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If you’ve Googled “manual tester job description,” you’ve probably scrolled through page after page of the same thing: lifeless bullet points, vague requirements, and job posts that could have been written by a robot. The problem? Posts like these don’t actually attract strong candidates. They don’t show what your company is about, why the role matters, or why a skilled manual tester should choose you instead of the company next door.
Here’s the truth: top testers aren’t motivated by a checklist of duties—they want to know the bigger picture. What systems will they be testing? What kind of team will they join? Why does their role matter in the context of your product’s success?
👉 If you haven’t already, check out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ for a deeper dive into why most job descriptions fail—and how to fix them.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to write a manual tester job description that doesn’t just “check the boxes,” but actually attracts the right people. You’ll see real examples, bad examples, bonus tips, and even ready-to-use templates you can customize for your company.
Don’t let bad hires slow you down. WorkScreen helps you find the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
What Does a Manual Tester Actually Do?
A manual tester is the person who makes sure your software actually works the way it’s supposed to—without relying on automated scripts. They go step by step, like a real user would, to catch bugs, glitches, and usability issues before your customers ever see them.
Unlike automated testers, who use code and tools to run large batches of test cases, manual testers rely on curiosity, attention to detail, and critical thinking. They’re the ones who ask, “What happens if I click this twice? What if I use the app in a way it wasn’t designed for?”
Their job isn’t just to check boxes—it’s to think like the end user, explore edge cases, and make sure the product feels reliable and intuitive. In many ways, they’re the guardians of quality and the first line of defense between your product and a frustrated customer.
Key traits that matter most? Patience, communication, adaptability, and a sharp eye for detail. Tools and processes can be learned, but the mindset of a good tester is what sets them apart.
Two Great Manual Tester Job Description Templates
✅ Job Description Template #1: For Experienced Manual Testers
Job Title: Manual QA Tester — Web & Mobile (Fintech SaaS)
Company: BrightLedger
Location: Hybrid (Austin, TX) or Remote (US)
Compensation: $65,000–$85,000 base (DOE)
Type: Full-time
Schedule: Mon–Fri, core hours 10am–4pm CT
📹 A quick word from our QA Lead
[Loom / YouTube link]
Who We Are (BrightLedger)
BrightLedger is a fintech SaaS used by 7,500+ small businesses to automate bookkeeping, invoicing, and reconciliation. Our customers rely on us to keep cash flowing and compliance tidy, which is why product quality is a non-negotiable. We ship weekly and sweat the details.
Our Company Culture
We value thoughtful quality, clear communication, and ownership. We run blameless post-mortems, write things down, and collaborate tightly across product, design, and engineering. You’ll find a supportive team that pairs when needed and celebrates clean, reproducible bug reports.
What You’ll Do
- Execute functional, regression, and exploratory tests for web and mobile
- Validate user stories and acceptance criteria; help refine test scope
- Log defects with crisp STR, env details, and evidence (screenshots/video)
- Re-test fixes; maintain test cases in TestRail
- Partner with PM/Design on usability issues and release risk
- Champion QA process improvements and release checklists
What We’re Looking For
- 2–4+ years in manual QA for SaaS products
- Solid grasp of QA methodologies and SDLC
- Hands-on with Jira, TestRail (or similar), and basic API testing (Postman)
- Clear, concise written communication; strong repro instincts
- Comfortable testing across browsers, devices, and OS versions
Nice to Have
- Fintech or accounting domain exposure
- Experience with mobile beta programs (TestFlight/Play Console)
- Basic familiarity with automation (Playwright/Cypress) for collaboration
Perks & Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision + 401(k) with match
- 15–20 days PTO + 10 paid holidays + sick days
- Annual learning budget ($1,000) and device stipend
- Remote work setup stipend and monthly internet reimbursement
- 12 weeks paid parental leave
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- Direct impact on a product that handles real money and trust
- Tight release cadence where your feedback ships fast
- Clear growth paths to Senior QA Analyst or SDET collaboration
- A calm, documented, no-ego environment that values quality
How to Apply
We respect your time. That’s why we use WorkScreen—so you’re evaluated based on strengths, not buzzwords. Click the link below to complete your short, structured evaluation:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
✅ Job Description Template #2: For Entry-Level / Trainable Candidates
Job Title: Junior Manual Tester (Training Provided) — EdTech Apps
Company: SproutLearn
Location: Phoenix, AZ or Remote (US)
Compensation: $20–$25/hour (based on skills and training progress)
Type: Full-time or Part-time
Schedule: Flexible hours; overlap 11am–3pm PT
📹 A quick word from our Hiring Manager
[Loom / YouTube link]
Who We Are (SproutLearn)
SproutLearn builds simple, playful learning apps used by K–8 students and after-school programs. We care about reliability and accessibility so teachers can focus on teaching and kids can focus on learning. Our apps reach 120,000 learners each month.
