidated. If your interviewer pulls it, keep quiet yourself for a while and then ask, with sincere politeness and not a trace of sarcasm, "Is there anything else I can fill in on that point?" That's all there is to it.
Whatever you do, don't let the Silent Treatment intimidate you into talking a blue streak, because you could easily talk yourself out of the position.
How to Answer common Toughest Interview Questions
Question 5 Why are you leaving (or did you leave) this position?
TRAPS: Never badmouth your previous industry, company, board, boss, staff, employees or customers. This rule is inviolable: never be negative. Any mud you hurl will only soil your suit.
Especially avoid words like "personality clash", "didn't get along", or others which cast a shadow on your competence, integrity, or temperament.
BEST ANSWER:
(If you have a job presently)
If you're not yet 100% committed to leaving your present post, don't be afraid to say so. Since you have a job, you are in a stronger position than someone who does not. But don't be coy either. State honestly what you'd be hoping to find in a new spot. Of course, as stated often before, you answer will all the stronger if you have already uncovered what this position is all about and you match your desires to it.
(If you do not presently have a job.)
Never lie about having been fired. It's unethical - and too easily checked. But do try to deflect the reason from you personally. If your firing was the result of a takeover, merger, division wide layoff, etc., so much the better. But you should also do something totally unnatural that will demonstrate consummate professionalism. Even if it hurts , describe your own firing - candidly, succinctly and without a trace of bitterness - from the company's point-of-view, indicating that you could understand why it happened and you might have made the same decision yourself.
Your stature will rise immensely and, most important of all, you will show you are healed from the wounds inflicted by the firing. You will enhance your image as first-class management material and stand head and shoulders above the legions of firing victims who, at the slightest provocation, zip open their shirts to expose their battle scars and decry the unfairness of it all.
For all prior positions:
Make sure you've prepared a brief reason for leaving. Best reasons: more money, opportunity, responsibility or growth.
Especially avoid words like "personality clash", "didn't get along", or others which cast a shadow on your competence, integrity, or temperament.
BEST ANSWER:
(If you have a job presently)
If you're not yet 100% committed to leaving your present post, don't be afraid to say so. Since you have a job, you are in a stronger position than someone who does not. But don't be coy either. State honestly what you'd be hoping to find in a new spot. Of course, as stated often before, you answer will all the stronger if you have already uncovered what this position is all about and you match your desires to it.
(If you do not presently have a job.)
Never lie about having been fired. It's unethical - and too easily checked. But do try to deflect the reason from you personally. If your firing was the result of a takeover, merger, division wide layoff, etc., so much the better. But you should also do something totally unnatural that will demonstrate consummate professionalism. Even if it hurts , describe your own firing - candidly, succinctly and without a trace of bitterness - from the company's point-of-view, indicating that you could understand why it happened and you might have made the same decision yourself.
Your stature will rise immensely and, most important of all, you will show you are healed from the wounds inflicted by the firing. You will enhance your image as first-class management material and stand head and shoulders above the legions of firing victims who, at the slightest provocation, zip open their shirts to expose their battle scars and decry the unfairness of it all.
For all prior positions:
Make sure you've prepared a brief reason for leaving. Best reasons: more money, opportunity, responsibility or growth.
How to Answer common Toughest Interview Questions
Question 3 What are your greatest weaknesses?
TRAPS: Beware - this is an eliminator question, designed to shorten the candidate list. Any admission of a weakness or fault will earn you an "A" for honesty, but an "F" for the interview.
PASSABLE ANSWER: Disguise a strength as a weakness.
Example: "I sometimes push my people too hard. I like to work with a sense of urgency and everyone is not always on the same wavelength."
Drawback: This strategy is better than admitting a flaw, but it's so widely used, it is transparent to any experienced interviewer.
BEST ANSWER: (and another reason it's so important to get a thorough description of your interviewer's needs before you answer questions): Assure the interviewer that you can think of nothing that would stand in the way of your performing in this position with excellence. Then, quickly review you strongest qualifications.
Example: "Nobody's perfect, but based on what you've told me about this position, I believe I' d make an outstanding match. I know that when I hire people, I look for two things most of all. Do they have the qualifications to do the job well, and the motivation to do it well? Everything in my background shows I have both the qualifications and a strong desire to achieve excellence in whatever I take on. So I can say in all honesty that I see nothing that would cause you even a small concern about my ability or my strong desire to perform this job with excellence."
Alternate strategy (if you don't yet know enough about the position to talk about such a perfect fit):
Instead of confessing a weakness, describe what you like most and like least, making sure that what you like most matches up with the most important qualification for success in the position, and what you like least is not essential.
Example: Let's say you're applying for a teaching position. "If given a choice, I like to spend as much time as possible in front of my prospects selling, as opposed to shuffling paperwork back at the office. Of course, I long ago learned the importance of filing paperwork properly, and I do it conscientiously. But what I really love to do is sell (if your interviewer were a sales manager, this should be music to his ears.)
PASSABLE ANSWER: Disguise a strength as a weakness.
Example: "I sometimes push my people too hard. I like to work with a sense of urgency and everyone is not always on the same wavelength."
Drawback: This strategy is better than admitting a flaw, but it's so widely used, it is transparent to any experienced interviewer.
BEST ANSWER: (and another reason it's so important to get a thorough description of your interviewer's needs before you answer questions): Assure the interviewer that you can think of nothing that would stand in the way of your performing in this position with excellence. Then, quickly review you strongest qualifications.
Example: "Nobody's perfect, but based on what you've told me about this position, I believe I' d make an outstanding match. I know that when I hire people, I look for two things most of all. Do they have the qualifications to do the job well, and the motivation to do it well? Everything in my background shows I have both the qualifications and a strong desire to achieve excellence in whatever I take on. So I can say in all honesty that I see nothing that would cause you even a small concern about my ability or my strong desire to perform this job with excellence."
Alternate strategy (if you don't yet know enough about the position to talk about such a perfect fit):
Instead of confessing a weakness, describe what you like most and like least, making sure that what you like most matches up with the most important qualification for success in the position, and what you like least is not essential.
Example: Let's say you're applying for a teaching position. "If given a choice, I like to spend as much time as possible in front of my prospects selling, as opposed to shuffling paperwork back at the office. Of course, I long ago learned the importance of filing paperwork properly, and I do it conscientiously. But what I really love to do is sell (if your interviewer were a sales manager, this should be music to his ears.)
Question 2 What are your greatest strengths?
How to Answer The 64 Toughest Interview Questions
TRAPS: This question seems like a softball lob, but be prepared. You don't want to come across as egotistical or arrogant. Neither is this a time to be humble.
BEST ANSWER: You know that your key strategy is to first uncover your interviewer's greatest wants and needs before you answer questions. And from Question 1, you know how to do this.
Prior to any interview, you should have a list mentally prepared of your greatest strengths. You should also have, a specific example or two, which illustrates each strength, an example chosen from your most recent and most impressive achievements.
You should, have this list of your greatest strengths and corresponding examples from your achievements so well committed to memory that you can recite them cold after being shaken awake at 2:30AM.
Then, once you uncover your interviewer's greatest wants and needs, you can choose those achievements from your list that best match up.
As a general guideline, the 10 most desirable traits that all employers love to see in their employees are:
1. A proven track record as an achiever...especially if your achievements match up with the employer's greatest wants and needs.
2. Intelligence...management "savvy".
3. Honesty...integrity...a decent human being.
4. Good fit with corporate culture...someone to feel comfortable with...a team player who meshes well with interviewer's team.
5. Likeability...positive attitude...sense of humor.
6. Good communication skills.
7. Dedication...willingness to walk the extra mile to achieve excellence.
8. Definiteness of purpose...clear goals.
9. Enthusiasm...high level of motivation.
10. Confident...healthy...a leader.
How to Answer The CommonToughest Interview Questions
Question 1 Tell me about yourself ?
TRAPS: Beware, about 80% of all interviews begin with this "innocent" question. Many candidates, unprepared for the question, skewer themselves by rambling, recapping their life story, delving into ancient work history or personal matters.
BEST ANSWER: Start with the present and tell why you are well qualified for the position. Remember that the key to all successful interviewing is to match your qualifications to what the interviewer is looking for. In other words you must sell what the buyer is buying. This is the single most important strategy in job hunting.
So, before you answer this or any question it's imperative that you try to uncover your interviewer's greatest need, want, problem or goal.
To do so, make you take these two steps:
1. Do all the homework you can before the interview to uncover this person's wants and needs (not the generalized needs of the industry or company)
2. As early as you can in the interview, ask for a more complete description of what the position entails. You might say: "I have a number of accomplishments I'd like to tell you about, but I want to make the best use of our time together and talk directly to your needs. To help me do, that, could you tell me more about the most important priorities of this position? All I know is what I (heard from the recruiter, read in the classified ad, etc.)"
