Top 30 Most Common Manual Testing Interview Questions For Experienced You Should Prepare For
Written by
James Miller, Career Coach
Landing a role as an experienced manual tester requires showcasing not just foundational knowledge but also practical experience, problem-solving skills, and the ability to integrate testing within various development methodologies. Interviewers want to understand your depth of experience, your approach to complex scenarios, and how you contribute to overall quality. Preparing for manual testing interview questions for experienced candidates means going beyond basic definitions and providing examples from your career. This blog outlines 30 common manual testing interview questions for experienced professionals, offering insights into why they are asked, how to structure your response, and sample answers to guide your preparation. Mastering these topics will significantly boost your confidence and performance in your next interview. Focus on articulating your real-world application of testing principles and methodologies, demonstrating your value as a seasoned professional in the field of manual testing. These manual testing interview questions for experienced roles often probe into your understanding of the testing lifecycle, defect management, test design techniques, and your ability to handle challenging situations or collaborate effectively within a team, particularly in Agile environments.
What Are Manual Testing Interview Questions For Experienced?
Manual testing interview questions for experienced candidates are designed to evaluate a tester's comprehensive understanding and practical application of software testing principles gained over several years in the industry. Unlike entry-level questions that focus on basic definitions, these questions delve into real-world scenarios, complex test design techniques, process improvement, risk assessment, and collaboration within diverse teams. They assess your ability to strategize test efforts, manage defects efficiently, utilize various testing methodologies (like Agile or Waterfall), and make informed decisions about test coverage and release readiness. These manual testing interview questions for experienced roles aim to uncover critical thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and the depth of your expertise beyond just executing test cases. Interviewers look for candidates who can discuss past projects, challenges faced, and how they contributed to delivering high-quality software, showcasing leadership potential or mentoring skills within the manual testing domain.
Why Do Interviewers Ask Manual Testing Interview Questions For Experienced?
Interviewers ask manual testing interview questions for experienced candidates to gauge the depth of their knowledge, practical experience, and ability to handle complex situations. They want to ensure the candidate possesses a solid foundation in testing fundamentals but also demonstrates advanced skills in test strategy, planning, design, and execution. These questions help interviewers understand how a candidate has applied their knowledge in real projects, their familiarity with different software development lifecycles (SDLCs) and testing lifecycles (STLCs), and their approach to quality assurance beyond simple test execution. Manual testing interview questions for experienced roles also reveal a candidate's problem-solving skills, their ability to work under pressure, manage stakeholders, and contribute to process improvements. Discussing past challenges and successes allows interviewers to assess resilience, adaptability, and how well the candidate collaborates with developers, business analysts, and other team members. Ultimately, the goal is to find experienced testers who can hit the ground running, mentor junior staff, and significantly contribute to the quality of the software product.
Preview List
What experience do you have in manual testing
What is the difference between QA and Testing
Explain the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
What is the Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC)
What is the difference between verification and validation
What are test scenarios and test cases
What is regression testing How do you approach it
What is the defect life cycle
Explain types of testing black box white box and gray box testing
What is positive and negative testing
What are smoke and sanity testing
What is a test plan and what does it include
What is a test strategy
How do you design and execute test cases
Explain boundary value analysis and equivalence partitioning
What is exploratory testing
What is the difference between severity and priority of a defect
What are entry and exit criteria in testing
How do you handle incomplete requirements
What is a test bed
What is retesting
What is the difference between an error defect and failure
What tools do you use for defect management
How do you prioritize test cases
What is a test suite
What is dynamic vs static testing
What is the difference between validation and verification
How do you decide when to stop testing
What is risk-based testing
Explain Agile methodology and its impact on testing
1. What experience do you have in manual testing?
Why you might get asked this:
This is a common opening question to gauge your background, years of experience, project types you've worked on, and your core responsibilities in manual testing.
How to answer:
Quantify your experience (years), mention key projects or domains, and highlight your core manual testing activities like test case design, execution, and defect reporting.