Our Company Culture
We’re kind, curious, and mission-driven. We prioritize clear documentation, patient mentorship, and steady improvement over heroics. You’ll get hands-on guidance, open feedback, and a team that celebrates small wins.
What You’ll Do
- Run step-by-step test cases on web and tablet apps
- Try light exploratory testing to uncover edge cases
- Record issues with screenshots/screencasts and clear notes
- Re-test fixes and mark pass/fail in our trackers
- Learn fundamentals of usability, accessibility, and release hygiene
What We’re Looking For
- Strong attention to detail and follow-through
- Comfortable using computers, tablets, and basic productivity tools
- Clear, friendly written communication
- Reliable, organized, and eager to learn
Nice to Have (Not Required)
- Exposure to Jira/Trello/ClickUp
- Experience in customer support, tutoring, or childcare (great for empathy)
Perks & Benefits
- Paid training and mentorship program (2–4 weeks)
- Health, dental, and vision coverage for full-time roles
- Flexible scheduling and remote-friendly policies
- Wellness stipend and WFH setup support
- Tuition/learning reimbursements for QA certifications
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- Start a QA career with real coaching and clear growth steps
- Work on products that help kids learn every single day
- Friendly pace, supportive peers, and meaningful work you can feel good about
How to Apply
We respect your time. That’s why we use WorkScreen—so you’re evaluated based on strengths, not buzzwords. Click the link below to complete your short, structured evaluation:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache. WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
Breakdown of Why These Manual Tester Job Descriptions Work
It’s not just the structure that makes these job descriptions effective—it’s the way they connect. Let’s break it down:
1. Clear & Specific Job Titles
Instead of “QA Tester” or “Manual Tester,” the titles highlight both the domain and context:
- Manual QA Tester — Web & Mobile (Fintech SaaS)
- Junior Manual Tester (Training Provided) — EdTech Apps
This specificity tells the candidate exactly what they’ll be testing, what industry they’re stepping into, and at what level. Clarity attracts the right people and filters out those who aren’t a fit.
2. Video Element Adds Personality
A short Loom or YouTube message from the hiring manager/QA lead makes the post stand out immediately. Candidates can see and hear a real person, which builds trust and makes the company feel approachable.
3. Authentic “Who We Are” Sections
These aren’t vague summaries. BrightLedger and SproutLearn are presented as real companies with missions: one serving small businesses with financial software, the other building apps for kids. Candidates don’t just read what the company does—they understand why it matters.
4. Company Culture Highlighted Separately
By giving culture its own section, candidates know what it feels like to work there. Words like “supportive,” “collaborative,” “mission-driven,” and “blameless” show values in action, not just buzzwords. This helps attract people who align with those values.
5. Responsibilities Show Impact
Instead of lifeless bullet points like “test software and log bugs,” the tasks explain why they matter. For example:
- “Your work keeps releases calm and customers confident.”
- “Work on products that help kids learn every single day.”
This framing gives meaning to otherwise technical tasks.
6. Transparent Compensation & Perks
Pay ranges are listed upfront, which builds trust and saves time for both sides. Perks and benefits are separated from “Why This Role Is a Great Fit,” making it easy to skim. Transparency attracts serious applicants who value honesty.
7. Respectful Hiring Process
Both templates end with a human-centered “How to Apply.” Using WorkScreen demonstrates fairness and modernity, while the phrasing (“We respect your time”) sets a professional, considerate tone.
8. Two Audience Paths Covered
By including both an experienced and an entry-level template, you appeal to different hiring needs: one when you need someone seasoned, and another when you’re open to training fresh talent. This flexibility makes the article much more valuable to recruiters.
👉 In short: these job posts don’t just check the standard boxes—they connect emotionally, clarify expectations, and show respect. That’s what makes top testers stop scrolling and hit apply.
Example of a Bad Manual Tester Job Description (And Why It Fails)
Job Title: QA Tester
Company: Tech Solutions Inc.
Location: Remote
Type: Full-Time
Job Summary
Tech Solutions is seeking a QA tester to test software applications and ensure quality standards are met.
Key Responsibilities
- Execute test cases.
- Log defects in bug tracking system.
- Communicate with developers about issues.
- Ensure software meets business requirements.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field.
- 3+ years of QA testing experience.
- Knowledge of QA methodologies.
- Strong attention to detail.