Then, ALWAYS follow-up with a second and possibly, third question, to draw out his needs even more. Surprisingly, it's usually this second or third question that unearths what the interviewer is most looking for.
You might ask simply, "And in addition to that?..." or, "Is there anything else you see as essential to success in this position?:
This process will not feel easy or natural at first, because it is easier simply to answer questions, but only if you uncover the employer's wants and needs will your answers make the most sense. Practice asking these key questions before giving your answers, the process will feel more natural and you will be light years ahead of the other job candidates you're competing with.
After uncovering what the employer is looking for, describe why the needs of this job bear striking parallels to tasks you've succeeded at before. Be sure to illustrate with specific examples of your responsibilities and especially your achievements, all of which are geared to present yourself as a perfect match for the needs he has just described.
TRAPS: Beware, about 80% of all interviews begin with this "innocent" question. Many candidates, unprepared for the question, skewer themselves by rambling, recapping their life story, delving into ancient work history or personal matters.
BEST ANSWER: Start with the present and tell why you are well qualified for the position. Remember that the key to all successful interviewing is to match your qualifications to what the interviewer is looking for. In other words you must sell what the buyer is buying. This is the single most important strategy in job hunting.
So, before you answer this or any question it's imperative that you try to uncover your interviewer's greatest need, want, problem or goal.
To do so, make you take these two steps:
1. Do all the homework you can before the interview to uncover this person's wants and needs (not the generalized needs of the industry or company)
2. As early as you can in the interview, ask for a more complete description of what the position entails. You might say: "I have a number of accomplishments I'd like to tell you about, but I want to make the best use of our time together and talk directly to your needs. To help me do, that, could you tell me more about the most important priorities of this position? All I know is what I (heard from the recruiter, read in the classified ad, etc.)"
Then, ALWAYS follow-up with a second and possibly, third question, to draw out his needs even more. Surprisingly, it's usually this second or third question that unearths what the interviewer is most looking for.
You might ask simply, "And in addition to that?..." or, "Is there anything else you see as essential to success in this position?:
This process will not feel easy or natural at first, because it is easier simply to answer questions, but only if you uncover the employer's wants and needs will your answers make the most sense. Practice asking these key questions before giving your answers, the process will feel more natural and you will be light years ahead of the other job candidates you're competing with.
After uncovering what the employer is looking for, describe why the needs of this job bear striking parallels to tasks you've succeeded at before. Be sure to illustrate with specific examples of your responsibilities and especially your achievements, all of which are geared to present yourself as a perfect match for the needs he has just described.
Friday, July 02, 2010
Black Box testing for web-based application: Part1
1. Browser functionality:
Is the browser compatible with the application design?
There are many different types of browsers available.
GUI design components
Are the scroll bars, buttons, and frames compatible with the browser and functional?
To check the functionality of the scroll bars on the interface of the Web page to make sure the the user can scroll through items and make the correct selection from a list of items.
The button on the interface need to be functional and the correct hyperlink should go to the correct page.
If frames are used on the interface, they should be checked for the correct size and whether all of the components fit within the viewing screen of the monitor.
2. User Interface
One of the reasons the web browser is being used as the front end to applications is the ease of use. Users who have been on the web before will probably know how to navigate a well-built web site. While you are concentrating on this portion of testing it is important to verify that the application is easy to use. Many will believe that this is the least important area to test, but if you want to be successful, the site better be easy to use.
3.Instructions
You want to make sure there are instructions. Even if you think the web site is simple, there will always be someone who needs some clarification. Additionally, you need to test the documentation to verify that the instructions are correct. If you follow each instruction does the expected result occur?
4. Site map or navigational bar
Does the site have a map? Sometimes power users know exactly where they want to go and don't want to wade through lengthy introductions. Or new users get lost easily. Either way a site map and/or an ever-present navigational bar can help guide the user. You need to verify that the site map is correct. Does each link on the map actually exist? Are there links on the site that are not represented on the map? Is the navigational bar present on every screen? Is it consistent? Does each link work on each page? Is it organized in an intuitive manner?
5. Content
To a developer, functionality comes before wording. Anyone can slap together some fancy mission statement later, but while they are developing, they just need some filler to verify alignment and layout. Unfortunately, text produced like this may sneak through the cracks. It is important to check with the public relations department on the exact wording of the content.
You also want to make sure the site looks professional. Overuse of bold text, big fonts and blinking (ugh) can turn away a customer quickly. It might be a good idea to consult a graphic designer to look over the site during User Acceptance Testing. You wouldn't slap together a brochure with bold text everywhere, so you want to handle the web site with the same level of professionalism.
Finally, you want to make sure that any time a web reference is given that it is hyperlinked. Plenty of sites ask you to email them at a specific address or to download a browser from an address. But if the user can't click on it, they are going to be annoyed.
6. Colors/backgrounds
Ever since the web became popular, everyone thinks they are graphic designers. Unfortunately, some developers are more interested in their new backgrounds, than ease of use. Sites will have yellow text on a purple picture of a fractal pattern. (If you've never seen this, try most sites at GeoCities or AOL.) This may seem "pretty neat", but it's not easy to use.
Usually, the best idea is to use little or no background. If you have a background, it might be a single color on the left side of the page, containing the navigational bar. But, patterns and pictures distract the user.
Is the browser compatible with the application design?
There are many different types of browsers available.
GUI design components
Are the scroll bars, buttons, and frames compatible with the browser and functional?
To check the functionality of the scroll bars on the interface of the Web page to make sure the the user can scroll through items and make the correct selection from a list of items.
The button on the interface need to be functional and the correct hyperlink should go to the correct page.
If frames are used on the interface, they should be checked for the correct size and whether all of the components fit within the viewing screen of the monitor.
2. User Interface
One of the reasons the web browser is being used as the front end to applications is the ease of use. Users who have been on the web before will probably know how to navigate a well-built web site. While you are concentrating on this portion of testing it is important to verify that the application is easy to use. Many will believe that this is the least important area to test, but if you want to be successful, the site better be easy to use.
3.Instructions
You want to make sure there are instructions. Even if you think the web site is simple, there will always be someone who needs some clarification. Additionally, you need to test the documentation to verify that the instructions are correct. If you follow each instruction does the expected result occur?
4. Site map or navigational bar
Does the site have a map? Sometimes power users know exactly where they want to go and don't want to wade through lengthy introductions. Or new users get lost easily. Either way a site map and/or an ever-present navigational bar can help guide the user. You need to verify that the site map is correct. Does each link on the map actually exist? Are there links on the site that are not represented on the map? Is the navigational bar present on every screen? Is it consistent? Does each link work on each page? Is it organized in an intuitive manner?
5. Content
To a developer, functionality comes before wording. Anyone can slap together some fancy mission statement later, but while they are developing, they just need some filler to verify alignment and layout. Unfortunately, text produced like this may sneak through the cracks. It is important to check with the public relations department on the exact wording of the content.
You also want to make sure the site looks professional. Overuse of bold text, big fonts and blinking (ugh) can turn away a customer quickly. It might be a good idea to consult a graphic designer to look over the site during User Acceptance Testing. You wouldn't slap together a brochure with bold text everywhere, so you want to handle the web site with the same level of professionalism.
Finally, you want to make sure that any time a web reference is given that it is hyperlinked. Plenty of sites ask you to email them at a specific address or to download a browser from an address. But if the user can't click on it, they are going to be annoyed.
6. Colors/backgrounds
Ever since the web became popular, everyone thinks they are graphic designers. Unfortunately, some developers are more interested in their new backgrounds, than ease of use. Sites will have yellow text on a purple picture of a fractal pattern. (If you've never seen this, try most sites at GeoCities or AOL.) This may seem "pretty neat", but it's not easy to use.
Usually, the best idea is to use little or no background. If you have a background, it might be a single color on the left side of the page, containing the navigational bar. But, patterns and pictures distract the user.
The Mock Test
It is a good idea to set up s mock test before you begin your actual test. This is a way to measure the server's stressd performance. As you progress with your stress testing, you can set up a measurement of metrics to determine the efficiency of the test.
After the initial test, you can determine the breaking point for the server. It may be a processor problem or even a memory problem. You need to be able to check your log to determine the average amount of time that it takes your provessor to perform the test. Running graphics or even ASP pages can cause processor problems and a limitation every time you run your stress test.
Memory tends to be a problem with the stress test. This may be due to a memary leak or lack of memory. You need to log and monitor the amount of disk capacity during the stress test. As mentioned earlier, the bandwidth can account for the slow down of the processing of the Web site speed. If the test hanges and there is a large waiting period, your processor usage is too low to handle the a,ount of stress on the system.
