Software Tester Job Description (Responsibilities, Skills, Duties & Sample Template)

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If you’ve Googled “software tester job description,” you’ve probably seen the same thing over and over again: a generic list of duties, a few buzzwords like “detail-oriented,” and a bland call to action. But here’s the truth—none of that actually helps you hire a great software tester.

Most of those templates are designed to check boxes, not attract top performers. They don’t explain the why behind the role, what kind of problems your tester will solve, or what makes your company a place worth joining. And because of that, the best candidates keep scrolling.

If you want to hire someone who can break things on purpose, think critically, and improve your product quality before your customers find the bugs—you need a job post that actually connects.

In this guide, we’re going to walk you through how to write a software tester job description that doesn’t just look good—it works. We’ll break down what the role really is, share examples for both experienced and entry-level hires, explain why they work, and even show you what not to do.

Before we dive in, we recommend checking 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/ if you haven’t already—it breaks down why most job descriptions fail and how to fix yours.

Build a winning team—without the hiring headache.

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What A Software Tester Actually Does

A software tester is the last line of defense before your product reaches the customer.

Their job is to find bugs, break features, and catch anything that slipped past development—before your users do. But a great tester does more than just check boxes or follow a script. They think like the end user, ask tough questions, and help developers spot weak points early.

At its core, this role is about quality. Software testers protect your product’s reputation by making sure things work the way they’re supposed to—and sometimes by making sure they don’t work, just to see what happens.

Whether it’s manual testing, writing test cases, logging bugs, or running automation tools, they play a critical role in helping your team move fast without breaking things (too badly).

So when you’re hiring for this role, you’re not just looking for someone who can click through checklists—you want someone who’s curious, methodical, and a little skeptical in all the right ways.

Two Great Software Tester Job Description Templates

We’ll provide two tailored job description options:

1.✅ Option 1: For employers looking to hire an experienced Line Cook with prior experience.

2.Option 2: For employers open to hiring entry-level candidates or those willing to train someone with potential.

 

✅ Job Post: Experienced Software Tester

🧪 Job Title: Software QA Tester for Rapid-Growth HealthTech Startup (Remote, Full-Time)
 💼 Location: Remote (USA-based preferred)
 💰 Salary Range: $65,000 – $85,000/year + Benefits
 🕐 Schedule: Full-Time, Flexible Hours

🎥 Meet your future team → [Insert Loom or YouTube link from the QA Lead]

Who We Are

At ClarityCare, we’re building smart, affordable healthcare tools that help patients better understand their health in real-time. We’ve grown 4x in the last year—and as we scale, quality is everything.

We’re looking for a sharp-eyed, detail-obsessed QA Tester to join our fast-paced engineering team. You’ll be the voice of quality in every sprint—and a critical part of helping us catch issues before they reach our users.

Our Company Culture

We care deeply about the product and the people behind it. You’ll be joining a tight-knit, fully remote team that values clear communication, async collaboration, and accountability without micromanagement. We believe in ownership, learning by doing, and treating testing as a creative and strategic craft—not just a routine checklist.

🔍 What You’ll Be Doing

  • Write, run, and refine test cases for new features

  • Perform exploratory, regression, and usability testing

  • Log detailed bug reports in Jira

  • Collaborate with developers to identify edge cases and prevent issues upstream

  • Create test documentation and maintain QA standards

  • Work closely with the product team to understand user flows and business logic

✅ What We’re Looking For

  • 2+ years experience in software testing or QA

  • Solid understanding of web applications and APIs

  • Experience with bug tracking tools (Jira, TestRail, etc.)

  • Strong written communication and attention to detail

  • Bonus: Experience with automation tools like Selenium, Cypress, or Playwright

💡 Why This Role Matters

You’ll have a direct hand in shipping features that impact thousands of patients. We move fast—but never at the expense of quality. That’s where you come in.

✨ Perks & Benefits

  • Remote-first culture

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance

  • 15 days paid vacation + 10 flex holidays

  • Professional development stipend

  • Quarterly wellness allowance

✅ Why This Job Post Works

  • Clear, purpose-driven job title

  • Strong intro that connects mission to role

  • Transparent salary and benefits

  • Human tone and respectful process

  • Embedded video adds trust and personality

  • Use of WorkScreen shows commitment to fairness and real skill evaluation

📥 How to Apply

We care about hiring fairly and effectively. That’s why we use WorkScreen—a platform that helps us evaluate applicants based on actual skills, not just resumes.

