- Our customers have been hired by : *Foot Note
As in all cases for IT professionals, whether contract or permanent, a top-quality curriculum vitae is essential for success when applying for an automation test engineer post. Your CV must be well written and tailored to the job, portray your most impressive qualifications, and include relevant skills and experience in similar test engineering roles.
You may want to look at this helpful automation test engineer CV sample before writing or updating your CV to gain a thorough appreciation of what information to include and the formatting to use. Implement the below tips and draw inspiration from our CV examples.
On top of this, we recommend using a professional pre-made CV template to structure your information. Choose a design that best suits your preferences, fill in the blanks using the following tips, and save the document in a ready-to-send format. Want to learn more? Keep reading as we run through:
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Sample automation test engineer CV
Angela Lombardo
82 Boleyn Road
London N1 2JG
07912345678
Angela.Lombardo@example.co.uk
Professional summary
Critical thinker and problem-solver drives process improvements by scrutinising current systems. Applies out-of-the box thinking to analyse risk, overcome obstacles and secure desired results while seeing bigger picture. Translates data into meaningful, actionable insights.
Work history
February 2020 – Current
MDI Ltd – London
Automation Test Analyst
- Assessed program functionality against user requirements and established guidelines.
- Refined testing policies, procedures and scripts.
- Demonstrated project management skills to lead and execute projects.
- Analysed risks to cyber security and developed robust data recovery plans, strategies and procedures.
January 2017 – June 2020
IKEA – London
Test Analyst
- Actively improved testing methods and strategies to meet increasingly defined requirements.
- Developed integration and automation testing procedures.
- Implemented Agile development methodologies.
- Identified and fixed potential risks and flaws to ensure smooth running of the system.
Skills
- Defect monitoring
- Defect resolution
- Cross-platform testing
- Automation scripting
- Automation knowledge
- Test implementation
Education
2015
University of London
Bachelor of Science Computing and Information Systems
What is the best format for your automation test engineer CV?
Before brainstorming content for your application, you must choose between popular CV formats. These professional designs present information in an easy-to-read manner using clear headings, sections, and lists. Not only will the hiring manager thank you, but CV-scanning software loves cohesion – the more logical the layout, the better!
There are two widely accepted formats in the UK – the reverse-chronological CV and the skills-based CV. The former runs through your employment history, starting from your current or most recent job. The latter focuses on umbrella skills like “project management” or “IT literate”, then lists relevant tasks you can complete underneath each.
Which is best for an automation test engineer? Without a doubt, the reverse-chronological format. Employers always prefer candidates with software testing experience, thanks to the niche nature of the role. You can talk about internships, apprenticeships, and voluntary positions alongside traditional employment.
As you write your automation test engineer CV, here are some extra tips and tricks to inform the process:
- Your CV should only be one to two pages long maximum
- Write in a polished font like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri
- Use bullet point lists to break up large chunks of text
- Stick to professional colours and avoid images
- Send your application as a Word or PDF file unless asked otherwise
How to write a CV for an automation test engineer
As an automation test engineer, CV writing is probably quite detached from your usual day-to-day responsibilities. As such, it can feel a little alien having to sit down and put pen to paper – or your fingers to the keyboard – to get your application started (and finished).
However, creating a compelling CV is easy when you approach it step by step. The following sections will run through how to write a CV and what information to include – paired with answers to the most common CV writing questions. Let’s explore:
- What contact details should I include in my automation test engineer CV
- How to write a personal statement for your automation test engineer CV
- How to present your work history on an automation test engineer CV
- Top skills for your automation test engineer CV
- How to add education to your automation test engineer CV
What contact details should I include in my automation test engineer CV
If you want a call back from the hiring manager, remember to note your most up-to-date contact details at the top of your CV, preferably in a slightly bolder or larger font. Include the best number to reach you on, keep your phone off silent (you don’t want to miss an interview invitation), and ensure your email address is work-appropriate. Outline your information in the following order:
- Full name
- Location
- Phone number
- Email address
Example of contact section for an automation test engineer CV
Christopher Abbott,
47 Sycamore Lane,
Eastrea,
Cambridgeshire, CM01 KSH,
01203 654321,
chris.abbott@example.co.uk
How to write a personal statement for your automation test engineer CV
The personal statement is a brilliant opportunity to hook the employer’s attention and reel them in. It’s usually the first thing they read when opening your CV, so choose your words wisely!