Simulate Resources
It is important to be able to run system in a high-stress format so that you can actually simulate the resources and understand how to handle a specific load. For example, a bank transaction processing system may be designed to process up to 150 transactions per second, whereas an operating system may be designed to handle up to 200 separate terminals. The different tests need to be designed to ensure that the system can process the expected load. This type of testing usually involves planning a series of tests where the load is gradually increased to reflect the expected usage pattern. The stress tests can steadily increase the load on the system beyond the maximum design load until the system fails.
This type of testing has a dual function of testing the system for failure and looking for a combination of events that occur when a load is placed on the server. Stress testing can then determine if overloading the system results in loss of data or user sevice to the customers The use of stress testing is particularly relevant to an ecommerce system with Web database.
After the initial test, you can determine the breaking point for the server. It may be a processor problem or even a memory problem. You need to be able to check your log to determine the average amount of time that it takes your provessor to perform the test. Running graphics or even ASP pages can cause processor problems and a limitation every time you run your stress test.
Memory tends to be a problem with the stress test. This may be due to a memary leak or lack of memory. You need to log and monitor the amount of disk capacity during the stress test. As mentioned earlier, the bandwidth can account for the slow down of the processing of the Web site speed. If the test hanges and there is a large waiting period, your processor usage is too low to handle the a,ount of stress on the system.
Simulate Resources
It is important to be able to run system in a high-stress format so that you can actually simulate the resources and understand how to handle a specific load. For example, a bank transaction processing system may be designed to process up to 150 transactions per second, whereas an operating system may be designed to handle up to 200 separate terminals. The different tests need to be designed to ensure that the system can process the expected load. This type of testing usually involves planning a series of tests where the load is gradually increased to reflect the expected usage pattern. The stress tests can steadily increase the load on the system beyond the maximum design load until the system fails.
This type of testing has a dual function of testing the system for failure and looking for a combination of events that occur when a load is placed on the server. Stress testing can then determine if overloading the system results in loss of data or user sevice to the customers The use of stress testing is particularly relevant to an ecommerce system with Web database.
What's Forced-Error Test
The forced-error test (FET) consists of negative test cases that are designed to force a program into error conditions. A list of all error messages thatthe program issues should be generated. The list is used as a baseline for developing test cases. An attempt is made to generate each error message in the list. Obviously, test to validate error-handling schemes cannot be performed until all the handling and error message have been coded. However, FETs should be thought through as early as possible. Sometimes, the error messages are not available. The error cases can still be considered by walking through the program and deciding how the program might fail in a given user interface such as a dialog or in the course of executing a given task or printing a given report. Test cases should be created for each condition to determine what error message is generated.
Quality On Time - Skill Mix: Impact on Framework
Strive for the simplest scripting environment possible
--Move all complexities to the Developer/Guru
--Gated by the skills of the Developers/Gurus
Open Architecture allows tremendous flexibility in customization
Hide as much of the complexity of the framework as possible
--Automatically load harness components at tool load time
--Incorporate routine maintenance and special reporting needs into simple function calls
Consider the maintainability and simplicity of the framework itself when making enhancements to it
--Move all complexities to the Developer/Guru
--Gated by the skills of the Developers/Gurus
Open Architecture allows tremendous flexibility in customization
Hide as much of the complexity of the framework as possible
--Automatically load harness components at tool load time
--Incorporate routine maintenance and special reporting needs into simple function calls
Consider the maintainability and simplicity of the framework itself when making enhancements to it
Quality On Time - Evaluation Criteria
- Supports Strategic QA Goals & Objectives
- Conceptual Simplicity & Streamlined Use
- Efficient and Effective Test Development, Execution, and Reporting
- Maintenance and Robustness Considerations (Scripts and Harness)
- Each Construct is Necessary, Sum of Constructs are Sufficient
- Poised for Expansion
- Matched to Team Skill Set
What's User Interface Tests?
Easy-of-use UI testing evaluates how intuitive a system is. Issues pertaining to navigation, usablility, commands, and accessibility are considered. User interface functionality testing examines how well a UI operates to specifications.
AREAS COVERED IN UI TESTING
Usability
Look and feel
Navigation controls/navigation bar
Instructional and technical information style
Images
Tables
Navigation branching
Accessibility
AREAS COVERED IN UI TESTING
Usability
Look and feel
Navigation controls/navigation bar
Instructional and technical information style
Images
Tables
Navigation branching
Accessibility
Quality On Time - Maturity of Applications
Mature Applications: Straightforward scripting,
--AUT is stable: slight risk to script base per change in AUT
New Applications (can expect changes in windows/objects/navigational paths)
--Considerable risk to existing script base as AUT changes
--Affects "granularity" of the test case
If risk to existing script base is moderate of high
--Consider a "State Navigation" component to the Framework
--Allows navigational components of a test to be consolidated for ease of maintenance
--Must understand the "Anatomy of a Test Case"
--AUT is stable: slight risk to script base per change in AUT
New Applications (can expect changes in windows/objects/navigational paths)
--Considerable risk to existing script base as AUT changes
--Affects "granularity" of the test case
If risk to existing script base is moderate of high
--Consider a "State Navigation" component to the Framework
--Allows navigational components of a test to be consolidated for ease of maintenance
--Must understand the "Anatomy of a Test Case"
What steps does a tester take in testing Stored Procedures?
First the tester should to go through the requirement, as to why the particular stored procedure is written for.
Then check whether all the required indexes, joins, updates, deletions are correct comparing with the tables mentions in the Stored Procedure. And also he has to ensure whether the Stored Procedure follows the standard format like comments, updated by, etc.
Then check the procedure calling name, calling parameters, and expected reponses for different sets of input parameters.
Then run the procedure yourself with database client programs like TOAD, or mysql, or Query Analyzer
Rerun the procedure with different parameters, and check results against expected values.
Finally, automate the tests with WinRunner.
Then check whether all the required indexes, joins, updates, deletions are correct comparing with the tables mentions in the Stored Procedure. And also he has to ensure whether the Stored Procedure follows the standard format like comments, updated by, etc.
Then check the procedure calling name, calling parameters, and expected reponses for different sets of input parameters.
Then run the procedure yourself with database client programs like TOAD, or mysql, or Query Analyzer
Rerun the procedure with different parameters, and check results against expected values.
Finally, automate the tests with WinRunner.
What are the different stages involved in Database Testing
verify field level data in the database with respect to frontend transactions
verify the constraint (primary key,forien key ....)
verify the performance of the procedures
verify the triggrs (execution of triggers)
verify the transactions (begin,commit,rollback)
verify the constraint (primary key,forien key ....)
verify the performance of the procedures
verify the triggrs (execution of triggers)
verify the transactions (begin,commit,rollback)
What we normally check for in the Database Testing?
In DB testing we need to check for,
1. The field size validation
2. Check constraints.
3. Indexes are done or not (for performance related issues)
4. Stored procedures
5. The field size defined in the application is matching with that in the db.
Database testing involves some indepth knowledge of the given application and requires more defined plan of approach to test the data. Key issues include :
1) data Integrity
2) data validity
3) data manipulation and updates.
Tester must be aware of the database design concepts and implementation rules
1. The field size validation
2. Check constraints.
3. Indexes are done or not (for performance related issues)
4. Stored procedures
5. The field size defined in the application is matching with that in the db.
Database testing involves some indepth knowledge of the given application and requires more defined plan of approach to test the data. Key issues include :
1) data Integrity
2) data validity
3) data manipulation and updates.
Tester must be aware of the database design concepts and implementation rules
Thursday, July 01, 2010
What's the difference between load and stress testing ?
One of the most common, but unfortunate misuse of terminology is treating “load testing” and “stress testing” as synonymous. The consequence of this ignorant semantic abuse is usually that the system is neither properly “load tested” nor subjected to a meaningful stress test.
Stress testing is subjecting a system to an unreasonable load while denying it the resources (e.g., RAM, disc, mips, interrupts, etc.) needed to process that load. The idea is to stress a system to the breaking point in order to find bugs that will make that break potentially harmful. The system is not expected to process the overload without adequate resources, but to behave (e.g., fail) in a decent manner (e.g., not corrupting or losing data). Bugs and failure modes discovered under stress testing may or may not be repaired depending on the application, the failure mode, consequences, etc. The load (incoming transaction stream) in stress testing is often deliberately distorted so as to force the system into resource depletion.
Load testing is subjecting a system to a statistically representative (usually) load. The two main reasons for using such loads is in support of software reliability testing and in performance testing. The term 'load testing' by itself is too vague and imprecise to warrant use. For example, do you mean representative load,' 'overload,' 'high load,' etc. In performance testing, load is varied from a minimum (zero) to the maximum level the system can sustain without running out of resources or having, transactions >suffer (application-specific) excessive delay.