How to Apply
Please send your CV and cover letter to hr@techsolutions.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
❌ Why This Job Post Falls Short
- Generic Job Title
“QA Tester” tells you almost nothing—what kind of product, what industry, what context? It could be any job, anywhere. - Cold, Vague Summary
“Test software applications” is lifeless. There’s no sense of mission, impact, or why the role matters to the business. - Responsibilities Are Too Broad
Tasks like “execute test cases” or “log defects” are so generic they don’t give the candidate a picture of day-to-day work. - No Culture or Personality
There’s nothing about the team, company values, or how testers are treated. It feels transactional, not human. - No Compensation or Benefits
Leaving out salary or perks makes the company seem outdated or non-transparent—an instant red flag for many candidates. - Dismissive Hiring Process
“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” feels impersonal and discouraging. Good candidates often move on rather than risk being ghosted. - Zero Emotional Pull
There’s no story, no mission, no sense of why this job is exciting. It’s a box-ticking exercise, not a pitch.
👉 This is exactly the kind of job post that strong manual testers will scroll past. It doesn’t inspire, it doesn’t build trust, and it doesn’t help the company stand out.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Manual Tester Job Description Stand Out
If you want your manual tester job post to do more than just list duties, here are some proven ways to make it more attractive to top candidates:
1. Add an Important Security & Privacy Notice
Show applicants you take their data seriously. A simple line builds trust:
“We take applicant security seriously. We will never ask for payment, banking details, or personal financial information during the hiring process.”
2. Mention Leave Days or Flex Time
Quality testers often burn out if they feel overworked. Flex time and clear leave policies make a difference:
“Enjoy up to 20 paid days off each year, plus flexible scheduling to help you recharge.”
3. Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities
Many testers want to grow into senior QA roles, automation, or even product. Show them you support career progression:
“We invest in growth. You’ll get access to training, mentorship, and certifications to advance your QA career.”
4. Add a Video From the Hiring Manager or Team Lead
We touched on this earlier—but it’s worth repeating. A short Loom or YouTube message from the QA lead makes the role feel real and approachable.
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
5. Be Transparent About Hiring Timeline
Don’t leave candidates hanging. Set expectations upfront:
“We review applications weekly and respond within 10 business days.”
6. Mention Tools & Tech Stack
Manual testers often like to know what bug tracking or collaboration tools you use (e.g., Jira, TestRail, Trello). Listing them makes your post feel concrete and professional.
7. Share Real Employee Testimonials
Even linking to a Glassdoor review or adding a quote from a current tester helps. It shows authenticity:
“Here’s what one of our testers said: ‘I love how our team collaborates during releases—it never feels like you’re alone when tracking down tricky bugs.’”
Should You Use AI to Write Your Manual Tester Job Description?
AI tools can generate a job post in seconds—but here’s the problem: if you rely on them blindly, you’ll end up with the same generic content that candidates have seen a hundred times before. That’s not going to inspire skilled testers.
❌ Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI Alone
- It produces bland, cookie-cutter posts. They sound professional but lack authenticity.
- It attracts the wrong crowd. Generic posts often bring in high-volume, low-effort applicants instead of thoughtful candidates.
- It weakens your brand. Your job description is often the first impression someone gets of your company. Why waste it on filler?
✅ The Right Way to Use AI
AI isn’t the problem—it’s how you use it. Think of it as your assistant, not your replacement.
Here’s how to get real value from it:
- Bring your own raw ingredients. Share your company values, mission, culture, and role-specific details.
- Shape the tone. Tell AI whether you want a conversational, culture-first style or a structured corporate format.
- Give it examples. Reference a strong job post (like the good ones above) and ask for something similar in tone and structure.
- Use AI for polishing, not writing from scratch. Let it help with clarity, formatting, and flow—but make sure the heart of the post is yours.
📝 Example Prompt (Smarter Use of AI)
“Help me write a manual tester job description for [Company Name]. We’re hiring for [key responsibilities]. Our culture is [describe culture], and we want to attract candidates who are [describe ideal traits]. Here’s our salary range [insert], benefits [insert], and hiring process [insert]. Here are a few notes I’ve written to get you started: [paste your notes]. Please make the tone conversational and candidate-friendly.”
By giving AI direction, context, and human input, you’ll end up with a job post that feels authentic, not robotic.
👉 Bottom line: AI should polish your message, not replace it. Skilled testers want to see the human side of your company, and no machine can fake that.
WorkScreen simplifies the hiring process, helping you quickly identify top talent while eliminating low-quality applications. By saving you countless hours and reducing the risk of bad hires, it empowers you to build a team that delivers results
Copy-Paste Manual Tester Job Description (Quick Use)
✅ Option 1: Conversational (Culture-First Style)
Job Title: Manual QA Tester – Ensure Reliable Releases at [Company Name] 💼 Location: Remote (HQ: [City, State]) 🕒 Type: [Full-Time/Part-Time] 💰 Salary Range: [$[X],000 – $[Y],000]/year
📹 A quick word from our Hiring Manager: [Insert Loom/YouTube link]
Who We Are
At [Company Name], we build [brief description of product/industry] that helps [target users/customers] do [core value/impact]. Reliability and user trust are everything to us—quality is not an afterthought, it’s how we ship.