Example answer:
I have over 6 years of experience in manual testing across finance and e-commerce domains. My roles involved requirements analysis, creating comprehensive test plans and cases, executing various test types, and managing defects in JIRA.
2. What is the difference between QA and Testing?
Why you might get asked this:
To check if you understand the broader scope of quality assurance versus the specific activity of testing.
How to answer:
Explain that QA is a process-oriented approach focused on preventing defects, while testing is an activity focused on finding defects in the product.
Example answer:
QA (Quality Assurance) is the overall process of ensuring quality throughout the SDLC, focusing on prevention. Testing is a subset activity, focused on executing the product to find defects and ensure it meets requirements.
3. Explain the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
Why you might get asked this:
To ensure you understand the context in which testing operates within the overall software development process.
How to answer:
List and briefly describe the standard phases of the SDLC: Requirements, Design, Development, Testing, Deployment, and Maintenance.
Example answer:
The standard SDLC phases are Requirements Gathering, Design, Development, Testing (where we validate the product meets requirements), Deployment, and ongoing Maintenance. Testing is crucial for ensuring quality before release.
4. What is the Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC)?
Why you might get asked this:
To verify your understanding of the structured process specifically for testing activities.
How to answer:
List and briefly describe the phases of the STLC: Requirement Analysis, Test Planning, Test Case Development, Test Environment Setup, Test Execution, and Test Cycle Closure.
Example answer:
The STLC is the testing process lifecycle. It includes phases like Requirement Analysis, Test Planning, Test Case Development, Test Environment Setup, Test Execution, and Test Cycle Closure.
5. What is the difference between verification and validation?
Why you might get asked this:
These are fundamental concepts in quality assurance; interviewers want to see if you know their distinct meanings.
How to answer:
Explain that verification checks if the product is built correctly according to specifications ("Are we building the product right?"), while validation checks if the right product was built to meet user needs ("Are we building the right product?").
Example answer:
Verification confirms the product is built according to specifications (process-focused). Validation confirms the product meets user needs and requirements (product-focused). Think of "building it right" vs. "building the right thing."
6. What are test scenarios and test cases?
Why you might get asked this:
To understand your test design process from high-level concepts to detailed steps.
How to answer:
Define test scenarios as high-level possibilities or functions to be tested, and test cases as detailed, step-by-step instructions including inputs, expected results, and conditions.
Example answer:
Test scenarios are high-level ideas of what to test, like "Verify login functionality." Test cases are detailed steps derived from scenarios, specifying inputs, actions, expected outcomes, and execution conditions.
7. What is regression testing? How do you approach it?
Why you might get asked this:
Regression testing is critical for ensuring stability after changes; they want to know your strategy.
How to answer:
Explain regression testing's purpose (ensuring existing functionality isn't broken by new changes) and describe your approach, which typically involves selecting and rerunning relevant existing test cases.
Example answer:
Regression testing ensures new code changes don't negatively impact existing features. My approach involves identifying affected areas and critical paths, selecting relevant test cases (often from a regression suite), and executing them systematically.
8. What is the defect life cycle?
Why you might get asked this:
To assess your understanding of how defects are managed from discovery to resolution.
How to answer:
Describe the typical stages a defect goes through: New, Assigned, Open, Fixed, Retest, Verified, Closed. Mention statuses like Rejected or Deferred.
Example answer:
The defect life cycle tracks a bug's journey. It usually starts as New, then Assigned, Open, Fixed by a developer, sent for Retest, and finally Verified and Closed by the tester.
9. Explain types of testing: black box, white box, and gray box testing.
Why you might get asked this:
These are fundamental testing types; interviewers check if you know their definitions and applicability.
How to answer:
Define each: Black box (testing without internal knowledge), White box (testing with internal code knowledge), Gray box (testing with partial internal knowledge).
Example answer:
Black box testing is based on requirements, ignoring internal code. White box testing uses knowledge of internal code structure. Gray box testing combines both, using some internal knowledge to design tests.