A third use of the term is as a test whose objective is to determine the maximum sustainable load the system can handle. In this usage, 'load testing' is merely testing at the highest transaction arrival rate in performance testing.
Stress testing is subjecting a system to an unreasonable load while denying it the resources (e.g., RAM, disc, mips, interrupts, etc.) needed to process that load. The idea is to stress a system to the breaking point in order to find bugs that will make that break potentially harmful. The system is not expected to process the overload without adequate resources, but to behave (e.g., fail) in a decent manner (e.g., not corrupting or losing data). Bugs and failure modes discovered under stress testing may or may not be repaired depending on the application, the failure mode, consequences, etc. The load (incoming transaction stream) in stress testing is often deliberately distorted so as to force the system into resource depletion.
Load testing is subjecting a system to a statistically representative (usually) load. The two main reasons for using such loads is in support of software reliability testing and in performance testing. The term 'load testing' by itself is too vague and imprecise to warrant use. For example, do you mean representative load,' 'overload,' 'high load,' etc. In performance testing, load is varied from a minimum (zero) to the maximum level the system can sustain without running out of resources or having, transactions >suffer (application-specific) excessive delay.
A third use of the term is as a test whose objective is to determine the maximum sustainable load the system can handle. In this usage, 'load testing' is merely testing at the highest transaction arrival rate in performance testing.
What are 5 common problems in the software development process ?
1. poor requirements - if requirements are unclear, incomplete, too general, or not testable, there will be problems.
2. unrealistic schedule - if too much work is crammed in too little time, problems are inevitable.
3. inadequate testing - no one will know whether or not the program is any good until the customer complains or systems crash.
4. featuritis - requests to pile on new features after development is underway; extremely common.
5. miscommunication - if developers don't know what's needed or customer's have erroneous expectations, problems are guaranteed.
2. unrealistic schedule - if too much work is crammed in too little time, problems are inevitable.
3. inadequate testing - no one will know whether or not the program is any good until the customer complains or systems crash.
4. featuritis - requests to pile on new features after development is underway; extremely common.
5. miscommunication - if developers don't know what's needed or customer's have erroneous expectations, problems are guaranteed.
Software Test Tools - TESTGUI
Kind of Tool
Automated testing of GUI applications for IBM, Microsoft & Oracle platforms
Organization
Original Software
http://www.origsoft.com/
Software Description
TestGUI offers unrivalled GUI test automation for the IBM iSeries (AS/400), SQL Server, MS Access and Oracle platforms.
• Detailed testing of all Windows applications
• Intelligent interrogation of individual screen elements
• Complete understanding of Jwalk?, Cool:Plex, Delphi and Visual Lansa, Visual Basic and C++ object classes
• Also supports Microsoft.Net and VideoSoft Flexgrid controls
• Fast-start function & regression testing
• Full verification of underlying batch & interactive processes for the AS/400
• Dramatic increase in applications quality and performance
Platforms
AS/400, SQL Server, Oracle, MS Access
Automated testing of GUI applications for IBM, Microsoft & Oracle platforms
Organization
Original Software
http://www.origsoft.com/
Software Description
TestGUI offers unrivalled GUI test automation for the IBM iSeries (AS/400), SQL Server, MS Access and Oracle platforms.
• Detailed testing of all Windows applications
• Intelligent interrogation of individual screen elements
• Complete understanding of Jwalk?, Cool:Plex, Delphi and Visual Lansa, Visual Basic and C++ object classes
• Also supports Microsoft.Net and VideoSoft Flexgrid controls
• Fast-start function & regression testing
• Full verification of underlying batch & interactive processes for the AS/400
• Dramatic increase in applications quality and performance
Platforms
AS/400, SQL Server, Oracle, MS Access
Web Development Testing Tools - W3C Validation Services
W3C is THE standard in all of web validation. The W3C Validator looks into the markup of any website and display errors based on industry standards. It comes in over a dozen languages and a dozen varieties. Here are some of the most important validators:
- W3C Markup Validation
- W3C CSS Validation
- W3C mobileOK Checker
- W3C Link Checker
- W3C Feed Validation Service
These tools are designed to make websites as fast and bug-free as possible by detecting problems early. At the very least, they will let a developer know whether or not he or she needs to scream at Internet Explorer 6 for a while.
- W3C Markup Validation
- W3C CSS Validation
- W3C mobileOK Checker
- W3C Link Checker
- W3C Feed Validation Service
These tools are designed to make websites as fast and bug-free as possible by detecting problems early. At the very least, they will let a developer know whether or not he or she needs to scream at Internet Explorer 6 for a while.
Software Test Tools - AUTOTESTER FOR WINDOWS
Kind of Tool
GUI Test Driver
Organization
AutoTester Inc.
http://www.autotester.com/
Software Description
AutoTester for Windows is an automated testing solution designed for the creation, execution and documentation of automated tests for Windows 3.x. NT, and 95 applications.
Platforms
Windows 3.X, Windows 95, Windows NT
GUI Test Driver
Organization
AutoTester Inc.
http://www.autotester.com/
Software Description
AutoTester for Windows is an automated testing solution designed for the creation, execution and documentation of automated tests for Windows 3.x. NT, and 95 applications.
Platforms
Windows 3.X, Windows 95, Windows NT
Software Test Tools - ABBOT
Kind of Tool
Java GUI test framework (freeware)
Organization
Timothy Wall
http://abbot.sourceforge.net/
Software Description
The Abbot framework is a Java library that provides methods to reproduce user actions and examine the state of GUI components. Improving upon the very rudimentary functions provided by the java.awt.Robot class (A Better 'Bot). The framework may be invoked directly from Java code or accessed without programming through the use of scripts. It is suitable for use both by developers for unit tests and QA for functional testing.
Distributed under the GNU LGPL.
Platforms
Platforms supported by Java.
Java GUI test framework (freeware)
Organization
Timothy Wall
http://abbot.sourceforge.net/
Software Description
The Abbot framework is a Java library that provides methods to reproduce user actions and examine the state of GUI components. Improving upon the very rudimentary functions provided by the java.awt.Robot class (A Better 'Bot). The framework may be invoked directly from Java code or accessed without programming through the use of scripts. It is suitable for use both by developers for unit tests and QA for functional testing.
Distributed under the GNU LGPL.
Platforms
Platforms supported by Java.
Software Test Tools - Seapine Software
Seapine's software development and testing tools streamline your development process, saving you significant time and money. Enjoy feature-rich tools that are flexible enough to work in any software development environment. With Seapine integrated tools, every step in the development process feeds critical information into the next step, letting you focus on developing high quality software in less time.
Seapine Website http://www.seapine.com/
Seapine Software Software Test Tools
QA Wizard - Incorporating a user friendly interface with integrated data and a robust scripting engine. It adapts easily to new and evolving technologies and can be mastered in a short period of time. The result--you deliver higher quality software faster.
Seapine Website http://www.seapine.com/
Seapine Software Software Test Tools
QA Wizard - Incorporating a user friendly interface with integrated data and a robust scripting engine. It adapts easily to new and evolving technologies and can be mastered in a short period of time. The result--you deliver higher quality software faster.
Software Test Tools - Candela Technologies
Candela Technologies provides powerful and affordable Ethernet traffic generation equipment featuring large port counts in a compact form factor.
Candela Website http://www.candelatech.com/
Candela Technologies Software Test Tools
LANforge FIRE - LANforge now has better support of Microsoft Windows operating systems. Please see the bottom of this file for details on the supported features. LANforge on Linux is still the most precise, featureful, and highest performing option.
Candela Website http://www.candelatech.com/
Candela Technologies Software Test Tools
LANforge FIRE - LANforge now has better support of Microsoft Windows operating systems. Please see the bottom of this file for details on the supported features. LANforge on Linux is still the most precise, featureful, and highest performing option.
Software Test Tool - AccordSQA
Leading the revolution in business process optimization through true-automation in quality assurance. Break through the programming wall with next-generation test automation technology and accelerate your Time-to-Quality™.
AccordSQA Website http://www.accordsqa.com/
AccordSQA Software Test Tools
SmarteScript - First functional and regression testing tool built on next-generation technology. Powered by the patent pending Grid-Visualization Engine™, SmarteScript empowers the AccordSQA user with the ability to incorporate the business logic of their application directly into the testing process through Smarte Process Optimization™ – the true test of software quality and performance. The result is the highest level of quality assurance for the most complex of software applications. Simply comprehensive testing.
AccordSQA Website http://www.accordsqa.com/
AccordSQA Software Test Tools
SmarteScript - First functional and regression testing tool built on next-generation technology. Powered by the patent pending Grid-Visualization Engine™, SmarteScript empowers the AccordSQA user with the ability to incorporate the business logic of their application directly into the testing process through Smarte Process Optimization™ – the true test of software quality and performance. The result is the highest level of quality assurance for the most complex of software applications. Simply comprehensive testing.
