QA Tester Job Description
Hire a QA Tester to check software quality across web and mobile products. This template gives a clear, role-specific job advert, a practical responsibilities list and realistic candidate requirements tailored to UK employers.
What does a QA Tester professional do?
A QA Tester executes manual and exploratory tests, records defects, verifies fixes and helps ensure releases meet functional and usability requirements.
QA Tester job description template
Use this employer-ready example as a starting point, then replace the placeholders and adjust the content so it accurately reflects your vacancy.
QA Tester
About the role
We are seeking a QA Tester to join [EMPLOYER NAME] in [LOCATION]. You will design and run manual test cases, log and track defects, collaborate with developers and product owners, and help improve testing practices. This role suits someone with hands-on testing experience, strong attention to detail and good communication skills. Salary: [SALARY OR RANGE].
Key responsibilities
- Design, document and execute manual test cases for web and mobile features based on requirements and acceptance criteria.
- Perform exploratory, regression and cross-browser/device testing to identify functional and usability issues.
- Log, triage and track defects using a defect-tracking system; validate fixes and verify releases.
- Work closely with developers and product owners to reproduce issues, clarify requirements and prioritise defects.
- Maintain and update test documentation and checklists; contribute to continuous improvement of QA processes.
- Report clear, actionable test results to stakeholders and participate in sprint ceremonies and release planning.
Essential skills and experience
- Proven experience in manual testing of web and/or mobile applications.
- Practical knowledge of writing test cases, test plans and defect reports.
- Familiarity with defect-tracking tools (for example JIRA) and basic test management practices.
- Good understanding of the software development lifecycle and agile delivery practices.
- Strong analytical skills, attention to detail and clear written and verbal communication.
Desirable
- Experience with test management tools such as TestRail or Zephyr.
- Basic knowledge of test automation frameworks or scripting (for example Selenium, Cypress or similar).
- Familiarity with SQL for data validation and basic debugging.
- Mobile app testing experience (iOS/Android) including device and emulator testing.
- Formal QA certification (for example ISTQB) or a degree in a relevant technical subject.
What we offer
- Pension scheme (details to be confirmed by employer)
- Generous annual leave allowance (enter employer entitlement)
- Flexible or hybrid working options (if offered by employer)
- Training and professional development budget (if available)
- Private healthcare or health cash plan (if provided)
- Season ticket loan or equivalent travel support (optional)
How to apply
Apply with your CV and any additional information requested. Make the interview process, closing date and any assessment stages clear where known.
Use this as a starting point rather than a final advert. The strongest version will reflect the real role, salary, location, systems, responsibilities, benefits and working arrangements.
What is a QA Tester role?
A QA Tester verifies that software behaves as intended by executing test cases, investigating defects and validating fixes before release. Testers work across requirements, development and product teams to translate acceptance criteria into repeatable tests, perform exploratory checks and report clear findings. The role helps reduce defects reaching customers and supports continuous delivery through reliable pre-release verification.
Core duties
Manual test case design, exploratory testing, defect reporting and regression checks across web and mobile.
Tools & processes
Uses defect trackers and test-management tools within agile teams; works to release cycles and sprint schedules.
Team & reporting
Typically reports to QA Lead or Engineering Manager and collaborates closely with developers and product owners.
Typical QA Tester responsibilities
Responsibilities should reflect the real scope of the vacancy rather than every task someone in this profession might ever complete.
Design
Design, document and execute manual test cases for web and mobile features based on requirements and acceptance criteria.
Perform exploratory
Perform exploratory, regression and cross-browser/device testing to identify functional and usability issues.
Log, triage
Log, triage and track defects using a defect-tracking system; validate fixes and verify releases.
Work closely with developers
Work closely with developers and product owners to reproduce issues, clarify requirements and prioritise defects.
Maintain
Maintain and update test documentation and checklists; contribute to continuous improvement of QA processes.
Report clear
Report clear, actionable test results to stakeholders and participate in sprint ceremonies and release planning.
QA Tester skills and experience to look for
Keep the essential list focused on what the person really needs to perform the role. Move useful-but-trainable experience into desirable criteria.