You only have three to four sentences to prove you’re the right person for the job. The first sentence introduces who you are, including specialisms and career focus. Sentence two should blow the reader away with a dazzling statistic. Finally, use sentences three and four to summarise your unique skills, such as “familiarity with PHP” or “VBA programming”.
The statistic is crucial because it’s the centrepiece of your personal statement, showing the hiring manager how amazing you are rather than simply telling them. For instance, you might have “overseen performance testing and resolved issues, increasing page load times by 97%”. Ultimately, the more factual you can be, the more convincing your CV!
Still unsure? The following tips guarantee an extra wow factor:
- Write in the third person to sound more professional
- Use positive adjectives like “motivated”, “enthusiastic”, and “loyal”
- Tailor all the information to the job advertisement
- Keep the tone confident and formal
- Pack a punch with short, catchy sentences
Example of personal statement for an automation test engineer CV
A highly capable technology and testing professional who enjoys the synergies of proving concepts, teamwork, collaboration, and learning. Offers creative problem-solving skills with experience in analysis, custom tools, and automation test engineering. Currently looking for a new career opportunity in a progressive and challenging environment with an innovative company.
OR
Motivated automation test engineer with over ten years of experience. Can use guidelines to develop and write complex automation scripts. Exceptional attention to detail. Able to work in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. Understand programming languages such as Python, Java, C++, and C#.
How to present your work history on an automation test engineer CV
Perhaps more than any other section, your work history is a treasure chest of valuable information for hiring managers. At a glance, they can see how long you typically stay with an organisation, your strengths and achievements, and whether you’ve received any promotions. Our top advice? Be mindful of what you leave out – they’ll assume missing information equals gaps in your knowledge!
When illustrating your past and current roles, run through:
- Job title
- Employment dates
- Company name
- Company location
- List of duties
- Notable achievements
We suggest noting between three to six responsibilities underneath each position – fewer for older jobs and more for relevant ones. Cover as many key areas as possible to show the employer the scope of your talents. For example, if you’ve mentioned “test planning, development, and automation” in one role, talk about “investigating problems” in another.
Plus, make your sentences engaging to inspire the reader to learn more. Lead with exciting action verbs like “programmed”, “devised”, and “spearheaded”, and swap boring adjectives for unique alternatives. Instead of “clever”, you might be “intelligent”, “bright”, or “competent”.
Lastly, like the personal statement, substantiate your skills with showstopping facts and figures. Use numbers to add weight to your claims and spotlight career awards, promotions, or references. There’s nothing more persuasive than real-world results!
Example of work experience for an automation test engineer CV
Senior Automation Test Analyst | MDI Clearnet, Lincoln | June 2019 | present
- Deputising as a team leader in a busy test team of eight QA engineering professionals
- Installing and configuring Quality Centre 9 test management software, including system test agent and add-ins
- Supporting and enhancing automated testing
- Identifying problem areas in projects and routine tasks and recommending how to overcome them
Test Analyst | IKEA, Peterborough | January 2016 | June 2019
(Originally an industrial placement, later became a permanent position)
- Test planning, development, and automation to meet business objectives
- Executed automated regression testing
- Manual test case design and execution as required
Top skills for your automation test engineer CV
Want to go that extra mile and prove your aptitude for the role? Create an irresistible CV skills section that sells your potential and solidifies your strengths. We recommend blending up to 12 hard skills and soft skills for maximum impact.
The former are often learnt on the job or via formal education, such as “negotiating holiday contracts”, “selling travel insurance policies”, and “using booking systems”. The latter are transferable – think “communicative”, “adaptability”, and “solution-focused”.
Hard skills are teachable, often learnt on the job or via formal education. They might include “adhering to test automation guidelines”, “writing software scripts”, and “Microsoft Excel customisation”. In contrast, soft skills are transferable and personality-based – think “adaptable”, “solution-focused”, and dependable”. Seeing as you can’t learn them, they’re equally as valuable.
Although relying on hard skills is tempting, employers also want to know whether you’d be a good fit for the team and organisation. Consequently, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Need more ideas? Check out the following lists:
Essential skills for an automation test engineer
- Understanding of programming languages, such as Ruby, Java, Python, JavaScript, C, C++, and C#
- Automation test engineering methodologies and software, including Agile and QTP.