10. What is positive and negative testing?
Why you might get asked this:
To see if you consider testing both expected and unexpected inputs and scenarios.
How to answer:
Explain that positive testing uses valid inputs to confirm expected behavior, while negative testing uses invalid or unexpected inputs to check error handling and robustness.
Example answer:
Positive testing validates system behavior with valid data and expected conditions. Negative testing validates how the system handles invalid data or unexpected user actions, focusing on error handling and boundary conditions.
11. What are smoke and sanity testing?
Why you might get asked this:
These are common initial tests; they want to know if you know when and why to perform them.
How to answer:
Define smoke testing as basic tests on core functions to check system stability for further testing. Define sanity testing as focused tests after minor builds or bug fixes to ensure functionality is working as expected.
Example answer:
Smoke testing is a quick run of critical features to verify the build is stable enough for detailed testing. Sanity testing is a brief, focused test to check if a specific fix or small change works correctly.
12. What is a test plan and what does it include?
Why you might get asked this:
To assess your understanding of the foundational document guiding testing activities.
How to answer:
Define a test plan as a document outlining the scope, approach, resources, and schedule. Mention key components like objectives, scope, environment, entry/exit criteria, test deliverables, and risks.
Example answer:
A test plan is a detailed document outlining the scope, objectives, approach, resources, schedule, and deliverables for testing a project. It typically includes entry/exit criteria, test environment needs, and risk assessment.
13. What is a test strategy?
Why you might get asked this:
To understand your high-level approach to testing a project or product.
How to answer:
Define a test strategy as a high-level document derived from business requirements, outlining the overall goals and approach for testing, including test types, tools, and techniques. It guides the test plan.
Example answer:
A test strategy is a high-level document defining the overall testing approach and goals, including types of testing to be performed (functional, performance, etc.), tools, techniques, and environment strategy.
14. How do you design and execute test cases?
Why you might get asked this:
To understand your practical workflow from requirements to execution.
How to answer:
Describe the process: Analyze requirements, identify scenarios, write detailed test cases with steps, inputs, and expected results. Execution involves running these cases, comparing actual to expected results, and logging defects.
Example answer:
I start by analyzing requirements and user stories to identify testable features and scenarios. Then, I design detailed test cases using techniques like equivalence partitioning. Execution involves following the steps, logging results, and raising defects for discrepancies.
15. Explain boundary value analysis and equivalence partitioning.
Why you might get asked this:
These are common test case design techniques; they check your practical knowledge.
How to answer:
Define Equivalence Partitioning as dividing input data into partitions where all values in a partition should behave similarly. Define Boundary Value Analysis as testing values at the boundaries of these partitions.
Example answer:
Equivalence Partitioning divides input data into groups expected to behave the same. Boundary Value Analysis tests values at the edges of these partitions, as defects often occur near boundaries.
16. What is exploratory testing?
Why you might get asked this:
To see if you use less structured, more intuitive testing methods when appropriate.
How to answer:
Define it as simultaneous learning, test design, and execution. Emphasize its use in discovering unexpected issues and its reliance on the tester's knowledge and intuition.
Example answer:
Exploratory testing is hands-on testing where I simultaneously learn the software, design tests, and execute them. It's less structured than scripted testing and effective for finding issues not covered by formal test cases.
17. What is the difference between severity and priority of a defect?
Why you might get asked this:
To ensure you understand the distinction between impact (severity) and urgency (priority) in defect management.
How to answer:
Explain that severity is the technical impact of the defect on the system's functionality or performance. Priority is the business urgency or order in which the defect should be fixed.
Example answer:
Severity is the impact a defect has on the system's functionality (e.g., Crash, Minor UI issue). Priority is the urgency with which the defect needs to be fixed based on business needs (e.g., High, Medium, Low).
18. What are entry and exit criteria in testing?
Why you might get asked this:
To check your understanding of the conditions that define the start and end of a testing phase.
How to answer:
Define entry criteria as conditions that must be met before testing can begin (e.g., stable build available, test environment ready). Define exit criteria as conditions met before testing can conclude (e.g., all critical defects fixed, required test coverage achieved).
