Before you begin your journey to become an API Tester, let us understand more about API testing and their functionality. API Testing is a type of software testing that sanctions API. This is totally different from the GUI Testing and the main concentration is on the business logic layer of the software architecture. Moreover, in this form of testing you don’t use standard user inputs (keyboard) and outputs. On the other hand, you are required to use software to send calls to the API, thereby receive the output and make a note of system’s response.
The process of testing needs an application that can be interacted via an API. In order to test an API, you will need the following
- Use Testing Tool to drive the API
- To test the API write your own code
Why is it a good career choice?
If we talk of Software testing then we should first know any website is incomplete unless there is a part of testing. This is because even though there are good enough coders, who wrote the codes have created best website possible. There will be setbacks as when there is a hike in traffic the server gets loaded and the site gets crashed, etc. there are thousands of issues one may come across. Here the need for Software testing arises. So, if you have decided to adopt API testing job and still don’t know whether going right then we are giving you the reason.
Understand all about Testing
Application Programming Interfaces abbreviated as API, is a type of testing which enables the exchange of data and communication between two individual software systems. A software system executing an API contains functions/sub-routines which can be implemented by system software.
Testers are paid well
There is myth drooling that Testers are paid less when compared to Developers. But this is totally false, as being a fresher whether you’re a Tester or a Developer the pay scale will remain the same. While later the next depends on your performance that how much appraisal you will receive.
Every other company offers hike to their well deserving employees, where your designation doesn’t matter. While your knowledge, certifications, experience do matter surely.
Relatively Easy to enter into IT Field
The set criterion to hire Software Tester by MNCs is through Academic Qualifications- Any science graduate: BSc, BCA, MCA, MCS or may be any stream of Engineering- B.Tech or M.Tech, etc.
But if you are from a non-science background then there is still a hope. There are few companies offering jobs to non-science graduates like- Doctors, CA, for specific domains like Healthcare and Banking. Then needs someone specialize to justify the client’s requirements and the applications based in their knowledge.
Easier to Switch from Development to Testing
So if you’re already from a developer background. And feel the need to switch your profile from coding to testing. Then you’re welcome to the world of Software Testing.
Being a professional from software development background, then it’s quite clear that you possess ample knowledge of software development life cycle. As you know the way to develop an Application, then here is a tacit agreement on your knowledge to verify it for the correctness required. Also your coding skills is an added benefit for you here, and switching to API Testing.
Skills required for API Testing job
So, before you enter the professional world make sure you have a strong grip over the some of the important API Testing tools. Here some of the tools are listed which we are going to discuss in length.
Katalon Studio
Katalon Studio is a free test automation tool for API, Mobile applications and Web. This is one of the leading tools emerging for API/WEB services testing. Thereby, positioning itself as an extensive end to end automation solution for both the tester and the developer.
Katalon Studio supports both SOAP and REST requests with various sorts of commands and parameterizations functionalities. Furthermore, the capability of combining API/WEB and UI services for a number of environments has been considered a quirky advantage of Katalon Studio among the top API tools.
SoapUI
It’s is a headless functional testing tool dedicated to API testing, allowing users to test REST and SOAP APIs and Web Services easily. Some of the important features include –
- Create test easy & quick with Drag and drop, Point-and-click
- Free Package
- Sustainability of Scripts- load tests and security scans can be reused for functional test cases in a just several steps
Professional Package
Initially, Postman was Chrome browser plugin, thereby extending its solution with the native version for both Windows and Mac. For those who don’t want to deal with the coding in a cohesive development environment using the same language as the developers, then Postman is a good choice for API testing.
Features of API Testing
- Firstly, easy-to-use REST client
- Secondly, it has a rich interface which makes it simple to use
- Thirdly, it can be used for both exploratory and automated testing and can be run on Chrome Apps, Windows, Mac and Linux Apps.
- Next, it has a bunch of incorporations like support for Swagger & RAML formats
- Also, has Features like Run, Test, Document and Monitoring
- Further, no need to learn any new language
- Enable easy sharing of knowledge with the team as they can package up all the requests and expected responses, then send to their colleagues.
- Also, postman expanded its support for GraphQL request and schemas.
Tricentis Tosca
It is a continuous testing platform for Agile and DevOps. Tricentis has recently introduced Interactive Testing, allowing test managers to invite external manual testers those who don’t use Tosca. To execute the test cases and collect results without having to configure Tosca environments. In other words, this new feature enables to execute manual testing without installing Tricentis Tosca.
Apigee
Apigee is a cross-cloud API testing tool, that has been built to grant users to measure and test API performance. Also, it supports and builds API using other editors like Swagger.
- First, it grants the design monitor, deploy, and scale APIs
- Second, it helps to track API traffic, error rates, and response times identifies the performance issues.
- Third, it helps to create API proxies from the Open API Specification and deploy them in the cloud.