To apply, click this link and complete a quick skill evaluation:
 👉 [Insert WorkScreen link]

You’ll hear from us within a week—no ghosting.

✅ Job Post: Entry-Level Software Tester (No Experience Needed – We’ll Train You)

🧪 Job Title: Entry-Level Software Tester (No Experience Needed – We Train You)
 💼 Location: Onsite – Nairobi, Kenya
 💰 Salary Range: KES 40,000 – 60,000/month (Based on Skills)
 🕐 Schedule: Mon–Fri, 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

🎥 Hear from your future manager → [Insert Loom or YouTube link from QA Lead]

Who We Are

We’re RevuTech, a fast-growing software company helping local businesses run smarter with better tools for billing, booking, and communication. But none of it matters if our software doesn’t work—and that’s why we’re hiring.

We’re looking for a curious, reliable, and tech-comfortable person to join our QA team. No experience? No problem. We’ll teach you how to test software, find bugs, and make sure everything we ship is solid.

Our Company Culture

We’re young, ambitious, and serious about building great tech. But we’re also human—we don’t micromanage, and we don’t expect perfection on day one. What we care about is attitude, learning, and showing up consistently. Our team supports each other, shares knowledge freely, and celebrates small wins.

🧠 What You’ll Be Doing

  • Learn how to test new features before they go live

  • Follow step-by-step test plans and user flows

  • Try to “break” the software in ways our users might

  • Log bugs clearly so the dev team can fix them fast

  • Give feedback on features and flag anything confusing

  • Grow your QA skills over time through structured mentorship

🚀 What We’re Looking For

  • Basic computer skills—you’re comfortable with browsers, forms, and screenshots

  • Strong written communication in English

  • Reliable, focused, and eager to learn

  • Bonus: experience with any productivity or business tools (e.g., Trello, Airtable, Slack)

No formal degree or past experience needed—just the right mindset.

✨ Why This Role Is a Great Starting Point

If you’re someone who likes details, loves asking “what if this breaks?” and wants to build a tech career, this role is for you. We’ll invest in your growth, help you level up, and show you how QA fits into the bigger picture of how software is built.

🛠 Perks & Benefits

  • Paid in-house training + structured onboarding

  • Medical cover after 3 months

  • Monthly transport allowance

  • Career growth path into QA or Product

  • Fun, collaborative office in Kilimani

✅ Why This Job Post Works

  • Opens with warmth, not credentials

  • Reassures candidates they’ll be trained

  • Explains culture in plain, welcoming language

  • Makes the job feel purposeful—even at entry level

  • Application process is fair, simple, and human

📥 How to Apply

We use WorkScreen to give everyone a fair shot—no resume needed. You’ll take a short evaluation that lets us see how you think, communicate, and follow instructions.

Apply here:
 👉 [Insert WorkScreen link]

If you’re a match, we’ll reach out within a few days. And yes—we reply to every applicant.

Smart Hiring Starts Here

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

Why These Software Tester Job Posts Work

Let’s break down what makes these two examples actually work—whether you’re hiring a senior QA engineer or someone completely new to the field.

✅ 1. The Job Titles Are Clear, Specific, and Purposeful

Instead of “QA Tester” or “Software Tester,” these titles add human context:

  • “Software QA Tester for Rapid-Growth HealthTech Startup” appeals to someone who wants impact.

  • “Entry-Level Software Tester (No Experience Needed – We Train You)” speaks directly to beginners.

These titles aren’t just accurate—they’re intentional. They tell the candidate who the job is for and why it matters, instantly attracting the right people while filtering out the wrong ones.

✅ 2. The Introductions Tell a Story

Instead of opening with a corporate summary, both posts start with why the role exists. They explain the mission of the company and the real-world importance of the role. This is what creates emotional buy-in.

Remember: the best candidates don’t apply for job duties—they apply for impact.

✅ 3. They Highlight Culture Without Buzzwords

Both posts describe culture in plain English. They don’t just say “we’re collaborative” or “we move fast”—they show it:

  • “We don’t micromanage, and we don’t expect perfection on day one.”

  • “We believe in ownership, learning by doing, and treating testing as a craft.”

This kind of language helps candidates picture themselves in the environment—and self-select for fit.

✅ 4. They Speak to the Right Person at the Right Level

The experienced post includes tools, frameworks, and responsibilities that speak to someone already in the QA field.
 The entry-level version avoids jargon and instead focuses on mindset, curiosity, and learning potential.

This makes sure each version connects with the actual mindset of the person you want to hire.