Example answer:
Entry criteria are preconditions to start a test phase, like receiving a stable build and having the environment ready. Exit criteria are conditions to stop testing, such as meeting coverage goals or fixing critical bugs.
19. How do you handle incomplete requirements?
Why you might get asked this:
This is a common real-world challenge; they want to see your problem-solving and communication skills.
How to answer:
Describe steps like seeking clarification from stakeholders (Product Owner, Business Analyst), documenting assumptions, breaking down features, and highlighting risks. Emphasize communication and collaboration.
Example answer:
I would first seek immediate clarification from the PO or BA. If details aren't available, I'd document assumptions, communicate the potential risks of testing based on incomplete info, and focus on testing what is clear while iterating.
20. What is a test bed?
Why you might get asked this:
To verify your understanding of the testing environment setup.
How to answer:
Define a test bed as the specific environment configured for testing, including the hardware, software, network configuration, and any necessary test data.
Example answer:
A test bed is the specifically configured environment where testing is performed. It includes the hardware, software builds, operating systems, databases, network settings, and necessary test data required for testing.
21. What is retesting?
Why you might get asked this:
To check your understanding of the process after a defect fix.
How to answer:
Define retesting as testing a specific defect fix to confirm that the defect is resolved and the feature now works as expected. It's targeted testing on the previously failed test case.
Example answer:
Retesting is executing a specific test case again after a defect has been fixed to verify that the issue is resolved and the feature behaves correctly. It's targeted verification of a fix.
22. What is the difference between an error, defect, and failure?
Why you might get asked this:
To test your grasp of the basic terminology in the testing and development process.
How to answer:
Define an error as a human mistake by a developer. A defect (or bug) is a flaw in the code resulting from an error. A failure is when the software malfunctions during execution due to a defect.
Example answer:
An error is a human mistake. A defect is the manifestation of that error in the code (the bug). A failure is when that defect causes the software to behave incorrectly during runtime.
23. What tools do you use for defect management?
Why you might get asked this:
To gauge your familiarity with standard industry tools for tracking issues.
How to answer:
Mention tools you have experience with, such as JIRA, Bugzilla, Azure DevOps, or Quality Center. Briefly describe how you use them (logging, tracking, reporting defects).
Example answer:
I have significant experience using JIRA for defect management. I use it daily to log bugs, assign them to developers, track their status through the lifecycle, add comments, and generate reports.
24. How do you prioritize test cases?
Why you might get asked this:
To understand your strategic thinking in determining which tests are most important to run, especially under time constraints.
How to answer:
Explain that prioritization is based on risk (likelihood and impact of failure), business criticality of the feature, frequency of use, and requirements traceability.
Example answer:
I prioritize test cases based on risk assessment. High-priority cases cover critical functionalities with high business impact or features with a high probability of defects. I also consider requirements coverage and complexity.
25. What is a test suite?
Why you might get asked this:
A basic term in test organization; confirms your understanding of grouping tests.
How to answer:
Define a test suite as a collection of test cases that are grouped together, often based on features, modules, or types of testing (e.g., a regression test suite).
Example answer:
A test suite is a collection of test cases grouped logically for execution. This could be based on a feature, a module, or a specific type of testing, like a suite for smoke tests or regression tests.
26. What is dynamic vs static testing?
Why you might get asked this:
To check your awareness of different approaches to finding defects, including code analysis.
How to answer:
Explain static testing involves reviewing code and documentation without executing the software. Dynamic testing involves executing the software and observing its behavior.
Example answer:
Static testing analyzes code or documentation without running the software, like code reviews or walk-throughs. Dynamic testing involves executing the code to find defects by running test cases.
27. What is the difference between validation and verification?
Why you might get asked this:
This is a fundamental concept. While similar to Q5, sometimes it's asked differently or revisited.
How to answer:
Reiterate the core difference: Verification checks if the product is built according to specifications ("built right"). Validation checks if the product meets the user's actual needs ("built the right thing").