- Excellent appreciation of test automation cost vs benefits and analysing ROI
- Microsoft Excel customisation and VBA programming
- Good communication with offsite and offshore testing partners
Desirable aptitudes to set you apart
- Excellent problem-solving skills
- Confident communciator
- Attention to detail and a high level of accuracy
- Ability to work as part of a team
- A knack for mathematics
How to add education to your automation test engineer CV
Education is the cherry on top for employers. While it’s not always essential, it gives you the edge over equally experienced candidates. You can talk about extracurricular training courses, certificates, and licences alongside formal qualifications. We suggest highlighting your core credentials at the top of your CV to catch the reader’s attention.
What does it take to become an automation test engineer? Although you don’t necessarily need a degree, most organisations prefer applicants who have studied Computer Science or a related subject at university.
Alternatively, you can find apprenticeships in test development, but they’re few and far between and highly competitive. You’d likely need some experience in software testing tools to be considered.
When outlining your education, include:
- Name of school, college, university, or other awarding body
- Study start and end dates
- Subject title
- Qualification level – e.g. undergraduate degree or A level
- Qualification result
Example of education for an automation test engineer CV
Quick Test Professional (QTP), Reading (2019)
Test Automation Architecture and Implementation (course and exam), ISEB Training PLC, London (2016)
University Centre Peterborough / Anglia Ruskin University, Park Crescent
Campus (September 2012 | September 2015)
Computing and Information Systems BSc (Hons.): First-class honours
Anglia Ruskin College (August 2010 | August 2012)
A level passes: Technology (A), Computer Science (A), and Maths (B)
Anglia Ruskin High School (July 2008 | July 2010)
11 GCSEs at grades A* – C
Top dos and don’ts for automation test engineer CV writing
Do
DO centre hard skills
Employers will always choose candidates who need minimal training and can hit the ground running! As such, it’s crucial to outline your technical skills. You could talk about writing automation scripts or the programming languages and software you’re familiar with.
DO mention your specialisms
Automation test engineering is an umbrella term. Underneath, there’s a wealth of software, languages, and tools to explore. If you have an area of expertise, such as JavaScript, mention it in your personal statement and cover letter. If you don’t, we recommend additional training – niche knowledge makes you competitive when job-hunting.
Don’t
DON’T forget your cover letter
A cover letter is a short one-page document explaining why you’re interested in the job, summarising your best qualities, and expressing your readiness to work. Not only does it show your willingness to go the extra mile, but it’s a fantastic opportunity to recap why you’re the best person for the position.
DON’T send your CV without proofreading
Double-checking your application is an easy way to make an excellent first impression. Run your work through a free spellchecker and ask a friend, family member, or trusted colleague to take a second look. A fresh pair of eyes can often pick out unobvious mistakes and repetitiveness.
Your automation test engineer CV questions answered
What is the role of an automation test engineer?
An automation test engineer develops programmes that automatically test new and existing software. Basically, they double-check that software does exactly what it’s designed to do without any bugs. While the day-to-day tasks vary depending on the industry, some key crossovers include:
- Writing automation scripts
- Researching and resolving software issues through testing
- Collaborating with other departments on product development
- Staying ahead of industry trends
- Working as part of a team
What are the skills required for an automation test engineer?
Most importantly, automation test engineers must be sticklers for detail. Accuracy is essential, alongside a knack for numbers and mathematics. Other non-negotiable skills include:
- Proficiency in programming languages
- Excellent time management skills
- Able to confidently communicate ideas
- Takes the initiative on projects
- Ability to work under pressure
Is an automation test engineer a good career?
Yes! Automation test engineering is an enriching career that’s different every day. Although fast-paced, you’re bound to enjoy new and exciting challenges. Plus, it’s lucrative. The average salary in the UK is around £45,000, but it goes up with experience.
Is Selenium a technical skill?
Selenium is a tool for automation test engineers that automates web browsers. Ultimately, it allows you to type multiple programming languages in one interface. While Selenium is a tool, you could include “experience using Selenium” as a technical skill.
Build a competitive automation test engineer CV today
This automation test engineer CV sample is one of a number of IT analyst, QA tester, and automation engineering example profiles that provide insight into the CV writing process. We recommend that job candidates also check out the tools and CV builder on this site for further valuable guidance.
That starts with plenty more CV examples for similar roles, giving you bundles of content inspiration to kick-start the writing process. You can also choose from our library of amazing CV templates to showcase your top talents in the best possible light, before searching for content tailored to automation test engineers on our CV builder.
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