Classic mickey-taking example

[gadgetman]

Used to get closer to 60k plus a car for similar role almost 10 years ago in the midlands.

Thats got to be an 80k+ role in London. Unless they're looking for a 'plenty cheapness' candidate...

Here's a cut and paste of what I got when I asked for a spec and salary:

[gadgetman]

and therein lies the reason for the failure of many large projects

No-one ever thinks. I know I need a project delivering, lets hire the testers first!!!

[RichardCranium]

I am always amazed at why testers think they are worth shed loads.

In all my years in IT (20 ish) I have known four good testers. People that could intuitively use a new piece of software and then predict what else would be wrong with that suite or system. People that could say "I know what caused this bug" without seeing the code. People that could identify which programmer wrote a piece of code and, therefore, know how to break it.

Three of them were in dedicated testing roles.

The other was probably the best Senior Programmer I have ever met, and far, far better than almost every developer I have worked with.

All four were definitely worth more than an average to good developer.



A poor tester, however, is of negative worth.

I believe a tester has to be be better and more experienced than the developer that wrote / designed the code they are testing, otherwise their presence does nothing other than result in WORSE development. The developers need to be a little frightened of the testing process and scared they will be shown up. Otherwise, they will not do any testing themselves and blame bugs on the testers.


Good tester: worth a fortune.
Bad tester: sack. Now.

[MarillionFan]

40K. If I was a tester Id take it.

10 a penny.

I am always amazed at why testers think they are worth shed loads.

At the end of the day if I want to develop software, get a competitive edge, I hire some BA's, Developers and a PM. Last if I have some dosh, I'd hire a tester.

No-one ever thinks. I know I need a project delivering, lets hire the testers first!!!

Get to the back of the queue and remember.

10 a penny.

[Evil Hangover]

I won't be biting because I love this attitude - I actively encourage it since it constricts supply of good people within the testing arena with obvious consequences for rates.

Really?

Testing as a career in this country is disappearing down the gurgler I'm afraid, towards our much cheapness buddies.

[Zippy]

That would get really annoying after a couple of weeks.

It means constantly harass people ...

[thunderlizard]

Bring the latest and best practice into the team on a daily basis

That would get really annoying after a couple of weeks.

[HeadOfTesting]

Oh I don't know - its only testing!

"Click OK" Does screen change? Yes - Test Passed

[Lighting blue touch paper and running away]

I won't be biting because I love this attitude - I actively encourage it since it constricts supply of good people within the testing arena with obvious consequences for rates.

[JoJoGabor]

Oh I don't know - its only testing!

"Click OK" Does screen change? Yes - Test Passed

[Lighting blue touch paper and running away]

[HeadOfTesting]

Considering what they want - they are having a laugh mate.

that's what I told them

[strawberrysmoothie]

Considering what they want - they are having a laugh mate.

[HeadOfTesting]

This week I received an approach via Linkedin (I've had some good leads from it so I think it's worth the effort but I know a lot of people are very sceptical).

Here's a cut and paste of what I got when I asked for a spec and salary:

"Hi,

Thanks for coming back to me. I can't attached a job spec to this Linked In email so have just cut and past my ad copy for the role. The role is scoped at around the £40K mark as a permanent appointment.

Let me know if this is something that could tempt you or if you know a suitable fit for this position.

Regards,
XXXX

Technical QA Manager

XX is looking for a Technical QA Manager to manage the technical QA pipeline and ensure that project deliverables are of the highest possible quality, allowing Producers to deliver on time, on budget and to specification with confidence.

The successful candidate will participate in all phases of the systems life cycle, using common software development processes. They will also interface with clients, application users, project managers, account managers, architects, developers and other technical support personnel where necessary. Digital agency is preferred but not essential.

Details of role

• Manage the technical QA pipeline and support the project teams with documented technical QA strategy and plans
• Translate business and technical requirements into documents that clearly define the technical QA plan and scripts for project teams
• Document risk analysis of any potential impact to business
• Work with clients and partners on external technical QA, UAT environments and integrated plans
• Manage third-party partners
• Be passionate about QA and help grow the QA offering within the company
• Manage the deployment schedule to production environment, making sure deployments happen in a timely and effective manner, and acting as gatekeeper on all projects being deployed
• Participate in all phases of the systems life cycle, using common software development processes
• Manage scope, budget and timings for technical QA team tasks within a project
• Interface with clients, application users, project managers, account managers, architects, developers and other technical support personnel
• Bring the latest and best practice into the team on a daily basis

Knowledge and skills required

• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• Process driven and methodical approach
• Excellent detailed documentation skills
• Experience of automated test products
• Experience in managing multiple reporting lines
• Experience with working in a creative environment
• Experience of Linux/Unix and Windows operating systems
• Experience of non-functional testing (load/security)
• Experience in creating QA test plans
• Troubleshooting and problem resolution
• Experience working with third parties
• Experience working with database technologies
• Configuration management and code control, using CVS or similar tools
* Cross browser, accessibility, load, non-functional or automated testing

Please apply direct to joinus@XXXXXXX.com with your CV and a covering letter explaining why you‘d like to work at XX.

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in the UK and available for interview at short notice."

I wrote back to express my "shock" at the salary. This is in central London by the way working for a very established firm - not some small start-up.