Example answer:
Verification is checking that the software meets its specifications and standards – essentially, "Are we building the product right?" Validation confirms the software meets the user's requirements and expectations – "Are we building the right product?"
28. How do you decide when to stop testing?
Why you might get asked this:
To understand your release readiness criteria and risk assessment skills.
How to answer:
Mention factors like meeting exit criteria, reaching defined test coverage, stabilizing defect rates (low number of new critical bugs), time constraints/deadlines, and assessing remaining risks.
Example answer:
Stopping testing is based on several factors: meeting defined exit criteria, achieving satisfactory test coverage, analyzing the defect discovery and fix rate (when new defects slow down), considering the release deadline, and evaluating the residual risk.
29. What is risk-based testing?
Why you might get asked this:
To see if you can strategically focus testing efforts where they are most needed.
How to answer:
Define risk-based testing as prioritizing testing efforts on features or functionalities that have the highest potential risk of failure and/or the biggest impact on the business or users if they fail.
Example answer:
Risk-based testing involves identifying potential risks in the software and prioritizing testing efforts based on the probability and impact of those risks. We focus more test effort on high-risk, high-impact areas.
30. Explain Agile methodology and its impact on testing.
Why you might get asked this:
Agile is prevalent; they want to know if you can adapt manual testing within iterative development.
How to answer:
Describe Agile's iterative and incremental approach. Explain how manual testing integrates throughout the sprints, requiring frequent testing, collaboration, adaptability, and sometimes participation in backlog refinement or sprint planning.
Example answer:
Agile is an iterative methodology where testing is integrated into each sprint. It requires continuous testing, close collaboration with developers and POs, adaptability to changing requirements, and often involves participation in sprint planning and reviews for effective manual testing.
Other Tips to Prepare for a Manual Testing Interview Questions For Experienced
Preparing for manual testing interview questions for experienced roles goes beyond memorizing definitions; it's about articulating your practical expertise and strategic thinking. "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity," as famously said. Review common manual testing interview questions for experienced roles, but focus on framing your answers with real-world examples from your career. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when asked behavioral questions or about how you handled specific challenges. Practice explaining complex concepts clearly and concisely. Enhance your preparation by using resources like Verve AI Interview Copilot (https://vervecopilot.com), which offers AI-driven practice sessions tailored to your experience level and target role. This tool can help you refine your responses to common manual testing interview questions for experienced candidates and build confidence. Consider mock interviews to get feedback on your delivery and content. Stay updated on industry trends, especially regarding Agile practices and collaboration tools used in manual testing. Remember, showcasing your passion for quality and continuous learning is key. Verve AI Interview Copilot can provide simulated interview experiences to make your preparation for manual testing interview questions for experienced roles more effective. Leverage tools designed to help you practice effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the typical focus of manual testing interview questions for experienced candidates?
A1: They focus on practical experience, strategic thinking, process knowledge (STLC, defect management), and applying test design techniques in real-world scenarios.
Q2: How should I answer questions about handling difficult colleagues or situations?
A2: Use the STAR method to describe a specific instance, focusing on your actions and the positive outcome or lessons learned, emphasizing professionalism and collaboration.
Q3: Is it important to mention tools I've used in my answers?
A3: Yes, mentioning specific tools (like JIRA, TestRail) adds credibility to your experience and familiarity with industry standards in manual testing roles.
Q4: Should I ask questions at the end of the interview?
A4: Absolutely. Asking thoughtful questions shows your engagement and interest in the role and company, demonstrating your preparation for manual testing interview questions for experienced positions.
Q5: How can I prepare for behavioral questions related to manual testing?
A5: Reflect on past projects, challenges, teamwork, and successes. Prepare stories using the STAR method that highlight your skills relevant to manual testing.
Q6: Where can I find resources to practice manual testing interview questions for experienced roles?
A6: Besides reviewing common lists like this, consider using AI interview practice tools like Verve AI Interview Copilot to simulate real interview scenarios.