Usually worth prioritising
- Proven experience in manual testing of web and/or mobile applications.
- Practical knowledge of writing test cases, test plans and defect reports.
- Familiarity with defect-tracking tools (for example JIRA) and basic test management practices.
- Good understanding of the software development lifecycle and agile delivery practices.
- Strong analytical skills, attention to detail and clear written and verbal communication.
Useful where relevant
- Experience with test management tools such as TestRail or Zephyr.
- Basic knowledge of test automation frameworks or scripting (for example Selenium, Cypress or similar).
- Familiarity with SQL for data validation and basic debugging.
- Mobile app testing experience (iOS/Android) including device and emulator testing.
- Formal QA certification (for example ISTQB) or a degree in a relevant technical subject.
See our guide to what to include in a job advert before publishing.
How to write a QA Tester job advert
Small role-specific details can make the advert much easier for suitable candidates to assess.
Be specific about testing scope
State whether the role focuses on web, mobile, APIs or cross-platform testing so candidates understand the day-to-day work.
List key tools and practices
Name the primary defect tracker and test tools used (for example JIRA, TestRail) and any expected practices such as pair testing or CI validation.
Differentiate manual vs automation expectations
Clarify how much time is spent on manual testing and whether automation skills are required or desirable.
Highlight career progression
Mention potential career paths such as Test Automation Engineer, QA Analyst or Test Lead to attract ambitious candidates.
QA Tester salary considerations
Salaries for QA Testers vary widely. Employers should set pay based on experience, the technical scope of testing required, and local labour market conditions rather than a fixed template figure.
depending on experience
- Use a genuine range
- Separate variable pay
- Avoid “competitive” alone
- Match salary to seniority
What QA Tester candidates will want to know
Practical details can influence whether a suitable candidate applies, even when the title and salary are attractive.
What types of testing will the role cover?
Candidates want to know if they’ll do functional, regression, exploratory, performance or mobile testing to assess fit.
What is the test-to-release cadence?
Clarifies whether testing follows short agile sprints, continuous delivery pipelines or scheduled release windows.
Which tools and platforms are used?
Specify the defect tracker, test-management tools, CI systems and devices or browsers commonly used.
Is there support for training and certification?
Experienced testers often look for upskilling opportunities such as automation training or professional QA certifications.
What are the working arrangements?
State whether the role is on-site, hybrid or remote and any expectations for core hours or travel to offices.
Where to post a QA Tester job
Recruit for QA Testers using a mix of broad and specialist channels. Post on major UK job boards and LinkedIn to reach a wide pool, and advertise on developer and QA-focused communities or forums to target technically experienced testers. For junior roles include local university jobs pages and entry-level channels; for experienced testers use specialist tech job sites and professional networks.
Related it & software / quality assurance job descriptions
Recruiting for a slightly different role? These templates may be a closer fit.
QA Tester job description FAQs
Should I require ISTQB or other certifications?
Certifications can be useful indicators of structured testing knowledge but are not essential. Prioritise demonstrable testing experience, problem-solving and effective defect reporting. Use certifications as a desirable criterion rather than a strict filter unless the role specifically requires it.
How can I assess a tester’s practical skills in interviews?
Use a short practical exercise such as reviewing acceptance criteria to write test cases, analysing a buggy feature to produce reproducible steps, or interpreting logs/SQL results. Combine with behavioural questions about defect triage and collaboration.
Is automation experience mandatory for a QA Tester?
Not always. Many QA Tester roles focus on manual and exploratory testing. If automation is expected, list specific frameworks and the level of scripting skill required. Otherwise mark automation as desirable to broaden the candidate pool.
What should I include in the job advert to reduce unsuitable applications?
Be clear about the technical scope (web, mobile, API), required tools, expected level of autonomy and working pattern (on-site/hybrid/remote). Mention minimum experience and any non-negotiable responsibilities to set expectations.
Ready to hire a QA Tester?
Use this template to create a tailored advert and post it across general and specialist channels. Update the placeholders with your role specifics, required tools and working arrangements before publishing.