Software Test Tools - Dynamic Memory Solutions
DMS software is focused on Quality Tools for Software Development. DMS is headquartered in Connecticut, USA and is privately owned.
Website http://www.dynamic-memory.com/
Dynamic Memory Solutions Software Test Tools
Dynamic Profile - The Dynamic Profile delivers the Unix Performance information your staff needs to keep your software running fast. All too often, production jobs run slower than predicted for some reason. A storm of conjecture and blames ensues regarding the diagnosis of the problem. Is it the new patch, the database, the network, a disk, ...? With the Dynamic Profile your operations staff can gather key information to diagnose the problem.
Dynamic Profile - The Dynamic Profile delivers the Unix Performance information your staff needs to keep your software running fast. All too often, production jobs run slower than predicted for some reason. A storm of conjecture and blames ensues regarding the diagnosis of the problem. Is it the new patch, the database, the network, a disk, ...? With the Dynamic Profile your operations staff can gather key information to diagnose the problem.
Dynamic Leak Check for UNIX - Dynamic Memory Solutions offers a complete solution to memory leak problems in the UNIX environment. Primarily targeted at medium to large software companies, Dynamic Leak Check makes leak detection easy and fast. Your programmers, testers and operations team can improve software quality, lower support costs, and increase customer satisfaction simply by using Dynamic Leak Check. The tool is so effective that our customers often experience an immediate total Return On Investment.
Dynamic Code Coverage - The Dynamic Code Coverage user guide may be downloaded by clicking on this link: User Guide Dynamic Code Coverage allows your team to identify untested portions of your code. This measurement leads to more effective testing. Effective testing a cornerstone of software quality. By using, Dynamic Code Coverage your team will improve your software quality immediately.
Dynamic Debug - Dynamic Debug identifies and pinpoints a wide variety of memory errors including:
Overflow errors on heap, stack, global and shared memory.
New/delete, malloc/free errors. C/C++ has a large variety of errors associated with heap memory interfaces.
Interface errors to standard libraries e.g. strcpy, printf
Uninitialized memory access
Accessing memory after free/delete
Null Pointer problems
I/O problems
Website http://www.dynamic-memory.com/
Dynamic Memory Solutions Software Test Tools
Dynamic Profile - The Dynamic Profile delivers the Unix Performance information your staff needs to keep your software running fast. All too often, production jobs run slower than predicted for some reason. A storm of conjecture and blames ensues regarding the diagnosis of the problem. Is it the new patch, the database, the network, a disk, ...? With the Dynamic Profile your operations staff can gather key information to diagnose the problem.
Dynamic Profile - The Dynamic Profile delivers the Unix Performance information your staff needs to keep your software running fast. All too often, production jobs run slower than predicted for some reason. A storm of conjecture and blames ensues regarding the diagnosis of the problem. Is it the new patch, the database, the network, a disk, ...? With the Dynamic Profile your operations staff can gather key information to diagnose the problem.
Dynamic Leak Check for UNIX - Dynamic Memory Solutions offers a complete solution to memory leak problems in the UNIX environment. Primarily targeted at medium to large software companies, Dynamic Leak Check makes leak detection easy and fast. Your programmers, testers and operations team can improve software quality, lower support costs, and increase customer satisfaction simply by using Dynamic Leak Check. The tool is so effective that our customers often experience an immediate total Return On Investment.
Dynamic Code Coverage - The Dynamic Code Coverage user guide may be downloaded by clicking on this link: User Guide Dynamic Code Coverage allows your team to identify untested portions of your code. This measurement leads to more effective testing. Effective testing a cornerstone of software quality. By using, Dynamic Code Coverage your team will improve your software quality immediately.
Dynamic Debug - Dynamic Debug identifies and pinpoints a wide variety of memory errors including:
Overflow errors on heap, stack, global and shared memory.
New/delete, malloc/free errors. C/C++ has a large variety of errors associated with heap memory interfaces.
Interface errors to standard libraries e.g. strcpy, printf
Uninitialized memory access
Accessing memory after free/delete
Null Pointer problems
I/O problems
Software Test Tools - WinPerl
winperl.com is a small company with a simple nice product called WinPerl++/GUIdo.
WinPerl Website http://www.winperl.com/
winperl.com Software Test Tools
WinPerl++/GUIdo - A suite of tools written to solve the need for a Windows UI automation tool with an easy to learn and use scripting language. For this reason, the Perl programming language was chosen. Winperl is a collection of windows dll's, Perl modules, developer UI and related tools which make its use in various environments possible. The WinPerl++ a.k.a GUIdo tool suite is ideal for the following purposes:
- Windows UI application automation.
- Corporate SQA application test efforts.
- Ideal for automating repetitive tasks.
- IT functions to eliminate human interaction.
WinPerl Website http://www.winperl.com/
winperl.com Software Test Tools
WinPerl++/GUIdo - A suite of tools written to solve the need for a Windows UI automation tool with an easy to learn and use scripting language. For this reason, the Perl programming language was chosen. Winperl is a collection of windows dll's, Perl modules, developer UI and related tools which make its use in various environments possible. The WinPerl++ a.k.a GUIdo tool suite is ideal for the following purposes:
- Windows UI application automation.
- Corporate SQA application test efforts.
- Ideal for automating repetitive tasks.
- IT functions to eliminate human interaction.
Software Test Tools - Parasoft
Parasoft is the leading provider of innovative solutions that automatically identify and prevent software errors from reoccurring in the development and QA process. For more than 15 years, this privately held company has delivered easy-to-use, scalable and customizable error prevention tools and methodologies through its portfolio of leading brands, including, Jtest, C++test, Insure++ and SOAtest.
Parasoft Website http://www.parasoft.com/
Parasoft Software Test Tools
WebKing - An automated Web application testing product that automates the most critical Web verification practices: static analysis, functional/regression testing, and load testing.
Jtest - An automated Java unit testing and coding standard analysis product. It automatically generates and executes JUnit tests for instant verification, and allows users to extend these tests. In addition, it checks whether code follows over 500 coding standard rules and automatically corrects violations of over 200 rules.
C++test - An automated C/C++unit testing and coding standard analysis product. It automatically generates and executes unit tests for instant verification, and allows users to customize and extend these tests as needed. In addition, it checks whether code follows over 700 coding standard rules
SOAtest - An automated Web services testing product that allows users to verify all aspects of a Web service, from WSDL validation, to unit and functional testing of the client and server, to performance testing. SOA Test addresses key Web services and SOA development issues such as interoperability, security, change management, and scalability.
.TEST - An automated unit testing and coding standard analysis product that tests classes written on the Microsoft® .NET Framework without requiring developers to write a single test case or stub.
Parasoft Website http://www.parasoft.com/
Parasoft Software Test Tools
WebKing - An automated Web application testing product that automates the most critical Web verification practices: static analysis, functional/regression testing, and load testing.
Jtest - An automated Java unit testing and coding standard analysis product. It automatically generates and executes JUnit tests for instant verification, and allows users to extend these tests. In addition, it checks whether code follows over 500 coding standard rules and automatically corrects violations of over 200 rules.
C++test - An automated C/C++unit testing and coding standard analysis product. It automatically generates and executes unit tests for instant verification, and allows users to customize and extend these tests as needed. In addition, it checks whether code follows over 700 coding standard rules
SOAtest - An automated Web services testing product that allows users to verify all aspects of a Web service, from WSDL validation, to unit and functional testing of the client and server, to performance testing. SOA Test addresses key Web services and SOA development issues such as interoperability, security, change management, and scalability.
.TEST - An automated unit testing and coding standard analysis product that tests classes written on the Microsoft® .NET Framework without requiring developers to write a single test case or stub.
Software Test Tools - AutoTester
AutoTester was founded in 1985 and was the first automated test tool company. Since its inception, AutoTester has continually led the automated software testing industry with its innovative and powerful testing tools designed to help customers worldwide with e-business, SAP R/3, ERP, and Windows software quality initiatives.
AutoTester Website http://www.autotester.com/
AutoTester Software Test Tools
AutoTester ONE - Functional, regression, and systems integration testing of Windows, Client Server, Host/Legacy, or Web applications. Provides true end-to-end testing of applications.
AutoTester Website http://www.autotester.com/
AutoTester Software Test Tools
AutoTester ONE - Functional, regression, and systems integration testing of Windows, Client Server, Host/Legacy, or Web applications. Provides true end-to-end testing of applications.
Software Test Tools - OpenSTA
OpenSTA is a distributed software testing architecture designed around CORBA, it was originally developed to be commercial software by CYRANO. The current toolset has the capability of performing scripted HTTP and HTTPS heavy load tests with performance measurements from Win32 platforms. However, the architectural design means it could be capable of much more.