- Lastly, it helps to create an alert for a target and use their investigate dashboard.
Get set Certify!
To begin with, you must get your skills certified. Therefore, its equally important to get your skills verified. For this purpose certification bodies offer courses,
- ISTQB
- Vskills
- Udemy
- Coursera
Tips on getting job easily
Your focus should be on Companies and not the openings
Most of us usually first define the profile we want to adopt then start hunting for the same job postings. Instead of this your main focus should be on the companies you’d like to work for. Now as you have shortlisted your dream companies try making a connection with the company this can be done by approaching any of the employees through social media platforms like- LinkedIn (is the most professional of all).
Meet the Moderators
Networking at a professional level can expose best available opportunities to you, especially if you are from an IT background. So, instead of approaching the speakers at a conference or any event try putting your efforts and attention on the moderators. As they’re less jostled than the presenters and are hyper-connected. Tell them about what you’re interested in and ask them who at the event you should meet.
Keep an eye on the Offline Jobs as well
Try locating small start-ups or organizations near your area those can be family-owned0business or firms who rely heavily on the words. They are ready to welcome your emails. And if in case you don’t live in any urban city you may visit the local chamber of commerce and exchange your words with the staff members who are knowledgeable about the needs of their members, have direct relationships with them, and will gladly make warm introductions.
Expand Your Network
Mostly people tend to focus on their limited network i.e. their colleagues and people they know. Leading to neglect the others around. This doesn’t mean that you should lead off every conversation with the news that you’re on the hunt, but you can strive to work it into conversation in a natural way. Any or all of these contacts may have knowledge or connections that could prove to be of help.
Stimulate Your Relationships
We’ve all heard the saying, ‘It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.’ Well, I see this as ‘network is net worth.’ The more relationships the better chance you have of getting referrals down the road. Friends like hiring friends; but the days of blindly blasting your resume to every opening are over now. At present, social media is the fastest way to grow your channel-personal network; use it to leverage your professional community and get a personal introduction.
Companies that Hire
This is one of the most important segments of a job search. For API Testing companies like – Capgemini, Wipro, HP, Genpact and Amazon, etc. hire with higher pay scale for API Testing position. But also they tend to demand the higher skillset as per their level. Here are a few roles and responsibilities enlisted. Being an API tester, you should have good architectural knowledge of several web services, REST, SOAP and Micro Services.
- Firstly, you should know the web methods like GET, POST, DELETE, etc
- Secondly, validate the response, response time, and error code
- Also, be able to validate the XML and Json body by using Json parsers
- You must know to use OAuth and OAuth2 authentication mechanisms
- Should have knowledge of Load and Security testing on web services should be there
- Be able to read and understand the API documentations
- Be able to derive good number of test cases and scenarios.
- Should be good enough in SQL queries to validate API and DB data elements
- Choose a tool of your own choice and become a master of it -SOAP UI and Postman are not Automation tools. Rest Assured, Rest Sharp, Node modules are the open source libraries for API testing.
What is the salary for API Testing job?
Salary is equally proportionate to your skills and experience you possess. So before expecting a good amount, make sure you also have a good skillset to offer to the employer. The big companies are ready to pay you the desired figures but before heading to big things start with the base to build a healthy and good career.
Job Interview Tips
Even if you have prepared enough for the interview or have prior experience in attending interviews. Still there are a few things we lack while being confident enough. Here we have listed a few tips to help you crack the interview –
Practice some good nonverbal communication also
After all your communication skills are going to help you make a good impression. So exhibit your confidence: stand straight, make eye contact and connect with a firm handshake. You this first non-verbal impression could be great beginning or might ruin your total impression.
Dress right
Dress your best but it doesn’t mean to over dress. It’s imperative to know that you need to dress neatly and should be well-groomed. Whether you wear complete formal or semi-formal, make sure you survey how the employees of that company generally dress for their work. Also check if the company has mentioned any dress code for the same.
Be a good listener
Your interviewer is providing you with the information or hints, either directly or indirectly. If you are not giving attention then you are missing a major opportunity. Good communication skills involve- listening showing with your actions and speech that you heard the person well. Observe your interviewer first, and match his/her style and pace.
Don’t talk unnecessarily
Telling more than what’s asked sometimes be fatal mistake. This will also make you fumble in between while answering the questions. So instead of over answering just be to the point. Prepare for the interview through the job description and show how you’re appropriate for the position.
Be professional
You’re not here to make friends because the interview is a professional meeting to talk business. It is very much important to bring energy and enthusiasm to the interview and to ask questions, but do not overstep your place as a candidate looking for a job.
Use appropriate language
It’s accustomed that you should use only professional language during your interview. So, be aware of any inappropriate slang words you might be habitual of using or references to age, race, religion, politics, or sexual orientation—these topics could send you out the door very quickly.