✅ 5. Salary and Perks Are Transparent

Both posts share real compensation ranges and meaningful benefits.
 That signals two important things:

  • You respect your candidates’ time.

  • You’re serious about hiring, not just fishing.

And if you want great people to take your job seriously, that clarity matters.

✅ 6. The Application Process Builds Trust

Most job posts end with “Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.” Yours doesn’t.

Instead, you:

  • Tell people what to expect

  • Let them know you use WorkScreen for fairness

  • Reassure them you reply to every applicant

That alone sets your job post apart from 90% of others—and improves your brand reputation, even among candidates you don’t hire.

Bad Job Description Example (And What’s Wrong With It)

❌ Bad Job Post Example: Software Tester

Job Title: Software Tester
 Location: Tampa, Fl
 Job Type: Full-Time
 Salary: Competitive
 Deadline: July 15, 2025

Job Summary

We are looking to hire a Software Tester to join our team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for identifying bugs and reporting issues in a timely manner. You will collaborate with the development team to ensure software quality.

Responsibilities

  • Execute test cases and report bugs

  • Collaborate with developers and QA leads

  • Document issues and testing processes

  • Perform regression testing when needed

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field

  • 2+ years of QA or software testing experience

  • Familiarity with test case management tools

  • Strong attention to detail

How to Apply

Send your resume and cover letter to careers@company.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

❌ Why This Job Post Falls Flat

1. The Job Title Is Too Generic

“Software Tester” is technically correct—but uninspiring. It doesn’t say who it’s for, what kind of product they’ll test, or why it matters. A strong candidate will scroll past this.

2. The Introduction Is Cold and Forgettable

The summary reads like it was copy-pasted from a textbook. No mission. No team context. No real sense of what makes this opportunity interesting or important.

3. No Insight Into Culture or Team

There’s nothing about what it’s like to work at this company. Do they move fast? Train new hires? Embrace async work? We don’t know—and that’s the problem.

4. “Competitive Salary” = Trust Deficit

Not listing an actual salary range feels vague at best, evasive at worst. Transparency builds trust. Generic language like “competitive” turns off serious applicants.

5. The Responsibilities Are Vague and Interchangeable

These duties could apply to any QA role, anywhere. There’s no mention of the product, what tools are used, or what the tester will actually improve. This signals a lack of clarity on the role—and great testers notice that.

6. The Hiring Process Feels Dismissive

“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” makes the company seem indifferent to applicants. There’s no timeline, no transparency, no warmth. That’s how you lose great candidates before you even meet them.

Bonus Tips to Make Your Software Tester Job Post Stand Out

Once you’ve nailed the basics—like a clear title, human tone, and transparent process—these extra tips can take your job post from “pretty good” to seriously impressive. They show that you care about quality in hiring just as much as you do in your product.

✅ Tip 1: Add a Candidate Security & Privacy Notice

Job scams are on the rise. Adding a short, clear security statement builds trust instantly. For example:

Important Notice: We never ask for payment or personal financial information during any stage of the hiring process. If anyone contacts you claiming to be from [Your Company] and requests such information, please report it immediately.

This simple line can be the difference between an applicant feeling safe enough to apply—or walking away.

✅ Tip 2: Mention Leave Days or Flexibility

While candidates care about the work, they also care about balance. Including this small but meaningful detail can make your role more attractive.

“Enjoy 18 days of paid leave per year, plus 2 personal wellness days—because quality work starts with a clear mind.”

Or, if you offer flexible hours:

“We care about outcomes, not clock-ins. Flexible schedules are part of how we help our team do their best work.”

✅ Tip 3: Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities

This is especially important if you’re hiring for potential, not just experience. Show candidates they won’t be stuck doing the same thing forever.

“We invest in your growth. You’ll get hands-on mentorship, access to learning resources, and a clear path to grow from QA to product or dev roles if that’s where you want to go.”

Bonus: This kind of message also attracts curious, growth-minded people—which is exactly who you want in QA.

✅ Tip 4: Include a Video from the Hiring Manager or QA Lead

A short Loom video (even 60–90 seconds) introducing the team, the role, or the product adds warmth and personality that no paragraph can match.

📹 “Want to see what we’re building—and who you’ll be working with? Watch this short intro from our QA Lead, Mumbi.”

This small step can significantly increase applications from qualified candidates because it removes the “faceless company” effect.

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

Should You Use AI to Write a Software Tester Job Description?

These days, it feels like everyone’s using AI to generate job posts—tools like ChatGPT, Notion AI, even ATS platforms like Manatal and Workable have built-in generators. It’s fast. It’s easy. But here’s the truth:

❌ The Wrong Way to Use AI:

You type in:

“Write me a job description for a QA tester.”