OpenSTA Website http://www.opensta.org/
The OpenSTA toolset is Open Source software licensed under the GNU GPL (General Public License), this means it is free and will always remain free.
OpenSTA Website http://www.opensta.org/
The OpenSTA toolset is Open Source software licensed under the GNU GPL (General Public License), this means it is free and will always remain free.
Software Test Tools - Empirix
Empirix is the leading provider of integrated testing and management solutions for Web and voice applications and VoIP networks.
Empirix Website http://www.empirix.com/
Empirix Software Test Tools
e-TEST suite - A powerful, easy-to-use application testing solution that ensures the quality, performance, and reliability of your Web applications and Web Services. This integrated, full lifecycle solution allows you to define and manage your application testing process, validate application functionality, and ensure that your applications will perform under load. With e-TEST suite, you can deploy your Web applications and Web Services in less time while maximizing the efficiency of your testing team.
e-Manager Enterprise - A comprehensive test management solution that allows you to plan, document, and manage the entire application testing process. Its intuitive, Web-based interface and integrated management modules allow you to set up a customized testing process to fit the needs of your organization.
e-Tester - A flexible, easy-to-use solution for automated functional and regression testing of your Web applications and Web Services. It provides the fastest way to create automated scripts that emulate complex Web transactions. e-Tester then allows you to use these scripts for automated functional and regression testing. The same scripts can also be used in e-Load for load and performance testing and in OneSight for post-deployment application management.
e-Load - A powerful solution that enables you to easily and accurately test the performance and scalability of your Web applications and Web Services. Using e-Load you can simulate hundreds or thousands of concurrent users, executing real business transactions, to analyze how well your Web applications will perform under load. It also allows you to monitor the performance of your back-end application infrastructure, during your load test, to identify bottlenecks and help you tune application performance. e-Load is fully accessible via a Web browser interface, which enables testers and developers to collaborate during the application testing and tuning process.
Empirix Website http://www.empirix.com/
Empirix Software Test Tools
e-TEST suite - A powerful, easy-to-use application testing solution that ensures the quality, performance, and reliability of your Web applications and Web Services. This integrated, full lifecycle solution allows you to define and manage your application testing process, validate application functionality, and ensure that your applications will perform under load. With e-TEST suite, you can deploy your Web applications and Web Services in less time while maximizing the efficiency of your testing team.
e-Manager Enterprise - A comprehensive test management solution that allows you to plan, document, and manage the entire application testing process. Its intuitive, Web-based interface and integrated management modules allow you to set up a customized testing process to fit the needs of your organization.
e-Tester - A flexible, easy-to-use solution for automated functional and regression testing of your Web applications and Web Services. It provides the fastest way to create automated scripts that emulate complex Web transactions. e-Tester then allows you to use these scripts for automated functional and regression testing. The same scripts can also be used in e-Load for load and performance testing and in OneSight for post-deployment application management.
e-Load - A powerful solution that enables you to easily and accurately test the performance and scalability of your Web applications and Web Services. Using e-Load you can simulate hundreds or thousands of concurrent users, executing real business transactions, to analyze how well your Web applications will perform under load. It also allows you to monitor the performance of your back-end application infrastructure, during your load test, to identify bottlenecks and help you tune application performance. e-Load is fully accessible via a Web browser interface, which enables testers and developers to collaborate during the application testing and tuning process.
Software Test Tools - Facilita
Forecast by Facilita is mainly used for performance testing but functionally it is as strong as the other performance tools and the cost saving is usually at least 50% less.
Facilita Website http://www.facilita.com/
Facilita Software Test Tools
forecast - The Load and Performance Test Tool. A non-intrusive tool for system load testing, performance measurement and multi-user functional testing. Load test your enterprise infrastructure by simulating thousands of users performing realistic user actions.
Facilita Website http://www.facilita.com/
Facilita Software Test Tools
forecast - The Load and Performance Test Tool. A non-intrusive tool for system load testing, performance measurement and multi-user functional testing. Load test your enterprise infrastructure by simulating thousands of users performing realistic user actions.
Software Test Tools - Segue
Segue Software is a global leader dedicated to delivering quality optimization solutions that ensure the accuracy and performance of enterprise applications. Today Segue® solutions are successfully meeting the quality optimization challenges of more than 2,000 customers around the world, including 61% of the Fortune 100. Our results-oriented approach helps our customers optimize quality every step of the way.
Anyone who has used SilkTest along side any of the other test tools will agree that this is the most function rich out the box. However the learning curve (if you have no programming experience) is the steepest. In my opinion it provides the most robust facilities; an object map, test recovery facilities and object-based development language. Segue's performance test tool SilkPerformer also performs very well compared to it's rivals e.g. LoadRunner, LoadTest, etc.
Segue Website see http://www.segue.com/.
Segue Software Test Tools
SilkCentral Test Manager - Automate your testing process for optimal quality and productivity. SilkCentral Test Manager is an all-inclusive test management system that builds quality and productivity into the testing process to speed the delivery of successful enterprise applications. It lets you plan, document and manage each step of the testing cycle from capturing and organizing key business requirements, tracing them through execution … designing the optimal test plans … scheduling tests for unattended execution … tracking the progress of manual and automated tests … identifying the features at risk … and assessing when the application is ready to go live.
SilkCentral Issue Manager - Resolve issues quickly & reliably by automating the tracking process. An estimated 80% of all software costs is spent on resolving application defects. With SilkCentral™ Issue Manager, you can reduce the cost and speed the resolution of defects and other issues throughout the entire application lifecycle. SilkCentral Issue Manager features a flexible, action-driven workflow that adapts easily to your current business processes and optimizes defect tracking by automatically advancing each issue to its next stage. Its Web user interface provides 24x7x365 access to a central repository of all defect-related information - simplifying usage among geographically dispersed groups and promoting collaboration among different departments. Meanwhile insightful reports enable you to determine project readiness based on the status of important issues.
SilkTest - Meet the time-to-market & quality goals of enterprise applications. SilkTest is the industry-leading automated tool for testing the functionality of enterprise applications in any environment. It lets you thoroughly verify application reliability within the confines of today's short testing cycles by leveraging the accuracy, consistency and time-saving benefits of Segue's automated testing technology. Designed for ease of use, SilkTest includes a host of productivity-boosting features that let both novice and expert users create functional tests quickly, execute them automatically and analyze results accurately. With less time spent testing, your QA staff can expand test coverage and optimize application quality. In addition to validating the full functionality of an application prior to its initial release, users can easily evaluate the impact of new enhancements on existing functionality by simply reusing existing test cases.
SilkTest International - Ensure the reliability of multi-lingual enterprise applications. When it comes to localized versions of global applications, companies traditionally resort to second-class manual testing - a time-consuming and costly process which leaves a large margin of error. SilkTest International changes all that by providing a quick, accurate and fully automated way to test localized applications.
SilkPerformer Component - Optimize component quality and reduce costs by testing remote application components early in development. As the central building blocks of a distributed application, remote application components are key to ensuring application quality. SilkPerformer® Component Test Edition from Segue® lets you test and optimize three major quality aspects of critical remote components early in the application lifecycle - even before client applications are available.
SilkPerformer - Test the limits of your enterprise applications. SilkPerformer® is the industry's most powerful - yet easiest to use - automated load and performance testing solution for optimizing the performance, scalability and reliability of mission-critical enterprise applications. With SilkPerformer, you can accurately predict the "breaking points" in your application and its underlying infrastructure before it is deployed, regardless of its size or complexity. SilkPerformer has the power to simulate thousands of simultaneous users working with multiple computing environments and interacting with various application environments such as Web, client/server, Citrix® MetaFrame®, or ERP/CRM systems - all with a single script and one or more test machines. Yet its visual approach to scripting and root-cause analysis makes it amazingly simple and efficient to use. So you can create realistic load tests easily, find and fix bottlenecks quickly, and deliver high-performance applications faster than ever.
SilkCentral Performance Manager - Optimize the availability, performance and accuracy of mission-critical applications. SilkCentral™ Performance Manager is an application performance management solution for optimizing the quality of mission-critical applications. SilkCentral Performance Manager monitors the end-user experience on three dimensions: availability, accuracy and performance. Active monitoring utilizes synthetic business transactions for service-level and performance monitoring, while passive monitoring provides an understanding of real-user behavior by recording actual user transactions.
Anyone who has used SilkTest along side any of the other test tools will agree that this is the most function rich out the box. However the learning curve (if you have no programming experience) is the steepest. In my opinion it provides the most robust facilities; an object map, test recovery facilities and object-based development language. Segue's performance test tool SilkPerformer also performs very well compared to it's rivals e.g. LoadRunner, LoadTest, etc.
Segue Website see http://www.segue.com/.
