Overview
QA testing is one of the most accessible entry points into the tech industry, but that accessibility means competition is high. Hiring managers want testers who can write structured test cases, track defects systematically, and communicate clearly with developers. An ISTQB certification helps, but practical testing experience on a real product is what sets candidates apart.
This resume belongs to Amara Osei, a Software Engineering graduate from Nottingham Trent University. She completed a QA internship at Experian and built an automated visual regression testing tool for her dissertation. Her resume succeeds because it quantifies testing output and demonstrates both manual and automated testing competence.
What Makes This Resume Work
Testing output is measured precisely. 120+ test cases written, 45 defects logged, and 3 critical bugs caught before production. These numbers tell a QA lead exactly how productive Amara was during her internship and that she can identify issues that matter.
Automation skills are developing. Completing 15 automated Selenium scripts during an internship shows Amara is moving beyond manual testing. Her dissertation project, which detected 92% of visual changes with under 3% false positives, demonstrates she can build testing tools, not just use them.
The ISTQB certification validates foundational knowledge. This is the industry-standard entry-level certification for testers. Having it before starting your first role signals to employers that you understand testing principles, terminology, and methodologies.
Key Takeaways
For QA roles, your resume should count everything: test cases written, defects found, browsers tested, and releases supported. If you have caught critical bugs, highlight them. If you are learning automation, include even small scripts as evidence of your direction. The ISTQB Foundation certification is almost always worth getting before you start applying.