What you get is… okay. Technically accurate. But completely lifeless.

It’ll spit out something like:

“We are looking for a detail-oriented QA tester to join our growing team…”

It checks the boxes—but it doesn’t inspire. It doesn’t reflect your company, your values, or the kind of person you’re really trying to attract. And that’s the problem: candidates can tell when a post is generic and rushed—and the best ones won’t apply.

✅ The Right Way to Use AI:

AI is a powerful tool—but only if you drive the vision. Here’s how to use it well:

Step 1: Start with Real Inputs

Feed the AI meaningful context, like:

  • What your company actually does

  • What the role looks like day to day

  • Your team’s culture and values

  • The kind of person you’re looking for

  • Perks, benefits, and salary info

  • Your hiring process

Example Prompt:

“Help me write a job post for our company, RevuTech. We’re hiring an entry-level software tester to help us improve product quality across our billing and booking software. The role includes manual testing, basic bug reporting, and learning QA workflows. Our culture is collaborative, detail-driven, and beginner-friendly. We offer medical insurance, paid training, and a structured growth path. I want the tone to be warm, clear, and human—not corporate. Please use this rough outline I’ve written as a starting point [paste notes]…”

Then paste in any bullet points or draft notes you have.

Step 2: Use AI to Polish—Not Replace

Let AI:

  • Refine your tone

  • Improve sentence flow

  • Restructure for clarity

  • Suggest alternate phrasing

But you control the message.

💡 Bottom Line:

AI is great at turning rough ideas into clear writing. But it’s not great at knowing what makes your company, your role, or your candidate special. That’s your job.

So use AI like a highlighter, not a paint roller.

Don’t let bad hires slow you down.

WorkScreen helps you find the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.

Need a Quick Copy-Paste Job Description?

We get it—sometimes you just need something fast. Maybe you’ve already gone through this guide and understand what a strong job post looks like. But you also want a solid starting point you can copy, paste, and tailor to your company in just a few minutes.

That’s what this section is for.

✏️ Important Reminder:
 Don’t copy this word-for-word and expect magic.
 This is a foundation, not a final draft.
 Add a Loom video, inject your team culture, and edit the details to reflect your actual kitchen.

In this section, you’ll find two ready-to-use job description templates for quick copy-paste use — but please remember, like we mentioned above, don’t just copy them word-for-word and expect results.

Think of these as starting points, not final drafts.

  • Option 1: A more conversational, culture-first job description that highlights personality and team fit.
  • Option 2: A more structured format, including a Job Brief, Responsibilities, and Requirements for a traditional approach.

✅ Option 1: Conversational Job Description Template (Culture-First Style)

Job Title: Software QA Tester – Help Us Build Bug-Free Experiences for [Product or Company Name]
 Location: [Remote or Location]
 Salary: [Add Range]
 Job Type: Full-Time
 Team Video: [Insert Loom/YouTube link if available]

Who We Are

We’re [Company Name], and we build [short product description]. As we grow, we need someone who can help us test smarter and release faster—without letting bugs slip through the cracks.

That’s where you come in.

We’re looking for a thoughtful, detail-oriented QA tester who can work closely with developers and product managers to make sure everything works before it ships. If you love breaking things (on purpose), spotting edge cases, and helping teams move fast without breaking stuff, we’d love to meet you.

What You’ll Be Doing

  • Write and run test cases

  • Perform manual and exploratory testing

  • Log detailed bugs in [Jira/Other Tool]

  • Collaborate with devs to fix issues fast

  • Give feedback on user flows and feature designs

What We’re Looking For

  • [1–3]+ years QA or testing experience

  • Strong written communication

  • Comfortable using bug tracking tools

  • Curious, methodical mindset

  • Bonus: Experience with automation (Selenium, Cypress, etc.)

Perks & Benefits

  • [Remote/in-office flexibility]

  • [Health/dental/vision coverage]

  • [Training or mentorship programs]

  • [Flexible PTO or vacation days]

How to Apply

We use WorkScreen to evaluate candidates fairly. You’ll complete a short skill-based evaluation so we can focus on how you think—not just what’s on your resume.

Apply here: 👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]

✅ Option 2: Structured Format (Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements)

Job Title: QA Tester
 Location: [Remote or Location]
 Salary: [Insert Range]
 Job Type: Full-Time

Job Summary

We’re hiring a QA Tester to join our [engineering/product] team and help improve software quality across our core products. You’ll execute test plans, log bugs, and collaborate with developers to ensure a smooth user experience.