Segue Software Test Tools
SilkCentral Test Manager - Automate your testing process for optimal quality and productivity. SilkCentral Test Manager is an all-inclusive test management system that builds quality and productivity into the testing process to speed the delivery of successful enterprise applications. It lets you plan, document and manage each step of the testing cycle from capturing and organizing key business requirements, tracing them through execution … designing the optimal test plans … scheduling tests for unattended execution … tracking the progress of manual and automated tests … identifying the features at risk … and assessing when the application is ready to go live.
SilkCentral Issue Manager - Resolve issues quickly & reliably by automating the tracking process. An estimated 80% of all software costs is spent on resolving application defects. With SilkCentral™ Issue Manager, you can reduce the cost and speed the resolution of defects and other issues throughout the entire application lifecycle. SilkCentral Issue Manager features a flexible, action-driven workflow that adapts easily to your current business processes and optimizes defect tracking by automatically advancing each issue to its next stage. Its Web user interface provides 24x7x365 access to a central repository of all defect-related information - simplifying usage among geographically dispersed groups and promoting collaboration among different departments. Meanwhile insightful reports enable you to determine project readiness based on the status of important issues.
SilkTest - Meet the time-to-market & quality goals of enterprise applications. SilkTest is the industry-leading automated tool for testing the functionality of enterprise applications in any environment. It lets you thoroughly verify application reliability within the confines of today's short testing cycles by leveraging the accuracy, consistency and time-saving benefits of Segue's automated testing technology. Designed for ease of use, SilkTest includes a host of productivity-boosting features that let both novice and expert users create functional tests quickly, execute them automatically and analyze results accurately. With less time spent testing, your QA staff can expand test coverage and optimize application quality. In addition to validating the full functionality of an application prior to its initial release, users can easily evaluate the impact of new enhancements on existing functionality by simply reusing existing test cases.
SilkTest International - Ensure the reliability of multi-lingual enterprise applications. When it comes to localized versions of global applications, companies traditionally resort to second-class manual testing - a time-consuming and costly process which leaves a large margin of error. SilkTest International changes all that by providing a quick, accurate and fully automated way to test localized applications.
SilkPerformer Component - Optimize component quality and reduce costs by testing remote application components early in development. As the central building blocks of a distributed application, remote application components are key to ensuring application quality. SilkPerformer® Component Test Edition from Segue® lets you test and optimize three major quality aspects of critical remote components early in the application lifecycle - even before client applications are available.
SilkPerformer - Test the limits of your enterprise applications. SilkPerformer® is the industry's most powerful - yet easiest to use - automated load and performance testing solution for optimizing the performance, scalability and reliability of mission-critical enterprise applications. With SilkPerformer, you can accurately predict the "breaking points" in your application and its underlying infrastructure before it is deployed, regardless of its size or complexity. SilkPerformer has the power to simulate thousands of simultaneous users working with multiple computing environments and interacting with various application environments such as Web, client/server, Citrix® MetaFrame®, or ERP/CRM systems - all with a single script and one or more test machines. Yet its visual approach to scripting and root-cause analysis makes it amazingly simple and efficient to use. So you can create realistic load tests easily, find and fix bottlenecks quickly, and deliver high-performance applications faster than ever.
SilkCentral Performance Manager - Optimize the availability, performance and accuracy of mission-critical applications. SilkCentral™ Performance Manager is an application performance management solution for optimizing the quality of mission-critical applications. SilkCentral Performance Manager monitors the end-user experience on three dimensions: availability, accuracy and performance. Active monitoring utilizes synthetic business transactions for service-level and performance monitoring, while passive monitoring provides an understanding of real-user behavior by recording actual user transactions.
Software Test Tools - HP- Mercury Interactive
Mercury is the global leader in Business Technology Optimization (BTO) software and services. Our BTO products and solutions help customers govern and manage IT and optimize application quality, performance, and availability. Mercury enables IT organizations to shift their focus from managing IT projects to optimizing business outcomes. Global 2000 companies and government agencies worldwide rely on Mercury to lower IT costs, reduce risks, and optimize for growth; address strategic IT initiatives; and optimize enterprise application environments like J2EE, .NET, and ERP/CRM.
Mercury has a number of complimentary tools TestDirector being the most integrated one. They have a lot of third party support and test tools are usually compared first against Mercury than the others. Mercury tends to use third party companies to supply professional services support for their tools (e.g. if you require onsite development of test suites).
Mercury Interactive Software Test Tools
Mercury TestDirector: allows you to deploy high-quality applications quickly and effectively by providing a consistent, repeatable process for gathering requirements, planning and scheduling tests, analyzing results, and managing defects and issues. TestDirector is a single, Web-based application for all essential aspects of test management — Requirements Management, Test Plan, Test Lab, and Defects Management. You can leverage these core modules either as a standalone solution or integrated within a global Quality Center of Excellence environment.
Mercury QuickTest Professional: provides the industry's best solution for functional test and regression test automation - addressing every major software application and environment. This next-generation automated testing solution deploys the concept of Keyword-driven testing to radically simplify test creation and maintenance. Unique to QuickTest Professional’s Keyword-driven approach, test automation experts have full access to the underlying test and object properties, via an integrated scripting and debugging environment that is round-trip synchronized with the Keyword View.
Mercury WinRunner: offers your organization a powerful tool for enterprisewide functional and regression testing. Mercury WinRunner captures, verifies, and replays user interactions automatically, so you can identify defects and ensure that business processes work flawlessly upon deployment and remain reliable. With Mercury WinRunner, your organization gains several advantages, including:
- Reduced testing time by automating repetitive tasks.
- Optimized testing efforts by covering diverse environments with a single testing tool.
- Maximized return on investment through modifying and reusing test scripts as the application evolves.
Mercury Business Process Testing: the industry’s first web-based test automation solution, can add real value. It enables non-technical business analysts to build, data-drive, and execute test automation without any programming knowledge. By empowering business analysts and quality automation engineers to collaborate more effectively using a consistent and standardized process, you can:
Improve the productivity of your testing teams.
Detect and diagnose performance problems before system downtime occurs.
Increase the overall quality of your applications.
ActiveTest. Can help ensure the users have a positive experience with a Web site. ActiveTest is a hosted, Web-based testing service that conducts full scale stress testing of your Web site. By emulating the behavior of thousands of customers using your Web application, ActiveTest identifies bottlenecks and capacity constraints before they affect your constomers.
Mercury LoadRunner: prevents costly performance problems in production by detecting bottlenecks before a new system or upgrade is deployed. You can verify that new or upgraded applications will deliver intended business outcomes before go-live, preventing over-spending on hardware and infrastructure. It is the industry-standard load testing solution for predicting system behavior and performance, and the only integrated load testing, tuning, and diagnostics solution in the market today. With LoadRunner web testing software, you can measure end-to-end performance, diagnose application and system bottlenecks, and tune for better performance—all from a single point of control. It supports a wide range of enterprise environments, including Web Services, J2EE, and .NET.
Mercury has a number of complimentary tools TestDirector being the most integrated one. They have a lot of third party support and test tools are usually compared first against Mercury than the others. Mercury tends to use third party companies to supply professional services support for their tools (e.g. if you require onsite development of test suites).
Mercury Interactive Software Test Tools
Mercury TestDirector: allows you to deploy high-quality applications quickly and effectively by providing a consistent, repeatable process for gathering requirements, planning and scheduling tests, analyzing results, and managing defects and issues. TestDirector is a single, Web-based application for all essential aspects of test management — Requirements Management, Test Plan, Test Lab, and Defects Management. You can leverage these core modules either as a standalone solution or integrated within a global Quality Center of Excellence environment.
Mercury QuickTest Professional: provides the industry's best solution for functional test and regression test automation - addressing every major software application and environment. This next-generation automated testing solution deploys the concept of Keyword-driven testing to radically simplify test creation and maintenance. Unique to QuickTest Professional’s Keyword-driven approach, test automation experts have full access to the underlying test and object properties, via an integrated scripting and debugging environment that is round-trip synchronized with the Keyword View.
Mercury WinRunner: offers your organization a powerful tool for enterprisewide functional and regression testing. Mercury WinRunner captures, verifies, and replays user interactions automatically, so you can identify defects and ensure that business processes work flawlessly upon deployment and remain reliable. With Mercury WinRunner, your organization gains several advantages, including:
- Reduced testing time by automating repetitive tasks.
- Optimized testing efforts by covering diverse environments with a single testing tool.
- Maximized return on investment through modifying and reusing test scripts as the application evolves.
Mercury Business Process Testing: the industry’s first web-based test automation solution, can add real value. It enables non-technical business analysts to build, data-drive, and execute test automation without any programming knowledge. By empowering business analysts and quality automation engineers to collaborate more effectively using a consistent and standardized process, you can:
Improve the productivity of your testing teams.