Our Culture
We value clear communication, thoughtful problem-solving, and blameless collaboration. We write things down, support each other during releases, and celebrate crisp repro steps as much as shipped features.
The Role
As our Manual QA Tester, you’ll be the human layer of defense before every release—testing like a real user, uncovering edge cases, and helping us ship with confidence.
Responsibilities
- Execute structured, regression, and exploratory test cases across web/mobile
- Log bugs with clear steps, environment details, and evidence (screenshots/video)
- Re-test fixes and verify acceptance criteria before release
- Collaborate with Engineering and Product on risk, usability, and scope
- Suggest small process improvements that reduce escaped defects
What We’re Looking For
- Sharp attention to detail and a curious “what if?” mindset
- Clear, concise written communication
- Familiarity with QA workflows/tools (e.g., Jira, TestRail) is a plus
- Experience in manual testing (preferred for senior hires), or willingness to learn
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive pay range: [$[X],000 – $[Y],000]/year
- Health, dental, and vision coverage
- PTO + flexible scheduling
- Annual learning budget and WFH setup support
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
You’ll have a real voice in how we ship, see your feedback land quickly, and help deliver a product users can trust. If you love catching tricky edge cases and improving release calm, you’ll thrive here.
How to Apply
We respect your time. That’s why we use WorkScreen—so you’re evaluated based on strengths, not buzzwords. Click the link below to complete your short, structured evaluation:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
✅ Option 2: Structured (Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements)
Job Title: Manual QA Tester at [Company Name] 💼 Location: Remote (HQ: [City, State]) 🕒 Type: [Full-Time/Part-Time] 💰 Salary Range: [$[X],000 – $[Y],000]/year
Job Brief
[Company Name] is seeking a Manual QA Tester to ensure the quality and reliability of our [software/app]. You’ll execute test cases, document defects, and partner with developers to deliver seamless product experiences.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute manual test cases (functional, regression, exploratory)
- Record and triage bugs with clear STR and artifacts
- Re-test fixes and validate builds prior to release
- Collaborate with Product/Engineering on acceptance criteria and scope
- Maintain basic test documentation/checklists
Requirements
- Experience in manual testing or QA (preferred)
- Knowledge of QA processes and SDLC
- Strong attention to detail and communication skills
- Ability to work cross-functionally and manage priorities
Perks & Benefits
- Salary range: [$[X],000 – $[Y],000]/year
- Health/dental/vision benefits
- PTO + flexible work options
- Learning/ certification support
How to Apply
We believe hiring should be fair and transparent. Apply through WorkScreen to complete a short, skill-based evaluation:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
Take Your Hiring Beyond the Job Post with WorkScreen.io
Writing a compelling manual tester job description is just the first step. The real challenge comes after—when dozens (or hundreds) of applications start rolling in. That’s where WorkScreen.io makes your life easier.
With WorkScreen, you can:
✅ Quickly identify your most promising candidates.
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
✅ Easily administer one-click skill tests.
With WorkScreen, you can administer one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.
✅ Eliminate low-effort applicants.
WorkScreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
If you’ve ever been buried under resumes or frustrated by low-quality applicants, it’s time to try a smarter approach.
FAQ
The best manual testers combine technical knowledge with human curiosity. Look for candidates who are detail-oriented, analytical, and able to think like an end user. Strong skills include:
- Writing and executing test cases
- Exploratory testing (asking “what if” questions to uncover hidden bugs)
- Clear defect reporting with reproducible steps
- Communication and collaboration with developers and product teams
- Basic familiarity with bug-tracking tools like Jira, TestRail, or Trello
Soft skills like patience, adaptability, and persistence often matter as much as technical skills—especially when dealing with repetitive testing cycles.
Salaries vary depending on location, industry, and experience. In the U.S., manual testers typically earn between $45,000 and $75,000 per year. Entry-level roles may start closer to $40,000–$50,000, while experienced QA testers working in specialized industries (like fintech, healthcare, or gaming) can earn upwards of $80,000+. Outside the U.S., salary bands may differ significantly, but the same principle applies: more domain expertise and seniority usually equals higher pay.
Yes. While automation is critical for repetitive or large-scale test cases, manual testing remains essential for usability, exploratory testing, and edge cases that automation scripts can’t predict. Skilled manual testers bring the human perspective—something automation alone can’t replicate.