Key Responsibilities

  • Execute test cases for new and existing features

  • Perform regression, usability, and exploratory testing

  • Log and track bugs using [bug tracking tool]

  • Collaborate with devs and product managers

  • Contribute to QA documentation and test plans

Requirements

  • Proven experience in software testing (manual or automated)

  • Understanding of SDLC and QA best practices

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

  • Bonus: Familiarity with automation tools (e.g., Selenium)

How to Apply

Apply through our WorkScreen link: [Insert WorkScreen Link]
 You’ll complete a short evaluation so we can assess your skills fairly. We respond to every applicant.

Let WorkScreen Handle the Hard Part

Writing a great job description is only half the battle. Once the applications start rolling in, the real question becomes:

How do you separate great candidates from those who just copy-pasted a résumé or used AI to apply?

That’s where WorkScreen comes in.

🎯 WorkScreen helps you:

Quickly identify your most promising candidates
 No more relying on resumes alone. WorkScreen automatically evaluates applicants based on role-specific skills, communication, and attention to detail—then ranks them on a performance-based leaderboard so you can see your top contenders at a glance.

Administer one-click skill evaluations
 With just one link, you can assess whether someone actually knows how to test software—not just talk about it. We help you evaluate for problem-solving, test case thinking, bug reporting, and more.

Eliminate low-effort and AI-generated applications
 WorkScreen filters out people who just hit “easy apply” or rely on ChatGPT to answer everything. What’s left? Candidates who are serious, engaged, and capable—so you avoid the costly mistake of hiring someone who can’t do the job.

If you’re tired of reading resumes that all sound the same—or interviewing candidates who look great on paper but flop in practice—it’s time to use a smarter system.

👉 Create your job post on WorkScreen.io today, and let the platform do the heavy lifting—from skill-testing to ranking to filtering out the noise.

Software Tester Job Description - FAQs

The average salary of a software tester varies by location, experience, and specialization.

  • In the U.S.: Entry-level software testers typically earn between $55,000 – $70,000/year, while experienced testers can make $80,000 – $100,000+, especially if they bring automation skills or domain expertise.

Keep in mind: offering a clear, competitive salary range in your job post not only builds trust—it also attracts more serious applicants.

This depends on the role, but across the board, strong software testers typically have:

  • Attention to detail – They notice what others miss.
  • Critical thinking – They ask “what could break?” not just “does this work?”
  • Clear communication – Bug reports need to be understood by developers.
  • Understanding of QA tools – Jira, TestRail, Selenium, Cypress, etc.
  • Curiosity and persistence – Great testers keep digging until they find the issue.

If you’re hiring for automation, look for scripting or coding ability (Python, JavaScript, etc.). For manual testing roles, mindset and logic matter more than technical complexity.

Absolutely—especially for manual testing roles.

Many great testers come from non-traditional paths: customer support, operations, even education. What matters most is their ability to think critically, follow structured workflows, and learn quickly.

If you’re willing to train, look for:

  • Curiosity
  • Strong written communication
  • Comfort with using tech tools
  • A desire to grow in a QA or product career

Use tools like WorkScreen to assess those traits in real-world scenarios.

Give them a real-world task.

For example:

  • Ask them to write test cases for a simple feature (e.g., login form).
  • Have them spot bugs in a deliberately flawed UI or product.
  • Ask how they’d test something without documentation.

These tasks reveal how they think, how clearly they communicate, and whether they truly understand the role.

WorkScreen makes this simple—you can send a one-click QA challenge that evaluates candidates automatically and ranks them by performance.

Make Your Next Great Hire With WorkScreen

Easily streamline your hiring process with AI-powered applicant scoring, automated skill testing, and a credit-based system that ensures you only pay for quality applicants. Perfect for teams serious about hiring top talent.

Author’s Details

Mike K.

Mike is an expert in hiring with a passion for building high-performing teams that deliver results. He specializes in streamlining recruitment processes, making it easy for businesses to identify and secure top talent. Dedicated to innovation and efficiency, Mike leverages his expertise to empower organizations to hire with confidence and drive sustainable growth.

Hire Easy. Hire Right. Hire Fast.

Stop wasting time on unqualified candidates. WorkScreen.io streamlines your hiring process, helping you identify top talent quickly and confidently. With automated evaluations , applicant rankings and 1-click skill tests, you’ll save time, avoid bad hires, and build a team that delivers results.

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