Detect and diagnose performance problems before system downtime occurs.
Increase the overall quality of your applications.
ActiveTest. Can help ensure the users have a positive experience with a Web site. ActiveTest is a hosted, Web-based testing service that conducts full scale stress testing of your Web site. By emulating the behavior of thousands of customers using your Web application, ActiveTest identifies bottlenecks and capacity constraints before they affect your constomers.
Mercury LoadRunner: prevents costly performance problems in production by detecting bottlenecks before a new system or upgrade is deployed. You can verify that new or upgraded applications will deliver intended business outcomes before go-live, preventing over-spending on hardware and infrastructure. It is the industry-standard load testing solution for predicting system behavior and performance, and the only integrated load testing, tuning, and diagnostics solution in the market today. With LoadRunner web testing software, you can measure end-to-end performance, diagnose application and system bottlenecks, and tune for better performance—all from a single point of control. It supports a wide range of enterprise environments, including Web Services, J2EE, and .NET.
Software Test Tools - Rational
Rational is now part of IBM, which is leader in the invention, development and manufacture of the industry's most advanced information technologies, including computer systems, software, storage systems and microelectronics. Rational offers the most complete lifecycle toolset (including testing).
When it comes to Object Oriented development they are the acknowledged leaders with most of the leading OO experts working for them. Some of their products are worldwide leaders e.g. Rational Rose, Clearcase, RequistePro, etc.
Their Unified Process is a very good development model that I have been involved with which allows mapping of requirements to use cases, test cases and a whole set of tools to support the process.
If you are developing products using an OO approach then you should include Rational in the evaluation.
Rational Website http://www-306.ibm.com/software/rational/
Rational Functional Tester - An advanced, automated functional and regression testing tool for testers and GUI developers who need superior control for testing Java, Microsoft Visual Studio .NET, and Web-based applications.
Rational Manual Tester - A manual test authoring and execution tool for testers and business analysts who want to improve the speed, breadth, and reliability of their manual testing efforts. Promotes test step reuse to reduce the impact of software change on manual test maintenance activities.
Rational Performance Tester - IBM Rational Performance Tester is a load and performance testing solution for teams concerned about the scalability of their Web-based applications. Combining ease of use with deep analysis capabilities, Rational Performance Tester simplifies test creation, load generation, and data collection to help ensure that applications can scale to thousands of concurrent users.
Rational Purify - Advanced runtime and memory management error detection. Does not require access to source code and can thus be used with third-party libraries in addition to home-grown code.
Rational Robot - General-purpose test automation tool for QA teams who want to perform functional testing of client/server applications.
Rational Test RealTime - Cross-platform solution for component testing and runtime analysis. Designed specifically for those who write code for embedded and other types of pervasive computing products.
When it comes to Object Oriented development they are the acknowledged leaders with most of the leading OO experts working for them. Some of their products are worldwide leaders e.g. Rational Rose, Clearcase, RequistePro, etc.
Their Unified Process is a very good development model that I have been involved with which allows mapping of requirements to use cases, test cases and a whole set of tools to support the process.
If you are developing products using an OO approach then you should include Rational in the evaluation.
Rational Website http://www-306.ibm.com/software/rational/
Rational Functional Tester - An advanced, automated functional and regression testing tool for testers and GUI developers who need superior control for testing Java, Microsoft Visual Studio .NET, and Web-based applications.
Rational Manual Tester - A manual test authoring and execution tool for testers and business analysts who want to improve the speed, breadth, and reliability of their manual testing efforts. Promotes test step reuse to reduce the impact of software change on manual test maintenance activities.
Rational Performance Tester - IBM Rational Performance Tester is a load and performance testing solution for teams concerned about the scalability of their Web-based applications. Combining ease of use with deep analysis capabilities, Rational Performance Tester simplifies test creation, load generation, and data collection to help ensure that applications can scale to thousands of concurrent users.
Rational Purify - Advanced runtime and memory management error detection. Does not require access to source code and can thus be used with third-party libraries in addition to home-grown code.
Rational Robot - General-purpose test automation tool for QA teams who want to perform functional testing of client/server applications.
Rational Test RealTime - Cross-platform solution for component testing and runtime analysis. Designed specifically for those who write code for embedded and other types of pervasive computing products.
Software Test Tools - Compuware
Compuware Corporation is a recognized industry leader in enterprise software and IT services that help maximize the value of technology investments. We offer a powerful set of integrated solutions for enterprise IT including IT governance, application development, quality assurance and application service management. Compuware is one of the largest software test tool vendors. It has a turnover in excess of $2 billion and staff of more than 15,000. 9,500 of these are professional services staff with skills covering all the development lifecycle. Compuware does not only supply the tools but will provide staff to initially develop your test suite and handover to internal staff as required.
Compuware's test tool set is second to Rational only on the windows platform (for coverage) but for complete coverage across platforms including mainframe and Unix they are the best. So for the larger company that requires a complete testing solution to cover these platforms it is probably best to start with Compuware as they will offer unit test, database test, mainframe, functional, load, web test, defect tracking and more in their tool set. No other vendor can offer this range.
Compuware Website http://www.compuware.com/
Compuware Software Test Tools
Compuware provides tools for Requirements Management, Risk-based Test Management, Unit, Functional and Load Testing, Test Data Management, and Quality Discipline.
Compuware Application Reliability Solution (CARS) offers a more effective approach. CARS combines our patented methodology with innovative enterprise-wide technologies and certified quality assurance expertise to instill a consistent discipline across development, quality assurance and operations. By following this systematic testing approach, you:
- adhere to a consistent quality assurance process
- deliver the quality metrics required to make a sound go/no go decision
- ensure the most critical of business requirements are met
QACenter Enterprise Edition: Requirements Management Tool. Align testing with business requirements. With QACenter Enterprise Edition you can:
- prioritize testing activities through the assignment of risk
- align test requirements with business goals
- quickly measure progress and effectiveness of test activities
- centrally manage and execute various manual and automated testing assets
- automate the process of entering, tracking and resolving defects found during testing.
Compuware DevPartner: A family of products providing a comprehensive development, debugging and tuning solution to the challenges of application development, from concept to coding to security and finally to completion. DevPartner products cover Microsoft, Java™, 64-bit and driver development, helping you improve productivity and increase software reliability—from simple two-tier applications to complex distributed and web-based systems.
Xpediter: Analyze, test and debug mainframe applications. With Xpediter you can:
- Analyze programs and applications
- Test and debug programs interactively
- Understand and control the process of data and logic
- Identify what has executed within an application
- Debug DB2 Stored Procedures
- Test date and time related logic
File-AID: Test data management tool. Help you pull together test data from multiple source to create, move, convert, reformat, subset, and validate your test date bed. The test methodology has helped organizations test more efficiently and effectively.
Compuware's test tool set is second to Rational only on the windows platform (for coverage) but for complete coverage across platforms including mainframe and Unix they are the best. So for the larger company that requires a complete testing solution to cover these platforms it is probably best to start with Compuware as they will offer unit test, database test, mainframe, functional, load, web test, defect tracking and more in their tool set. No other vendor can offer this range.
Compuware Website http://www.compuware.com/
Compuware Software Test Tools
Compuware provides tools for Requirements Management, Risk-based Test Management, Unit, Functional and Load Testing, Test Data Management, and Quality Discipline.
Compuware Application Reliability Solution (CARS) offers a more effective approach. CARS combines our patented methodology with innovative enterprise-wide technologies and certified quality assurance expertise to instill a consistent discipline across development, quality assurance and operations. By following this systematic testing approach, you:
- adhere to a consistent quality assurance process
- deliver the quality metrics required to make a sound go/no go decision
- ensure the most critical of business requirements are met
QACenter Enterprise Edition: Requirements Management Tool. Align testing with business requirements. With QACenter Enterprise Edition you can:
- prioritize testing activities through the assignment of risk
- align test requirements with business goals
- quickly measure progress and effectiveness of test activities
- centrally manage and execute various manual and automated testing assets
- automate the process of entering, tracking and resolving defects found during testing.
Compuware DevPartner: A family of products providing a comprehensive development, debugging and tuning solution to the challenges of application development, from concept to coding to security and finally to completion. DevPartner products cover Microsoft, Java™, 64-bit and driver development, helping you improve productivity and increase software reliability—from simple two-tier applications to complex distributed and web-based systems.
Xpediter: Analyze, test and debug mainframe applications. With Xpediter you can:
- Analyze programs and applications
- Test and debug programs interactively
- Understand and control the process of data and logic
- Identify what has executed within an application
- Debug DB2 Stored Procedures
- Test date and time related logic
File-AID: Test data management tool. Help you pull together test data from multiple source to create, move, convert, reformat, subset, and validate your test date bed. The test methodology has helped organizations test more efficiently and effectively.
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