Are there any games or software that you would like to use and help develop? It's a fun experience, which also allows you to get early access to new releases and maybe get a free copy. Many want to participate in the development and improvement of programs by becoming beta testers, but few know how. However, taking this path successfully is easier than you think.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Finding a Position and Apply
Step 1. Do your research
Some games have open betas and certain beta testing positions are advertised, but most paid tests are not. If you have a particular game or program in mind, try searching for information on the developer's website. Some video game and software forums may also share useful data.
- If you don't have a specific game or program in mind, you can look for generic positions.
- Try typing "beta testing work", "crowdsourced beta testing" and "freelance software testing" in a search engine. Several results will appear.
Step 2. Contact the developers
Once you have found the products you are interested in testing, search for the developer's name. If you are looking for beta testers, you probably have an online application form available. If not, just send him an email. Without dwelling on it, explain to him why you are interested in working as a volunteer, what your experiences and skills are as a tester. Try to be concise and get to the point.
The developers are very busy, so write a short text. It will also look more professional
Step 3. Consider volunteering
As happens in many sectors, also in this case it is possible to start gaining experience as a volunteer. Several companies are looking for volunteer testers, and they may also hire the most talented and passionate ones.
Step 4. Keep an eye out for new opportunities
Search for information using blogs, articles and previews of games or software - they can give you news about products that are about to enter a beta testing phase.
Step 5. Join beta testing groups and communities
Sometimes developers advertise new betas on their boards and in posts. If nothing else, you can talk to other testers and learn from their experiences.
Part 2 of 2: Testing Software
Step 1. Try to be detailed and accurate
If you are hired as a beta tester, make a point of providing useful and accurate information to the developer. Beta testing may not be as exciting as you expected. You will likely be asked to test and retest a specific function.
- There are many specific testing roles. Try to excel in yours.
- If you meet the expectations of your particular role, they may invite you to accept other, perhaps more interesting, assignments.
Step 2. Focus on the GUI
Evaluating the graphical user interface (GUI) is one of the most frequent initial assignments in beta testing. You have to make sure that the interface is easy, fast and pleasant to use.
Step 3. Make sure the available functions make sense
All actions available on a page should be visually and functionally logical. Are the tabs on a particular page consistent? Are similar tabs placed next to each other? There are far more factors than you would think to consider initially.
Step 4. Verify that the mechanics are working properly
This is the job most often associated with beta testing. You will need to repeat simple actions and make sure that the operations happen as smoothly as possible. Talk to the developer to understand how the mechanics should work, and make observations using his guidance.
- Many get excited about testing actions like running or shooting in a game, but you'll often run or shoot in the same direction repeatedly.
- Don't get distracted by testing something outside the required parameters.
Step 5. Promote the product
Never speak ill of a product you have tested. If you didn't like it, keep it to yourself. By the way, remember that you simply tested a pre-production version of the software. The developer trusts that you will be objective during the test and behave professionally afterwards.
- Speaking badly about a product can ruin the opportunity for beta testing in the future.
- If you are a good beta tester, you will contribute to the improvement of the product.
- If you enjoyed the experience, try recommending experienced friends when new positions are proposed.
Advice
- Try to be polite in your emails - you will look mature and fit for the proposed job.
- Fill in all optional fields in an online application. You will have a better chance of being chosen.
- Try not to sound pretentious or give yourself a nerdy air, or they'll think you're a charlatan.
- Look for specialized websites that do market testing with real users.
Warnings
- Do not download programs from untrustworthy sites. It could be malware.
- To become a tester, make sure you comply with any confidentiality agreements they ask you to sign.
